"We came here for small ranch operations, but guests and visitors became so numerous, at first wanting eggs, milk, and other provisions, then wanting lodging, and finally demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!"     - Abner Sprague In 1874, just 14 years after Joel Estes settled in what is now Estes Park, Abner Sprague began building a humble homestead in Moraine Park. Almost immediately he began hosting travelers at his cabin, thus establishing the first tourism business within the boundaries of the future n ..read more

Millions of people from across the country will hit the trail on Saturday, June 1, 2024, celebrating American Hiking Society’s 32nd annual National Trails Day®. This year is about celebrating the trails, giving back, and finding community in the outdoors. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses will partner at events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain, and clean up trails and public lands, collectively working together to build a world where everyone feels welcome an ..read more

George Bird Grinnell is widely regarded as a towering figure in the American conservation movement. Not only is he recognized as "The Father of Glacier National Park", but he's also recognized as "The Father of American Conservation". Born in 1849, Grinnell was an explorer, historian, anthropologist, naturalist, writer and founder of the Audubon Society. As editor of Forest and Stream he crusaded for more than a decade for more stringent protection of Yellowstone’s wildlife. He campaigned tirelessly to defend the fledgling park from commercialization, and specifically focused on protecting bi ..read more

Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public, weather permitting. Roads begin to open annually this time of year for the summer season. On Saturday, April 20, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week. Roads opening April 19: * West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction) * Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction) * Norris Junction to Canyon Village Additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting. The only ro ..read more

Did you know that Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park received its name as a result of a highly suspicious death? In the spring of 1890, John Dudley Sargent, along with his partner, Robert Ray Hamilton, began construction on Merymere Lodge, a 10-room cabin overlooking Jackson Lake north of Colter Bay. In August of that year, Robert, who happened to be the great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton, mysteriously went missing while hunting for antelope. Search parties were immediately organized with instructions to light a "signal" fire atop an isolated mountain east of Jackson Lake once he ..read more

During National Park Week, experience the beauty of natural surroundings, explore the country’s rich heritage, and engage your senses in all things national parks. The celebration begins with an entrance fee-free day on April 20 and continues through April 28. Pick a place and activity, keep a safe distance from any wild animals, and enjoy a full week of special events. “With countless options of things to do and see, there really is something for everyone in our country’s national parks,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “During National Park Week, and throughout the year, I e ..read more

The Cut Bank Chalets on the east side of Glacier National Park were one of nine backcountry chalet complexes built by the Great Northern Railway during the second decade of the 20th Century. Located near the present day Cut Bank Trailhead, the railway constructed four structures between 1911 and 1912, including an 18x80 foot dining hall/kitchen, two single room cabins, and a two-story six-room cabin with a lounge area. The chalets officially opened in 1913, and were able to accommodate up to 42 guests during its heyday. As a result of its location near the North Fork Cut Bank Creek, the rustic ..read more

The Moraine Park Loop is a great introductory hike for those that are new to Rocky Mountain National Park, looking for an easy hike, or looking for something at the lower elevations while acclimating to the altitude. The loop offers spectacular views of Snowdrift Peak and Stones Peak towering above the valley floor. You'll also stand a great chance of seeing elk along this route. Jeff HikinginGlacier.com TetonHikingTrails.com RockyMountainHikingTrails.com Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking) Exploring Glacier National Park Exploring Grand Teton National Park ..read more

Glacier National Park has announced plans for construction areas during the 2024 spring and summer season. Visitors are encouraged to plan and prepare for traffic delays. Park Headquarters In August a rehabilitation project of the park headquarters complex roads and parking lot will be taking place into the fall. Be aware of construction vehicles, workers and possible wait times if entering headquarters. Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation The west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road will undergo the last phase of construction work that began in May 2023. The last 2.8 miles of construction will ..read more

Located near The Pool in Rocky Mountain National Park is the former site of the Forest Inn. Established in 1917, the Forest Inn featured a lodge, dining room, lounge, and several cabins and tents throughout its lifespan. According to a 1934 park brochure, the Forest Inn "on Fern Lake Trail, offers board and lodging (tents) at prices from $3 to $4 a day and $15 to $20 a week. If you occupy a cabin, the charge is from $4 to $5 a day, and $20 to $25 a week. Single meals are $1 each. F. D. Tecker operates Forest Inn." The resort closed its doors in 1951, was sold to the National Park Service duri ..read more