| Page 1230 | National Parks Traveler

Thank goodness as I am going there for 4th of July weekend and then heading up to Duck Creek and I was going to have to roust two teenagers from bed at the crack of dawn in hopes of making it through the constructions zone before they started up in the morning. I did not have high hopes of making it threw in time. Now no worries.

Jun 22nd - 23:19pm | Gaelyn

Thanks for the update. It's been a bear telling visitors at the North Rim that they had to drive around to Hurricane to get into Zion.

Investigation Launched Into Grizzly Bear Mauling of Botanist Outside Yellowstone National Park

Jun 22nd - 22:35pm | Steve Underwood

It is unconscionable that Mr. Everts was not carrying bear spray. The stuff works well with many, many cases of grizzly's being driven off by the intelligent use of this capsaicin pepper based chemical. Not carrying bear spray in Yellowstone is nothing but bumble headed stupidity. Too bad for the bear and Everts.

Jun 22nd - 21:24pm | KIERAN

I was amazed after the so called pros of the fish and game had done the radio collaring, that signs were not posted. Or were they? Did Mr Evert ignore the signs! The one thing for sure is that the Bear should not have been killed and the investigation i hope will answer all the questions.

Jun 22nd - 20:55pm | TrailMan

I hate second-guessing, but I can't agree with the decision to kill the bear. If it was radio-collared it would easily have been monitored to see if it showed signs of unusual aggression, or habituation that represented a danger.

Jun 22nd - 20:51pm | Anonymous

I have been to Yellowstone countless times. I have gone into that great adventure knowingly and understanding that this not my home but home to the wildlife. When hiking and camping, I always understood the risks both the avoidable and the unavoidable. I am sad that a bear that did not consume his victim and moved away from populated areas had to be put down.

Jun 22nd - 14:25pm | JRD

I've read (Cody newspaper) that he didn't have bear spray with him .... Maybe - just maybe - this could have been avoided.

Jun 22nd - 12:55pm | Mikezeto

Sad that the bear moved away into rugged terrain and they still killed it. Very poorly handled all around.

Jun 22nd - 12:23pm | Anonymous

The decision to kill this bear does not seem justified under the circumstances. I hope the investigation will be conducted by an objective entity as it would seem there are many questions to ask about this event.

Jun 22nd - 11:08am | Daryl L. Hunter

The bear probably had a hangover and he shouldn't have been killed for it.

Jun 22nd - 06:14am | Volpe

Not sure if bear repellent would have worked, I wasn’t there either, however no one can be certain of anything with animals and that precaution or some other could have saved Mr. Evert and yet he went to an area he was warned about with nothing for protection. One can only hope from this tragedy that the investigation will enlighten people.

Would Year-Round Access To Old Faithful Compromise Yellowstone National Park's "Frontier"?

Jun 22nd - 22:31pm | Daryl L. Hunter

We have always been able to travel to tower junction and Cooke City in winter yet it is still a very empty place.

Jun 22nd - 20:15pm | y_p_w

Kurt Repanshek: I'm not sure it's as straightforward as you outline. For starters, I'm not sure the Old Faithful Lodge is suited for winter operations. The inn is not; that's why it's not open. Plus, if you bring in more people, you need more staff. Does the housing exist? Again, I'm not sure.

Jun 22nd - 19:06pm | Daryl L. Hunter

The roads in Yellowstone open around april 20th every year. There aren't any services and it is wonderful. I go up as much as I can then as it is only 2.5 hours from my house.

Jun 22nd - 18:21pm | Kurt Repanshek

Y_P_W, I'm not sure it's as straightforward as you outline. For starters, I'm not sure the Old Faithful Lodge is suited for winter operations. The inn is not; that's why it's not open. Plus, if you bring in more people, you need more staff. Does the housing exist? Again, I'm not sure.

Jun 22nd - 17:21pm | Martha Weaver

I think Yellowstone should be open to vehicles in the winter. We have been to Yellowstone in the winter on a snowcoach. We would go more often if we could drive in.

Jun 22nd - 17:19pm | y_p_w

Anonymous:

Jun 22nd - 14:57pm | Anonymous

I honestly believe the vast majority of human beings can be the most selfish species on the planet. They have become accustomed to believing that they can have whatever they want whenever they want it. They believe that whatever they take from this earth can and will be easily regenerated. No thought is given to preserving or protecting what nature has so freely and generously provided.

Jun 22nd - 12:10pm | Daryl L. Hunter

Open the road to Old faithful and it will be very good for the gateway towns that have been bankrupted by the snowmobile ban. People are important also. Plow those roads and there will still be plenty of wilderness for the young yet still maintain access for the old like me :D

Jun 21st - 17:51pm | Christopher Buehler

Why is it that man always seems to think they must have access to everything on this planet at all times? Some things are just meant to be left alone, even if it's just for a few months. I think this "call to action" to start plowing roads throughout the park in the middle of the winter is completely and utterly ridiculous.

Jun 21st - 17:50pm | Anonymous

Yellowstone should stay as it is and never be plowed to allow random wintertime viewing by the public. The expense of getting into the Old Faithful area is not too high. Our snowcoach shuttle service from Mammoth to Old Faithful a few years ago was comfortable, fun and entertaining as the driver pointed out sights that we probably would not have seen without his knowledge of the park.

Jun 21st - 08:06am | Lee Dalton

There is some kind of gentle magic found in the isolation of snowbound Yellowstone now. Snowcoaches and snowmobiles seem to have little impact under the current system. When the machines' engines are turned off, silence settles quickly over snowdrifts. It's not difficult to imagine for a while that we are alone in a grand place.

Trails I've Hiked: The Windows Section of Arches National Park

Jun 22nd - 22:21pm | JF

My wife and I were just there at the beginning of this month. I would recommend it in any month other than June - Aug. It was super hot, and according to the locals only gets hotter.

Creature Feature: Feral Burros are "Equina Non Grata" in the National Parks

Jun 22nd - 20:03pm | TerryW

You Said: If you’ve ever hiked in terrain shared by feral burros, you know that their grazing and browsing habits are not the only cause of unwanted ecosystem change. The untrained eye has no trouble discerning the evidenced of their presence.

Wouldn't It Be Nice If the National Park Service Resumed the Distribution of Park Window Stickers?

Jun 22nd - 17:16pm | Anonymous

With our national parks struggling to make ends meet with meager budgets, perhaps now isn't the best time to implement another "freebie"...

Jun 21st - 06:08am | Dick

Great idea! However, as is sometimes the case, the simple ideas are the hardest to implement.

Jun 20th - 12:35pm | Bob Valen

I'm not sure it would fly well here in Washington if one had a number of these nostalgic items on their windshield: State law is very clear - "No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other non-transparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of the vehicle that obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or intersecting highway.”

Jun 20th - 10:30am | Gaelyn

Maybe this would be a good idea for the NPS' centennial in 2016. But please don't replace the park's newspaper. Instead encourage visitors to Actually read the paper and learn about all the Cool things they can see and do at the park. Plus keep the map handy so they know where they are. Maybe that's asking Too much.

Jun 20th - 07:09am | Jay

YES! That is a great idea.

A Tough Week for Hikers and Mule Riders at Grand Canyon National Park

Jun 22nd - 10:46am | Anonymous

Me and my father rode the mules to the bottom a couple of years ago. It was the most terrifying and unpleasant experience of my life...I would never recommend it to my worst ennemy. My father's mule fell and slammed him into the side of the canyon...causing a deep cut over his eye. The rangers had to come and tend to him. My mule stumbled also but I held on for dear life.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Provides Comprehensive Report To the Public

Jun 22nd - 10:14am | Benjamin Lord

Indiana Dunes is a true demonstration park. Did you know it has had more documents produced about it than any other park area by far (administrative related). I learned this fact at Boston Public Library while doing much of my NPS archival research (Boston Library ranks up there with HFC and the cumbersome Library of Congress).

National Park Mystery Plant: 4: This “Tree from Hell” Smells Like Rancid Peanut Butter

Jun 22nd - 07:43am | Mick Taska

Thank you for the information on this "pest" of a plant. Every day I rip dozens of its offspring from the ground, only to find dozens more the very next morning. Also, to me, anyway, the smell is much more like cat urine. It can get very bad, especially after it rains. Thanks again.

Yosemite National Park To Install Large Solar Energy Complex At El Portal

Jun 22nd - 00:15am | John Lackner

Solar power makes sense in remote locations where supplying grid power might not be practical, and the National Parks has plenty of them. Also, there's more to this equation than just money, like reduced depedendence on coal-fueled grids.

Traveler's Gear Box: What's Covering Your Feet?

Jun 21st - 22:43pm | Kate

keen sandals, ugg boots, mbt mary janes,

Unexpected Deaths of Two Mountain Goats Halt Study at Glacier National Park

Jun 21st - 19:36pm | Mikezeto

Study conclusion: Mountain goats stressed by climate change don't like being darted with powerful drugs. Now leave them alone.

Jun 21st - 08:57am | Anonymous

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 14, 2010 - 8:42am. "Sounds like it was a problem with placement of the needles and possibly the dose used?? Hopefully the great people doing the research can continue and learn more about our mountain friends!!"

Traveler's Checklist: Shenandoah National Park

Jun 21st - 16:31pm | Carl Robinson

Just got back from a 3 day week-end there. While it was mid 90s in the valleys, it was a more pleasant low 80s in most of the park. We did the Rose river loop with a short side trip to Dark Hollow Falls. Rose river was fantastic. This is an easy hike, 4.4 miles with the add on. We also went up to Bearfence Mountain. This hike has a fun rock scramble on it.

Should Anything Be Done With Angel's Landing?

Jun 21st - 13:23pm | Dick Gutierrez

My family and I just returned from Zion last month--- yep,Angel's landing was really something-- especially if you are afraid of high places.I think that it should be kept open as a trail for everyone BUT there should be more warnings or whatever about how terrifying it can be.Especially to a Florida "flat-lander" like me.My wife and i got to chicken-shizzit turn around or whatever its called a

Jun 21st - 06:37am | Anonymous

I have extensive experience and training in mountaineering and rock climbing. I have climbed sheer rock faces and hiked some extremely dangerous trails (including the El Camino Del Rey in Spain). This hike is not for those in "moderate shape", nor is it for children! If I were you sir I would consider the responsibility you bear for the advice that you offer others.

Jun 21st - 06:15am | Anonymous

I am all for respecting the personal rights of others, but I have done many dangerous hikes over the years and this one is in my opinion the most dangerous. What many don't know and those who love the hike won't tell you is that at certain points this hike is as narrow as 3.5 feet wide with 1000 foot plus sheer drops on both sides.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Weaves Through North Carolina's National Parks

Jun 21st - 11:47am | Arthur Kelley

Maps of the MST are complete and are gradually being posted to http://artshikingmaps.info/mst/mstsections.shtml They are free.

Body of Missouri Woman Recovered from Virginia Creek in Glacier National Park

Jun 20th - 16:48pm | Anonymous

My prayers are with the family. I am so sorry for your tragic loss.

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Donate Now!

The Essential RVing Guide

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.

National Parks Traveler

Search