Our parks have never been more popular—or understaffed. Here’s what to expect this summer and how to navigate the busiest parks.

The White House released its budget request for 2026, and the plan calls for the Park Service to hand over control of some federal parklands to states

Charitable foundations that raise funds and organizer volunteers for the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and other U.S. National Parks have seen an uptick in donations and manpower

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland believes that elected officials at the state level should use their power to protect the country’s public lands from drilling and development

Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be overrun, but that’s only because it’s wildly awesome. Here’s why a trip to GSMNP should still be on your bucket list.

Interior Secretary Douglas Burgum recently ordered National Park sites to remain fully open. Proponents say it will speed up hiring, but critics worry it will increase danger.

Before he was making headlines for visiting all 419 National Parks in one continuous trip, endurance athlete Mikah Meyer carried a secret he thought would define him forever. How did he come to terms with himself to live life to the fullest?

Volcano House overlooks the Kīlauea Crater, increasing guests' chances of witnessing an eruption.

We’ve redefined the modern adventurer’s bucket list

Sites operated by the National Park Service recorded more than 331 million visits last year—the most in history. The news comes as the NPS weathers its worst staffing crisis in years.

Modern life is filled with noise. These peaceful parks are very, very quiet.

We rounded up some of the most creative signs from last weekend's protests, including one from a junior park ranger and another from a golden retriever

A nonprofit is tallying up how many NPS employees have been let go from each park. A key asset has been social media posts from terminated employees.

From a music-centric journey across the northern U.S. to a national park-studded road trip through the heartland, we’ve got itineraries for your next great cross-country adventure.

The National Park Service faces a staffing crisis after losing 1,000 employees. We spoke to experts and laid-off rangers to understand what visitors can expect.

From exploring Arizona's canyons to surfing California'a beaches and hiking Utah's buttes, our national parks columnist shares his dream Southwest road-trip itineraries. Just gas up your rig, grab the sunscreen, and go.

I found big adventure and warm weather in these national-park units spread across the Southeast and Southwest

Most national parks have an entry fee, but not these. And they’re all awesome places to visit.

You’ll be able to view a rare alignment of planets this month and into February. Our astrotourism expert reveals the best places and ways to see the awesome spectacle.

Timed-entry reservations are back. Our national parks columnist reveals how to get into these popular parks.

“The trees aren’t as big as everyone says” and “I've seen better in video games.” Our national-parks columnist rounded up some scathing reviews of America's Best Idea.

“Seen better”: Not every visitor is impressed with one of the world’s seven natural wonders, it turns out

The North Dakota governor has promoted outdoor recreation in his state. Opponents worry about his connection to the oil and gas industry.

Surrounded by more famous destinations, this area is often overlooked. Yet it is one of the wildest and most beautiful units in the national-park system.

Catch the colors and miss the crowds at these often-overlooked autumn destinations. Our parks columnists reveals where leaf peepers can see fall’s best shows.

Park Service employee Erich B. Koenig discovered spilled junk food inside New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns in 2023. His post about human impact on delicate ecosystems sparked a glut of media coverage.

When Ada Limón, America’s first Latina poet laureate, was tasked with bringing poetry to people who otherwise might not be exposed to it, she knew just where to put it: National Parks

You all know not to pet the fluffy cows in Yellowstone, but do you know how to plan a successful visit?

Plan your next summer escape around these parks, where high latitudes and high altitudes are still keeping temps cool

These cool new lodging options are within striking distance of some of the country’s most popular national parks

Ada Limón, America’s first Latina poet laureate, is helping us rethink wild spaces with some perfectly placed poems at a park near you

Debris flies hundreds of feet in the air in this video recorded by a Yellowstone hiker

The Mountain State has it all: rivers, 36 state parks, nine state forests, our newest national park, and a nearly million-acre national forest. Our travel expert reveals his favorite ways to get outside here.

The reintroduction of the apex predators to Washington’s North Cascades National Park has local communities asking if it’s still safe to hike in the park

Spectacular mountains and deep fjords, powder-blue lakes and sea stacks: here’s your bucket list of national parks to visit up north

A flurry of confusing memos—including one that effectively banned staff from participating in Pride in uniform—left LGBTQ+ employees and advocates wondering where the NPS really stands

But popularity online could also be the ticket to better funding for parks with lower engagement

Park-goers are suing to preserve their right to pay cash at increasingly card-only national park sites. We think both sides are wrong.

From miles of trails to acres of public land, the explorable and beautiful terrain in these states stand out above the rest.

According to new NPS data, visitation is up at the country’s most popular national parks. But at these under-the-radar gems, the scenery is equally spectacular and you’ll have plenty of room to explore.

Mount Rainier National Park will join Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Arches in implementing a new timed-entry system for the park’s most popular entrances

We’re fact checking misinformation currently gaining traction on social media

There was nothing to do, I didn’t see a bear, and that snake harassed me

And take our advice on where to go for the most fun adventures in America's Best Idea, from Yellowstone to Acadia

With access to one of the islands’ best-rated beaches and a 175-mile oceanfront trail, Pacific views from every guest room, and a mouthwatering macadamia-nut sundae, this property is paradise defined for our hiking-happy writer

National Park Service encourages hikers to avoid Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag due to poor air quality

After three years of testing, Rocky Mountain National Park may make its reservation system permanent—and other parks aren’t far behind

No matter if the curse of Pele is real or not, tourists should leave volcanic stones where they belong

One of the hottest, driest places in the world has a brand-new lake festooned with wildflowers—but park officials say it won’t be around for long

A draft plan would introduce 3 to 7 bears per year into the North Cascades over the next decade

In a new social media post, the National Park Service said the trend threatens to harm California condors, one of the rarest birds in the United States.

This week, 12 of Alaska’s chubbiest bruins will face off in a bracket for the title of Fat Bear Week Champion. Here’s what you need to know.

The Interior Department said on Friday that national parks will shutter if Congress doesn’t approve the recent spending bill. Several governors say they will use state funds to keep federal parklands open.

To celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 23, the secretary of the interior reminds readers why protecting public lands is so important

As Republican legislators fail to reach a deal with the fringe of their own party, the National Park Service and normal people who depend on it prepare to suffer

The climber is in critical condition following gear-ripping fall on pitch four of The Great White Wall

Climbers reported on the new crack that broke open near Royal Arches—but not before they climbed it

The live footage from Katmai National Park usually shows grizzlies. But on September 5, a man appeared on the livestream and mouthed “help.”

Follow these park-by-park recommendations from our expert who has explored each one to get the most bang for your adventure buck

The best ways to experience America’s best idea

“Turn around, don’t drown,” park rangers are reminding travelers as Hilary bears down on the southwestern United States

The Sourdough and Blue Lake Fires shut down the only road through the park, and crews are working to protect populated areas from the blazes

As extreme temperatures blaze across the nation, parks are taking extra measures to keep visitors safe

A proposed price increase for backcountry access in Zion could raise fees by as much as 400 percent for some groups

The nonagenarian proved that age truly is just a number

Brad Sailer and his epilepsy alert dog completed their quest in July to bring awareness to accessibility in the outdoors.

Reservations are hard to come by but this hundred-year-old lodge is worth the wait. In the meantime, you can hike five miles to see it.

New legislation is being supported by a major REI initiative

Walk among deep river gorges, glacial mountains, alpine lakes, and vast deserts, all on beautiful under-the-radar public lands

During his first wilderness job, a chance encounter with a bear left the wildlife biologist with a profound respect for nature that has endured ever since

The 26-year-old woman fell nearly 500 feet from Blitzen Ridge

Some of the wildest, best beaches in the country can be found in our national parks system. These are the most spectacular.

It’s becoming harder to find a slice of nature all to yourself. But there are plenty of secluded sweet spots around the country if you know where to look. From national monuments and lakeshores to forests and scenic waterways, here are some stunning, uncrowded wildlands that are definitely worth exploring.

We've got you covered. With this advice, you can still nab a nice—and even popular—spot at a campground of your choice this summer.

The booking website generates big bucks for private firm Booz Allen Hamilton. Our writer argues it’s a necessary tool for protecting the outdoors.

Our national parks are celebrating the season (aren’t we all?) with fun and immersive special events. We've mapped out our favorites, from photo classes to great music to getting dirty helping on a trail day.

As you’re visiting national parks this summer, don’t miss out on these spectacular outlooks, mountain summits, and lake vistas. We’ve got the intel on how to reach them all.

The epic winter of 2022–23 is still with us, with snowmelt causing flooding concerns in some national parks and in others roads and trails are closed for repairs. Here’s what you need to know for your summer trips.

Why be stuck behind the masses at popular parks when you can wander some of the nation’s best with barely a soul in sight?

National Park Service officials said they’re still investigating what caused the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge to burn to the ground just weeks before its planned grand reopening