This year will mark the first year that permits are required for Half Dome climbs on weekends and holidays. Historically, those have been the busiest times on the route and climbing permits will keep the routes safe during peak times. Although there is only a $1 administrative fee (to cover the online permit registration process),…
Tag Archive: National Park Service
Fee-free days at the National Parks
The National Park Service is continuing their fee-free parks days again this summer, as they were such a hit last year. The first weekend on the calendar is just a few days away–June 5th and 6th. Over 100 parks in the system will be participating.* Other fee-free dates on the calendar for this year are:…
Free entry to National Parks during National Park Week
National Park Week starts on Saturday! And to celebrate, visitors between April 17-25 this year will gain free admission into any of the 392 parks and monuments in the National Parks System.
Pinnacles National Monument receives federal stimulus funding
Yesterday the National Park Service announced new plans for the federal stimulus money that Pinnacles National Monument is slated to receive. Approved in 2009, funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would be put towards building two new trails. However, the funds have been reassigned to other needs within the park. The new plans…
Still time for suggestions on winter-usage at Yellowstone NP
America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, has been making the headlines in recent years because of controversial winter-usage plans. The fight over the limits and regulation of snowmobiles and snowcoaches between conservationists and snowmobilers has been widely reported. Currently the park has set limits that allow up to 318 snowmobiles and 78 multi-passenger snowcoaches…
Reservations for Yosemite Half Dome climbs now available
After a years of overcrowding and potentially dangerous situations on the Half Dome cables in Yosemite National Park, a new system has been put in place. To reduce the amount of people on the cables at one time, you’ll need to reserve your climb in advance. On Monday, March 1 the online registration system went…
BC to ban mineral exploration near Glacier National Park
Last month we wrote about the recommendation to ban mining near Glacier National Park in British Columbia. The latest development of the issue was announced Monday–British Columbia will be banning mining and drilling near the park. Most of Glacier National Park lies in Montana, where mineral exploration and energy development are off limits. However, the…
Suspension recommended on mining near Glacier National Park
Last week a group of UNESCO scientists released a report that recommended all mining be suspended in the areas surrounding Glacier National Park. This conclusion has gone over well with locals on both the Canadian and US borders of the park, as it’s something they have been suggesting for quite some time. The report contained…
Outdoor activities through Yosemite Association
Even though it’s winter, there are still plenty of things to do around Yosemite, and the Yosemite Association makes it easy for you. January through March of 2010 they will be offering a wide variety of activities from guided snowshoeing treks to winter photography classes.
Snowshoe in Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you are looking for something to do during the holiday break (and will be near Lassen Volcanic National Park), starting December 26th rangers will be leading snowshoe walks in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The walks will occur every weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) at 1:30pm from December 26-April 4. The best part? These ranger-led…