Park stories

Summer starts in a national park

Longer days, open roads, historic commemorations, and canyon light—summer in the parks begins now. Find your park trip inspiration in this month’s edition of “American West Monthly.”

Battle of Little Bighorn: History, commemoration, and visiting the battlefield today

In the rolling grasslands of southeastern Montana, wind moves steadily across open prairie and low ridgelines. Today, this landscape is preserved as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, where key ridgelines, ravines, and the broader battlefield setting remain recognizable even as the site has been managed and interpreted over time.

Find your path and explore more national parks this summer

Longer days, open roads, historic commemorations, and canyon light—summer in the parks begins now. Find your park trip inspiration in this month’s edition of “American West Monthly.”

Experience these 16 national park hikes near cities

Looking for a national park hike that is close to a city? Don't want to choose between a day on the trails and a night on the town? These fun hikes, presented in partnership with AllTrails, Western National Parks' official exploration partner, have plenty of adventure without going too far from a city center.

Best national parks, trails, and historic sites to visit this summer in the American West

Summer is one of the busiest times to visit national park sites, but it can also be one of the most rewarding—especially when you choose places that offer room to slow down and notice more. Across Western National Parks’ partner parks, summer brings...

Canyon de Chelly National Monument: History, culture, and summer travel guide

There are moments, just after sunrise and sunset, when the sandstone walls of Canyon de Chelly National Monument shift from deep red to amber. Light moves slowly across the canyon, revealing vertical faces carved over millions of years by water and erosion. It’s a striking landscape, defined not simply by its geology, but also by the continuity of human presence.

How can you connect with cultural heritage on the trail?

These hiking trails highlight Indigenous, African American, Hispanic, and Asian American heritage.

Take a Route 66 national park road trip

Route 66 is turning 100 this year! Make the most of road trip season by visiting the many national parks and storied sites along this historic highway.

Start planning your summer 2026 national park trips

It’s time to start planning a fun and sun-filled summer vacation, so check out our suggestions for national parks you’ll want to visit.

Artist Spotlight: Christine Jarus, Painted Drawings of Nature

Christine Jarus will exhibit and sell prints from her latest body of work, “A Celebration of Saguaros,” at the Local Artist Expo at The National Parks Store on March 28 and 29, 2029. Western National Parks had the opportunity to interview Christine about her artistic journey, process, and ways the environment inspires her work.