Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park

Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. The park is home to much of the immense Grand Canyon; a mile (1.6 km) deep, and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide. Layered bands of colorful rock reveal millions of years of geologic history. Grand Canyon is unmatched in the vistas it offers visitors from the rim. Open 24 hours.

Lodging: South Rim & North Rim

Lodging for the 2021 Season will book up well in advance, Make reservations as far ahead as possible.

Camping: South Rim & North Rim

Considering a visit? South Rim has RV Trailer Village, Mather, and Desert View Campgrounds. The North Rim Campground is open for the season.

Weather and Road Conditions

Travelers can view current weather forecast, radar, infrared imagery and webcams. Also, road condition updates for North and South Rims.

Trip Planning Maps & Publications

Download and read our Trip Planner before you visit the park. Contains useful information and essential maps for both North and South Rims.

Shop Online for Books and Gifts

Your purchase supports the park. 0perated by non-profit partner Grand Canyon Conservancy,

Free South Rim Shuttle Buses

Four South Rim shuttle bus routes are in operation this summer. Face mask/coverings are required before boarding.

What’s Open?

Links to current hours of operation for lodges, restaurants, shops, and other services offered within the park.

Critical Backcountry Updates

In the event of Trail Closures and Restrictions, you can call 928-638-7688 for recorded updates.

Ranger Programs & Virtual Tours

Check at information tables for availability of Ranger Programs. Or take a Grand Canyon Virtual Tour. 7/17/2021

Cabrillo

Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. Join us and embark on your own Voyage of Exploration.

Low Tide in the Tidepools

Low tide in the tidepools at Cabrillo

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse with Spring Wildflowers

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

Learn about the history and discoveries of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

John Muir

Fruit Rancher, Family Man, Writer…Father of the National Park Service!

John Muir played many roles in his life, all of which helped him succeed in his role as an advocate for Nature. As America’s most famous naturalist and conservationist, Muir fought to protect the wild places he loved, places we can still visit today. Muir’s writings convinced the U.S. government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as national parks.

Planning Your Visit

John Muir worked, raised a family and wrote in his Martinez, California home.

Who Was John Muir?

Learn more about John Muir, his family and his closest friends.

John Muir’s influence

Nature and Conservation. Places of importance in John Muir’s life.

Things to Do!

Click here to learn about the ways you can enjoy the John Muir National Historic Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Documentary: A Glorious Journey

Can’t make it to the park? Watch the official park film, shown in our digital theater, about the life of John Muir.

Bookstore and Gift Shop

The bookstore and gift shop at the John Muir National Historic Site.

Top Ten Summer Tips for Visiting

Get the most out of your summer visit.

Animals

John Muir National Historic Site acts as a haven of natural habitat for many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Plants

Explore unique plant communities, native and rare plants, and invasive plants found at John Muir National Historic Site.

Natural Features & Ecosystems

Learn about the living and non-living factors that shape park’s environment, including climate, geology, and various ecosystems.

Climate Change

Climate change is already affecting plants and wildlife. Learn more about what we know about climate change, and what we can do.

Species Lists

Create your own species list for plants and animals found at John Muir.

Inventory & Monitoring Research

Dig into natural resource data collected by Inventory & Monitoring scientists at John Muir National Historic Site.

The Martinez Adobe at the John Muir NHS

The Martinez Adobe, an historic home and exhibit, is part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

Inventor John Muir

Muir was also an inventor of unusual things.

Nature

Learn more about the nature experience in our park. From wildlife to native plants.

Devils Postpile

A Geologic Wonder

Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Its’ columns tower up to 60 feet and display a striking symmetry.

Plan Your Visit

Information to help you plan your adventure at Devils Postpile National Monument

Pets in the Monument

Prepare for bringing your pet to Devils Postpile National Monument

Getting Around

Find information on how to get to Devils Postpile National Monument, vehicle limitations, and public transportation.

Air Quality at the Monument

Learn what Devils Postpile staff is doing to monitor air quality at the monument

Yosemite

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Plan Your Adventure and Explore Yosemite

What is there to do in Yosemite? This common question is a difficult one to answer… because there are so many options.

What’s different about visiting in 2021?

Learn more about changes to operations in Yosemite this year.

Recreate Responsibly

Join the #Recreate Responsibly movement to protect America’s treasures while looking out for each other’s health and safety

Current Park Conditions

Learn more about current conditions in Yosemite such as roads, trails, campgrounds, fire, rivers and waterfalls, snowpack, etc.

Visiting Yosemite in Fall

If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite in fall, plan ahead for what’s open and what to expect during this variable time of year.

Camping

Camping is extremely popular in Yosemite. Plan ahead and figure out what options you have for this enjoyable activity.

Lodging

Looking for lodging? Learn more about our popular overnight accommodations.

Applying for a Wilderness Permit

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight hikes. Learn how and when to apply for a permit.

Applying for a Half Dome Permit

Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week when the cables are up and are distributed by lottery.

Things to Do

Find activities that fit into your Yosemite adventure!

Places to Go

So many places to go and so little time! Learn more about all the areas and attractions in Yosemite.

Stay Connected to Yosemite from Home!

Stay connected to Yosemite through live programs on social media, park videos, webcams, art, and online learning options.

Tule Lake Monument

Welcome to the Tule Lake Monument

The Tule Lake National Monument includes both the the Tule Lake Segregation Center, the largest and most controversial of the sites where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II, and Camp Tulelake, which was first a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, then an additional facility to detain Japanese Americans, and finally a prisoner of war camp.

Tule Lake Segregation Center

Converted to a high-security Segregation Center in 1943, Tule Lake became the largest of the 10 War Relocation Authority (WRA) camps.

Camp Tulelake

Camp Tulelake, a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp, later housed Japanese Americans in 1943 and German POWs from 1944-1946

Plan Your Visit

Rangers staff the visitor center Thursday through Monday from 9 am – 5 pm. The museum is open Tuesday & Wednesdays from 9am – 4pm.

Publications

Learn more about Tule Lake National Monument and WWII by looking through our publications

Sequoia and Kings Canyon

A Land of Giants

Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Our ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable.

KNP Complex Fires Information on InciWeb

Learn more about the status of the KNP Complex fires (Colony and Paradise fires) in Sequoia National Park.

Current Conditions

Check this page for seasonal updates and details about what to expect, including information about wildfire closures.

AirNow Fire and Smoke Map

Check AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map of the area for current updates on air quality conditions.

FAQs-KNP Complex Fires

Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the current KNP Complex fires, and related facilities and service closures.

Explore Sequoia Groves

Whether you see them from your car or hike to a remote grove, giant sequoias inspire awe and wonder.

Giant Sequoias

Learn more about these magnificent trees, and the important role of fire in giant sequoia ecosystems.

Giant Sequoias and Fire

Learn more about the role fire plays in giant sequoia groves.

Plan Your Visit

Looking for tips to help plan your trip? Start here for information about camping, lodging, driving, and more.

Store Food to Protect Wildlife

Bears are active day and night. When camping or picnicking, all food, trash, and any item with a scent must be stored in food-storage boxes.

Air Quality

Ozone and other air pollutants are common here. Learn more-view our air-quality index forecast.

Campgrounds

Check here for details to help you plan your camping trip.

Backpacking

Learn more about backpacking in these parks. Wilderness awaits!

Lodging

Four lodges operate within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, including two that are open year-round.

Watching Wildlife

Keep yourself and park animals safe with these tips for watching wildlife.

General Safety

Whether you trek into wilderness or stay close to your car, review tips on staying safe in these parks.

Day Hiking

Get out and explore! Wander through sequoia groves, look deep into wilderness, or experience wildlife.

Santa Monica Mountains

Visit the Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center to stand under a traditional Chumash ‘ap and walk through a native plant garden.

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Escape Los Angeles’ urban jungle to find truly wild places.
Enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate, one of 5 such rare places in the world.
Witness movie history at the still-operating film set at Paramount Ranch.
Marvel at the Milky Way at night.
Climb a mountain, soak your feet in the Pacific Ocean, and eat a fish taco…all before noon.
Step back in time and discover what Southern California looked like before major urban development.
Learn how Native American communities lived in the mountains for over 10,000 years.
Explore the more than 500 miles of trails available for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
See wildlife like bobcats, quail, coyotes, dolphins, and maybe even the elusive mountain lion.
Did we mention our perfect weather and year-round recreation?

Ready to start planning your trip? Check out our Things to Do and Places to Go section of website for a taste of what to expect during your visit. Even though we’re close to Los Angeles, many locations within the park are surprisingly wild and remote; the more you know ahead of time, the more you’ll have fun and stay safe. While many of our visitors head straight to their favorite beach or trailhead, you’re always welcome to stop by one of the visitor centers to chat with a friendly park ranger to aid in your trip planning.

This park is also unique in that we jointly manage many locations with partners, like California State Parks and the Mountains, Recreation and Conservation Authority. It takes a village to protect a place like the Santa Monica Mountains, and even though we sometimes have different rules and regulations, we’re all eager to share these special places with the public.

Redwood

So Much More Than the Tallest Trees

Most people know Redwood as home to the tallest trees on Earth. But the Parks also protect vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. People have lived in this verdant landscape since time immemorial. Together, the National Park Service and California State Parks are managing and restoring these lands for the inspiration, enjoyment, and education of all.

Park Operations During COVID-19

Find out what’s open during the pandemic and what to expect here.

Plan Like A Park Ranger

Check out our Top Ten Tips for a great Redwood experience.

Things To Do

Discover different ways you can experience the Parks.

Current Conditions

Learn about today’s closures, delays, trail information, and what is blooming.

Find A Place To Sleep

Choose from the Parks’ four developed campgrounds or seven backcountry campsites.

Pets in the Parks

Leashed pets can join you at Redwood—in designated places only.

Fire is a Part of California

Before you visit find out about air quality, wildfires in the area, and learn about our prescribed fires.

Apply for a Permit

Tall Trees Grove, back country camping, special events, commercial filming.

Pony Express

Long Distance Communication

It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph. Read More

Planning a Trail Visit

Do you want to experience the trail? Learn more about where you can go, historic sites you can visit and more!

Where is this National Historic Trail?

Take a look at interactive, historic, and trip planning maps to learn more about locations along the trail.

What is an National Historic Trail?

Many folks wonder what a national historic trail actually is. Hear from trail staff about how we define these important parts of history.

Explore Digitally

View trail photo galleries, connect on social media, explore deeper on mobile apps, watch videos, and check out other digital media!

2021 NPEA Re-ride

The Re-Ride is Coming Soon on June 16th–26th 2021 from California to Missouri!

A Brief History

More than 1,800 miles in 10 days! From St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California the Pony Express could deliver a letter faster than ever before.
In operation for only 18 months between April 1860 and October 1861, the Pony Express nevertheless has become synonymous with the Old West. In the era before electronic communication, the Pony Express was the thread that tied East to West.

As a result of the 1849 Gold Rush, the 1847 Mormon exodus to Utah and the thousands who moved west on the Oregon Trail starting in the 1840s, the need for a fast mail service beyond the Rocky Mountains became obvious. This need was partially filled by outfits such as the Butterfield Overland Mail Service starting in 1857 and private carriers in following years.

But when postmaster general Joseph Holt scaled back overland mail service to California and the central region of the country in 1858, an even greater need for mail arose. The creation of the Leavenworth & Pike’s Peak Express Company by William H. Russell, Alexander Majors and William B. Waddell became the answer. It was later known as the Pony Express.