Discover the Best Summer Events in National Parks

National parks are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. They offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world. But beyond the scenic wonders, national parks also host a wide array of captivating events throughout the summer. From educational programs to music festivals and starry night sky gatherings, these events add an extra dimension to your park experience. 

Yosemite Facelift, Yosemite National Park:

Kicking off our list is the Yosemite Facelift, a commendable event held annually in Yosemite National Park. Taking place in September, this week-long gathering brings together volunteers from all walks of life to engage in a massive cleanup effort. Participants contribute their time and energy to help restore and maintain the park's pristine beauty, pick up trash, clear trails, and restore damaged areas. It's a fantastic way to give back to nature while enjoying the awe-inspiring vistas Yosemite offers.

Grand Teton Music Festival, Grand Teton National Park:

For music aficionados, the Grand Teton Music Festival is a must-attend event. Held during the summer months in Grand Teton National Park, this festival showcases exceptional performances by renowned musicians and orchestras. With the majestic Teton Range as a backdrop, attendees can revel in the harmonious blend of nature and music. From classical symphonies to contemporary compositions, this event promises an unforgettable experience.

Night Sky Festivals, Various Parks:

Many national parks are known for their dark skies and stargazing opportunities. Several parks, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Acadia National Park, organize Night Sky Festivals during the summer. These events allow visitors to witness the wonders of the universe through telescopes, attend workshops on astrophotography, and engage with experts who share their knowledge about the celestial realm. Exploring the park's nocturnal side and marveling at the constellations overhead is a truly magical experience.

Denali Film Festival, Denali National Park:

Immerse yourself in storytelling and cinematography at the Denali Film Festival. This event is located in Denali National Park and showcases captivating films about wildlife, conservation, and outdoor adventures. The festival entertains and raises awareness about the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Set against the backdrop of Alaska's rugged wilderness, this festival offers a unique perspective on the power of film to inspire change.

Elk Bugling Tours, Rocky Mountain National Park:

Rocky Mountain National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including majestic elk. During the summer, the park offers Elk Bugling Tours, allowing visitors to witness the captivating mating calls of these iconic creatures. Accompanied by experienced guides, participants embark on early morning or late evening excursions to witness the elk rut and hear the resonant bugling echoing through the valleys. It's an extraordinary opportunity to observe the rhythms of nature up close.

Exploring national parks during the summer season is always a rewarding experience, but attending the diverse range of events they offer elevates it to another level. Whether you lend a helping hand during the Yosemite Facelift, immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of the Grand Teton Music Festival, or delve into the mysteries of the night sky during a Night Sky Festival, these events provide unique and memorable moments. So, plan your summer adventure, mark your calendars, and include these incredible events in your itinerary to enhance your national park experience.

https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/news-analysis/best-summer-events-national-parks/

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning author

and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks, and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here.

Five Stars for Unleashing Colter's Hell

Another Five Stars for Unleashing Colter's Hell!!! Thanks for the great review!  Get all of Sean Smith's fast selling National Park Thrillers here. 

Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, a TEDx speaker, and private pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a degree in Political Science. He got his master's in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University in 1996. He currently runs Washington State's efforts to reduce and eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Covington.

He has been writing stories and books since he was a child and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.

All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith

My Tips for Seeing Yellowstone

On October 26th, 2016 I had the honor of addressing the Department of Ecology on my Tips for
Seeing Yellowstone from an insiders point of view.  My tips include where to stay, what to see, and where to look.

The talk can be found here.

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

Happy Birthday Mom

As most of my fans know my parents made it a priority to take my brother and I to national parks. We traveled to parks from New York's Statute of Liberty to Arizona's Grand Canyon.  We also spent time in Florida's Everglades and Alaska's Denali. Although I didn't always appreciate them at the time, those trips are some of my most cherished memories.

In 1972, we moved to Alaska. To make the move, we bought a Ford Truck and Camper. Over the next 12 years we put thousands of miles on the truck. We spent countless nights around campfires and toasting marshmallows and regaling the family with tales of our days adventure.

These camping trips in America's wilderness away from just about everyone else in the world, deeply bonded our family. 

I now have a family of my own and have come to realize how much work and effort goes into a family camping trip. My dad, and especially my mom made these trips appear effortless and with minimal drama. I've come to appreciate how much my mom and dad did to make these trips adventures that I'll never forget.

My mom during these trips planned all our meals, carried heavy backpacks, packed the camper, shared the driving and often put her family's needs ahead of her own. Oh, yeah and she often went on these trips with perfect hair and style.

All of the pictures included for this blog post were taken long before smart phones and selfies. As such, someone had to be the camera person. Guess what? That camera person was often my mom. My brother, father and I are in the lion's share of the camping pictures, which makes the ones I do have of my mom all the more precious.

Mom your work at these, and countless other times of my life didn't go unnoticed. Your efforts if not at the time, are now much appreciated. You set an example that I now try to emulate with my family.

I hope you have a very happy birthday. Let's plan a trip to a national park soon!

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

Everything you wanted to know about being a Ranger

Ever wondered how a park ranger knows all the names of every flower or animal in their park? Ever wondered why some rangers where baseball caps, while others wear the famed flat hat? Ever wondered what advice rangers really give visitors on what to do when confronted with a bear on the trail?

The following is a talk on some of the fun, adventure, crazy questions and wacky adventures I got into over my five seasons as a ranger. It also provides my behind the scenes, never before shared insight into what rangers really do and think.

Enjoy!

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

Books to take outdoors

May 24, 2013: It's the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer.  Many people will be heading to the woods, the beach, or the lake for the holiday. I too have spent many a memorial day relaxing in the great outdoors.  One thing that makes this time so wonderful is the opportunity to read a great book.

If headed to the National Parks this weekend, may I suggest you take a copy of Unleashing Colter's Hell with you?  It's a fun, roller coaster ride of the thriller.  A great escape from the real world. 

Here is a short list of other great outdoor reads.

Encounters with the Archdruid
Three vignettes on David Brower, the father of the modern environmental movement.  Great sketches of the passion and skill David Brower brought to the environmental movement.

Illusions
Novel that investigates what we call reality is merely an illusion we create for learning and enjoyment.
 
Angels and Demons
Dan Brown’s best Robert Langdon novel.

Undaunted Courage
Comprehensive review of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Gives one appreciation for the ultimate camping trip.

What books are you reading this memorial day?

Writing Fiction? Doing things we can't do in reality

May 21, 2013: One of the fun things about fiction, is writing about things and events we are unlikely to do in reality.  For example in Unleashing Colter's Hell, I created a president and his administration.  In the novel, John Paine is the President of the United States.  He is required to deal with foreign and domestic terrorist threats, a possible volcanic eruption, and the pending death of his best friend and Vice President.  It's all in the life of a commander in chief.  One of the ways I attempt to make President Paine more real to the readers is to give him a history and hint of the values that guide his decisions.

Tradition holds that presidents decorate the cabinet room with four portraits of their favorite presidents from the national gallery of art.  Which portrait the president chooses to hang gives some indication of what values and leadership style his plans to emulate.

In Unleashing Colter's Hell, President Paine chose the portraits of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Truman, and Clinton.  Paine appreciates Lincoln's laser like focus on saving the Union, Roosevelt's attention to the future, Truman's remaining humble and an "every man" even while the White House, and Clinton's deft political skill.

Who would you pick for your cabinet room?