National Parks Are Fee-Free November 10-12

by Kraig Becker on

America’s national parks will be fee-free once again next weekend as the nation celebrates Veteran’s Day. Beginning Saturday, November 10 and running through Monday, November 12, all parks in the U.S. system will waive any entrance fees for visitors, making this a great opportunity to enjoy the fall weather in some of the most scenic and historic locations in all of North America.

While many of the parks are now past their peak period for enjoying the autumn colors, not all of the leaves are down just yet. Next weekend would make a great time to take a hike in the Great Smokey Mountains or Yosemite for instance, where the seasonal change is still in progress. For those of us who live in the south, the weather has finally cooled off, allowing us to head outside after another long summer. That makes locations such as Big Bend, the Everglades or even the Grand Canyon much more appealing. Even the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park still has 29 miles open for visitors who want to experience that pristine environment ahead of the arrival of winter.

Over the past few years, the fee-free days in the national parks have become incredibly popular with visitors and 2012 has been no exception. The Park Service hasn’t announced their fee-free dates for 2013 just yet, and next weekend is the final opportunity to take advantage of this option for this year. It seems like it’ll be the perfect time to load up the car with friends and family and visit your favorite park or explore a new one.

For a complete list of parks, sorted by state, that will be participating in the fee-free weekend, click here.

[Photo Credit: National Park Service]

Mt. Rainier Climbing Fees Increasing For 2013 … But Only By $1

by Kraig Becker on

The National Park Service announced last week that the cost of a climbing permit on Washington’s popular Mt. Rainier will increase next year. But before anyone gets too upset over this price hike, it should be noted that it is only going up $1. The price of an adult permit will now cost $44, while a youth pass for those 24 years of age or younger will be priced at $31.

The Park Service is quick to point out that the extra money will go directly to the climbing cost recovery fee, which is used to manage and support climbing on the 14,411-foot mountain. All funds generated by the fee are specifically designated to keeping Mt. Rainier clean, staffing the mountain with experienced rangers and information center personnel, and providing gear and other equipment for safe expeditions up the peak.

Rainier is amongst the more popular mountaineering destination in the U.S., drawing approximately 10,500 climbers on an annual basis. Most spend 2-3 days going up the popular Camp Muir route on the mountain’s southeast face. It is a challenging technical ascent that requires experience in glacier trekking, some rope skills and the use of crampons for success. Many climbers view Rainier as a good place to build such skills, particularly if they have plans to attempt larger mountains such as Denali or one of the big Himalayan peaks.

The most common cause for a failed attempt on Rainier is most likely the weather. The mountain is known for its fickle conditions, which can change very quickly. More than one climber or hiker has to be rescued from its slopes each year because they are caught off guard by sudden snow or rainstorms. Because of this, it is always advisable that hikers and climbers carry extra clothing, food and water with them, even if they are only planning a day hike.

For those interested in climbing Rainier, there are a number of good guide services available. I’d personally recommend the very experienced and reliable crew at RMI Expeditions. The may cost a little more than some of the competition, but they are most definitely worth it.

[Photo credit: Daniel Keebler]

The Grand Canyon Captured In Time-lapse

by Kraig Becker on

There is no doubt that the Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes on Earth, drawing in millions of visitors each year. But seldom has it been captured so spectacularly as it has in this time-lapse video. To create this short film, the photographers spent seven weeks in and around the canyon, shooting over 80,000 photos in the process. The results are hard to dispute. This is simply one of the best time-lapse videos I’ve ever seen.


“Grand Canyon : Blink of Time” from GOTM Films on Vimeo.

Saturday Is National Archaeology Day

by Kraig Becker on

This Saturday, October 20, has officially been declared National Archaeology Day here in the U.S. and to celebrate, the Archaeological Institute of America is hosting a number of events across the country. Additionally, the National Park Service is helping to promote the day as well, offering up opportunities to visit archaeological sites and even volunteer on a live dig.

Now in its second year, National Archaeology Day was founded to not only help raise awareness of the importance of archaeology but also to celebrate the thrill and excitement of discovery. To that end, the AIA, working in conjunction with local chapters and clubs, has come up with some fun, family-friendly activities that can help everyone get into the spirit of the celebration. There are literally dozens of events taking place across the U.S. (and some abroad!) that will give everyone the opportunity to learn what archaeology is all about. To find an event close to you, check out the NAD events page. You’ll find everything from film screenings, guided tours, lectures, simulated digs and much more.

Many U.S. national parks were created around important historical sites, making them popular destinations for professional and amateur archaeologists alike. For those interested in gaining first hand experience and knowledge of what takes place on an archaeological dig, the Park Service has posted a list of volunteer opportunities within the system. Those opportunities include fieldwork with the Smithsonian Institute and the AIA, volunteer programs with the Forest Service and collaborations with various archaeology centers across the nation.

If you’re someone who is fascinated by the study of human history or would just like to know more about archaeology in general, than Saturday will definitely be a day for you. Judging from the various activities that will be taking place around the country, it should be a fun and fascinating day.

Brazen Poaching Of Rare Rhinoceros Species In India

by Sean McLachlan on


Two recent poaching incidents reveal the dangers faced by India’s rare animals, even when they are supposedly under protection.

The BBC reports that a one-horned rhino was shot in Assam when it wandered out of Kaziranga National Park. Poachers took its horn but the animal did not die. Park staff are now trying to save it. The park is home to about two-thirds of the world’s population of one-horned rhinos, which number in total fewer than 3,000 individuals. Thirteen of the animals have been poached in the park in the past nine months.

On the same day, the BBC reported the poaching of a tiger in a zoo. Poachers entered the Itanagar zoo in Arunachal Pradesh and hacked a female tiger into half a dozen pieces before being scared off by the security guards, who had been away eating dinner.

The Times of India reports that several employees have been fired over the zoo incident. No arrests have been made in either crime.

Poaching is a major problem in many countries because of the high demand for animal parts as trophies and for use in traditional medicine.

[Photo courtesy Mandeep Singh]