News

60 sheep now have GPS collars Researchers are looking at bighorn sheep in Death Valley National Park to study links between movement, genetics, and disease. Diseases pose one the largest threats to the survival of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). Bighorn sheep were exposed to new diseases when domestic sheep and goats were brought […]

The end of the year is upon us, and the week between Christmas and the new year is a popular time to visit the parks. Seasonal closures and the possibility of winter weather add complexity to this busy holiday period, and trip planning is important to ensure a positive experience.   Tire Chains and Cables  A

Statement on P-22 from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area The National Park Service joins our partners, friends, and community members here in Los Angeles, and around the world, in remembering mountain lion P-22. P-22 in front of the Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park (taken with remote camera). Steve Winter. On Dec. 17th, 2022, Mountain Lion

After receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has received a clear picture of the mountain lion P-22’s medical condition and overall health. He had several severe injuries and chronic health problems. Based on these factors, compassionate euthanasia under general anesthesia was unanimously recommended by the medical team at San

Join Arizona State Parks and Trails for a healthy beginning to 2023 Arizona State Parks and Trails is once again joining a national collaboration of all 50 state park systems to host guided “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day. The hikes are designed to get your year started outdoors and in some of Arizona’s

On December 3, 2022, a 54-year-old man was found dead after falling while canyoneering alone in Death Valley National Park.  Canyoneering is a sport that involves descending canyons by a combination of hiking, downclimbing, and rappelling. It is typically done as a group activity, due to the inherent risks. “We recommend that anyone going into

Birders and nature enthusiasts in the San Luis Valley will join birders across the western hemisphere to participate in Audubon’s longest-running wintertime tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC), held at Great Sand Dunes National Park on Friday, December 23 at 8:00 a.m. Birders of all skill levels are invited and encouraged to participate. To

The National Park Service will have five entrance fee-free days in 2023 that provide free admittance to all national parks for everyone. On these significant days of commemoration or celebration, and throughout the year, the National Park Service is committed to increasing access to national parks and promoting the advantages of outdoor recreation for public benefit and

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) have successfully tranquilized the mountain lion known as P-22 and transported him to a wild animal care facility for a full health evaluation. After an initial assessment by qualified veterinarians, the lion was deemed to be in stable condition and is undergoing additional veterinary evaluation.  On Thursday,

Free permits required for roadside camping and backpacking