National Park News – Reservations for Mount Rainier, possible rabies cases in Saguaro

In an effort to spread crowds out more evenly throughout the busiest times of peak season, Mount Rainier National Park is aiming to implement a reservation system at some of their most packed entrance stations.

At each of Nisqually, Stevens Canyon, and Sunrise/White River, visitors will need a reservation from 7 AM to 3 PM beginning on May 24th (at some locations) and running through September 2nd, the National Park Service revealed last week. The White River entrance’s reservation system won’t kick in until July 3rd, but will also run through that September 2nd date.

The goal of the system is to reduce the queue at entrances, the environmental damage that comes with those idling cars in the queue, and the combustion of a crowded parking lot where folks who have entered (but can’t find a parking spot) feverishly patrol the lots for long periods of time waiting for their opportunity. It’s an efficiency thing, it’s an environmental thing, and it’s done with eyes on making the entire process more predictable for all parties involved…

…assuming you’re aware of it ahead of time. That’s what I’m here for!

• In other news, portions of the Big Cypress National Preserve are closed this weekend (and into next week) for the Wagon Wheel prescribed fire. I’m not going to get the lyrics to the song stuck in your head, you’re going to do that to yourself.
• While Mount Rainier is implementing some auto reservations for the first time this summer, Glacier National Park has been working on refining their own reservation system for years due to their peak-season crowds. The NPS announced this week that their reservation system would open on January 25th, meaning you can go on Recreation.gov right now to begin scheduling your trip there.
• Abnormal behavior from foxes and raccoons as well as some recently discovered deceased carcasses from both have led park officials in Saguaro National Park to worry that there may be rabies cases abound. As always, keep your distance from wildlife in this, and every park, and do report any abnormal behavior to rangers when you see it.
• Shenandoah National Park announced they are implementing a permanent ticketing program to access Old Rag Mountain in yet another example of a park doing its best to streamline access and reduce overcrowding. Noticing a theme here?
• Finally, some late-breaking sad news – a 63 year old man was found unresponsive on the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park, and despite concerted efforts from rangers (and the other hikers who initially found him), he was later pronounced dead from what’s being referred to as a ‘cardiac event.’ Our condolences to his family.