Sierra National Parks including Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley and other regional Parks with in driving distance.
A Day Hike Experience in the Giant forest of Sequoia including the Largest Trees in the Park Sequoia National Park: Our first visit to Sequoia National Park was anything but ordinary. In the early summer of 2023, the Park only had one entry point from the Kings Canyon gates north of the Park, and the weather … Read more
A review of the Opening Weekend in Yosemite Wilderness off Tioga Pass 2023 Yosemite National Park – July 24, 2023 – Summer 2023 finally feels a bit normal. Tioga Pass, the Backdoor into Yosemite Wilderness and travel route over Hwy 120 to Yosemite Valley, Opened at 8 am on Saturday, July 22nd—the Latest Summer opening … Read more
Exploring new areas of California is a passion that we all share, so when I had 3 days off of work recently we decided to travel over to the redwoods for some always welcomed adventure. Come along as we Explore Redwood National & State Parks of Northern California. Elk Herds and the Ossagon Trail For … Read more
July22, 2023 Opening one of the Latest openings in Park History Yosemite national Park – July 19, 2023 – Great news! Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) will open to vehicles on Saturday, July 22, at 8 am. While vault and portable toilets will be available, there will be no water, no … Read more
Environmental Disaster in Death Valley National Park being Cleaned Up by Responsible Party. DEATH VALLEY, Calif. –July 20, 2023 – A tractor trailer crashed in Death Valley National Park on July 17, 2023 releasing emulsified asphalt. Commercial trucks are prohibited on Mud Canyon Road, partially due to the steep grades. The truck’s brakes failed while … Read more
Lee Vining Ca, July 14, 2023- According to reports, on Caltrans social pages, Tioga Road out of Lee Vining is now open up to the East Gate of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite national Park east entrance is however still closed to traffic. This access is exciting for those wishing to get into the high country … Read more
Sequoia-and-Kings-Canyon-National-Parks-Seek-Public-Feedback-on-Proposal-to-Re-Establish-Sequoia-Seedlings SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. – Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (the parks) is inviting public review and comment on an environmental assessment (EA) evaluating alternatives to restore giant sequoia groves and adjacent fisher habitat in areas severely impacted by the 2020 Castle and 2021 KNP Complex wildfires, and where adequate regeneration … Read more
We Asked Chat GPT to Rank the Nine California National Parks and It gave us some surprising Results California is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, and its national parks are a testament to the state’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, these nine national … Read more
First Long Summer Weekend that Kick-starts Outdoor Adventure in sequoia National Park Visalia, Calif (June 29, 2023) This Independence Day holiday weekend kick-offs peak summer vacation time. Those looking for a national park getaway will be thrilled that beginning July 1, the Giant Forest area, which includes the General Sherman Tree, will be accessible from both … Read more
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. June 18, 2023 – Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will enter stage 2 fire restrictions at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit campfires and charcoal fires in the hot, dry, low-elevation areas of the parks, including Potwisha Campground and Hospital Rock and … Read more
The 2023 Summer YARTS Schedule will Begin Monday June 19th 2023 for Sonora Highway Sonora Ca, June 16, 2023 – Highway 120 has reopened! With that Yosemite regional Transportation Systems (YARTS) will begin rolling out of its summer schedule on the Sonora Route HWY 120 starting on Monday. YARTS will begin summer service on Highway … Read more
Giant Forest / Wolverton Snowplay Area / Lodgepole / Wuksachi / Moro Rock Areas – OPEN Sequoia National Park – June 2, 2023 – Good news today from Sequoia National Park ahead of the weekend. they have now opened the Northern Entrance into Seqouia National Park up to the Giant Forest Museum. Giant Forest / Wolverton … Read more
Seasonal Flooding has Closed many Visitor Favorites because of Damage DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Badwater Road reopened on May 25 after National Park Service (NPS) employees moved dirt and rocks off the road and filled in unsafe drop-offs on road edges. Park rangers closed the road on May 20 due to safety concerns after flash … Read more
2023 Summer season in Lassen volcanic National Park Updates: Lassen Volcanic National Park – May 31, 2023 – Summer season at Lassen Volcanic National Park will once again be a season of varied openings and recovery from the Dixie fire. Today the park opened the Butte Lake day use are and the trails to Cinder … Read more
A day trip from Lassen Volcanic National Park from Lake Helen to Bumpass Hell Lassen Volcanic National Park is such a unique and special place in Northern California. The Volcanic landscapes created by the five different types of Volcanos in the park bring awe and wonder to visitors. On my visits to the park, I … Read more
A Yosemite National Park Backpacking Trip Memory by Bill Finch Sometimes the Sierra Nevada plays tricks on you and sometimes you come out on top. This is a story about a reversal of fortune during aplanned Yosemite backpacking trip in late September 2007.A friend would travel out from Washington D.C. to backpack with me once … Read more
Groveland California – May 8, 2023 – Yosemite Valley may be inaccessible from Groveland, but don’t cancel your trip! There are so many fun adventures to be had in Groveland California and the national forest lands outside the Yosemite gates on Highway 120. Last week news broke about Highway 120 being closed for the next … Read more
I’m grateful to be out of the rain, but it’s hardly ideal. I took cover quickly under the slight overhang of a shed-sized boulder, and I find myself squatting with my back against its sloping side. I have a tarp over my legs because they are sticking out into the rain, which is coming down … Read more
Yosemite National Park – May 4, 2023 – This past weekend right after Yosemite decided it would open the valley early from the flood dangers in the valley lightening, they announced the closure of Hwy 120 (west Entrance to Yosemite national Park. Today via Facebook they allowed us to all know why this is occurring … Read more
With the closure of the Generals highway in Sequoia National Park for the summer of 2023, access to some of the worlds largest trees will be limited to summer travelers. Turning your attention North, to Yosemite and Calaveras big tree state park, might be the perfect vacation alternative is you are seeking the biggest trees … Read more
In a destination as timeless as Yosemite Mariposa County, it may seem on the surface that there wouldn’t be too much new to expect for returning visitors in 2023. But just like the landscape, Yosemite is ever-changing and always provides something new to experience. 2023 will bring a new glamping location and an old meets … Read more
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. But when is the best time to visit? While the answer to this question may vary depending on your preferences, there are a few key factors to consider when planning your trip . In this … Read more
As of 2024, the cashless fee system implemented at Lassen Volcanic National Park continues to streamline visitor experiences and support critical park projects. The transition to a fully digital payment system has proven successful in optimizing revenue management and enhancing visitor services. To adapt to the evolving technological landscape, Lassen Volcanic National Park has expanded … Read more
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Visitors in Spring / Summer 2023 Will Have Limited Access to Visitor Favorites Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park – June2, 2023 Update: The Generals Highway on the Kings Canyon Side (North Route0 is now open til the Giant Forest Museum. Access to Giant Forest / Wolverton Snowplay Area … Read more
Yosemite National Park – Public Notice – April 25-2023 – Yosemite National park today announced via its social channels that the Park in preparation of massive snow melt flood potential this week that Yosemite Valley will Close Friday until at least Wednesday May 3. Most of Yosemite Valley will close starting Friday, April 28, at … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – The National Park Service (NPS) will only accept credit or debit card payments for camping and entrance fees in Death Valley National Park starting June 1, 2023. Last year the park collected $22,000 in cash, which cost over $40,000 to process. Cash handling costs include an armored car contract to transport … Read more
Seqouia National Park – April 18. 2023 – Effective Friday, April 14, public access to the foothills of Sequoia National Park will be restored following massive flooding that caused major road damage last month. Access into the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park reopened last Friday, April 7. The area to be reopened … Read more
Leadership from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in partnership with Tulare County and Caltrans, hosted a public meeting in Three Rivers, CA last night, at which the parks shared their current estimated time frames for reopening various areas to the public. Roads and facilities in the parks have been badly damaged by the recent … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Park rangers were dispatched to Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park around 2:30 am on the morning of March 24, 2023 to look for a woman reported missing by her companions. The woman returned around 8:20 am after hiking to a road and hitchhiking. The group had hiked onto the … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Alice ‘Happy Days’ Diminy, a miner and entrepreneur, said it best: “There’s a thrill. You don’t know what lays ahead, but you see yourself rolling in wealth.” A new exhibit supported by The Fund for People in Parks and Death Valley Natural History Association in the Furnace Creek Visitor Center tells … Read more
Entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed due to impacts from flooding during recent and ongoing winter storms. Kings Canyon National ParkKings Canyon National Park is expected to remain closed to public access through March. Based on damage reports outside the park, public access into the park is not expected before the … Read more
Yosemite National Park – After weeks of closure from the onslaught of winter storms and snow damage in Yosemite Valley, the park will re-open today with limited access and services. Minimal public access will be restored starting March 18. Yosemite Valley will be open from sunrise to sunset starting Saturday, with very limited services available. … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park recently reopened Mud Canyon Road and Racetrack Road. Both roads were closed since August 2022 due to flash flood damage. Mud Canyon Road is a paved road that links the park to Beatty, Nevada. A contractor rebuilt destroyed sections of the road, under a project administered by … Read more
Park managers are now planning to close the Kings Canyon National Park entrance today, Thursday March 9, at 6 p.m. PST, in addition to the previously announced planned closure of the Sequoia National Park entrance at the same time. This is due to the forecasted atmospheric river storm, which is predicted to bring extremely heavy rain beginning tomorrow evening. These closures are being put … Read more
Encourages visits, in spite of no ‘superbloom’ DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park opens North Highway, continuing its digging out from last summer’s historic flash floods. However, those intense summer rains do not seem to be triggering a hoped-for ‘superbloom.’ North Highway reopens On Thursday afternoon, the National Park Service reopened North Highway. … Read more
2023 Dark Sky Festival was a success Largest attendance in thirteen-year history of the event DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Clear skies, telescopes, and engaging speakers combined for a stellar experience at this year’s Dark Sky Festival in Death Valley National Park. The programs had a total attendance of 5,568. Many people stayed for all three … Read more
A new winter storm will cause highway closures this week Sequoia National Park – February 21, 2023 – The Generals Highway is open to the Giant Forest and to Wuksachi Lodge. However, A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills from 4 PM PST Tuesday afternoon until 4 AM … Read more
Yosemite National Park – February 21, 2023 – Video surfaced on social media yesterday of an incredible scene of large boulders and debris falling from the face of El Cap in Yosemite National Park. Visitors on the video seem alert to the fact that the rock might fall before hand and were able to capture … Read more
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Hikes in Lassen Park Southwest Area Each Weekend in February and March Lassen Volcanic National Park – January 31, 2023 – This weekend kicks-off the annuals ranger lead snowshoe walks at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Join a ranger-led snowshoe hike now through March and explore the wild, red fir forest environment off-trail. A … Read more
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival is Feb. 10-12, 2023 DEATH VALLEY, CA – Mark your calendars! The annual Death Valley Dark Sky Festival will take place February 10-12, 2023. Explore the wonders of space from one of the darkest locations in the United States. Join scientists and park rangers to learn about the cosmos and how … Read more
