The National Park Reservations blog is your source for all the latest information regarding all of America's favorite National Parks.

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August 2007
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August 29, 2007

Celebrate at Magical Tenaya Lodge

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 4:01 pm

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At Tenaya Lodge has the ideal setting for the Wedding Day you’ve always imagined. Whether you’re planning a wedding in the heart of Yosemite or at one of our many on-site locations, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking beauty fitting for any enchanted couple. 

The staff at the Tenaya will work with you to make sure your day goes as planned. The Tenaya can accommodate requests of all sizes to ensure that your day not only meets but also exceeds your expectations. Offering numerous wedding and reception locations throughout the property and within Yosemite National Park makes the Tenaya your ideal wedding day choice. From the elegant ballroom with stunning views of the forest to an outdoor pavilion set against a starlit sky, everything you need for a wedding like no other is found at Tenaya Lodge.

If your guests want to come a few days early or stay an extra week there is plenty to do! One guest recently raved: “My family spent a week at Tenaya and had the time of our lives. The lodge was full of activities and helpful advice. We have great memories and pictures from the Yosemite National Park.  The Tenaya Lodge is near everything we wanted to do. We rafted, went horseback riding, rode the train and went to Bass Lake. We will be back!”

Call National Park Reservations today to start you wedding plans on the right foot!

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August 28, 2007

New Yosemite Property

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 9:31 pm

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 by Astrid Sieger

 

We’re still adding new properties to our already solid list of options in Yosemite National Park.  This week we are proud to add The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort. The Yosemite Bug offers a vintage 1970’s spa facility that serves guests until the main health spa opens soon. An outdoor hot tub, hand made hot rock sauna and cold plunge with massage make this a relaxing stay; schedule in a yoga class to complete your dream vacation. 

 

The Yosemite Bug also offers Summer Bug Bus Yosemite Tours, cabin style rooms and a great location for all your summer recreation desires!  Check out our Yosemite Bug Resort page today and call to make your reservations for this one of a kind Yosemite lodging site.

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August 27, 2007

A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 4:46 pm

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by Astrid Sieger

I went canoeing this weekend. It was amazingly beautiful.  Much of the smoky air has cleared and we enjoyed a blue-bird day floating the North Fork River.  The air was warm with cool breezes perfect for a day of paddling.  As I looked down into the clear water I noticed just how many different colors of rocks were down at the bottom of the river - tan, white, cream, reddish brown…so many hues to tantalized my vision.  

Canoeing is a fun, relaxing activity.  When rafting you’re going fast and hitting exciting rapids; whereas when you’re canoeing the idea is to relax and enjoy the scenery.  In a canoe you can travel as fast or as slow as you want.  We went slow, taking time out along the river bench for a lunchtime break.  We also had some fun in a shallow rapid, taking turns running the rapid and practicing tricks.  

At night we made camp near a reservoir.  We played cards and cooked up a “mess” of spaghetti.  Canoeing was a prefect weekend getaway.

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August 22, 2007

F3: Fun For Fall

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 6:22 pm

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Fall is a terrific time to vacation at a national park.  The weather is cool and there it is less populated with people.  Additionally you’ll get to see some spectacular fall foilage.  Check out lodging at the following parks for either a romantic weekend getaway or weeklong family vacation:

Badlands National Park, South Dakota: bison, bighorn sheep, elk.

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/badlands.htm

 

Olympic National Park, Washington: black bear, elk.

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/olympic.htm

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars.

 http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/rockymountain.htm

 

Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Mountains near Luray, Va.: black bear, white-tailed deer.

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/shenandoah.htm

 

Yosemite National Park, California: mule deer, black bear.

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/yosemite.htm

 

Listed here also are the wildlife that can be viewed during the cooler months of autumn.  I would suggest you make your reservations today for the best selection. 

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August 21, 2007

Catastrophe and Hope

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 5:54 pm

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by Astrid Sieger 

While we are battling wildfires in the West our neighbors to the South are battling elements that are just the opposite.  Hurricane Dean has exhausted much of its ferocity on the Mexican coast, and was downgraded to a category 3 storm.  Earlier, seas churned as the storm, which has left a trail of destruction and killed 11 people so far on its rampage through the Caribbean, began to strike Mexico’s “Mayan Riviera” hotel strip. 

As curfew’s were enforced in Mexico store owners boarded up windows along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, a strip of beach resorts with white sands and turquoise seas that is yet to fully recover from the devastation of Hurricane Wilma in 2005. 

Dean swiped Jamaica at the weekend, ripping the roofs off buildings and blocking roads with toppled trees and power poles. Police said two people were killed, bringing to eleven the death toll from Dean. Haiti was worst hit with four people dead there. 

Poor local residents with badly built homes are often the worst hit by hurricanes in Mexico. 

Dean was due to cross the Yucatan Peninsula and come out in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night local time before hitting land again in the Mexican state of Veracruz. 

With nature’s storms and destruction it is refreshing to see humanity step up to aid one another.  The U.S. is ready to help the victims of Hurricane Dean, and the Red Cross has already mobilized.  

In Montana many ranchers not affected by the fires spreading across the west have opened their land to animals displaced by the land and home eating flames.  It is a testament to our dependence on each other and our willingness to step up to the plate when needed.

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August 17, 2007

Fun Weekend

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 9:46 pm

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This weekend is the fair! I’ll be there eating cotton candy, riding the Ferris Wheel and cheering at the rodeo! One of my favorite childhood memories is getting dressed up in jeans and a western hat and watching my first rodeo, lasso show and all.

Have a good, safe weekend, all!

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August 16, 2007

St. Mary Lodge and Resort

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 7:24 pm

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Glacier National Park is known for its pristine air, magnificient scenery and endless activities.  You’ll enjoy Glacier more the longer you stay!  One of our favorite lodges in the park is St. Mary Lodge and Resort where you can put up your feet at the end of an exciting day of breathtaking sights.

St. Mary is more than a lodge. You’ll find that along with premier logding St. Mary offers fine dining, as well as shopping and supplies. 

The lodging options at St. Mary Lodge and Resort are as unique and idvesse as the park itself.  You’ll choose from 122 rooms, spread among eight seperate facilities for every taste and budget.  From rustic and relaxing to completely upscale, you’re sure to find the perfect room for your Glacier adventure.

Additionally you’ll enjoy a dinner at the internationally renowned Snowgoose Grill.  The Snowgoose Grill features menu choices such as prime rib , wild game, Mountain Trout, homemade desserts and an assortmetn of wine.  You’ll also enjoy the Curly Bear Cafe that specializes in quick and tasty casual fare like burgers, pizza and wraps.  If you need to unwind and relax go to the Mountain Lounge.

The St. Mary Gift Shop , Trail and Creet Outfitters and St. Mary Supermarket and gas station are all available for your convenience .  Here you’ll find camping, fishing and autmovite supplies, beeer, wine, fresh foods, ice, wood and an ATM. 

Make your reservations to St. Mary Lodge and Resort today for your Glacier National Park vacation. The St. Mary Lodge and Resort is located at the east entrance to Glacier National Park. The resort is open from late May to late September.

 

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August 15, 2007

Yellowstone Guided Tours

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 5:50 pm

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Sometimes the best way to experience a new area to get a tour by someone who is very familiar with that area; this is especially true when visiting a national park.  It’s a good idea to check out what tours are available and make a time during your first day or two to take advantage of these. 

 

Today I noticed that we got new brochures in the office specifically for Yellowstone National Park tours. These tours will acquaint you with Yellowstone as well as give you an interesting perspective on this unique park.

 

Old Faithful/ Canyon Tour (Lower Loop)
Includes:

Picnic in the park and scenic DVD

Scenery:

Firehole Falls, Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, various Wildlife.

Times:

Sunday-Friday

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

Evening Wildlife Tour
Includes:

Picnic in the park and scenic DVD

Scenery:

Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, Tower Falls, Dunraven Pass, Plentiful Wildlife Sightings.  

Times:

May, June, September, October

Departure, Noon

July – August

Departure, 1:00 p.m.

 

Grand Teton/Jackson Hole, WY Tour
Includes:

Picnic in the park and scenic DVD

Scenery:

Pass through the corner of three states! Southern Yellowstone Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, WY, Idaho’s Teton and Mesa Falls Scenic Byways.

Times:

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 

These tour fees range from $50 to $80 call to find out how much your tour is.  1-800-221-1151. Also ask about tour discounts, large group tours and package tours.

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August 9, 2007

Keep Hiking Safe and Fun

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 5:23 pm

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Hiking and camping provide exercise and interest for people of any age. Just getting out and walking around is a wonderful way to see nature. Since unexpected things happen, however, the best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow commonsense safety precautions.

This morning I read at least two accounts of hiking incidence at national parks.  Neither was fatal but both certainly put a damper on the vacationers who only wanted to have a nice time.  There are several things you can do prevent injury and keep safe when trapsing about in the unbelievably beautiful nature you encounter this year at national parks across the country. 

1 - If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing.

 

2 - Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you’ll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter? Add to your hiking checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations.

 

3 - Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.

 

4 - If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.

 

5 - It’s safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you’ll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you’ll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.

 

6 - Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations–there may be rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.

 

7 - Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.

 

8 - Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you’re bringing, the weather you’ve anticipated and when you plan to return. In the event of an emergency these details will help resuers know what to look for and how much time they will have to find you.

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August 7, 2007

Enchanted World in National Parks

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 6:44 pm

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by Astrid Sieger

Before I began working at National Park Reservations I have to admit that I was a little sketchy on where most national parks were located.  Besides the parks in Utah, where I went to college, and the famous parks like Yosemite in California I didn’t know much about the national parks. 

 

Working here has afforded me the opportunity to get to know the national parks across the Country, and by knowing them I’ve grown to appreciate all that these natural preserves have to offer. I encourage those close to me, my family and friends to experience the national parks.  When they are planning a vacation I suggest that they get away at a national park, not because it’s an inexpensive alternative but quite the opposite of it.

 

A national park vacation is a rich store of adventure for both the body and mind.  No other experience will touch the soul quite like seeing the pristine waters at Glacier National Park, or the incomprehensible red stone beauty of Zion.  Yosemite isn’t the most popular of parks for no reason.  Rather, visitors to Yosemite find, like Ansel Adams, that: 

“Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” Each park hold a bit of enchantment that will embed itself in your heart. 

  

You will find these enchanted lands whether you want to get away with a Sweetie for a special anniversary or take the whole family on a vacation that will stay in the memory for a lifetime.

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