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See the Lunar Eclipse on a Night Hike

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:25:34 +0000

If you've ever needed motivation to try a night hike, then Saturday morning's full lunar eclipse is certainly a good reason to hit the trail.

Especially if you live west of the Mississippi River: The best views will be from California, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, and Alaska.

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Agreement Will Keep California's Mono Lake Reserve Open

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:09:02 +0000

Originally set to close in July 2012 because of budget cuts, California's Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve will remain open thanks to a new agreement.

California State Parks announced that The Bodie Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Mono Lake and other Eastern Sierra natural and cultural landmarks, will begin collecting fees at the site. The revenues generated will go to the reserve's continued operation and maintenance.

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Hiking Season Kicks Off in California Desert

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:07:09 +0000

Okay, there's no official starting date for the desert hiking season. But I always think of December 1 as the beginning of prime time in the California desert.

My first stop is going to be Joshua Tree National Park. Just a couple hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree offers hiking trails that show off the true diversity of the desert. Joshua Tree ranges in elevation between 900 and more than 5000 feet and sits in a transition zone between the Mojave and the Colorado desert.

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Bandelier National Monument Reopens Trails

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:39:03 +0000

After being badly damaged by wildfire and flooding this summer, most of Bandelier National Monument's trails have reopened for hiking.

Closures will continue on two of Bandelier's most popular trails. The ...

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Crater Lake Begins Snowshoe Hikes

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:05:40 +0000

Crater Lake National Park receives 44 feet of snow every year, so winter hiking can be a challenge. It's not as if you can just throw on a pair of shorts, lace up your boots, and hit the trail.

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Grand Canyon Field Institute Releases 2012 Schedule

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:20:46 +0000

You can't go wrong with hiking in Grand Canyon National Park. But especially if you have visited the canyon before, a great way to take your appreciation and understanding to a whole new level is to go out with the Grand Canyon Field Institute.

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Florida�s Big O Hike Marks its 20th Year

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:47:59 +0000

Maybe it's just my focus on hiking along the California Coast and in western national parks. But I was surprised to learn that Florida is home to one of only 11 national scenic trails in the U.S.

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Fees Waived at National Parks on Veterans Day Weekend

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:20:13 +0000

The notion of "the land of the free" takes on new meaning November 11-13 during Veterans Day weekend as national parks across the country waive their entry fees.

I just bought my new annual pass ($80) while at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park but if you don't have one, the free admission weekend can mean big savings. At Grand Canyon National Park and other major parks including Zion, you'll save $25 per vehicle entry. And at Yosemite National Park, the regular entrance fee would be $20.

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Economic Conference Leads to Diamond Head Closure

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:36:16 +0000

The trail up to the summit of Honolulu's iconic Diamond Head crater will be closed for more than two days as part of preparations for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.

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Bay Area Ridge Trail Adds New Segment

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:16:05 +0000

Northern California's Bay Area Ridge Trail has grown by more than five miles thanks to the opening of a new section near San Jose.

The 5.3-mile trail segment is located in the 1,676-acre Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve east of San Jose. The trail travels through oak woodlands and grasslands on onetime ranch property as it climbs to an elevation of more than 2,300 feet. The ridgeline views are spectacular and take in an area of San Francisco Bay and nearby 4,196-foot Mount Hamilton.

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