https://american-parks.com/en/news/ On-the-ground news from all 62 parks, advice for traveling to the USA, deals and the American Parks magazine. en Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:59:16 +0000 https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/s-wolf-pups-have-a-rough-year-again-but-the-population/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/s-wolf-pups-have-a-rough-year-again-but-the-population/ Yellowstone's wolves produced few pups again in 2026, according to the Jackson Hole News&Guide, but the overall population remains stable. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:59:16 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Yellowstone Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/rocky-mountain/2026/10/trail-ridge-road-closed-at-rainbow-curve-and-milner/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/rocky-mountain/2026/10/trail-ridge-road-closed-at-rainbow-curve-and-milner/ Snow and ice have shut down Trail Ridge Road at two points in Rocky Mountain. Here's what it means for your visit. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:51:12 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Rocky Mountain Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/sequoia-kings-canyon/2026/10/mineral-king-road-construction-closures-and/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/sequoia-kings-canyon/2026/10/mineral-king-road-construction-closures-and/ Daytime closures and traffic delays are hitting Mineral King Road right now. Plan ahead for your trip into this remote corner of Sequoia. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:47:37 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Sequoia & Kings Canyon Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/mountains-cherokee-orchard-road-closed-to-pedestrians-over/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/mountains-cherokee-orchard-road-closed-to-pedestrians-over/ Bears are active along Cherokee Orchard Road, so foot access is closed and you can only drive through until further notice. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:41:09 +0000 David Sanchez Great Smoky Mountains Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/grand-canyon/2026/10/the-north-rim-shifts-to-fall-operations-october/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/grand-canyon/2026/10/the-north-rim-shifts-to-fall-operations-october/ Updated: Cape Royal and Point Imperial Closed Through November 3. Grand Canyon's North Rim has shifted to fall operations. Cape Royal and Point Imperial roads are closed through November 3, with no fuel or service in the park. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:58:44 +00002026-10-14T05:38:14+02:00 Jocelyn Pion Grand Canyon Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/yosemite-dome-fire-still-active-in-the-north-of-the-park/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/yosemite-dome-fire-still-active-in-the-north-of-the-park/ Updated: Dome Fire: Containment Reaches 86%. Dome Fire containment reaches 86% and its perimeter has held steady for several days. Fire activity stays minimal, limited to interior pockets of heat. Sat, 19 Sep 2026 03:32:22 +00002026-10-14T05:35:07+02:00 Jocelyn Pion Yosemite Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/joshua-tree/2026/10/geology-tour-road-closed-after-heavy-rain/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/joshua-tree/2026/10/geology-tour-road-closed-after-heavy-rain/ Heavy rain flooded Joshua Tree's Geology Tour Road, which is now closed. Use caution on the rest of the park's roads. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 03:36:05 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Joshua Tree Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/mountains-closes-newfound-gap-road-ahead-of-hurricane/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/mountains-closes-newfound-gap-road-ahead-of-hurricane/ Updated: Helicopter Airlift at LeConte Lodge: Services Closed Through October 12. From October 6 to 12, 2026, LeConte Lodge suspends services during the 9 a.m. to noon airlift windows, with brief holds on the Mount Le Conte trails. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 03:39:13 +00002026-10-13T05:33:21+02:00 David Sanchez Great Smoky Mountains Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/joshua-tree/2026/10/part-of-the-westside-loop-trail-closed-for-repairs/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/joshua-tree/2026/10/part-of-the-westside-loop-trail-closed-for-repairs/ Part of the Westside Loop Trail, in the Black Rock area of Joshua Tree, is closed for repairs. Here's what to know before you go. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:56:47 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Joshua Tree Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/death-valley/2026/10/flash-flood-watch-in-effect-use-caution-on-the-roads/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/death-valley/2026/10/flash-flood-watch-in-effect-use-caution-on-the-roads/ A flood watch is in effect for Death Valley as tropical moisture threatens flash floods. Check road conditions before you head out. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:51:52 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Death Valley Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/gates-of-the-arctic/2026/10/winter-storm-hits-gates-of-the-arctic-travel/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/gates-of-the-arctic/2026/10/winter-storm-hits-gates-of-the-arctic-travel/ The National Weather Service placed the southern Central Brooks Range under a winter storm warning for the night of October 10 to 11, 2026. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:47:25 +0000 Erika Müller Gates Of The Arctic Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/kolob-canyons-road-closed-beyond-south-fork-after-rockfall/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/kolob-canyons-road-closed-beyond-south-fork-after-rockfall/ A rockfall has closed the Kolob Canyons scenic drive beyond the South Fork Trailhead until further notice. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:43:37 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Zion Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/shenandoah/2026/10/power-outages-at-big-meadows-after-isaias/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/shenandoah/2026/10/power-outages-at-big-meadows-after-isaias/ Power outages are hitting Big Meadows and trees may block the road, so use caution in the park right now. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:39:40 +0000 David Sanchez Shenandoah Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/balsam-mountain-campground-is-closed-in-great-smoky/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/balsam-mountain-campground-is-closed-in-great-smoky/ Balsam Mountain Campground, high up in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is closed for now. Here's what that means for your trip. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:35:58 +0000 David Sanchez Great Smoky Mountains Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/the-narrows-and-all-slot-canyons-closed-over-flash-flood-risk/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/the-narrows-and-all-slot-canyons-closed-over-flash-flood-risk/ Updated: Official Flash Flood Warning Issued by the NWS. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for Kane and Washington counties; the Narrows and all the park's slot canyons remain closed. Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:37:16 +00002026-10-12T05:35:22+02:00 Jocelyn Pion Zion Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/death-valley/2026/10/guided-exterior-tours-return-to-scotty-s-castle/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/death-valley/2026/10/guided-exterior-tours-return-to-scotty-s-castle/ Updated: Tickets now on dvnha.org, full reopening not before 2028. Tours of Scotty's Castle stay limited to the exterior on guided visits; a full reopening, interiors included, isn't expected before November 2028 at the earliest. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:54:30 +00002026-10-11T05:34:23+02:00 Jocelyn Pion Death Valley Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/north-cascades/2026/10/prescribed-burns-planned-this-fall-in-two-recreation/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/north-cascades/2026/10/prescribed-burns-planned-this-fall-in-two-recreation/ Prescribed pile burns are planned at Ross Lake and Lake Chelan in October and November, weather and staffing permitting. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 04:04:18 +0000 Victoria Boissonade North Cascades Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/congaree/2026/10/harry-hampton-visitor-center-closed-monday-october/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/congaree/2026/10/harry-hampton-visitor-center-closed-monday-october/ Congaree's Harry Hampton Visitor Center closes for a Monday holiday, so line up your practical info before you arrive. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 03:59:09 +0000 David Sanchez Congaree Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/mountains-closures-underway-as-hurricane-isaias-approaches/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/mountains-closures-underway-as-hurricane-isaias-approaches/ A storm is closing in on Great Smoky Mountains, with Newfound Gap Road and a campground shutting down and high winds expected through Sunday morning. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 03:46:13 +0000 David Sanchez Great Smoky Mountains Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/reopens-the-zion-mt-carmel-highway-oct-9-after-a-rockfall/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/reopens-the-zion-mt-carmel-highway-oct-9-after-a-rockfall/ The scenic Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, closed since Sept. 30 after a rockfall, reopens to visitor traffic on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 03:42:51 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Zion Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/the-scenic-route-to-the-east-entrance-is-closed-until-further/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/zion/2026/10/the-scenic-route-to-the-east-entrance-is-closed-until-further/ Updated: Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway: full reopening October 9 at 9 a.m.. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway reopens in full October 9 at 9 a.m., per KSL. The US-89 detour is no longer needed, though some sections stay temporary gravel. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:51:26 +00002026-10-10T05:38:10+02:00 Jocelyn Pion Zion Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/glacier-going-to-the-sun-road-closed-on-its-alpine-section/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/glacier-going-to-the-sun-road-closed-on-its-alpine-section/ Updated: Avalanche to Jackson Glacier Overlook Closes Friday Evening. The alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road is temporarily closing between Avalanche and Jackson Glacier Overlook, ahead of the rain and snow forecast this weekend. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 03:48:40 +00002026-10-10T05:32:22+02:00 Victoria Boissonade Glacier Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/logs-868-450-visits-in-september-2026-as-roads-close-soon/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/logs-868-450-visits-in-september-2026-as-roads-close-soon/ In September 2026, Yellowstone logged 868,450 visits, up 3% year over year, and most of its roads close on November 1. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:12:41 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Yellowstone Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/arches/2026/10/now-offers-all-terrain-wheelchairs-for-its-trails/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/arches/2026/10/now-offers-all-terrain-wheelchairs-for-its-trails/ Starting October 8, 2026, five Utah parks including Arches now lend all-terrain wheelchairs to visitors with mobility needs. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:08:13 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Arches Zion Bryce Canyon Capitol Reef Canyonlands Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/grand-canyon/2026/10/north-rim-redesign-opens-for-public-comment/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/grand-canyon/2026/10/north-rim-redesign-opens-for-public-comment/ The NPS is putting three North Rim redevelopment concepts up for public comment, with meetings set for mid-October 2026, according to ksl.com. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:03:53 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Grand Canyon Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/badlands/2026/10/fire-weather-alert-take-care-if-you-re-visiting-the-park/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/badlands/2026/10/fire-weather-alert-take-care-if-you-re-visiting-the-park/ The National Weather Service has placed the Badlands area under a Red Flag Warning, with high fire risk starting October 9. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:48:02 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Badlands Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/olympic/2026/10/no-drinkable-water-in-the-hoh-rainforest-pack-your-own/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/olympic/2026/10/no-drinkable-water-in-the-hoh-rainforest-pack-your-own/ In Olympic's Hoh area, the tap water is no longer safe to drink as is, so plan to arrive with your own supply. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:42:19 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Olympic Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/mount-rainier/2026/10/nisqually-entrance-closed-overnight-for-sr-706-work/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/mount-rainier/2026/10/nisqually-entrance-closed-overnight-for-sr-706-work/ Mount Rainier's Nisqually Entrance closes for one night to fix SR 706. Use the Stevens Canyon Entrance and SR 123 on the east side instead. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:37:48 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Mount Rainier Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/the-beartooth-highway-closes-ahead-of-winter/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/the-beartooth-highway-closes-ahead-of-winter/ US-212 between Red Lodge and Cooke City closes temporarily before the snow, then shuts for the season on October 12. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:34:12 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Yellowstone Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/three-roads-close-after-oct-12-main-entrances-open-through/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/yellowstone/2026/10/three-roads-close-after-oct-12-main-entrances-open-through/ Starting October 12, Dunraven Pass, the Beartooth Highway, and the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway close; the West, East, and South entrances stay open through October 31. Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:55:40 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Yellowstone Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/hawai-i-volcanoes/2026/10/kilauea-on-alert-two-crater-trails-closed-at-hawaii/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/hawai-i-volcanoes/2026/10/kilauea-on-alert-two-crater-trails-closed-at-hawaii/ The Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge are closed over rockfall risk tied to the volcano's activity. Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:49:23 +0000 Erika Müller Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/new-river-gorge/2026/10/train-derailment-at-thurmond-disrupts-part-of-the-park/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/new-river-gorge/2026/10/train-derailment-at-thurmond-disrupts-part-of-the-park/ At New River Gorge, a train derailment near Thurmond is disrupting access to the area during cleanup, expected to run through Friday, October 10. Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:43:43 +0000 David Sanchez New River Gorge Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/hawai-i-volcanoes/2026/10/hawaii-volcanoes-closes-two-kilauea-summit-trails/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/hawai-i-volcanoes/2026/10/hawaii-volcanoes-closes-two-kilauea-summit-trails/ As of October 7, 2026, the park is closing Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail, 1.3 miles in all, for safety. Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:37:23 +0000 Erika Müller Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/sequoia-kings-canyon/2026/10/prescribed-burn-at-grant-grove-what-it-means-for/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/sequoia-kings-canyon/2026/10/prescribed-burn-at-grant-grove-what-it-means-for/ Starting October 13, the National Park Service is running a prescribed burn across 521 acres at Grant Grove near the General Grant Tree, with smoke and possible access limits for visitors. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 03:30:43 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Sequoia & Kings Canyon Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/u-s-motels/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/u-s-motels/ Chain motels, NPS campgrounds on recreation.gov, free BLM dispersed camping, and gateway towns: options and 2026 prices for planning your nights. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:49:13 +0000 David Sanchez Deals & savings https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/how-much-to-budget-for-a-trip-to-the-usa/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/how-much-to-budget-for-a-trip-to-the-usa/ Flights, cars, lodging, meals, park passes: itemized ranges and three sample budgets for two people traveling 15 or 21 days, based on October 2026 data. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:11:11 +0000 Erika Müller Deals & savings https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/two-ginseng-poachers-caught-in-the-park/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/two-ginseng-poachers-caught-in-the-park/ Two suspects arrested for illegally harvesting 688 wild ginseng roots in Great Smoky Mountains NP. Collecting plants is illegal: fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:15:00 +0000 David Sanchez Great Smoky Mountains Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/death-valley-saline-valley-warm-springs-campground-partially-reopens/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/death-valley-saline-valley-warm-springs-campground-partially-reopens/ Updated: More than half of campground reopens, fire cause confirmed. More than half of Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground has reopened after the September 15 fire, but the burned Lower Springs area stays closed. Sun, 20 Sep 2026 03:36:26 +00002026-10-06T14:00:00+02:00 Jocelyn Pion Death Valley Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/grand-teton/2026/10/road-work-near-moran-in-grand-teton-expect-delays/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/grand-teton/2026/10/road-work-near-moran-in-grand-teton-expect-delays/ The National Park Service is starting road work near Moran in Grand Teton to fight Snake River erosion, so plan for delays beginning October 2026. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 03:47:44 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Grand Teton Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/north-cascades/2026/10/cascade-river-road-closes-to-vehicles-starting-october/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/north-cascades/2026/10/cascade-river-road-closes-to-vehicles-starting-october/ Starting October 13, Cascade River Road is closed to vehicles at milepost 20 for road maintenance work. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 03:38:04 +0000 Victoria Boissonade North Cascades Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/grand-canyon-water-expected-back-on-the-south-rim-by-mid-november/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/grand-canyon-water-expected-back-on-the-south-rim-by-mid-november/ Updated: Water deliveries begin, Level 4 restrictions still in place. The first water deliveries have begun, but Level 4 restrictions stay in effect; service for residents is now targeted for Thanksgiving, November 26. Sun, 20 Sep 2026 03:31:25 +00002026-10-06T05:37:47+02:00 Jocelyn Pion Grand Canyon Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/magazine/national-parks-in-france-and-the-united/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/magazine/national-parks-in-france-and-the-united/ France's 11 national parks and the NPS's 63: inhabited zones versus wilderness, free entry versus passes, and which French park speaks to Western travelers. Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:59:17 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Magazine https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/death-valley/2026/10/extreme-heat-warning-october-4-to-9-2026/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/death-valley/2026/10/extreme-heat-warning-october-4-to-9-2026/ An Extreme Heat Warning covers the low-lying areas of Death Valley through October 9: up to 110°F by day, 85°F at night. Here's how to plan. Mon, 05 Oct 2026 03:36:27 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Death Valley Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/leconte-lodge-morning-closures-october-6-9-for-helicopter/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/great-smoky/2026/10/leconte-lodge-morning-closures-october-6-9-for-helicopter/ From October 6 to 9, 2026, LeConte Lodge and its services close each morning from 9 a.m. to noon, though the summit trails stay open. Mon, 05 Oct 2026 03:32:47 +0000 David Sanchez Great Smoky Mountains Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/what-to-do-in-miami/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/what-to-do-in-miami/ South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana, and three national parks near Miami: our practical guide to visiting in 3, 5, or 7 days. Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:11:07 +0000 Erika Müller Deals & savings https://american-parks.com/en/news/traveling-to-the-usa/travel-insurance-for-the-united-states/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/traveling-to-the-usa/travel-insurance-for-the-united-states/ A U.S. hospital stay can cost $11,000 to $29,000. Learn what your credit card really covers, what limit to choose, and why national parks require extra protection. Sun, 04 Oct 2026 21:05:24 +0000 Erika Müller Traveling to the USA https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/cuyahoga-valley/2026/10/parking-lots-closing-in-rotation-october/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/cuyahoga-valley/2026/10/parking-lots-closing-in-rotation-october/ Several Cuyahoga Valley parking lots will close for a few hours each for maintenance between October 5 and 16. Here's where and when. Sun, 04 Oct 2026 03:33:10 +0000 David Sanchez Cuyahoga Valley Park news https://american-parks.com/en/news/magazine/deserts-and-canyons-in-france/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/magazine/deserts-and-canyons-in-france/ Verdon Gorge, the Provençal Colorado, and the Dune du Pilat: seven French landscapes compared with their American counterparts, with facts, access, and seasons. Sat, 03 Oct 2026 22:13:54 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Magazine https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/what-to-do-in-san-francisco/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/deals/what-to-do-in-san-francisco/ Golden Gate, Alcatraz (book early), cable cars, Mission, and Haight: three days covering SF essentials, then Muir Woods, Yosemite, and Pinnacles. Sat, 03 Oct 2026 21:05:30 +0000 Jocelyn Pion Deals & savings https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/glacier/2026/10/a-scenic-aerial-tramway-in-the-works-at-glacier-s-doorstep/ https://american-parks.com/en/news/parks/glacier/2026/10/a-scenic-aerial-tramway-in-the-works-at-glacier-s-doorstep/ A scenic aerial tramway near Glacier is under review by the U.S. Forest Service. Here's what we know so far, according to Morningstar. Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:58:14 +0000 Victoria Boissonade Glacier Park news