National Parks Traveler

Hi Mark, A few questions for you:

I agree that it's a little bit upsetting to see many of the affordable cabin lodging options taken out, although I would note that there are quite a few basic employee cabins that seem to be going back for public lodging. However, 300 cabins being taken out at the Canyon area in favor of more expensive lodging would appear to cater to a more monied crowd.

I have been coming to the park since I was probably 6 months and I am 56. I have seen many changes and the prices go up and up. We always stay in cabins but even this year we are going to stay in a tent because we can't afford the cost of the cabins this year. But my biggest complaint has been the concessionaires.

Having worked at Canyon Village for several seasons, we agree with "Anonymous" that a cabin is a nice way to experience nature. We recall a young father with several children saying that he was thankful for these very affordable accomodations, and now we hear of plans to destroy many of them. Our grandchildren finding a porcupine under our Frontier Cabin was a highlight of a family vacation.

John: You think these very small concessions have any exceptional influence over NPS? We're not talking about some sports team owner or Coca Cola. Unnoticed by your comment is that the Public led the charge here. Not special interests like the well connected Berkeley/MOFO and their conflicted Judge.

Thanks for this outstanding post, Rick! It's especially encouraging to read of NPS managers acknowledging the long-term maintenance implications and overall increased workload of expanded development.

Mr. Kohn, the article does not state that the trail is located in backcountry wilderness. It does, however, quote an attorney for "Our Texas Wild" saying that the land in question is seen by that group as potential wilderness.

Why do people go there? It's an active volcano that more or less drips rather than explodes. It's some of the most fascinating geology on the planet. Some say it's the most active volcano in the world. Don't know of the current numbers, but they average around 1.4 million visitors a year.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the Inn closes during the summer.

We visited Death Valley for a week in September 2011, hiked to the lowest point out in the salt flats of Badwater Basin, then the highest point at Telescope Peak, plus hiking the Panamint Dunes, Gower Gulch, Darwin Falls and a few canyons. The colors of the rocks are amazing. It is a fascinating place. Then we did a three-day backpack and summitted Mount Whitney. What a memorable trip!

I'm pretty sure that the race only makes it to the Whitney Trailhead near Whitney Portal. Other than that would require a permit from the Forest Service, which is by lottery. Also - all of Xanterra's current properties within Death Valley are inholdings not subject to NPS oversight. I understand that they used to run the operations at Stovepipe Wells as a concessionaire.

Ranger Dave, you are in the Winners Circle. RC, you are in for a bout of writers cramp. ;o)

Sorry, Eric; it's not George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.