Tag Archives: national parks

California, National Parks, Outdoors

Veterans Day 2026: Free Admission to California’s National Parks

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The U.S. Army was protecting California’s national parks long before there was a National Park Service. This Veterans Day, those parks are opening their gates for free.

Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day, and the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at participating national parks and other National Park Service sites across the country. Here in California, that includes Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and the other parks that normally charge admission. It’s the final scheduled fee-free day of 2026, and a good excuse to spend the holiday outdoors.

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California, National Parks, Outdoors

California’s National Parks Offer Free Admission Tuesday, October 27

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit one of California’s national parks, Tuesday might be the day.

The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in celebration of Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday. The fee-free day applies to national parks and other National Park Service sites that normally charge admission throughout California and across the United States.

There’s one change this year. Free admission is limited to U.S. citizens and residents. International visitors must pay regular entrance fees and any applicable nonresident charges. Continue reading →

National Forests, National Parks

Welcome to National Public Lands Day!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Today is National Public Lands Day! Entry fees are waived in most of the national parks and national forests, so you won’t have to pay for day use areas – visitor centers, picnic areas, trailheads, etc.

You’ll still get o pay for concessions, camping, rentals, and other services. Check with your local national forest or park for specific information on the park you plan on visiting.

You can find out more about national parks, forests, wildernesses and other areas managed but the National Parks Service HERE.

Get outdoors and enjoy the day!

National Parks

FREE National Park Admission August 25!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Celebrate The 99th Birthday Of The National Park Service with a FREE visit to your national park on August 25th.

Yeah, it’s a tuesday. That means you’ll probably have a lot more room to stretch out your arms and see nature without having to sit in as much traffic as you would if you went to a national park on a weekend!

From the National Park Foundation:

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service, which preserves and protects 408 sites throughout the country. Each one, whether it’s a national park, a historic site or a national seashore, was established by a president or Congress to protect, preserve and share its national significance for future generations. Some parks commemorate notable people and achievements; others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders; and all provide a place to have fun and learn.

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National Parks

Zabriskie Point reopens a month ahead of schedule!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Zabriskie Point, which was closed on December 1, 2014 for repairs, has been reopened to the public – a full month ahead of schedule!

Thank you, contractors!

The site required major rehabilitation and reconstruction of rock retaining walls and to repave the trail.

Part of Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point is a popular sunrise and sunset viewing location. The area is famous for its beautiful and colorful eroded rock badlands. There’s a parking area just east of Furnace Creek off Highway 190, and there, it’s just a short uphill hike.

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