Trump Administration Reverses National Park Job Cuts

Above, an early morning view of Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first heard about the national parks job cuts by the Trump Administration, my immediate reaction was that of many others: a stupid idea.

Well, fortunately, the Administration has reversed itself on this.

According to RV Travel:

After threatening to cut thousands of jobs at National Parks, the Trump Administration has backed off following widespread protests. “I make just over $40,000 a year; scrape sh*t off toilets with a putty knife nearly every day,” Yosemite maintenance worker Ilek Chmura told the L.A. Times after he was notified his job was eliminated. “Somehow, I’m the target.

“We lost our whole custodial staff in this part of the park,” he explained. “That will impact what people see, and it will be embarrassing if people come to this site and see it’s just full of trash.”

In response to public outcry and a media campaign from outdoor enthusiasts, the administration has now reconsidered its plan to eliminate thousands of seasonal jobs at the National Park Service. Last month, seasonal employees — responsible for tasks like collecting fees, cleaning trails and restrooms, and assisting injured hikers — had their job offers rescinded for the 2025 season.

This week, a memo from the Department of the Interior stated the agency could hire 7,700 seasonal employees this year, up from about 6,300 in recent years.

To read more, go here. 

Photographers Sue Over National Park Filming Permits

Above, Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that if you are just a tourist or a news organization, you don't need a permit to photograph or shoot videos within our national parks? But if you are doing so commercially, you need a permit.

That is the crux of a new lawsuit against the National Park Service by two commercial photographers. They claim that the permit requirement violates their First Amendment rights.

According to PetaPixel:

Two photographers have sued the National Park Service (NPS) claiming that its photography permit requirements violate First Amendment rights.

Nature and sports photographers Alexander Rienzie and Connor Burkesmith filed the lawsuit against NPS, with the aim of overturning its “unconstitutional permit-and-fee scheme that charges Americans for the right to film in public spaces.”

According to the lawsuit, Rienzie and Burkesmith wanted to film athlete Michelino Sunseri’s attempt to break the record for the fastest climb up the Grand Teton in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming in September.

The filmmakers planned to have only two or three people, using small handheld cameras and tripods, on the 16-mile route for the shoot — less gear than the typical climber going up the mountain.

Under current law, the NPS does not require everyday visitors or news photographers to have film or photography permits.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone Issues Wildlife Warning Following Incidents

Above, a woman taking a selfie with a bison last week in Yellowstone. How stupid can one get?

It is incredible that people have to be told to keep at a safe distance from wild animals at Yellowstone and other national parks.

In recent weeks, there have been incidents at Yellowstone in which people either got too close to bison or interfered with baby animals. A ditzy woman was seen taking a selfie with a bison. She's lucky that the bison didn't attack and gore her.

I have taken photos of bison and other animals, but they were taken with zoom lenses from safe distances.

From Yahoo! Life:

The National Park Service is warning visitors to Yellowstone National Park to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance following a series of incidents in which people interfered with the park’s animals.

The park service warned visitors to stay away from any animal, even if it is found near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, on a road, or in a developed area. In fact, park goers must stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife (including bison, elk, and deer) and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.

To read more, go here. 

National Parks Not Big Rig Friendly

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 23' Winnebago Minnie Winnie Class C motorhome, the criteria was to be able to park it in my apartment's double parking space along with my car. I measured the space before making the purchase. 

Another reason was to be able to camp in national park campgrounds. Since I bought it, I have camped at Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks with no problem. 

While having big RVs may give someone all the comforts of home, they may be restricted from being able to camp at a national park due to size or even being able to drive on national park roads.

That is the topic of an article in RV Life posted yesterday. It lists 6 national parks that are not RV friendly. 

They begin it with:

When it comes to RVs, a big rig is an RV over 40 feet in length. These deluxe RVs can give you almost all of the comforts of home wherever you go, but getting them into national parks can be tricky. For one thing, all national parks have size restrictions that limit the size of the RV you can bring in.

There are two reasons for this. For one thing, the roadways throughout the park might not accommodate large RVs. Many national parks were developed long before big rigs were really a thing. This means the roads in the park might be too windy or may not be wide enough to safely navigate an RV. Another reason national parks have size restrictions is that the campsites are just not big enough to accommodate big rigs. As a matter of fact, only about half of all national parks allow RVs over 35 feet long.

It’s a good idea to find out about size restrictions ahead of time when you’re planning your vacation. While you’re planning, check out the vehicle length restrictions on the national park’s website. Even though they always have a good reason for it, you might be surprised at the national parks that don’t allow big RVs.

To start with, we’ve found six popular national parks where you should definitely not take your 40+ foot RV. You can find RV parks and resorts nearby that are more suitable for your big rig with a quick search on RV LIFE Campgrounds or while planning your travels with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.

To read more, go here.

Best Scenic View In Every National Park

Above, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season is only a month away and if one has national park visits on the itinerary, here's a helpful article.

Outside Magazine has posted a list of national parks and their best scenic views visitors would enjoy while visiting.

The start it with:

There’s nothing better than rolling up to an incredible panorama in one of our storied national parks. The following views, of high-desert mesas, moss-cloaked redwoods, vast mountain ranges, and more, have something to stoke the inner wonder of just about everyone.

I’ve visited every national park in America, and some the most awe-inspiring experiences in each are the stunning overlooks. So I’ve selected a list of my favorite vistas in all 63 parks, with a keen eye for easy access and geological diversity. Of course, I threw in a couple of leg-busting treks and arm-churning paddles for those among us who like to sweat to earn their views, too.

 To read more, go here.

How To Find National Park Jobs

Above, clouds hugging Yosemite National Park mountains. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who love the great outdoors, specifically the national parks and would relish the chance to work at one, the following from RV Life just may be what the doctor ordered.

Summer is just around the corner and that's when national park jobs are available.

RV Life begins with:

National park jobs offer the perfect opportunity to explore our country’s stunning national parks while earning money. These jobs are easily accessible and offer competitive pay. Plus, the breathtaking landscapes you’ll encounter are a major bonus.

Check out some of these tips and more information on how to find national park jobs.

To read more, go here. 

Scoring Last Minute Campground Reservations

Above, Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was one time where my family and I went on a camping vacation to a national park (I don't remember which) and the campground was full.

We decided to stay at a nearby overflow lot and slept there. My dad slept on the hood of the car while my mom and I slept inside (it was a big Buick, so we had plenty of room). We got up early in the morning and got in line (we were about third or fourth in line) at the campground's gate. We got ourselves a campsite.

That was the only time we ever had to do this.

RV Life has an article with tips on scoring a last minute campground reservation.

They begin it with:

Finding a last minute camping reservation can be a problem. With campgrounds filled to the brim, you are likely better off planning your trip way ahead of the game. Sometimes, however, life just doesn’t work that way and you need somewhere to stay.

Check out these pro tips for finding and booking a last minute camping reservation.

To read more, go here. 

7 Things Not To Do In A National Park

Above, Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We, as citizens, technically own our national parks, but that doesn't mean we can do anything we want in them.

There are rules and regulations we have to follow while visiting a national park.

RV Lifestyle has posted seven of them.

They begin with:

National Parks are a treasured part of the American landscape, offering visitors the chance to explore some of the world’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural environments. It’s no wonder that millions of people flock to these parks every year. 

However, as with any public space, there are rules and regulations in place to protect the park’s natural resources and ensure the safety of visitors.

Whether you’re a seasoned park-goer or planning your first visit, it’s important to be aware of these rules to help preserve these amazing spaces for future generations. 

To see what the seven are, go here. 

Photos and VIdeos In National Parks May Require Permits

Above, the entrance sign to Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

These are weird times we're living in.

Suppose you go to Grand Canyon National Park on vacation and shoot videos or still photographs of your visit and post them on YouTube or some other social media that's monetized, you could be busted by the National Park Service and fined for not obtaining a permit to do so.

Sounds bizarre, right?

RV Travel posted an article stating that this is the case.

They start it out with:

Do you film videos for your YouTube, TikTok, or other social media site? If you shoot video on property managed by the National Park Service and your site is monetized, look out! Ditto for still photos that you end up posting. A recent court ruling says anyone who has the “intent of generating income” from video shot in national parks—and other lands managed by the Service—must receive advanced permission to do so. Shoot without a permit and post it, you may find yourself in the crosshairs of the law.

"The simple act of photographing or videotaping a funny animal in, for example,Yellowstone, and then posting it online may once again be illegal just because a permit was not obtained beforehand."

To read more, go here. 

National Park Reservations 2023

Above, Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The days of "in the spur of the moment" national park visits are beginning to be a thing of the past. Several national parks are implementing reservation systems to control crowd numbers.

Condé Nast Traveler has an article with a list of the national parks that are requiring reservations in 2023.

They begin it with:

America's protected lands may be for all—but in 2023, national park reservations are very much a thing.

Since the National Park Service (NPS) started recording visitation numbers in 1904, it's welcomed a total of 15.4 billion recreational visitors to its sites, who come to explore the beauty of America's natural, historical, and cultural wonders. In recent years, those numbers have topped 330 million annual visitors (2022 annual numbers have yet to be released), and the pandemic also saw record-breaking numbers in certain parks, with sites like Yellowstone National Park and Arches National Park surpassing their own monthly records for several months in a row during the popular summer season in 2021.  

While the return of more travelers last year—including international travelers as borders reopened—was welcome, it also played tug-o-war with the goal of maintaining the beauty and integrity of the 424 sites preserved by their NPS status. “As a result, parks are exploring many different tools and techniques that are most effective for their situation to help them improve how visitors get to and experience popular park resources and features,” says NPS spokesperson Kathy Kupper.

To read more, go here. 

Top 5 RV-Friendly National Parks

Above, at Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my motorhome back in 2015, I have visited several national parks. 

They include Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Zion and Grand Teton. But I have camped only in some of these.

I had been able to secure a campsite at Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic and Grand Canyon. At the others, I had camped in private campgrounds nearby.

RV Travel has posted a list of the top 5 RV-friendly national parks.

They begin it with:

There are many great national parks to visit in an RV, but the best one for you will depend on your interests, the type of RV and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here are a few of the most popular options. My husband and I have visited all of the ones below and loved each one, all for different reasons.

RV size matters

While most of the national parks have campgrounds that accommodate RVs, there are various size restrictions, so before you book, make sure to read the size restrictions carefully. If your RV is over the size limit, you may be turned away or, even worse, find that you cannot make the tight turns necessary to get to the campground and have nowhere to turn around. (I had that experience once…)

Reserve early!

National parks are popular and usually have large crowds. Book campsites early. There are usually a number of campgrounds available just outside the national parks that can also accommodate RVs.

To read more, go here. 

2023 National Park Entrance Fee-Free Days

Above, a bull elk wanders near Trailer Village at Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have not been to a national park or don't want to shell out some cash to enter one, here are the fee-free days for 2023.

From National Park Traveler:

The National Park Service will have five  entrance fee-free days  in 2023 that provide free admittance to all national parks for everyone.

The  free entrance dates for 2023  are:  

• January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day  
• April 22 – First Day of National Park Week  
• August 4 – Great American Outdoors Day  
• September 23 – National Public Lands Day  
• November 11 – Veterans Day  

“National parks are really amazing places and we want everyone to experience them,” said  National Park Service Director Chuck  Sams. “The entrance fee-free days encourage people to discover the beauty, history and inspiration awaiting them in more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” 

To read more, go here. 

Colorado & Utah: Most Dangerous National Parks

Above, Checkerboard Mesa at Zion National Park. 43 deaths have occurred in Zion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, a woman froze to death in The Narrows of Zion National Park in Utah. But her death has not been the only one at Zion. In fact, there have been several deaths there and in other national parks in Utah and Colorado.

KOOL 107.9 FM has posted a list of "dangerous national parks" in Colorado and Utah.

They begin with:

While America's National Parks can be some of the most beautiful places on Earth, they can also be some of the most dangerous places to visit.

57 deaths have occurred inside Colorado's National Parks. 71 deaths have occurred inside Utah's National Parks. Scroll on to find out which National Parks saw the most fatalities.

To read more, go here. 

Park Ranger Tips

Above, a park ranger in front of the Manzanita Lake camp store
 at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Park rangers have a job to do even though their places of employment are gorgeous. They are helpful and informative when asked by visitors.

But there are things that the rangers want one to know to make their job easier and one's visit trouble-free.

RV Life has posted the five things rangers want visitors to know.

They begin with:

For most RVers, camping can be an opportunity to make amazing memories that will last a lifetime. And this isn’t just because our parks are located in exceptionally beautiful wilderness areas. State, provincial, and national parks are run by park rangers who have an absolute passion for the outdoors and helping people enjoy it. 

Park rangers are responsible for ensuring everyone brings home happy camping memories. From helping you get the right campsite to making sure the washrooms are spic and span, park rangers do a lot to help make sure you have the best possible stay at the campground. However, there are five things park rangers would like you to know to help ensure everyone has a good time at the park. 

To read more, go here. 

Best National Parks To Visit In Winter

Above, Sequoia National Park is a good park for a winter visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Up front, a confession.

I have never visited a national park during the winter season. I have been to some in the spring and autumn months (and, of course, in summer). 

When I saw this article in HuffPost, I was intrigued. They have a list of the best national parks to visit during the winter. 

They begin with:

When people plan their national parks vacations, they typically don’t target the winter season. But the low-traffic cooler months are actually a perfect time to visit many parks across the U.S.

“Winter is such an underrated time of year to visit the national parks if you’re willing to put in some extra time planning around seasonal closures and packing those winter clothes,” Jim Pattiz, co-founder of the organization More Than Just Parks, told HuffPost.

Of course, some parks are better suited for winter visits than others. We asked experts to share the national parks they believe are best to explore during the winter season.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: Some National Parks No Longer Take Cash To Enter

Above, an entrance gate to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some are saying that we have an over-reliance on credit and debit cards. Some are also saying that "digital currency" is the wave of the future. 

Both are lousy ideas as the corrupt government can control and spy on people through such transactions.

This doesn't affect me since I have my lifetime national park Senior Pass, so I don't have to pay anything.

RV Travel has noticed that some national parks are no longer accepting cash at entrance stations. They have a poll posted asking if this is a good or bad idea. 

They begin it with:

We’ve been noticing that more and more places aren’t accepting cash anymore. Are you finding this true where you are, too? Even some National Parks have said goodbye to cash and are only accepting payments in the form of credit or debit cards.

If you pulled up to an NP booth wanting to pay your entrance fee in cash but they turned you away, how would you feel about this? Is it a good idea or a bad idea? As always, please feel free to leave a comment after you vote. Thanks!

To participate in the poll, go here. 

National Park Camping: 10 Things To Know

Above, at North Pines Campground at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in a national park is something that everyone should try at least once in their lives.

Whether it is in a tent, sleeping under the stars or in an RV, it is an experience that will bring lasting memories.

The Travel has posted a list of ten things to know before camping in a national park. They are things every newbie should know and a good refresher for experience campers.

They begin with:

America is known for its breathtaking nature and esteemed national parks. In 2021, the National Park Service registered 297 million park visits! Visitors travel to national parks to enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, and bird watching. Another main draw to the parks is camping. Staying in a national park overnight helps visitors really connect with nature and escape the trials of everyday life.

Arches National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Glacier National Park are all popular national park camping spots. Campers enjoy in the charging waterfalls, breathtaking hiking trails, and unique wildlife.

Camping in a national park is not as simple as walking up and pitching a tent, however. Camping takes a lot of prior planning and research. From reserving a campsite to packing supplies to learning park procedures, a lot of thought goes into this outdoor activity. Below is a list of ten things to know before camping in a US national park.

To read more, go here. 

Best U.S National Parks to Visit Solo

Above, Yosemite National Park is well-suited for solo travelers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who travel solo out of necessity or preference, there are national parks that are more suitable (if that's the right word) for them.

There are advantages and disadvantages for traveling solo, but if there are those who enjoy being on their own, Best Life has listed 12 best national parks for solo travelers.

They begin with:

Whether you love exploring new places on your own or simply don't want to pass up the adventure of a lifetime because you don't have a traveling partner, there are plenty of reasons why you may be looking to book a solo trip or vacation. And we're 100 percent here for it. 

There are plenty of places throughout the U.S. you can choose as your destination… but might we suggest a national park? These beautiful natural wonders of the U.S. are pretty spectacular spots to get some "me" time in.

So ditch the crowds and find some peace and quiet at one of these 12 best national parks to visit solo. And once you're ready for some human interaction again, we've got recommendations for populated parks, too. Keep reading, and next, don't miss The 10 Best National Parks That Need to Be on Your Bucket List.

To read more, go here. 

Where Do People Stay In National Parks

Above, Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who travel to visit our national parks have several choices on where to stay. Some are relatively cheap and some are pretty expensive. One must do some digging and advance planning to find what suits them.

USA Today posted an article on where people can stay while visiting national parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite. 

They begin with:

Travelers don't have to rough it staying at national parks, unless they want to.

When Vince Chi visited Yellowstone National Park in summer 2019, he spent two nights in a cabin and one night in a conical tent. While the cabin was more comfortable, he said the tent felt closer to nature, providing a more unique experience.

“It did rain, and (the tent) didn't keep out all the water,” he said. “I would consider that closer to traditional camping than the cabin.”

National park visitors can choose from a wide range of lodgings, from simple and luxury tents to cabins and trailers. While some options provide more comfort, others are less expensive and may offer more adventure. 

Here's a look at lodging options at three of America's most popular parks.

To read more, go here. 

10 Most Underrated National Parks

Above, Lassen Volcanic National Park's Devastated Area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When people think of national parks, they usually think of Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains. There are plenty more out there that don't get as much attention or visitors.

Yahoo posted an article list of the ten most underrated U.S. national parks. Of the ten, I have visited two of them: Lassen Volcanic National Park and Petrified Forest National Park.

They begin with:

Whether you're exploring your home state solo, taking a cross-country road trip with friends, or embarking on a family vacation halfway across the country, visiting one of America's national parks is a great way to get some fresh air in the wide open while marveling at the natural beauty and wildlife all around you.

So, it makes sense that as travel picks up again this year, many Americans are itching to get out and explore more of these protected lands. According to a 2020 survey commissioned by the National Park Service, most survey respondents said the last national parks they visited were Yellowstone National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park.

But the truth is, there are so many other hidden gems across the U.S. that are ripe for adventure—and some of them you can traverse in just a day. So, if you're looking to beat the tourist crowds while exploring nature, be sure to add the following underrated U.S. national parks to your travel itinerary. 

To read more, go here.