r/nationalparks

Quick US action: Ask Congress to block border construction in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and the Big Bend region

Find your members of Congress at https://www.270towin.com/elected-officials/

Please copy, paste, send the message below to your members of Congress.

Subject: Please oppose border construction in Big Bend region

Dear {Senator/Representative Name},

I am writing to urge you to oppose border construction in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park and surrounding region.

These protected lands represent over one million acres of irreplaceable public landscapes, including critical wildlife habitat and stretches of the Rio Grande designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Border construction in this region would damage ecosystems and impact public access to treasured recreation areas.

The economic consequences would also be severe. Big Bend National Park alone supports a thriving rural tourism economy, generating tens of millions of dollars annually for nearby communities. Local businesses, outfitters, and residents have made clear that construction would threaten their livelihoods.

Importantly, the Big Bend Sector represents a very isolated and rugged portion of border activity and many law enforcement officials have repeatedly stated that effective security can be achieved through technology and personnel.

I respectfully ask you to protect this nationally significant landscape for future generations.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{Your Name}

Hi all, my husband and I are going to Alaska for our honeymoon to cross off Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk (specifically these 2 parks that are notoriously difficult and expensive)... anyone have an itinerary or guide on a way to accomplish all 8 parks or maybe at least 4 or 5 of the parks, if we fly around to other parts of Alaska? Money is not an issue for this trip, but ideally 10-14 days.

We visited Yosemite this year, and happened to book a really cozy Airbnb that was within the park limits. Comparing the trip to other park visits where we stayed outside the park, we realized what difference it made - didn't have to wait in an entry line every morning to get in, mainly, plus not having to pay entry fees on a daily basis.

I don't think I've seen Airbnbs within park boundaries anywhere else - have been to 7 or 8 other NPs at this point. Obviously there are hotels in many of the parks. But are Airbnbs within park limits a possibility elsewhere or was this a one time thing?

Hi all!

Two Brits here planning a road trip from Rocky Mountain National Park to Las Vegas in late September/early October, and we’d love some input from people who know the area well or have completed something similar. Our flights are booked, and the first part of our trip is already set — we’ll be watching some sport in Denver and visiting family in Laramie, Wyoming. So the actual road trip starts from Laramie a few days into our time in the States.

We’re not big hikers, but we do enjoy shorter, non‑strenuous hikes and scenic stops. We’re mainly looking for advice on:

Whether any of the parks below deserve extra time

Good places to stop on the driving days (since most drives aren’t very long)

Easy hikes or viewpoints along the way

Essentially anything we shouldn’t miss!

Our rough itinerary:

Day 1: Leave Laramie → Rocky Mountain NP

Day 2: Explore Rocky Mountain NP

Day 3: Drive RMNP → Moab

Day 4: Arches NP

Day 5: Canyonlands NP

Day 6: Drive to Capitol Reef

Day 7: Capitol Reef NP

Day 8: Drive to Bryce

Day 9: Bryce Canyon NP

Day 10: Drive to Zion

Day 11: Zion NP

Day 12: Zion NP

Day 13: Drive to Las Vegas

Day 14: Fly home to London

Any suggestions welcome! We’re buzzing for this trip and want to make the most of it!

My wife and I are going to Shenandoah national park in early October and looking for recommendations. We're driving from Philadelphia and will have two days. Appreciate any suggestions for hikes, food, drink, lodging.