My name is Cameron. I'm the creator of National Park Diaries, an educational YouTube channel dedicated to telling stories from National Parks, Public Lands, and Protected Areas of all kinds.

National Park Diaries

Everything you need to know about one of nature's great art shows.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in America. Situated between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Smokies are renowned for wildflowers, diverse animal and plant life, and striking mountainscapes. Originally the land of the Cherokee people, the park features numerous trails to explore, ranging from easy hikes to more challenging treks to popular waterfalls. For those who want a truly unique experience, guided horseback rides are also available. In addition to its natural beauty, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also home to a great collection of historic log buildings. These structures provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, and help to bring the park's rich history to

Great Smoky Mountains

Why Leaves Change Colors in the Fall

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

Yellowstone

Only One Park Ranger Has Ever Become President...

The story of the Lost 49ers and how Death Valley got its name.

Death Valley is a land of extremes. This below-sea-level basin is the hottest, driest and lowest park in America. Don't let the name fool you — Death Valley is teeming with life. This diverse landscape supports more than 900 plant species, many of which are only found in Death Valley. Spring brings a colorful wildflower bloom, while summer temperatures can surpass 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley is home to an array of wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes and golden eagles. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow, and the clear night skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities. Don't miss Artists Palette, Zabriskie Point and Badwater basin — the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Death Valley is truly a one-of-a-kind place.

Death Valley

How Death Valley Got Its Name

National Park Economic Output: $50 billion.
National Park Budget: $3 billion. 
Something doesn't add up...

The Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior building in Washington, DC, is the home office of the National Park Service.

National Park Service HQ

National Parks are Good for the Economy. So Why Don't We Fund Them?

The reintroduction of wolves has completely revitalized the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Here's how.

How Wolves Are Bringing Yellowstone Back to Life

A brief overview of how Government Shutdowns affect National Parks.

What Happens When National Parks Shut Down?

See how one of the largest dam removal projects in U.S. history is restoring thousands of acres of precious salmon habitat.

With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million acres, the park protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Come explore!

Olympic

Nature's Return: The Elwha Dam Removals

Find out how and why the endemic species of Hawaii are threatened with extinction.

Haleakala National Park is one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. Situated on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Haleakala is home to a dormant volcano, Haleakala, as well as endangered Hawaiian geese. The Leleiwi and Kalahaku overlooks offer stunning views of the West Maui Mountains, and the rugged trails in the Summit District pass by cinder cones and lava flows. In the coastal area of Kīpahulu, visitors can find the Pools of Ohe’o, a series of freshwater pools and waterfalls that are simply breathtaking. Haleakala National Park is a must-see for anyone lucky enough to visit Maui.

Haleakalā

Haleakala National Park Has an Endangered Species Problem

Zion Canyon used to have mountain lions. Then it didn't. But North Creek Canyon shows us what happens when these cats are allowed to leave their mark.

Follow the paths where native Paiute people and Mormon pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.

Zion NP

The Curious Case of Zion's Missing Mountain Lions

Yep, Yosemite National Park tried to HOST the OLYMPICS. Spoilers: they didn't win the bid. 

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.

Yosemite

That Time Yosemite Tried to Host the Olympics...

A brief explainer on why Denali appears so MASSIVE compared to everything else around it.

Denali National Park and Preserve is a pristine wilderness sanctuary that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Human habitation in the region dates back more than 11,000 years; the oldest site within park boundaries is the Teklanika River site, dated to about 7130 BC. Denali means "the high one" in the native Athabaskan language and refers to the mountain itself. Established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917, it was renamed in 1980. Today Denali draws millions of people every year to see North America's tallest peak. Spanning  six million acres, the park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Visitors can explore the park's vast expanses through a single road, experiencing the beauty of taiga forests, alpine tundra, and glaciers. 

Denali

Why Denali is So Tall

You can only drive your car 15 miles into Denali National Park (kind of). Here's why.

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