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Reader Participation Day: Best and Worst Values in National Park Lodging

Jun 9th - 20:39pm | Anonymous

The Woodland Cottages at Mammoth Cave are perfect! I don't go to a national park for luxury. I go to a national park to see new things in God's creation and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a while. My husband and I visited Mammoth Cave in our first year of marriage and stayed in one of the Woodland Cottages.

Jun 9th - 18:18pm | R. Mastrogiuseppe

Crater Lake Lodge for the past two seasons has been a major disappointment with a Lodge manager from hell, filthy public rest rooms and a dining room full of expensive, overpriced, disappointing selections. We truly need a valid system to provide a Report Card on National Park Lodging Experiences. Xanterra has been selecting the most incompetent lodge managers who

Jun 9th - 17:01pm | Meg

I was extremely lucky in 2000 when the lodging changed concessioners from Amfac to Xanterra at Yellowstone, and there were some spectacular deals at the end of Amfac's last season. That October I spent two nights at the Mammoth Hotel for $26 a night, and three nights in the Old House at the Old Faithful Inn for $25 a night.

Jun 9th - 14:18pm | y_p_w

Gaelyn: Maswik might be affordable but I don't recommend their lousy cafeteria food. The Grand Lodge on North Rim has no accommodations just the cabins which look pretty cute. I'd rather camp for free in the adjacent forests and save my money for travel.

Jun 9th - 14:13pm | y_p_w

Concerned Taxpayer: Exclusive and expensive lodges should not be part of the park's services. They should be catering to the majority of the visitors not a handful of customers. Experiences at National Parks should be the natural beauty and serenity the Park offers and not spas, messages, exclusive pedicures, fine dining, etc.

Jun 9th - 10:35am | Gaelyn

Maswik might be affordable but I don't recommend their lousy cafeteria food. The Grand Lodge on North Rim has no accommodations just the cabins which look pretty cute. I'd rather camp for free in the adjacent forests and save my money for travel.

Jun 9th - 10:30am | Concerned Taxpayer

Exclusive and expensive lodges should not be part of the park's services. They should be catering to the majority of the visitors not a handful of customers. Experiences at National Parks should be the natural beauty and serenity the Park offers and not spas, messages, exclusive pedicures, fine dining, etc.

Jun 9th - 10:08am | y_p_w

Maswik Lodge (am I the first to spell it right ;) ) is about a quarter mile away from the South Rim, although how close depends on which cabin. I found it a really good value staying at a quad (one unit in each corner) cabin. They were also available when options closer to the South Rim (or even with views from the room) were already fully booked for the times I wanted to stay.

Jun 9th - 09:49am | Kurt Repanshek

Lee, Maswick is on the South Rim across from the Backcountry Information Center...

Jun 9th - 09:09am | Lee Dalton

Just give me a good tent and I'll be happy. By the way, where the heck is the Maswick Lodge at GRCA?

Jun 9th - 08:06am | Kevin M

Maswick was fine for us. Definitely basic, but that fit our trip (hiking to Phantom Ranch and staying there two nights).

Jun 9th - 07:36am | Anonymous

Personally I would take the 10 nights at Maswick or Yavapai over a night at Ahwahnee. We felt Maswick was a good value - pleasant furnishings and a short walk from the rim of the Grand Canyon.

What Outstanding Values Are Tied to the Merced River in Yosemite National Park?

Jun 9th - 20:21pm | Mark

Thank you, Kurt, for posting this article. As you said, differing views over those points have long delayed an updated management plan for the Yosemite Valley. Groups that opposed the Park Service's proposals successfully battled the agency in the court system.

Jun 8th - 21:17pm | Emily

Some values of the Merced River include: Aesthetic, cultural (for the natives that used it as a life source), environmental, natural (if kept in it's natural condition), recreational (fishing, hiking, sightseeing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, mountain biking), emotional (the Merced River below El Capitan is inspiring) and sociological (for those who seem to hang out, or "party" by the river

Ranger Ingenuity 401 - Horse Rescued from Canyon at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Jun 9th - 16:28pm | Jan

You Rangers Rock!

Jun 9th - 09:07am | Lee Dalton

If anyone can handle a job like this, it's PARK RANGERS!

Free Fly Fishing Workshops at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Jun 9th - 15:37pm | Gordon Casada

Wow, this seems like a such great opportunity to show my son the basics of fly fishing. I haven't had a chance to hit the lakes lately so I am a bit rusty. Hopefully there will be room enough for us. This has been edited to remove a link to an advertisement. -- Ed.

Senators Pushing to Rollback Fees for National Parks and Other Public Lands

Jun 9th - 15:19pm | KY

"Not all visitors to National Park units are tax paying Americans. Large numbers are from other countries. How do they pay their share?" GREAT POINT!

Reader Participation Day: Has Arizona's Approach To Controlling Illegal Immigrants Led You To Cancel a Grand Canyon Trip?

Jun 9th - 14:15pm | dody

Hello people on this strand, Rick,

Scientists Call For Oceanic "National Parks" To Preserve Sea Environments

Jun 9th - 13:45pm | Michael Kellett

We should create a Gulf of Mexico National Park to preserve much of this globally important body of water, and a Gulf of Mexico National Ecological Restoration Area to help heal the damage caused by the GP oil spill.

Jun 9th - 10:51am | Gaelyn

It's about time we considered the oceans at part of Our world.

Grizzly Bear Shot and Killed By Hikers In Denali National Park and Preserve

Jun 9th - 12:59pm | GreenMan

Maybe you would like to "shoot" the people in Arizona?

Jun 9th - 12:56pm | GreenMan

This demonstrates the effects of human overpopulation and open immigration. Our wilderness areas are just that - wilderness areas and should be treated accordingly. There is NOT an unlimited amount of space and as one sage put it, "no more land is being created". In the past, humans didn't have to go so far afield to get away from it all; to find the peace of mind unique to wild areas.

Updated: Drilling Rig Disaster Could Send Oil Spill Into Gulf Islands National Seashore

Jun 9th - 09:40am | Melanie Stephan

I hate to call people retareded. So Rich, I just have to tell you that you are uneducated. Gasoline comes from oil wells. Even if you never change your oil you are still using oil when you drive your big gas eating SUV. So since you use gasoline (oil) you are demanding that we drill and search for more oil.

Young Grizzly Victim of of HIt-and-Run in Yellowstone National Park, Second Collision in a Week

Jun 9th - 08:29am | Anonymous

Several years ago I discovered that when heading north to Bozeman that it was easier and usually quicker and safer, especially in winter, to turn off by Henry's Lake, Idaho, head over Raynolds Pass and go north through Ennis then cut east so I pass the Madison as it exits Beartrap Canyon.

Jun 8th - 21:22pm | Rick B.

My best guess is that a bear of that age would do considerable damage to the run of the mill car, wouldn't it?

Jun 8th - 13:40pm | Badge529

It's important to slow down and observe the posted limits. Last June during a visit to Yellowstone I encountered a grizzly and cub in the middle of the road at 6:30 a.m. after having come around a curve. If I had not been driving at or below the posted limit I would have struck both bears.

Battle Against Mountain Pine Beetles Launched at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Jun 9th - 06:02am | Doug Josten

The Pine Beetle Infestation that we are experiencing is not part of any natural process. It is nature that has gone wild. The human race is to be stewards of the land - we have failed but that does not preclude us from stepping in to help even out what we have messed up. To just let the pine beetle follow some natural course is naive at best.

Opposition Mounts to Tourism Promotion of National Parks

Jun 8th - 22:55pm | Peter Prineas

Dear Editor, I live in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and found the article on proposals to increase tourist development in national parks in our State interesting. I have had a long association with national parks here and I find the recent push for more development in parks to be troubling.

Road Trip 2010: Report from the Pisgah Inn Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Jun 8th - 21:01pm | Carl Robinson

We've stayed at the Pigah Inn 5 times now. 3 of those for mutliple nights. In fact, we were just there last month. While our room was mistakenly given to someone with our last name, Rob, the manager took great care to make everything better than we could have expected. We will once again be heading in that direction next year, and will stay here again.

Jun 8th - 18:29pm | pkrnger

This is an excellent review and consistent with both of my own personal experiences when I stayed overnight at the Inn and when dining in the Inn's restaurant. Some of the staff I recognize from many seasons ago.

Jun 8th - 14:11pm | Sir Render

Our family has many good memorable experiences at The Pisgah Inn. One of the best was eating Sunday lunch in the restaurant after coming off a three day backpacking trek. I know we didn't look good and probably smelled worse. Our family of six each ordered 'the left half' of the menu. Great food and great service.

Dining At The Parks: Elk Chili From Grand Teton National Park's Signal Mountain Lodge

Jun 8th - 19:03pm | betty hatfield

Mr Repanshek is correct-the Elk Chili and the Bison Stew as well as the Tomato Bisque soups brought us back to the Signal Mtn Lodge for lunch and dinner several times while recently vacationing in the Tetons...it was absolutely delicious!

Interpreting National Park Settings Is a Skill, Not Something You Wing

Jun 8th - 13:50pm | pkrnger

I thought it might be useful to give a plug for a professional opinion paper authored by several members of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees regarding the mission of the National Park Service and the critical role of park interpretation/education.

Jun 7th - 16:44pm | Anonymous

"You're like a Jehovah's Witness with a day job" Wow. So, would it have been cool if this had been a banker and you likened him to a Jew? Or no, what if it was a guy that worked in petroleum, and you said he was like a Muslim?

Jun 7th - 12:40pm | Bob Valen

Regarding customer service – the Disney analogy is well, wrong. Sure the folks at the Disney theme parks do a good job – all the basic customer service elements are there. Yet, and as has been state here, the NPS developed and set standards in customer service long ago. Let us look to ourselves as the standard bearer. The NPS has been at this work decades longer that any of the theme parks.

Jun 7th - 12:22pm | Anonymous

Great customer service that is sensitive (personalized) doesn't have to be Disneylandish at all. If anything, the NPS has a great legacy of customer service. I would recommend using the NPS as your brand of service. You already have all the best elements of that in place! Well done.

Glacier National Park Officials Complete Revisions to Bear Management Plan, Guidelines

Jun 8th - 13:42pm | Anonymous

Part of improving the bear/human relationships should be enforcement of park rules. People feeding, stopping along the road in bear/wildlife crossings and violations of other posted rules should result in stiff fines. Rangers should be supported in enforcement of the rules rather that being afraid of upsetting "the public". Most of the people visiting would agree with this policy.

"There's Something I Forgot to Tell You"

Jun 8th - 12:04pm | pkrnger

Every aspect of this incredible adventure was funny, except for the part about a tendency to fall asleep at the wheel, which is a real hazard after a long day hike, camping out, and then facing a long road trip home.

Jun 8th - 09:00am | RangerLady

Reminds me of a camping trip I took to Chaco. I went with a friend who said he'd take care of everything, I just had to bring my tent and sleeping bag. Get all the way out there and go to make dinner and of all things he forgot the firewood! By 10 the next morning my blood sugar was so low we had to cut the trip short and get me some food.

Jun 7th - 15:34pm | DOCREP

Prof. Bob, It looks like you got Kurts "Better Side" ;o)) I can guarantee that you will not have to keep your nose over your toes when you visit the "Battlefields" ;o) And as far as a drinkie-poo goes, just name your poison ;o)) Semper Fi "Doc"

Jun 7th - 12:34pm | Bob Janiskee

I have a doppelganger too, Glenn, and he's always making me look stupid. During our recent trip to the Utah canyonlands, for example, "Kurt" said that somebody who looks exactly like me cut himself on a can lid in the morning and then walked around all day with a bandaid on the wrong finger.

Jun 7th - 12:13pm | Rap

Too funny, Bob!! Glad y'all made it home alive and with the friendship intact. rap

Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Officials Want To Replace Three Backcountry Cabins Located in Wilderness Areas

Jun 7th - 22:37pm | RodF

Good news: Sequoia NP will proceed with the replacement of three delapidated wilderness ranger stations with new log cabin structures. Both pack stock and helicopters will be used to transport materials and equipment to the sites. Eight public comments were received, all supportive of the Preferred Alternative 3.

Nine Injured By Lightning Strike At Old Faithful In Yellowstone National Park

Jun 7th - 21:15pm | Ell's

I was there + there was no warnig, we were @ midpoint of the trail when the flash happened.

Republicans on House Natural Resources Committee Complain About Northern Border Problems

Jun 7th - 21:15pm | Anonymous

Well lets not forget the American soldiers who flee to Canada to avoid to be send back to Afganistan! Dam americans.. stay on your side!

Overton Beach Area Latest Casualty of Low Water Level at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Jun 7th - 19:14pm | Jerry Knaub

I have suggested to several US Senators to build a 3' or 4' pipe line from the Missouri river to Estes park and dump the water into the Colorado River. Pump this water 24/7 365 days a year. We could pump the water from the Missouri river south of Omaha Nebraska. Bring it across Nebraska and cut across a part of Colorado and into the Colorado River.

Traveler's Checklist: Yosemite National Park

Jun 7th - 12:56pm | Glenn Scofield ...

Oh! And in Yosemite Valley, if you want a long, easy stroll without the crowds, but with spectacular viewpoints and peaceful forest, try the Valley Loop Trail. One of the older CCC-built trails in the valley, the Valley Loop can be shortened into smaller loop segments, if desired.

Jun 7th - 12:07pm | Glenn Scofield ...

Don't forget Hetch Hetchy! Even though it was dam(n)ed by a reservoir in 1913, the valley is still a spectacular mini-Yosemite without the crowds and buildings. Take a day stroll to Wapama Falls or the view from the top of the Lake Eleanor Trail or take an overnight to Lake Vernon, Tiltill Valley or to Rancheria Falls (Bearville USA, but beautiful scenery!).

Wolverine Photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jun 7th - 12:03pm | David Patterson

I saw this animal on a hillside, just south of the mouth of the Colorado on Lake Granby. This was on Sunday 6/6/10, about 10AM. I was ghosting along in almost no wind in my 17 foot sailboat so was making no noise. He/she/it was very aware of me, and moved up the hillside rapidly, in a gait like no other animal I know. I speculated it was a wolverine, though wasn't sure of the color.

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