It seems to me that every person who’s had the good luck and great joy to explore America’s national parks has one special place that’s woven its magic through their heart and calls them back again and again.

For me that place is southern Utah’s Zion National Park and there is no time I love it more than in fall.

The crowds have left. The heat has abated. But the fall colors are as startling and exquisite as any you’d find in Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire.

As school starts back up, America’s national parks often empty out as visitors get back to their real-life routines.  

Leslie Garrett, The Virtuous Traveler, reports on one organization that chooses to bring the classroom to the park.

The instructors and students who choose Yellowstone National Park as their classroom argue that little is more real than the geography, geology, biology, and history they see, touch and hear in the park.

Every dime counts in this environment and this Saturday travelers can take advantage of free entrance into U.S. museums and national parks.

The fifth annual Museum Day, run by Smithsonian Magazine, will be the largest to date with more than 1,200 museums offering free admission all day.

Find out how you can take advantage of these free activities…

If you’re considering camping or RVing, remember that not all campgrounds are built the same. So here’s what you need to know before you go….

Visitors to one of America’s most famous national parks were literally shaken up yesterday afternoon when rocks the size of microwave ovens came barreling down the side of a mountain near their lodge.

Guests at Yosemite’s historic Ahwahnee Hotel had to be evacuated after the rocks fell from the Royal Arches formation, which towers 1,600 feet over the luxury lodge.

So are visitors in danger? And what does this mean for geologically-active National Parks?

On August 1, 2009, Peter was broadcasting his radio show from the Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Guests from the second hour include:

Costas Christ, global travel editor for National Geographic Adventure, calling in from the Arctic to talk about Canada’s newest territory and National Park, Nunavit.

Travel writer Everett Potter, discussing travel safety and what he did for 36 hours in Nepal.

Ms. Ralphine Locke, Banff historian and the first non-native born at Lake Louise, reflecting on how the town has changed through the years.

Michael Schuermann, author of Paris Movie Walks, revealing the best places to relive your favorite movies.

Freelance journalist Monica Andreff, discussing off-the-beaten-path favorites in Banff.

 

 Canada's Newest National Park, Banff History, and Off the Beaten Path Banff - Hour 2 - PGW Radio: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This weekend, Peter is broadcasting from beautiful Banff in Alberta, Canada.

Located within Banff National Park, the town is a place to visit year-round with serious skiing in the winter, and great hikes and activities in the summer.

Though it’s one of Canada’s more touristy towns, Banff still boasts plenty of local haunts, so we uncovered a few favorites…

I’m a big fan of visiting our national parks as an affordable getaway, but in the summertime it seems like everyone else has the same idea. But what if you could find a similar but less crowded experience by visiting a state park?