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.

Preserving the Serenity: The National Park Service's Proposal to Limit Commercial Air Tours

The United States National Park Service (NPS) has always been committed to preserving the natural beauty and tranquility of our national parks for the enjoyment of future generations. In recent years, the surge in commercial air tours has posed a significant threat to this objective. As a frequent visitor to the Grand Canyon's Tusayan region, known as "Little Saigon," due to its bustling helicopter tour industry, I wholeheartedly support the NPS's proposal to limit comment air tours. This blog post will explore the reasons behind this proposal and its potential benefits.

Balancing Preservation and Recreation:

National parks are not only valuable for their scenic landscapes but also as sanctuaries for biodiversity and delicate ecosystems. The constant stream of helicopter tours disrupts the natural habitat of wildlife and disturbs the peace and quiet visitors seek when exploring these pristine areas. By limiting commercial air tours, the NPS better preserves the environment and allows visitors to experience the parks more sustainably.

Protecting the Visitor Experience:

Parks like Hawai'i Volcanoes are awe-inspiring and deserve to be experienced in all its glory. However, the excessive noise and visual pollution caused by helicopter tours detract from the true essence of this natural masterpiece. Visitors deserve to immerse themselves in the breathtaking vistas and enjoy the tranquility that only the transforming wilderness can offer. By reducing the number of air tours, the NPS can enhance the quality of the visitor experience, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Preserving Cultural and Historical Significance:

National parks often embody cultural and historical importance, preserving our nation's heritage. The Badlands, for example, holds immense cultural significance for various Native American tribes. Limiting air tours ensures that the cultural integrity of these sacred places is respected. By minimizing noise disturbances, we can also allow visitors to appreciate these sites' spiritual and historical significance without unnecessary distractions.

Environmental Considerations:

Commercial air tours have an undeniable impact on the environment. Helicopters emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Furthermore, the constant presence of aircraft can disrupt the migratory patterns of birds and other wildlife, leading to potential long-term ecological consequences. By implementing restrictions on air tours, we can take a step towards reducing carbon emissions and protecting the delicate ecosystems within our national parks.

Conclusion

The National Park Service's proposals to limit commercial air tours are crucial to safeguarding our national parks' natural beauty, tranquility, and ecological integrity. By striking a balance between recreation and preservation, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy these pristine landscapes as we do today. As someone who has witnessed the negative effects of excessive air tours at the Grand Canyon, I wholeheartedly support this proposal and encourage others to do the same. Let us work together to protect and cherish our national parks for generations.

The NPS is taking public comment on several air tour management plans right now. A list of open plans and where to send feedback can be found here. 

References:

National Parks Traveler. (2023, May 17). Update: National Parks Proposing Ban, Significantly Cut Back On Commercial Air Tours. Retrieved from https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2023/05/update-national-parks-proposing-ban-significantly-cut-back-commercial-air-tours

National Park Service. (n.d.). National Park Service: Air Tour Management. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/airtourmanagement/index.htm

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Sean Smith is an award-winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is 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 since childhood and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.  All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith

Confessions of a Former Park Ranger ~ Video

Ever wonder what it's like to be a park ranger? What type of crazy adventures do rangers get into? What are some of the most challenging questions they get?

Check out Sean Smith's latest YouTube video Confessions of a Former Park Ranger to find out. It's a fun and witty exploration of some of Sean's most memorable experiences wearing the flat hat.

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is 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

America's Giant Sequoias teeter on Extinction. A real life what and whodunnit?

Fire Fighters among Giant Sequoias: Credit USDA

Giant Sequoias are the planet’s largest living things and have been on the North American continent since at least the last ice age some 12 thousand years ago. Some individual trees alive today have stood in what is now the United States for more than three thousand years. Or put another way, today's Giant Sequoias were seedlings at about the same time humans were first building their civilizations in Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, China, and Egypt.

We are told that trees are a renewable resource and many are. But a three thousand year old Sequoia is not renewable, at least not for another 120 human generations.

Today we are losing Sequoia trees at rates and by means unseen in the past. More than 40 recently burned in California's Windy Fire. These trees stood in the same spot for millennia. They bear the scars of past fires, drought, floods, climate change, blizzards, lightning strikes, insect infestations, animal burrowing, and more. Yet, they survived all these threats.

How? What could be the critical difference that now endangers the very existence of trees that stood for a million sunrises and sunsets? What does it say about us if these mighty leviathans go extinct during our watch? And what will future generations say if we let it happen?

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is 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

The National Parks 105th Birthday: Let's Celebrate

Happy Birthday Park Service ~ NPS

The National Park Service and the National Park System turns 105 today.  The Park System as others have written is one of the greatest gifts Americans have given to world culture. For me, national parks are incredibly special because for they are the site of countless family vacations and cherished memories, but also the places where I had to honor to live and work as a park ranger.

But parks are more than this, I've realized parks are one of the last best hopes from our country and planet.  I spent many a summer in the national parks talking with tens of thousands of visitors.  Inevitably those conversations would to turn to me asking where the visitor was from.  While working in Yellowstone if I asked a local where they are from, they would say Jackson Hole or Bozeman.  Meanwhile, someone from out of state might say Washington, Idaho or Oregon. People from further away might claim the Northeast or the South.  While visitor from other countries identified with their entire homelands like Japan, Germany, or Australia. I found that the further one is away from home the more people one identifies with and relates too.

I imagine someday there will be similar parks on the moon and park rangers will ask those tourist where they are from, and if my hypothesis holds, those visitors will point to the earth and say that's where I'm from.  

National Parks have a magic power to breakdown boundaries. Not just political ones, but also psychological and social boundaries as well.  I witnessed countless times, visitors who likely were introverts or avoided contact with strangers striking up conversations with others they just met when they found out they shared something in common as simple as they both were visiting from the same city, state or region.  

This magic the National Parks have to create common ground is needed more than ever.  We need more places where people see each other as part of the same human race and with just a little prodding can find common ground upon which to start conversations.

What makes National Parks special to you?  Tells in the comments below.

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is 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