Independent guides to the U.S. national parks

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Park news

On-the-ground news from America’s national parks: closures, wildfires, reopenings and alerts that change what you need to plan for.

  1. Park news

    Badlands’ Self-Sustaining Population of Black-Footed Ferrets

    Badlands National Park is home to a self-sustaining population of black-footed ferrets, but these strictly nocturnal animals are difficult to spot during a daytime visit.

    Badlands By Victoria Boissonade

  2. Park news

    Grand Teton Plans Pile Burns as Early as November 9 to Reduce Wildfire Risk

    Pile burns could begin in Grand Teton as early as November 9, so check the park's updates if you're planning a visit around that time.

    Grand Teton By Victoria Boissonade

  3. Park news

    Death Valley: Keep Your Travel Plans Flexible

    Rain is disrupting travel in Death Valley, with several roads closed and dirt roads best avoided, so check road conditions before your visit.

    Death Valley By Jocelyn Pion

  4. Park news

    Carlsbad Caverns: What a High Wind Warning Meant for Travel

    The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for nearby mountains on November 2, 2026, with travel precautions around Carlsbad Caverns.

    Carlsbad Caverns By David Sanchez

  5. Park news

    Arches: Adjust Your Plans Around Delicate Arch

    At Arches, the Delicate Arch Viewpoints are closed, but the road remains open to Wolfe Ranch, so plan your visit accordingly.

    Arches By Jocelyn Pion

  6. Park news Updated

    Mesa Verde: Flood Warning Issued for November 1 and 2

    The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for November 1 and 2, 2026, and urges drivers to turn around if they encounter a flooded road.

    Mesa Verde By Jocelyn Pion

  7. Park news Updated

    Badlands High Wind Warning: Loose Objects Need to Be Secured

    A High Wind Warning is in effect for Badlands National Park. The National Weather Service urges people to secure objects that could be blown around by the wind.

    Badlands By Victoria Boissonade

  8. Park news Updated

    Mount Rainier: Road Open to Paradise, Uphill Gate Closes at 3 p.m.

    The road to Paradise is open. All vehicles must carry tire chains. The Longmire gate closes to uphill travel at 3 p.m. and downhill travel at 4 p.m.

    Mount Rainier By Victoria Boissonade

  9. Park news

    Planning a Walk on Acadia’s Breakneck Road? Check the Brook Crossing

    Breakneck Road offers a woodland walk in Acadia, but the available account makes checking current trail markings and the brook crossing essential before you go.

    Acadia By David Sanchez

  10. Park news

    Yellowstone Road Closures: Adjust Your Driving Plans

    Road closures currently limit driving in Yellowstone as the park prepares for guided winter trips scheduled to begin December 15, weather permitting.

    Yellowstone By Victoria Boissonade

  11. Park news

    Yosemite: Two Roads to Leave Off Your Itinerary for Now

    Snow has temporarily closed Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road in Yosemite, so check road conditions before planning to use either road during your visit.

    Yosemite By Jocelyn Pion

  12. Park news

    Lassen Volcanic: Snow Closes Highway 89 to Through Traffic

    Highway 89 is closed to through traffic at Lassen Volcanic, but visitors can still drive a short distance into the park from the northwest and southwest entrances.

    Lassen Volcanic By Victoria Boissonade

  13. Park news

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon: Plan for Prescribed Pile Burning During Your Visit

    Prescribed pile burning is planned at Sequoia & Kings Canyon from November 1 through March 15, 2027, conditions permitting.

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon By Jocelyn Pion

  14. Park news

    Haleakalā: Kīpahulu Closure Means You'll Need to Adjust Your Plans

    The Kīpahulu District is currently closed after heavy rain, so we recommend adjusting this part of your Haleakalā visit.

    Haleakalā By Erika Müller

  15. Park news

    Congaree: Plan Ahead for Bridge K Being Out on Kingsnake Trail

    Bridge K is currently out on Kingsnake Trail in Congaree, and going around it means encountering water that may be 2-3 feet deep or deeper.

    Congaree By David Sanchez

  16. Park news

    Sequoia: Plan Your Visit Without Road Access to Mineral King

    Mineral King Road is closed for winter within Sequoia National Park, so factor the closure into your plans as you map out your route.

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon By Jocelyn Pion

  17. Park news

    New River Gorge: Cunard Road Closure May Affect Your Travel Plans

    At New River Gorge, Cunard Road will close to vehicles for construction starting November 9, with reopening scheduled for April 2027.

    New River Gorge By David Sanchez

  18. Park news

    Great Basin Plans Early November Prescribed Burn, With Closures on Two Roads

    A prescribed burn planned for the week of November 2 at Great Basin will close Baker Creek Road and Pole Canyon Road if conditions allow.

    Great Basin By Jocelyn Pion

  19. Park news

    Badlands Plans Prescribed Burn in North Unit: What to Know Before You Visit

    A prescribed burn could begin October 30, 2026, in the northeast part of Badlands' North Unit, so check current park updates before your visit.

    Badlands By Victoria Boissonade

  20. Park news

    Crater Lake: Plan to Arrive Through the West or South Entrance

    Winter road closures currently limit driving access at Crater Lake, where the West and South Entrances remain open.

    Crater Lake By Victoria Boissonade

  21. Park news

    Mauna Loa Closure: Check Access Before Planning Your Climb

    At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, severe weather has temporarily closed Mauna Loa Summit, Puʻuʻulaʻula, and the cabins through October 28.

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes By Erika Müller

  22. Park news

    Kobuk Valley: What the October 28 Winter Storm Warning Means for Your Trip

    The winter storm warning for Kobuk Valley covered October 28, 2026. Check its timing and geographic scope as you plan your visit.

    Kobuk Valley By Erika Müller

  23. Park news

    Petrified Forest: Where to Find Visitor Services During Painted Desert Construction

    At Petrified Forest, visitor services have moved to the Painted Desert Inn while the visitor center undergoes renovations, with reopening expected in June 2027.

    Petrified Forest By David Sanchez

  24. Park news

    Mesa Verde in Winter: Bring Enough Water for Your Visit

    Drinking water refills are currently limited at Mesa Verde in winter, so we recommend bringing enough water for your entire visit.

    Mesa Verde By Jocelyn Pion

  25. Park news

    Redwood: Plan Around the Crescent City Information Center Closure on October 27

    The Crescent City Information Center and bookstore will close on October 27, 2026, for a scheduled water outage, so leave this stop out of your Redwood plans that day.

    Redwood By Victoria Boissonade

  26. Park news

    Fall Tides Complicate Coastal Walks at Olympic

    At Rialto and Ruby Beach, high tides can cut off your route, so we recommend planning ahead and watching for unexpected waves.

    Olympic By Victoria Boissonade

  27. Park news

    King Tides Disrupt Visits on Land and by Boat at Biscayne

    Flooding is affecting several areas of Biscayne, so plan for access disruptions and small craft advisories when organizing your visit.

    Biscayne By David Sanchez

  28. Park news

    Yellowstone Road Closures: Key Dates for Late-Season Travel in 2026

    Yellowstone's main road season is scheduled to end October 31, 2026, so plan your route around closures and check road conditions before you leave.

    Yellowstone By Victoria Boissonade

  29. Park news Updated

    North Cascades: Cascade River Road Closed to Vehicles at Milepost 21 Starting October 26

    Starting October 26, Cascade River Road is closed to vehicles at milepost 21, two miles before the trailhead. You can still walk or bike beyond the gate.

    North Cascades By Victoria Boissonade

  30. Park news

    Zion: Allow Extra Time on Zion Mount Carmel Highway During Roadwork

    Roadwork starting October 26 will bring alternating one-way traffic to Zion Mount Carmel Highway, with minor delays expected during your visit.

    Zion By Jocelyn Pion

  31. Park news

    Badlands Announces Free Admission for October 27, 2026

    According to ad-hoc-news.de, Badlands would waive entrance fees on October 27, 2026, a date to consider if you're planning a visit to South Dakota.

    Badlands By Victoria Boissonade

  32. Park news

    Chiricahua: Plan Your Route Around Your Vehicle’s Length

    At Chiricahua, your vehicle’s length and whether you’re towing a trailer determine where you can go, so check the restrictions before you head in.

    Chiricahua By Jocelyn Pion

  33. Park news

    Grand Canyon’s North Rim Year-Round Access Still Under Review

    Three proposals for Grand Canyon’s North Rim are open for public comment, but year-round access and lodging remain proposals, according to ksl.com.

    YosemiteGlacierRocky MountainGrand CanyonYellowstone By Jocelyn Pion

  34. Park news

    Yellowstone: Plan Your Route Before the November 1 Road Closures

    Most Yellowstone roads and three entrances close to cars on November 1, 2026, so factor the closures into your visit.

    Yellowstone By Victoria Boissonade

  35. Park news

    Pinnacles: What to Know Before You Build a Fire

    Fire danger is currently high at Pinnacles. Here's where fires are allowed and what to keep in mind as you plan your visit.

    Pinnacles By Jocelyn Pion

  36. Park news

    Death Valley: Plan for Three Years of Construction Around Furnace Creek

    Water and sewer system upgrades at Furnace Creek and Cow Creek could cause brief water outages and temporarily reduce parking over three years.

    Death Valley By Jocelyn Pion

  37. Park news Updated

    Great Sand Dunes: Deep, Fast-Moving Water at Creek Crossings on Medano Pass Primitive Road

    Several creek crossings on Medano Pass Primitive Road have deep, fast-moving water. Access to Main Dunes Parking, Pinon Flats Campground, and the Visitor Center remains unchanged.

    Great Sand Dunes By Jocelyn Pion

  38. Park news

    It’s official: Chiricahua becomes America’s 64th national park

    The law signed on October 20, 2026 changes Chiricahua’s designation, not its boundaries. How the proposal became law, and what the new status means.

    Chiricahua By Jocelyn Pion

  39. Park news

    Haleakalā: Email the Park Before Your Visit

    Haleakalā’s regular phone lines are currently down. Here’s the email address and temporary number to use when planning your visit.

    Haleakalā By Erika Müller

  40. Park news

    Acadia Makes a List of Five Parks to Visit in Fall: Ideas for Your Trip

    Acadia ranks third on a list of five parks to visit in fall, offering trip ideas without providing information on current foliage conditions.

    Acadia By David Sanchez

  41. Park news

    Canyonlands Flood Warning: What to Know Before You Drive

    A flood warning covered Grand and San Juan counties on October 22, 2026. Here's the advice to keep in mind when driving around Canyonlands.

    Canyonlands By Jocelyn Pion

  42. Park news

    Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely on Your Yosemite Trip

    For your Yosemite trip, pack your devices’ original chargers and cables and follow the lithium-ion battery charging precautions reported by sfgate.com.

    YosemiteGlacierRocky MountainGrand Canyon By Jocelyn Pion

  43. Park news Updated

    Winter storm at Gates of the Arctic: warning and travel guidance

    A Winter Storm Warning covers the South Slopes Of The Central Brooks Range. The NWS lists emergency supplies to keep in your vehicle and directs travelers to 511 for road conditions.

    Gates Of The Arctic By Erika Müller

  44. Park news

    Yellowstone: $105 Million Fund to Support Future Park Projects

    A $105 million fund is planned to support future projects at Yellowstone, but there's no timeline yet to factor into your trip plans.

    Yellowstone By Victoria Boissonade

  45. Park news

    Acadia: Tsunami Warning Lists an Area Outside the Park

    The warning attributed to the National Weather Service lists Laguna Madre and a time frame on October 20, 2026, which don't establish a warning for Acadia.

    Acadia By David Sanchez

  46. Park news

    Yosemite: Plan Ahead for the Announced Tioga Road Closure

    Tioga Road is scheduled to close temporarily Wednesday at 5 p.m. because of forecast snow, so check road conditions before planning to drive across Yosemite.

    Yosemite By Jocelyn Pion

  47. Park news Updated

    Denali: Park Road Open to Vehicles to Mile 3 at Park Headquarters

    Denali Park Road is open to vehicles to Mile 3 at Park Headquarters. Snow prevents vehicle travel beyond that point, but you can still continue on foot.

    Denali By Erika Müller

  48. Park news Updated

    New River Gorge: Prescribed Burns in Two Park Areas This Fall

    Starting October 1, 2026, New River Gorge is running prescribed burns in two areas, and here's what it means for your visit.

    New River Gorge By David Sanchez

  49. Park news

    Food Waste Disrupted the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns in 2023

    Food scraps led to mold growth and attracted invertebrates in the Big Room in 2023, a reminder to plan ahead and leave no trash behind when you visit.

    Carlsbad Caverns By David Sanchez

  50. Park news

    Three Cold-Adapted Insects Found Near Two Yellowstone Peaks

    Three insects collected in Yellowstone's high country during summer 2026 offer another way to appreciate the park, according to WyoFile.

    Yellowstone By Victoria Boissonade

  51. Park news

    Bryce Canyon’s New Paved Path Extension Reaches Bryce Point

    Bryce Canyon’s shared-use path now reaches Bryce Point, with a new paved section open to walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users, according to ad-hoc-news.de.

    Bryce Canyon By Jocelyn Pion

  52. Park news

    Mount Rainier: Three Roads to Leave Off Your Driving Route This Winter

    Three roads at Mount Rainier are currently closed for winter, with bicycle access possible under certain conditions, so plan your route accordingly.

    Mount Rainier By Victoria Boissonade

  53. Park news

    Great Smoky Mountains: Kuwohi Road Closed Due to Ice

    The road to the summit of Kuwohi is closed because of forecasted ice and hazardous driving conditions. Here's what that means for your visit.

    Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez

  54. Park news Updated

    New River Gorge: Bridge Day 2026 Draws Tens of Thousands of Visitors

    According to WCHS, Bridge Day 2026 drew tens of thousands of spectators and several hundred BASE jumpers, the only legal BASE jumping in a U.S. national park.

    New River Gorge By David Sanchez

  55. Park news

    Olympic: Debris Pile Burns Begin October 20 in Four Areas

    Debris pile burns begin October 20 in four areas of Olympic National Park, and here's what it means for your visit.

    Olympic By Victoria Boissonade

  56. Park news

    Olympic: Quinault's Temporary Bridge Comes Out for Winter on Oct. 22

    The temporary bridge linking the two shores of Lake Quinault comes out on Oct. 22. Here's how to reach Graves Creek through the winter season.

    Olympic By Victoria Boissonade

  57. Park news

    Cuyahoga Valley: Stanford Road and Part of the Valley Trail Closed for Construction

    Pavement removal closes a section of Stanford Road, half a trailhead parking lot, and a stretch of the Valley Trail.

    Cuyahoga Valley By David Sanchez

  58. Park news

    Prescribed Burn at Grant Grove: What Kings Canyon Visitors Need to Know

    A 482-acre prescribed burn is planned in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon, starting October 17, 2026.

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon By Jocelyn Pion

  59. Park news Updated

    Fat Bear Week 2026: Record Cub Count at Brooks River and a New Bracket at Katmai

    Fat Bear Week 2026 brings a record 37 cubs to Brooks River, per LAist, plus new contenders like Backpack and Walker. Vote for Alaska's fattest bear.

    Katmai By Erika Müller

  60. Park news

    Bryce Canyon Dump Station Closed for the Winter

    Bryce Canyon's dump station is closed due to an early freeze, and the drinking fountains are being winterized. Plan ahead.

    Bryce Canyon By Jocelyn Pion