Renny Russell is waiting with bated breath for his new book, Rebel of the Colorado, to be delivered to his New Mexico hideaway homestead. Russell spent the last dozen years, and worked with a half-dozen editors, to create this homage to a unique character who rambled throughout the Colorado Plateau for decades: Harry Aleson.

One of the hidden delights of the National Park System lies south of Yosemite National Park and north of Kings Canyon National Park, tucked in a small depression of the Sierra. And on Friday, the Reds Meadow Road leading to Devils Postpile National Monument will be open to the public.

Road work at Devils Tower National Monument late this month will prevent vehicle access to the visitor center, meaning you'll have to hike if you want a close-up view of Devils Tower itself.

It's not yet July, the worst of the summer's high heat is yet to come, and already Grand Canyon National Park rangers are having to save visitors who are overheating from triple-digit temperatures.