5 Outdoors-Lovin’ Ways to Celebrate Public Lands Month
Septemeber is Public Lands Month, and with millions of acres to celebrate, we’ve put together a few of our favorite ways to enjoy and support public lands.
Rocky Mountain National Park in Early May: Snow and Seclusion
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most-visited national parks. Our editor went just before the busy season for fewer crowds amid the lingering winter conditions.
Summit an 8,700-Foot Peak Overlooking ‘El Capitán’ — In Texas
Near the border of West Texas and New Mexico, the Guadalupe Mountains host Texas’ four tallest peaks. We ascended a surprisingly challenging 3,000 feet to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, to peer into Mexico and soak in the desert views.
Channel Islands National Park: A Remote Island Getaway Ends With Evacuation
A recent trip to Channel Islands National Park proved that its little-known islands off the coast of Los Angeles are full of rugged adventures and surprises. Spoiler alert: There are adorable native island foxes everywhere.
Locked Doors, No Toilets: A Government Shutdown at Our National Parks
Little-to-no services are available in national parks when there’s a federal government shutdown. Our editor visited Saguaro National Park on the eighth day of the December 2018 shutdown to witness the effects firsthand.
Lassen Volcanic National Park: Everything to Love About a Big Park, Without the Crowds
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the lesser-known parks. There’s a lot to love about this northern California gem, which is chock-full of volcanoes, alpine lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and geothermal features. On our recent visit, we felt like we had an epic, unique playground to ourselves.
Hiking in Olympic National Park: From Sea to Summit to Rainforest
In seven full days we backpacked in three different ecosystems found in Olympic National Park. With two days in the mountains, two by the Pacific Ocean, and three in a rain forest, the week was full of diversity and pristine wilderness.
Rafting the Grand Canyon: What to Know About This Bucket List Trip
Most Grand Canyon rafting trips book a year or two in advance. Here’s the rundown on our editor’s recent Grand Canyon rafting experience, including what to know about how to start planning yours.
Utah’s Least-Visited National Park Is a Secret Oasis: Guide to Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s least-visited National Park. That’s preposterous, but we’re not complaining. It’s an oasis with untouched beauty and few crowds.
Reservations May Soon Be Required at Arches National Park
According to the still-proposed plan, only vehicles with an entry reservation will be allowed to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. from March through October. Here’s what else you should know.
National Park Hidden Gem: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Named after a 2,200-foot-deep canyon aggressively dug by the Gunnison River, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park quickly earned our respect as one of the most scenic and raw places we’ve ever been.
Couple Begins Yearlong National Park Road Trip in School Bus
A GearJunkie editor and his wife recently began a yearlong national park road trip in their school bus-RV conversion. Check out their plans and follow along on their adventures.
Badlands National Park: Camp, Hike Beyond The Trails
With only a handful of designated trails, Badlands National Park is best explored off trail. We spent three full days in the park, exploring its labyrinth of rugged badland formations.
Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A Great Plains Gem
In the Badlands of North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an unexpectedly epic hub for adventure enthusiasts. We spent a week in the park and came back with a jam-packed trip report.
National Park Service Ends Plastic Water Bottle Ban
The nearly six-year prohibition on plastic water bottle sales ends at some of the most prominent parks in the country.
Celebrate & Support National Parks With Outdoorsy Artwork
Hang one of these gems up in your living room and remind yourself of your favorite National Parks.
Buy A Knife, Support A Park
Victorinox Swiss Army will donate $25,000 to the National Park Foundation. You can support the effort by purchasing one of two Swiss Army Knife models.
REI Funds Modern ‘New Deal’ Conservation Corps
Outdoor retailer REI will donate $1 million to provide jobs to rebuild our National Parks.