Article Summary: Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts! In this article, we provide you with 10 amazing facts about one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks takes a deeper dive with its national park facts. We’ve done our homework so that you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Facts About Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Some Basic Facts About Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a national park located in the state of New Mexico. The park covers an area of 46,766 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations.

One of the main attractions of Carlsbad Caverns National Park is its network of underground caves and caverns, which are home to a variety of geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites. The park is also home to a number of hiking trails, offering the opportunity to explore the park’s unique and varied terrain.

In addition to its natural beauty, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, including the historic Rattlesnake Springs and the visitor center, which offers exhibits and programs about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful and unique underground environments in the United States.

Here Are Some Of The Basic Facts:

• Location: New Mexico
• Acreage:  73.07 miles
• Visitation: 440,691 visitors in 2019
• Lowest Elevation: Of the three major levels, the deepest is 1,027 feet belowground.
• Average annual precipitation: The park averages 14.9 inches of annual precipitation
• When Did It Become A National Park? On October 25, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge created Carlsbad Caverns National Park

CHECK OUT: 20 SURPRISING New Mexico National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts

Top 5 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts

1. It’s One Of Over 300 Limestone Caves

If you’re interested in origin stories then one of the most interesting Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts is that Carlsbad Caverns is one of over 300 limestone caves in a fossil reef laid down by an inland sea about 265 million years ago.

CHECK OUT: 10 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In New Mexico

2. Native Americans Knew About The Existence Of The Caves For Possibly Thousands Of Years

For me, one of the most intriguing of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts involves that fact that twelve-to-fourteen thousand years ago, American Indians lived in the Guadalupe Mountains.

The Mescalero Apache, Zuni Pueblo, and other groups were well acquainted with the area. Some of their cooking ring sites and pictographs have been found within the present day boundaries of the park.

According to the National Park Service, the Mescalero Apache and the Zuni Pueblo were aware of the existence of a cave in the Carlsbad area that they called Jadnut? udebiga (Home of the Bat) and Asho:sti an alaluckwa (Bat Cave) respectively.

They used the area around the cave entrance for cooking, and there are multiple mescal cooking pits and a cave painting that can be found there.

While there is no evidence that these native peoples explored deep into the cave, they were certainly aware of its existence.

The cave, known as the Bat Cave, is a limestone cave, located in the park and has a rich cultural and historical significance. The cave is protected and not open to the public.

CHECK OUT: 11 AMAZING Facts About Acadia National Park

3. European Explorers Stumbled On The Entrance To Carlsbad Caverns

By the 1500s, Spanish explorers were passing through present-day west Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

In their explorations, they stumbled upon the gaping mouth of what is now known as Carlsbad Cavern.

While several claim to have been the first to have entered the cave they have been mostly forgotten by history.

CHECK OUT: 11 AMAZING Facts About Arches National Park

4. A 16 Year Old Cowboy Is Credited With The First Cave Exploration

Another of the extraordinary Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts is the incredible story of the first credited cave exploration involves a sixteen year old cowboy.

 Jim White was rounding up cattle one evening when he spotted smoke from a wildfire off in the distance. He went into high alert. Fires could be just as devastating then as they are now.

White rode closer to see what was happening. How big was it? Was it moving quickly? What direction was it burning? White rode to the fire so he could report back to camp with the most accurate information possible.

He Saw Thousands Of Free-Tailed Bats

As White approached the cave, however, he realized that it wasn’t smoke he was seeing. It was bats. Thousands-upon-thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats.

Jim White was a cowboy, miner, and explorer who discovered the cave in Carlsbad Caverns National Park in the early 20th century.

He constructed a ladder which he anchored at the mouth of the cave and descended using only one hand while his other hand held his only light source. After sixty feet, he landed on the cave floor, and his light barely penetrated the darkness surrounding him.

White’s exploration of the cave continued for many years, and he is responsible for naming many of the features which are associated with the caverns today such as “Devil’s Armchair,” “Devil’s Den,” and the “Witch’s Finger.”

He also discovered many other caves in the area, which he explored and mapped. White’s discoveries and explorations helped to open up the cave to the public and increased interest in the area.

CHECK OUT: 10 AMAZING Facts About Badlands National Park

5. The Largest Cave In Carlsbad Caverns Is Over 100 Miles

One of my favorite Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts is that, since 1984, explorers have mapped over 145 miles of passages and have pushed the depth of the cave to 1,604 feet (489 m).

As of July 2019, Lechuguilla is one of the ten longest caves in the world (one of the four longest in the United States) and the second deepest limestone cave in the country.

A Fascinating Backstory

The cave has a fascinating backstory. According to the National Park Service, Lechuguilla Cave was known until 1986 as a small, fairly insignificant historic site in the park’s backcountry. Small amounts of bat guano were mined from the entrance passages for a year under a mining claim filed in 1914.

The historic cave contained a 90-foot entrance pit which led to 400 feet of dry, dead-end passages.

The cave was visited infrequently after mining activities ceased. However, in the 1950s, cavers heard wind roaring up from the rubble-choked floor of the cave. Although there was no obvious route, different people concluded that cave passages must lay below the rubble.

A group of Colorado cavers gained permission from the National Park Service and began digging in 1984.

The breakthrough, into large walking passages, occurred on May 26, 1986.

What followed has become some of the world’s most exciting cave exploration in one of the finest known caves on the planet.

Rescue in Lechuguilla Cave

In 2014, a National Park Service volunteer caving team entered Lechuguilla Cave inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park, with the purpose of performing re-rigging and replacement of 20-year-old ropes that park cavers use for exploration in the Boulder Falls area of the cave.

Shortly after the team descended into the cave, one of the members became ill, suspected to be due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.

The team leader, Andy Armstrong, called for rescue assistance and a three-member rescue team responded: Carlsbad Caverns cave technicians Stan Allison and Shawn Thomas, and a caver/paramedic from Carlsbad Fire Department.

They descended 180-feet into the cave and administered intravenous fluids to the stricken caver, J.L. Gomez, a Carlsbad Caverns volunteer.

After receiving three bags of IV fluid and resting for many hours, Gomez improved enough to make the 180-foot ascent out of the cave with limited help from the team.

He was able to hike back to his vehicle with the other team members unassisted and no further medical treatment was required.

CHECK OUT: 16+ FASCINATING Grand Canyon Facts

Top 10 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts

6. Carlsbad Caverns Has A Bat Flight Program

Just when you thought we couldn’t come up with any more unbelievable Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts we’ve come up with another one. Carlsbad Caverns has a wonderful Bat Flight Program. It runs from late May through October.

No reservations are required for this program which takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater, located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern.

You’ll be treated to a Ranger talk beforehand. And then you’ll see the main event around sunset, which is when thousands of bats begin their daily exit from the caverns in search of insects to eat. 

CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)

7. The Big Room In Carlsbad Caverns Is The largest Accessible Cave Chamber In North America

Another truly intriguing of the Carlsbad Caverns National Parks Facts is that Carlsbad Caverns include a large limestone chamber, named simply the Big Room, which is almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high at its highest point.

The Big Room is the largest chamber in North America and the thirty-first largest in the world.

CHECK OUT: Helpful List Of National Parks By State (With Printable Map)

8. A Wide Variety Of Wildlife Can Be Found At Carlsbad

Another of the extraordinary Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts is that there are 67 mammal species, 357 bird species, 5 fish species, and 55 amphibian and reptile species found in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Mammals that can be found living in Carlsbad Caverns National Park include: cougars, coyotes, foxes, wolves, bobcats, otters, weasels, badgers, skunks, bats, and shrews.

9. Visitors To The Caverns Can See The Wonders Of The Lower Cave

One of the most popular tours at Carlsbad Caverns is the Lower Cave Tour.

Visitors can see the evidence left behind from the 1924 National Geographic Expedition and other explorations.

Highlights of this tour include “The Rookery,” with countless nests of cave pearls, the “Colonel Boles Formation,” and an incredible diversity of cave formations.

Included in the tour is a descent of sixty feet of ladders and a knotted rope to hang onto as you slowly walk backward down a slope at the tour entrance.

10. There Are Some Rare Microbes That Haven’t Been Discovered Anywhere Else In The World

One of my favorite Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts is one of the least known. There are some rare microbes that haven’t been discovered anywhere else in the world.

In Lechuguilla Cave, scientists are researching clusters of extremophile microbes, which are thought to be a possible cure for cancer.

Rare, rock eating (chemolithoautotrophic) bacteria are also believed to occur in the cave.

Why Trust Us About Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of Carlsbad Caverns

List Of Carlsbad Caverns Facts

1. It’s One Of Over 300 Limestone Caves
2. Native Americans Knew About The Existence Of The Caves For Possibly Thousands Of Years
3. European Explorers Stumbled On The Entrance To Carlsbad Caverns
4. A 16 Year Old Cowboy Is Credited With The First Cave Exploration
5. The Largest Cave In Carlsbad Caverns Is Over 100 Miles
6. Carlsbad Caverns Has A Bat Flight Program
7. The Big Room In Carlsbad Caverns Is The largest Accessible Cave Chamber In North America
8. A Wide Variety Of Wildlife Can Be Found At Carlsbad
9. Visitors To The Caverns Can See The Wonders Of The Lower Cave
10. There Are Some Rare Microbes That Haven’t Been Discovered Anywhere Else In The World

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Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

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The post 10 AMAZING Facts About Carlsbad Caverns National Park appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Summary: Glacier National Park Facts

Glacier National Park Facts! In this article, More Than Just Parks provides you with 15 amazing facts about one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks takes a deeper dive with its national park facts. We’ve done our homework so that you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Facts About Glacier National Park

Some Basic Facts About Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a national park located in the state of Montana, on the border with Canada. It is known for its stunning landscape, which includes towering mountains, forests, lakes, and glaciers. The park covers over 1 million acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, mountain goats, and elk.

One of the main attractions of the park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic roadway that crosses the park and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also has numerous hiking trails, including the famous Highline Trail, which takes hikers along the crest of a ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park has a rich cultural history. It is home to the Blackfeet Nation, who have lived in the area for thousands of years and continue to have a strong presence in the park. The park also has a number of historic lodges and buildings, including the historic Belton Chalet and the Lake McDonald Lodge.

Overall, Glacier National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature and outdoor recreation. It is a place of breathtaking beauty and a testament to the power of the natural world.

About Glacier National Park

Before we get to all of the wonderful things that you can do at Glacier, let’s begin with a short history lesson. Don’t roll your eyes. I promise it will be short and remember I don’t give any homework. After all I’m retired. And grading homework was never that much fun anyway.

As for Glacier, it officially became a national park in 1910. Fast forward to 2019 [I told you the lesson would be brief] and Glacier National Park is the 10th most visited park, making this one of the most popular national parks to visit in the United States.

Looking for things to do in Glacier National Park on your next trip? Check out our article: 15 EPIC Things to Do in GLACIER National Park (Photos + Map) 2022

Here Are Some Basic Facts About Glacier

• Location: Montana
• Acreage: The country’s 10th national park, Montana’s Glacier preserves 1 million acres of glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine turquoise lakes and streams, and dense ancient forests for all to enjoy. 
• Visitation:  Glacier National Park in the United States attracted a total of approximately three million visitors in 2021.
• Highest Elevation: Mt. Cleveland is the park’s tallest peak, listed at 10,466 feet.
• Lowest Elevation: The lowest is the Middle Fork River near West Glacier at 3,215′.
• Average annual precipitation: In the driest corners of the park, along the northeast and northwest edges, rainfall averages 23 inches (58.4 cm) a year, while the lowlands of the west side receive about 30 inches (76.2 cm) of precipitation on average.
• When Did It Become A National Park? On May 11, 1910, President William Howard Taft signed a bill into law establishing Glacier National Park. 

CHECK OUT: 8 AMAZING Alaska National Parks (Helpful Guide For Visiting)

Glacier National Park Facts

Top 5 Glacier National Park Facts

1. The Earliest Peoples To Inhabit Glacier Were The Kootenai

If you’re interested in origin stories then one of the most fascinating Glacier National Parks Facts involves the Kootenai.

10,000 years ago Native Americans known as the Kootenai made their seasonal rounds in the landscape that is now Glacier National Park. 

The Kootenai people lived along the Kootenai River in Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia.

They were hunter-gatherers, and salmon was an important staple to their diets. They built winter villages of cone-shaped houses made from wooden poles and rush mats.

2. Lewis & Clark Enjoyed Spectacular Views Of Glacier National Park

If you’re interested in stories about famous explorers then one of the more interesting Glacier National Park Facts is that, according to their records, while Lewis & Clark never actually set foot in Glacier National Park, they did enjoy spectacular views of the land.

Legend also has it that the Corps of Discovery’s encounter with the Piegan Indians led to a fifty years of distrust between the Blackfeet and all whites irrespective of their intentions.

It’s also worth noting that this was the only time during the two explorers historic journey that they actually were forced to take lives in order to defend themselves.

One of the Corps of Discovery got into a scuffle with a Piegan who grabbed his gun. Reuben Field pursued him and wrestled his gun away from the man at which point Field was forced to draw his knife and stab the man to death.

If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive and learning more about the remarkable explorations of Lewis & Clark then I recommend: Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen Ambrose.

CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)

3. A Man Who Lived Among The Native Americans Christened The St. Mary Lakes

I love stories about the interesting people who became a part of the history of America’s national parks. In the case of Glacier, one of these people was a man by the name of Hugh Monroe.

According to the National Park Service, in 1817, Monroe came out of Edmonton House. His assignment was to learn the Blackfeet language and assure future trades at Edmonton House.

Hugh Monroe had no idea that this job would change his life. He was only seventeen years old when he was adopted by the Blackfeet people.

Later, Monroe married a Blackfeet woman, Sinopah, and together they raised a family.

It was through Monroe’s good reputation and history with the tribe which the way was paved for other whites to come into the area.

The First Caucasian To Discover St. Mary Lake

Historians believe that Monroe may have been the first Caucasian to discover the St. Mary Lakes. As a matter of fact, he may have been the first Caucasian to see Glacier National Park.

Between 1836 and 1845, Monroe held a ceremony to name the lakes at Glacier after the Virgin Mary.

He christened the St. Mary Lakes, which is another one of the fascinating Glacier National Park Facts.

4. A Railroad Tycoon Helped To Establish Glacier National Park

The Great Northern Railway was the first, and for decades, the only major transportation system to bring people to Glacier National Park.

Another incredible Glacier National Park Fact is that James J. Hill, president of the Great Northern Railway, and his son Louis, were among the earliest supporters of a national park.

The Hill’s were enthusiastic advocates for the preservation of Glacier’s lands.

They funded and led a public relations campaign to convince Congress to designate this area as a national park. Congress agreed and President William Howard Taft signed the bill into law on May 11, 1910.

See America First

James J Hill understood that the Great Northern could not grow and prosper unless their were interesting places for passengers to travel.

Louis Hill, who was a passionate advocate for America’s public lands, led a campaign to encourage Americans to “See America First.”

People traditional traveled to Europe for summer vacations, but the Hills believed that they could give Americans an opportunity to have a comparable vacation experience while remaining in the United States.

While visitors can now travel to Glacier by car, they can still ride the rails too.

Travelers can take Amtrak’s Empire Builder from the Midwest to East, ride through the Marias Pass at the highest point on the railroad’s route and stop at Beltron Depot to visit the park.

CHECK OUT: 11 FASCINATING Crater Lake National Park Facts

5. Glacier National Park Helped To Give Birth To “Parkitecture”

One of my favorite Glacier National Park Facts is that, as part of his “See America First” campaign, Louis Hill wanted to rival Europe’s Swiss Alps.

To do this he adopted the design features of Swiss Chalets as part of the accommodations offered at Glacier National Park.

Hill spent $200,000 to build a chain of hotels that were what he referred to as “chalet colonies.”

In doing so, Glacier National Park helped give birth to what became known as “Parkitecture.” It was an innovative new design which would transform the park into what Hill and his supporters called the “American Alps.”

Louis Hill took great pains to ensure that the lodges were built to last, even taking a break as the manager of the Great Northern to focus on making sure the design and construction of the Glacier Park Lodge.

Once the hotel was up Hill ushered visitors into the park and into his lodge where then, as today, folks enjoy amazing scenery both from the lodge and through Jammer bus tours, hiking and other activities.

Other Glacier Park Lodges include:

Lake McDonald Lodge: Located on the shores of Lake McDonald this lodge is one of the most popular in the park. Lake McDonald Lodge offers lodge rooms and cabins.

Silver Wolf Log Chalets: Located just minutes from the park’s west entrance, Silver Wolf Lodge offers a quiet retreat from kids, noise and everyday routine.

Top 10 Glacier National Park Facts

6. A Cattle Queen Was One Of The Early Visitors To Glacier National Park

Just when you thought we couldn’t come up with any more unbelievable Glacier National Park Facts we’ve come up with another one. One of the most interesting people to become a part of the Glacier National Park story was the “Cattle Queen of Montana.”

Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, wife of rancher Nathaniel Collins of Choteau, Montana, became the first woman to ride the train with her cattle from western Montana to Chicago and may have also been the first Caucasian woman to see the spectacle that would become Glacier National Park.

Collins came from a small farm town in Iowa. In a man’s world, she came to Montana where she gained employment as a mining camp cook before becoming a miner herself.

Mrs. Collins went back to ranching, but a couple of years later got “gold fever” and headed for the Klondike. Eventually she returned to Choteau where she tended her sick husband until he died. Finally, the “Cattle Queen” sold her ranch and moved to California.

Here’s A Glacier National Park Fun Fact

Now here’s a fun fact. There was a 1954 movie titled, The Cattle Queen of Montana starring Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan.

Though the film’s title may have been inspired by the real life story of Elizabeth Collins, the film itself was the story of a defiant female rancher Sierra Nevada Jones (Barbara Stanwyck) who swept into Montana, received a hostile welcome from a tribe of Native Americans after attacking her cattle and leaving her father dead.

If you’re interested in learning about the real “Cattle Queen of Montana,” however, then I recommend: The Cattle Queen of Montana by Charles Wallace and Elizabeth Smith Collins.

CHECK OUT: 10 EPIC Montana National Parks Worth Visiting

7. An Influential Editor & Conservationist Nicknamed Glacier The “Crown Of The Continent”

One of my favorite Glacier National Park Facts involves George Bird Grinnell: America’s First Environmentalist.

Grinnell was the editor of Forest and Stream magazine. He first came to Glacier National Park in 1885. He would return for the rest of his life.

Grinnell gave the park its nickname: the “crown of the continent.”

Now how many folks actually have a national park landmark named after them? George Bird Grinnell had three!

As one of the first Americans to visit and record his impressions of Glacier, Grinnell would have the honor of having a glacier, a lake and a mountain named after him.

From the time he first dreamt of it becoming a national park in 1891, he worked tirelessly to gather support for this idea. Grinnell’s editorials in Forest and Stream, as well as his efforts to lobby political leaders such as Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, would finally bear fruit when Glacier became a national park in 1910.

To learn more about George Bird Grinnell, I recommend: Grinnell: America’s Environmental Pioneer and His Restless Drive to Save the West by John Taliaferro.

Learn More About The Greatest Environmentalist You’ve Never Heard Of: George Bird Grinnell – America’s First Environmental Activist

8. Glacier National Park Features An Engineering Marvel

Stephen Mather, who became the first direction of the National Park Service, wanted to have a road built in Glacier National Park. It would be not just any road however. It would be an engineering marvel.

Between 1921 and 1933, when the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road was opened to the public, it cost $2.5 million, 490,000 pounds of explosives and three lives to build – built by men armed with shovels, hammers, hemp climbing ropes and explosives, according to the April 1937 issue of Pacific Builder and Engineer.

It is one of the world’s most dramatic roadways.

Since its dedication, millions of motorists have passed through the entrance gates and ventured into the park’s wild interior, transported on a two-lane roadway to an otherworldly landscape.

9. The World’s First International Peace Park Is At Glacier

Another truly amazing Glacier National Park Fact is that it’s the world’s first international peace park.

In 1932, Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada) was combined with the Glacier National Park (Montana, United States) to form the world’s first International Peace Park.

What Is An International Peace Park?

So, what is an International Peace Park? A “Park for Peace” is a special designation that may be applied to any of the three types of Transboundary Conservation Areas, and is dedicated to the promotion, celebration and/or commemoration of peace and cooperation.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Parks for Peace can serve several purposes.

They may celebrate the endurance of peace and the commemoration of peace in a region: for instance, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a good example of a Park for Peace established to celebrate longstanding peaceful relations between Canada and the USA. 

The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning that it is a place of special significance to the world.

10. The Night Of The Grizzlies Changed How People Interacted With Bears At Glacier

One of the most compelling Glacier National Park Facts concerns an event in park history which became known as The Night Of The Grizzlies.

Before I relate the fateful events of that night, it’s important to know that before 1967 the park made it easy to get much closer to grizzly bears than the National Park Service recommends today.

At a matter of fact, in a practice that was popularized by Yellowstone National Park and used in other western parks, the bears regularly visited sources of human food while visitors watched these huge animals tear apart trash dumps.

Things Changed On August 12, 1967

On the afternoon of August 12, 1967, seven young park employees set off on long hikes for overnight camping. That night, Julie Helgeson, at a campsite near Granite Park Chalet, was attacked and killed by a grizzly; Roy Ducat was severely mauled.

That same night Michele Koons was also killed by a grizzly while camping at Trout Lake; Paul Dunn and three other campers escaped by climbing trees.

For everyone involved, it was an unforgettable night of crisis, intense fear, bravery and, ultimately, grief. But it was also a night that marked a watershed moment for bear management, a night that many would later say, “changed everything.”

So, what’s the moral of this story? Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor to a national park. While it is an exciting moment, it’s important to remember that bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous.

Their behavior is sometimes unpredictable. Although rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death as was evidence in Glacier National Park by the tragic events of August 12, 1967.

It’s important to stay safe around bears which is why the National Park Service provides a helpful website for doing just that.

Check Out This Helpful Website In The Event That You See A Bear In A National Park

Top 15 Glacier National Park Facts

11. The Mountain Goat Is The Official Symbol Of Glacier National Park

Now here’s another one of those interesting Glacier National Park Facts. Often considered the official mascot of Glacier National Park, mountain goats are some of the most popular sights in this spectacular Montana national park.

Also known as Rocky Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus), these fascinating hoofed mammals are endemic to the high mountains of western North America.

In Glacier National Park, you can find mountain goats pretty much everywhere at higher elevations, above the tree line and on steep cliffs.

12. The Number Of Glaciers At Glacier National Park Is Shrinking

Glacier National Park is home to 26 glaciers, down from approximately 150 in 1850.

That number is expected to continue its rapid decline as climate changes shrink their size, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Of the existing glaciers, the largest is Harrison Glacier, at 1.6 million square meters.

By 2030, however, Glacier may no longer be home to any glaciers.

13. The Going To The Sun Road Appeared In The Classic Film The Shining

If you’re a film buff then this Glacier National Park Fact is one you’ll most certainly enjoy.

Going-to-the-Sun Road is shown in the opening credits of the 1980 film The Shining.

You can see aerial flybys of Wild Goose Island. Jack Torrance (portrayed by Jack Nicholson) is traveling along the north shore of Saint Mary Lake, through the East Side tunnel and onward, going to a mountain resort hotel for his job interview as a winter caretaker.

If You Want To Learn More About Which National Parks Played Cameo Roles In Some Of America’s Best Loved Films Then Check Out: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks

14. There Are 762 Lakes In Glacier National Park

If you enjoy spending time on the water then here’s another of those Glacier National Park Facts that you will appreciate.

There are 762 lakes in Glacier National Park. Of these, 131 are named.

The largest lake in the park is Lake McDonald, at 9.4 miles long, 1.5 miles wide, and 464 feet deep. While Lake McDonald isn’t considered a prime fishing lake, visitors flock to catch a sight of the many wild animals that live along its shore, including moose, black bears, and mule deer.

The park is also home to 2,865 miles of streams, the longest of which is Upper McDonald Creek at 25.8 miles.

15. Glacier Features 71 Species Of Mammals, 276 Species Of Birds & 1,990 Total Species Of Plants

If you love seeing the flora and the fauna then we’ve saved the best of the Glacier National Park Facts for last.

Plant and animal species thrive in Glacier National Park, with 71 species of mammals, 276 species of birds, and 1,990 total species of plants documented.

Wildlife tours are popular among visitors, and sightings are frequent in the warmer spring and summer months.

Why Trust Us About Glacier National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of Glacier National Park

List Of Glacier National Park Facts

1. The Earliest Peoples To Inhabit Glacier Were The Kootenai
2. Lewis & Clark Enjoyed Spectacular Views Of Glacier National Park
3. A Man Who Lived Among The Native Americans Christened The St. Mary Lakes
4. A Railroad Tycoon Helped To Establish Glacier National Park
5. Glacier National Park Helped To Give Birth To “Parkitecture”
6. A Cattle Queen Was One Of The Early Visitors To Glacier National Park
7. An Influential Editor & Conservationist Nicknamed Glacier The “Crown Of The Continent”
8. Glacier National Park Features An Engineering Marvel
9. The World’s First International Peace Park Is At Glacier
10. The Night Of The Grizzlies Changed How People Interacted With Bears At Glacier
11. The Mountain Goat Is The Official Symbol Of Glacier National Park
12. The Number Of Glaciers At Glacier Is Shrinking
13. The Going To The Sun Road Appeared In The Classic Film The Shining
14. There Are 762 Lakes In Glacier National Park
15. Glacier Features 71 Species Of Mammals, 276 Species Of Birds & 1,990 Total Species Of Plants

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!

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Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park (or any national park)

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!

Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.

For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

• Sticking to trails
• Checking the weather before going out on a hike
• Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
• Avoid ledges with steep drop offs

Helpful Related Articles:

Best Things to Do Glacier NP: 15 Epic Things to Do at Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Itinerary: Ultimate 3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

Glacier National Park Hikes: 15 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Montana National Parks: 10 Amazing Montana National Parks to Visit

Grand Teton Hikes: 18 EPIC Grand Teton National Park Hikes (Photos + Guide)

Grand Teton Guide: Grand Teton National Park Ultimate Guide

Things to Do Grand Teton: 17 EPIC Things to Do Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton Maps: The Best Maps for Grand Teton National Park

Things to Do Yellowstone: 15 BEST Things to Do Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Facts: 10 AMAZING Yellowstone National Park Facts

Best Airports Near Yellowstone: The BEST Airports Near Yellowstone National Park

The Wyoming National Parks: 10 EPIC Wyoming National Parks: The Complete Guide (+ Photos)

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The post 15 AMAZING Facts About Glacier National Park (Sure to Surprise) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Summary: White Sands National Park Facts

White Sands National Park Facts! In this article, we provide you with 10 surprising facts about one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand.

And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks takes a deeper dive with its national park facts. We’ve done our homework so that you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Facts About White Sands National Park

Some Basic Facts About White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is known for its vast expanse of white gypsum sand dunes. The park was established in 1933 and covers over 275 square miles. The white sands are the result of gypsum deposits that were formed when an ancient sea evaporated.

Over time, the gypsum deposits were covered by sand and then exposed again by natural forces, creating the unique landscape of the park.

• Location: New Mexico
• Acreage: 145,800 acres
• Visitation: White Sands National Park is the most visited NPS site in New Mexico, visited by 782,469 people in 2021.
• Elevation: The elevation at White Sands is 4,235 feet.
• Climate: June through August, daytime temperatures average 95ºF (35ºC), with some days reaching as high as 110ºF (38º). Evenings are much cooler, ranging from 50-65ºF (10-18ºC).
• When Did It Become A National Park? White Sands was established as a national monument in 1933 and re-desginated as a national park in 2019.

White Sands National Park Facts

Top 5 White Sands National Park Facts

1. The First People Came To The Park Over 10,000 Years Ago

As a retired history teacher and lifelong history buff, I have always been fascinated with origin stories. Who were the earliest peoples and where did they come from?

For me, one of the more interesting White Sands National Park Facts is that over 10,000 years ago the first people came in search of food, water, and shelter.

According to the National Park Service, little is known about these first people because so much of their culture was not preserved in the archaeological record. However, we do know that the first groups to enter the Tularosa Basin were exceptional stone tool makers and hunters.

They used stone from the nearby mountains craft intricate spear, projectile points, known as the Folsom and Plano traditions. Evidence of Paleoindian occupation in the form of projectile points and other stone tools have been found in the Tularosa Basin associated with ancient shorelines, streams, and hill top rises above playas where they could track the movements of game animals drinking from watering holes below.

2. Hearth Mounds Represent The Most Amazing Evidence Of Human Occupation At White Sands

Another of the fascinating White Sands National Park Facts has to do with the story of the hearth mounds.

The hearth mounds found in the First State National Historical Park are unique archaeological sites that provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago.

The hearth mounds are the remains of fires that were built by prehistoric peoples, and they contain charcoal and ash that have been preserved over time. These mounds are surrounded by other artifacts, such as tools and pottery, that were used by these ancient people.

The dune hearth mounds in the park are particularly significant because they are the result of a chemical reaction between gypsum, heat, and moisture. When gypsum is heated to a certain temperature, it turns into plaster of Paris, which hardens when moisture is added. This process cements the hearth features in place, preserving them for thousands of years.

Radiocarbon dating methods have been used to date the charcoal found in these hearth mounds, and they have been found to range from the middle of the Archaic period to recent history. This means that the hearth mounds provide a chronological record of human occupation in the area over a period of several thousand years.

These hearth mounds are an important part of the archaeological heritage of the park, and they offer a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of ancient people and how they interacted with their environment.

3. A Beautiful Spanish Maiden Is Reported To Haunt The Dunes At White Sands

The most intriguing White Sands National Park Fact which I came across in my research has to do with the legend of a Spanish maiden who is said to haunt the glistening dunes.   

The Legend of Pavla Blanca is a fictional story that is said to be based on a real event, but it has been passed down through time as a tale and is not historically accurate.

The story is about a Spanish conquistador named Hernando de Luna, who is ambushed and killed by Apaches, and his betrothed, Mañuela, who sets out to find him but is never seen again. The legend says that Mañuela’s ghost haunts the Great White Sands and can be seen in the form of a ghostly figure, dressed in a flowing white wedding gown, appearing in the dunes after sunset.

The legend is popular among people with imagination who strolling in the silent shimmering dunes after a fiery sunset, may be fortunate enough to witness for themselves the unusual sight. But it is important to note that the story is a legend and not a true historical event. Some people believe in the legend and find it fascinating, while others view it as a fanciful tale.

4. The Park Was Part Of A “Salt War”

Another of the fascinating White Sands National Park Facts has to do with the story of a “Salt War.”

The “Salt War” which took place in the late 1800s. At that time, the area around the park was a vast desert and the only source of salt for the region was a salt lake located within the park. The salt lake was a vital resource for the local population, and it was used for both human consumption and as a preservative for food.

However, the salt lake soon became the center of a dispute between the local population and the federal government, which claimed ownership of the land and the salt. The local population, consisting of ranchers, farmers, and Native Americans, refused to relinquish control of the salt lake and began to extract salt illegally.

This led to a series of confrontations, known as the “Salt War” between the local population and the federal government, which lasted for several years.

The conflict eventually came to an end when the government agreed to lease the salt lake to the local population for a nominal fee. The Salt War of White Sands National Park is a reminder of the importance of natural resources to human society and the potential for conflict when those resources are scarce.

5. The History Of White Sands National Park Is Closely Tied To The History Of The American Frontier

White Sands National Park has a rich history that is closely tied to the American frontier. In the 1800s, the area became part of the American Frontier, famously romanticized as the Wild West.

However, the story of the Tularosa Basin, where the park is located, is better told by the lives of the people who settled the land and raised their families.

In the 1880s, a brief period of heavy rainfall supported the return of lush grasslands in the Tularosa Basin, which attracted the attention of goat, sheep, and cattle grazers, predominately from Texas, seeking to make their fortune in livestock.

Large cattle drives pushed into the Tularosa Basin, and family homesteaders were establishing ranches throughout the basin. For sixty years, ranching was the dominant economy of the Tularosa Basin.

The Most Prominent Ranchers In The Area

Several ranches were homesteaded on White Sands National Park before it was established, including Walters Ranch, Watson Ritch Ranch and the Lucero family ranches on the Lake Lucero shoreline.

The Lucero family, which were among the most prominent ranchers in the area, had several ranches on the south shore of the lake that would eventually come to bear their name.

In 1940, the National Park Service took over ownership of the Lucero family properties with the appropriation of Lake Lucero and Alkali Flat.

Today, the remnants of the Lucero family legacy are still evident on the landscape, such as stock pens, watering trough, a water well, and a fallen windmill, which visitors can experience on a ranger-led tour to Lake Lucero during the year’s cooler months.

Top 10 White Sands National Park Facts

6. White Sands Has The Largest Gypsum Dune Field In The World

Another of the fascinating White Sands National Park Facts has to do with the white sands.

White Sands National Park is home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world. The gypsum sand forms as a result of rainwater and snowmelt that dissolve the gypsum from nearby mountains and flow into the Tularosa Basin.

Evaporation causes selenite crystals to form and strong winds break these crystals into small grains that form the gypsum sand dunes. The gypsum is naturally clear but appears white due to the reflection of sunlight on the crystals’ scratches.

7. Many Species Make Their Home At The Park

Another amazing Whites Sands National Park Fact has to do with the park’s wildlife. You wouldn’t expect there to be a lot given the prevalence of the white sands. But you would be wrong.

Many species of mammals make their home in White Sands National Park, including foxes, rodents, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, rabbits, and porcupines.

There are seven species of amphibians and one species salamander at White Sands National Park.

White Sands National Park has recorded over 220 recorded species of birds, including wrens, mockingbirds, larks and ravens, as well as larger species like roadrunners and raptors. Learn more about the most commonly seen birds in the park.

There are even fish! The White Sands pupfish is the only species of fish endemic to the Tularosa Basin, and it is the only fish found in White Sands National Park. It has dark eyes, silver scales, and grows from 1.75 inches to 2.5 inches in length. (Source: NPS)

8. The Sand Remains Cool Despite The Weather

If you have spent any time on a beach in the summer then you’re likely to reminder to bring your sandals. The hot sand can scorch one’s feet, but not at White Sands National Park.

The White Sands National Park’s gypsum sand is known for being pleasant to the feet. It is unique because it does not absorb heat from the sun as silica sand does, making it a cool surface to walk on even on hot days. This makes it a perfect place to visit during summer.

9. White Sands Sits On One Of The Largest Military Bases In The U.S.

Just when you thought that we couldn’t come up with more fascinating White Sands National Park Facts we do.

White Sands National Park sits on one of the largest military bases in the United States, the White Sands Missile Range.

The park shares its land with the missile range and the U.S. government uses most of the 275 square miles as a missile testing site. As a result, only a small section of the park is available for visitors to enjoy.

It’s important to check the schedule of the missile test range before planning a visit to the park.

10. White Sands Is A Popular Locations For Photographers & Filmmakers

White Sands National Park is a popular location for photographers and cinematographers due to its unique and striking white dunes.

The park has been used as a filming location for over 40 movies, documentaries, music videos, and TV commercials. Due to its distinctive appearance and remote location, it has been a sought after location for many film and video productions.

Visitors to the park may recognize some of the iconic locations from films and TV shows that have been shot here.

Among the films that have had scenes shot at the park are the following:

• Transformers (2007)
• Independence Day (1996)
• Hang ‘Em High (1968)
• The Mule (2018)
• Young Guns II (1990)
• The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
• Tank Girl (1995)

Why Trust Us About White Sands National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of White Sands National Park

List Of White Sands National Park Facts

1. The First People Came To The Park Over 10,000 Years Ago
2. Hearth Mounds Represent The Most Amazing Evidence Of Human Occupation At White Sands
3. A Beautiful Spanish Maiden Is Reported To Haunt The Dunes At White Sands
4. The Park Was Part Of A “Salt War”
5. The History Of White Sands National Park Is Closely Tied To The History Of The American Frontier
6. White Sands Has The Largest Gypsum Dune Field In The World
7. Many Species Make Their Home At The Park
8. The Sand Remains Cool Despite The Weather
9. White Sands Sits On One Of The Largest Military Bases In The U.S.
10. White Sands Is A Popular Locations For Photographers & Filmmakers

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation. 

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below! 

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Submit

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The post 10 FANTASTIC Facts About White Sands National Park appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Summary: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts! In this article, More Than Just Parks provides you with 15 amazing facts about two of America’s most magnificent national parks.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks takes a deeper dive with its national park facts. We’ve done our homework so that you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts

1. Basic Facts About the Parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are truly a land of giants.

Sequoia National Park is an American national park in the southern Sierra Nevada east of Visalia, California. The park was established on September 25, 1890, and today protects 404,064 acres of forested mountainous terrain.

Encompassing a vertical relief of nearly 13,000 feet, the park contains the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet above sea level.

Kings Canyon National Park features terrain similar to Yosemite Valley, and is home to the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world.

Located next to Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon Park is composed of two distinct areas – Grant Grove (home to the General Grant tree, also known as “the Nation’s Christmas Tree”) and Cedar Grove.

Kings Canyon is also home to Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world.

CHECK OUT: 20 BEST California National Parks Ranked

2. Native Americans Of The Southern Sierras Were The Earliest Peoples To Inhabit Sequoia & Kings Canyon

If you enjoy origin stories as much as I do then the first of our Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts is one you’ll find particularly interesting.

Beginning in the 19th century, there were two distinct groups of people who occupied the southern Sierra Nevada. In the higher mountains and along the western foothills there lived hunters and gatherers who we know today as the Monache or Western Mono.

West of the Monache in the lowest foothills and across the Great Central Valley were the other major group – the Yokuts.

What’s particularly fascinating is that along the high peaks of the Sierra Range, different Native American groups established a fairly intricate network of trading relationships, which not only brought them into contact with one another, but also allowed them to trade a variety of critically important trading items.

These items included: salt, pine nuts, mineral paints, obsidian as well as other important items. Other commodities traded included: fresh and saltwater shells, acorns, manzanita berries and bear skins.

CHECK OUT: 11 AMAZING Facts About Acadia National Park

3. The First Americans To Explore The Area Were Trappers

One of my favorite Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts involves the first Americans to explore the area.

Jedediah Smith was an American clerk, transcontinental pioneer, frontiersman, hunter, trapper, author, cartographer, mountain man and explorer of the Rocky Mountains, the Western United States, and the Southwest during the early 19th century.

In 1827, while working as a trapper and pursuing the numerous beaver to be found in the San Joaquin Valley, Smith is reported to have succeeded in crossing the mountains in the vicinity of the Stanislaus River which is east of what is today Stockton, California.

Smith may have been one of the first if not the first American to actually set foot in what is today Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

In 1832-33, a party which included Ewing Young and J.J. Warner were trapping along the Kings River.

Joseph Redderford led a party in 1833-34 across the Sierra into Yosemite country and proceeded along the western foothills of the Sierra.

CHECK OUT: 10 AMAZING Facts About Badlands National Park

4. The Brewer Expedition Gave People Their First Detailed Understanding Of The Area

For Sequoia & Kings Canyon to become national parks, people needed to know which lands were there and why they were so important.

The California Geological Survey was created by the state legislature in 1860.

Four years later, William Brewer, thirty-two at the time and a graduate of the Yale Scientific School, was tasked with leading a survey of this area.

Brewer’s mandate was to focus on the largest remaining blank spot on the map of California which encompassed the high country of the southern Sierra.

Brewer led his men into the mountains and camped just west of modern Grant Grove.

The Snow Group

Brewer’s expedition would make some incredible discoveries. On June 28, 1864, Brewer climbed and named Mount Silliman after the son of one of his Yale professors.

He and his team encountered what they believed to be the highest mountains in the United States. Brewer called these newly discovered mountains the “Snow Group.”

It was from the upper slopes of Mount Brewer, named for William Brewer, that Brewer and Clarence King and their companions first beheld the lofty peak which they then and there hailed as the highest of the Sierra and named in honor of their chief, Josiah Dwight Whitney, Mount Whitney.

Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States and the Sierra Nevada, with an elevation of 14,505 feet.

William Brewer would go on to write an amazing account of his expedition titled: Such a Landscape!: A Narrative of the 1864 California Geological Survey Exploration of Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon from the Diary, Field Notes, Letters & Reports.

His assistant, Clarence King, would go on to become the first director of the United States Geological Survey from 1879 to 1881. Nominated by Republican President Rutherford B. Hayes, King was noted for his exploration of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts

5. Kings Canyon Was First Made Popular By John Muir

Another of our amazing Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts involves the man who many consider to have been the “Father of the National Parks.”

In 1873, John Muir, the famous naturalist, visited Kings Canyon and was impressed by its similarity to the terrain of the Yosemite Valley. “A rival to the Yosemite,” wrote Muir.

John Muir was born in Scotland and raised in Wisconsin. He came to California in 1869 and discovered the Yosemite area which he popularized in his writings.

As the National Park Service notes, Muir’s passion for nature brought him to every continent except Antarctica. He experienced fantastic adventures – climbing a 100-foot tree in a thunderstorm, inching across a narrow ice bridge in Alaska, and spending a night in a blizzard on Mt. Shasta. Muir transformed his adventures into articles and books which sparked peoples interest in nature.

His tireless advocacy helped create several national parks including: Sequoia (1890), Mount Rainier (1899) and Grand Canyon (1908). John Muir has been called the “Father of the National Parks.”

John Muir & Mount Whitney

Now here’s an interesting fact about John Muir. During his exploits in California, Mount Whitney caught his attention.

Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States and the Sierra Nevada, with an elevation of 14,505 feet.

In 1873 Muir decided to climb the mountain, but mistakenly climbed Mount Langley instead which was a half dozen miles to the south of Whitney. Muir recognized his error, however, and attempted to follow the ridge toward his destination.

This is where the story gets interesting. He found himself trapped by nightfall at 13,000 feet in his shirt sleeves. Muir only managed to survive by forcing himself to dance in order to keep want. He literally danced the night away.

Undaunted, Muir returned a few days later. John Muir made his first ascent of Whitney on October 21, 1873.

Muir was the first person to climb Whitney from the east via what is today known as the Mountaineers Route. He had attempted to summit via the southwest, as those before him, but had retreated to Independence after a cold night out, returning to summit by this new route.

CHECK OUT: 10+ AMAZING JOHN MUIR FACTS | America’s Greatest Conservationist

6. A Journalist Would Play An Indispensable Role In The Creation Of Sequoia National Park

One of my favorite Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks involves the story of a man who was a true visionary. Without him, it’s conceivable that Sequoia National Park would not have come into existence.

George W. Stewart came from a new generation of westerners. He saw the California landscape in ways far different than did the emigrants of his father’s generation. In 1872, only fifteen years old, Stewart moved to Tulare County, where he soon found a vocation that would occupy much of his life—journalism.

Stewart called for a state law to prohibit the cutting of giant sequoias. Nothing concrete came of the suggestion, but Stewart had chosen sides in a battle that was just beginning. As a native Californian, he had convinced himself that Big Trees had higher uses than being converted into fence posts and shingles.

George Stewart teamed up with others, including General John F. Miller who was seeking election to the U.S. Senate in 1880, to introduce legislation setting apart a certain tract of land in the State of California as a “public park.”

He kept the issue before the public and worked to create a consensus. His efforts helped lead to H.R. 11570 which became the legislation establishing Sequoia National on September 25, 1890, making it our country’s second national park.

7. Sequoia Had The First African American Superintendent Of A National Park

For almost 30 years, I taught high school history. What impressed me most about the field of history are the amazing stories of men and women whose contributions changed the course of human events. In doing so, they helped to bring about the world we have today. 

The people we know, however, are relatively few when compared to the ones we don’t. When you start to do a little digging, you begin to realize that the stories of the ones we don’t know anything about can be just as interesting.

A case in point is Colonel Charles Young.

He Lived A Truly Extraordinary Life

Born as a slave during the American Civil War, Charles Young lived a truly extraordinary life. He was the first African American to graduate from a white high school in Ohio.

In 1884, Young defied the odds winning an appointment to West Point through a competitive military examination. 

After confronting the racism which was typical of his era, Young emerged as only the third African American to graduate from West Point–America’s most prestigious military academy. 

Young served as a cavalry officer. He then became the captain of an all-black regiment at San Francisco’s Presidio. Young’s career path would take an interesting turn when managing the national parks became the responsibility of the U.S. Army beginning in 1891.

Superintendent Of Sequoia & General Grant National Parks

Young served as a cavalry officer. He then became the captain of an all-black regiment at San Francisco’s Presidio. Young rose through the military ranks to become one of the most respected leaders of his time.

His career path would take an interesting turn, however, when managing the national parks became the responsibility of the U.S. Army beginning in 1891. 

Young was assigned to take his troops to Sequoia and General Grant (what is now Sequoia National Park and a small portion of Kings Canyon National Park).

No Poaching On His Watch

Poaching had become a problem in the parks given their limited supervision. As a result of Young’s leadership, however, there was no poaching reported at Sequoia or General Grant during his tenure as superintendent.

In commemoration, a Sequoia Tree would be named in his honor.

Young spent one summer as an acting superintendent at Sequoia/Kings Canyon before being reassigned as a military attache in Haiti. He then served in the same position in Liberia.

Charles Young Earns The Rank Of Colonel

Young was sidelined from active duty during World War One due to health issues, but returned to command after the war. He would earn the rank of colonel. Young died unexpectedly, however, in 1922.

Given his distinguished service, he was the fourth soldier to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

To learn more about this extraordinary American, I recommend: Black Officer in a Buffalo Soldier Regiment: The Military Career of Charles Young by Brian G. Shellum.

CHECK OUT: 20 BEST Black History Sites In America For You To Visit

8. Sequoia Was The First Park Created To Protect A Living Organism

Just when you thought we couldn’t come up with another surprising Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Fact, we do!

If you’ve read Jonathan Swift’s classic, Gulliver’s Travels, or Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World, it’s the story of Lemuel Gulliver who journeys to four amazing lands.

While his most famous voyage was to Lilliput (ergo the “Lilliputians” or “Little People”) in one of Gulliver’s other journeys, he travels to the land of Brobdingnag where a blade of grass is as tall as a tree.

CHECK OUT: General Sherman Tree – Everything You Need To Know About The Largest Tree In The World

You, Too, Can Experience What Gulliver Did

You don’t have to travel to Brobdingnag to experience what Gulliver did. Travel to Sequoia National Park where the trees are so tall and so amazing that you’ll feel like a Lilliputian in this land of the giants.

These massive Sequoia trees actually grow between 5,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation.

How is this possible you might ask? At Sequoia, the winters are relatively mild which makes it a perfect natural habitat for these incredible specimens to grow and thrive.

9. A Photographer Helped To Expand Sequoia National Park

If a picture’s worth a thousand words then how many acres might it be worth?

In America, the 1920s were known as the “Jazz Age.” It was a time of economic prosperity, cultural transformation and bootleg gin. It was also a time when women were making themselves felt in society.

Women Gained The Right To Vote

With the passage of the 19th amendment, women cast their first ballot for president in 1920. Their entrance into the workforce in increasing numbers signaled a battle for social liberation and equal rights.

One of these women would be Susan Priscilla Thew. In August of 1923, she decided to explore the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

A preservationist at heart, Susan Thew wanted to share the magic of these parks with a wider audience so she brought along a camera to capture some iconic images.

Her Pictures Made A Difference

Susan Thew originally came to California to escape the harsh winters of her native Ohio. Soon she fell in love with the Sierra Nevada range.

Learning of efforts to create a greater Sequoia National Park, she contacted Colonel John R. White, the park’s superintendent. She then proposed the idea of promoting the park to a wider audience.

Thus began the incredible travels of Susan Thew. Just as John Muir stirred peoples souls with his inspiring stories of the wonders of nature, Susan brought those wonders to life through her incredible photographs.

She covered hundreds of miles traversing some of the most rugged territory throughout the United States.

She Influenced Ansel Adams

A project which would take her several summers culminated in a beautiful publication titled, “The Proposed Roosevelt-Sequoia National Park.” Her intended audience were the members of Congress. It was for them that she managed to convey a sense of what made these lands so special.

Through her efforts, Congress was able to pass a bill enlarging the park’s boundaries to include the Great Western Divide, the Kaweah Peaks, the Kern Canyon, and the Sierra Crest.

Susan Thew’s bold approach influenced Ansel Adams. In 1940, Adams also created a portfolio of stunning images for distribution among members of Congress. Like Susan Thew, Ansel Adams efforts contributed to success in passing a bill creating Kings Canyon National Park.

CHECK OUT: 8 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco To Visit

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Facts

10. Sequoia Is Home To The Tallest Mountain In The Lower 48 States

Remember that wonderful song from The Sound Of Music which Julie Andrews sings? Yes, I know, there were so many of them. The one I have in mind is “Climb Every Mountain.”

Well, if you’re ready for adventure and like to climb mountains then Sequoia’s got one waiting for you. As mentioned earlier, Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. It has an elevation of 14,505 feet and a view at the top that’s simply breathtaking.

The mountain’s west slope is located in Sequoia National Park. The southern terminus of the John Muir Trail is where the summit is located. 

From the peak of Mount Whitney, you can see the incredible majesty of the Sierra Nevada range and look down into the beautiful Owens Valley. This magnificent mountain is the highest point of the Great Basin Divide.

11. Sequoia Is Home To The Largest Tree On Earth

You probably didn’t see General Sherman march through Georgia, but you have the opportunity to see his namesake at Sequoia National Park.

William Tecumseh Sherman was five foot eleven inches tall. The General Sherman Tree is much, much taller.

As a matter of fact, it’s the world’s largest tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet tall, and is over 36 feet in diameter at the base. Sixty feet above its base, the Sherman Tree is 17.5 feet in diameter. It’s a real “skyscraper.”

CHECK OUT: General Sherman Tree – Everything You Need To Know About The Largest Tree In The World

12. Over 95% Of Sequoia & Kings Canyon Are Wilderness

If you’re someone who likes to get away from it all then you’ll be thrilled by our next Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Fact. Over 95% of Sequoia and Kings Canyon are actually wilderness areas.

Thanks to the efforts of Susan Thew and others over the years, Congress expanded Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to 1,353 square miles.

I’m a historian by background and training so perhaps a little history would be helpful. In September of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act.

This act made the preservation and protection of wild places a national priority. Today, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks currently protect over 808,000 acres of designated wilderness in addition to 29,500 acres of proposed wilderness.

CHECK OUT: Is It Time For Another Bipartisan Era Of Environmental Activism?

13. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Feature Over 800 Miles Of Trails

To paraphrase Nancy Sinatra, “These parks are made for walking. That’s just what they do.”

And, if walking’s what you do then check out the John Muir Trail. It’s a 221-mile trail stretching from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney.

It passes through what many backpackers say is the finest mountain scenery in the United States. It’s a land of 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks, of lakes in the thousands, and of canyons and granite cliffs. The John Muir Trail is also a land blessed with the mildest, sunniest climate of any major mountain range in the world.

And the best part of all is that it travels through Kings Canyon and into Sequoia so you get two parks for the price of one.

If you’re a hiker then know that the best hiking season is from July to September when the weather is sunny and dry. Permits are not required for day kikes unless you’re planning to hike Mount Whitney. Consider going in the early morning or evening hours to escape the heat of the day.

14. George W. Bush Was The First President Ever To Stay At Sequoia & Kings Canyon While In Office

The average male has 25% body fat. As President, George W. Bush had a a body fit of 14%. How did he do it? According the the White House, he worked on an elliptical machine two days a week, lifted weights two days a week, ran an average of four miles four days each week and did regular stretching exercises.

George W. Bush was clearly one of our more physically fit presidents while in office. When jogging became too difficult as a result of knee surgeries, he later took up mountain biking. This man did not shy away from rugged physical exercise even on the hottest of days.

He was also the first president to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks while in office. While there, he took a walking tour of Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park on May 1, 2001.

15. Sequoia & Kings Canyon Have The Deepest Canyon In America

Another one of my favorite Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Facts has to do with a canyon. In fact it’s the deepest canyon in the United States and it’s located in Kings Canyon.

The Kings River Canyon drops 8,200 feet from high in the Sierra to the San Joaquin Valley. It’s deeper than Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River in Idaho and the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

If you’re planning a visit then you ought to check out both the Kings River Canyon and the Kings River.

The Kings Wild and Scenic River includes the entire Middle and South Forks and six miles of the Kings River. It flows through Kings Canyon National Park and the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests.

Beginning in glacial lakes above timberline, the river flows by deep, steep-sided canyons, over falls and cataracts, eventually becoming an outstanding whitewater rafting river in its lower reaches in Sequoia National Forest. Geology, scenery, recreation, fish, wildlife and history are all significant aspects.

And I’ve saved the best news for last because, believe it or not, you don’t need to hike this one. You can drive right down to the bottom of the canyon on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, which links the park’s main visitor centers of Grant Grove and Cedar Grove.

Along the way, you will also pass through the Giant Sequoia National Monument of the Sequoia National Forest, pass Hume Lake and several hiking trails.

16. Sequoia & Kings Canyon Are Great Places For Mountaineering

If you like to climb then Sequoia and Kings Canyon have much to offer you. As a matter of fact, these parks are a climbers paradise. Similar to Yosemite, these rock formations are nothing short of amazing.

Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced climber, there’s something for everyone. Climbs range from easy to extremely challenging-without the crowds and distractions of better known climbing areas. Popular routes include the Obelisk and Grand Sentinel.

Come prepared to spend the night, however, as most climbs include at least a day’s hike in.

Why Trust Us About Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

15 Facts About Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

1. Native Americans Of The Southern Sierras Were The Earliest Peoples To Inhabit Sequoia & Kings Canyon
2. The First Americans To Explore The Area Were Trappers
3. The Brewer Expedition Gave People Their First Detailed Understanding Of The Area
4. Kings Canyon Was First Made Popular By John Muir
5. A Journalist Would Play An Indispensable Role In The Creation Of Sequoia National Park
6. Sequoia/Kings Canyon had the first African American superintendent (acting) of a national park
7. Sequoia was the first park created to protect a living organism
8. A Photographer Helped To Expand Sequoia National Park
9. Sequoia is home to the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states
10. Sequoia is home to the largest tree on earth
11. Over 95% of Sequoia & Kings Canyon are wilderness
12. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Feature Over 800 Miles Of Trails
13. George W. Bush Was The First President Ever To Stay At Sequoia & Kings Canyon While In Office
14. Sequoia & Kings Canyon Have The Deepest Canyon In America
15. Sequoia/Kings Canyon Are Great Places For Mountaineering

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation. 

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below! 

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The post 15 (GIANT) Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Facts You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Summary: Historic Sites In Wyoming

Historic Sites In Wyoming. More Than Just Parks has 15 incredible must-see sites for you to visit.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

I’m going to give you my list of the 15 Historic Sites In Wyoming that you’ll want to see.

To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as well as national parks. It also includes sites not managed by the National Park Service. After all, we’re more than just parks!

If you’re planning a trip to the Cowboy State then one book that I highly recommend is: Wyoming Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit!

The Top 15 Historic Sites In Wyoming

15. Governors’ Mansion

Wyoming is known for its rich aboriginal folklore, beautiful nature, and stunning National Parks including Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The state’s population density is among the lowest in the nation. Wyoming is famous for bull riding, cowboy culture, and the home to several of the world’s most magnificent rangelands.

And it also features some amazing historic sites. More Than Just Parks is excited to share our list of the Top 15 Historic Sites In Wyoming with you. We’re kicking off our list at #15 with the Governors’ Mansion.

It’s historic building that served as the residence for the governors and their families from 1905 to 1976.

It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the people who lived there.

Visitors to the Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion can expect to see a piece of history and learn about the lives of the governors and their families who lived there.

There may be exhibits on display showcasing the history of the mansion and its residents, as well as guided tours that provide further information and insight. Some activities that visitors can participate in may include:

• Guided tours of the mansion and grounds
• Viewing of exhibits and displays related to the history of the mansion and its residents
• Learning about the architecture and design of the mansion
• Participating in educational programs and events
• Exploring the grounds and gardens of the mansion.

It’s best to check the specific information and activities offered by the mansion for current visitors.

14. Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum

At #14 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming is the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum.

The Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Wyoming and its pioneers.

The museum was established in the 1950s and has since been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the history of Wyoming and its pioneers.

The museum is located in Douglas, Wyoming and is housed in a former armory building. It features exhibits on the history of the state, including its indigenous people, homesteaders, settlers, cowboys, and miners. The museum also features exhibits on the geological and natural history of Wyoming, as well as the state’s cultural and social history.

Visitors to the museum can expect to learn about the challenges and triumphs of the pioneers who settled in Wyoming, as well as the role that the state has played in the development of the American West.

The museum offers educational programs and events, as well as guided tours, to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the history of Wyoming and its pioneers.

13. Piedmont Charcoal Kilns

We move on to #13 with a fascinating site located in Piedmont, Wyoming. It’s the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site.

The Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site is overseen and maintained by Fort Bridger State Historic Site.

The Piedmont Charcoal Kilns were built by Moses Byrne in 1869 to supply charcoal for the iron smelting industry in Utah. These conical limestone kilns measure 30 feet across and 30 feet high. Only three and a half of the original four kilns remain.

Wood burned in the kilns came from the nearby Uinta Mountains. It was estimated that during 1873 the kilns could produce 100,000 bushels of charcoal. Most of the charcoal was sent to Utah on the UP railroad.

The Union Pacific railroad ran through Piedmont and carried most of the charcoal produced by the kilns to Utah.

Things To Do

At The Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site in Wyoming, visitors can:

1. Explore the historic charcoal kilns and learn about their role in the region’s history.
2. Hike or take a scenic drive in the surrounding area and enjoy the natural beauty of Wyoming’s Piedmont Valley.
3. Take guided tours and attend interpretive programs to gain a deeper understanding of the site and its history.
4. Have a picnic and enjoy the outdoor spaces.
5. Participate in events and activities, such as campfires, workshops, and ranger-led tours.

12. Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site

Our next amazing historic site is a historical and cultural landmark located in Wyoming. It is a 400 meter long (1,312 feet) near vertical cliff that features over 92 prehistoric petroglyph panels and more than 300 petroglyph figures. Welcome to Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site.

These petroglyphs are believed to date back thousands of years and were created by Native Americans who lived in the region.

The site is considered sacred by the local Native American communities and was acquired by the state of Wyoming in 1973 to preserve and protect the petroglyphs for future generations. It was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places the same year.

Things To Do

At Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site in Wyoming, visitors can:

1. View and admire the prehistoric petroglyph panels and figures, some of which date back thousands of years.
2. Take guided tours or self-guided tours and learn about the cultural and historical significance of the petroglyphs.
3. Hike in the surrounding area and enjoy the natural beauty of Wyoming’s landscape.
4. Participate in interpretive programs and events to gain a deeper understanding of the site and its history.
5. Respect the fragile nature of the site and follow preservation guidelines to help protect the petroglyphs for future generations.

11. Ames Monument

At #11 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming is a structure located in southeastern Wyoming that was built in the late 19th century to honor two brothers who played a significant role in the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. It’s the Ames Monument.

The monument is located near the summit of Sherman Hill, which was a challenging section of the railroad to construct.

The Ames brothers, Oliver and Oakes, were wealthy industrialists who had close ties to the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant. They were major investors in the Union Pacific Railroad, which was tasked with building the western portion of the transcontinental railroad. The brothers played a key role in financing the railroad and were also involved in the construction process.

The Ames Monument was built in honor of the brothers’ contributions to the railroad. It was designed by renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson and built between 1880 and 1882. The monument consists of a granite pyramid that stands 60 feet tall and weighs over 700 tons.

The Monument Is Also Important For Its Architectural Value

The Ames Monument is significant not only for its historical importance but also for its architectural value. Richardson, who designed the monument, was a pioneer of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture, which was popular in the late 19th century.

The monument is considered one of the best examples of this style, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Today, the Ames Monument is a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of the important role that the transcontinental railroad played in the development of the American West. The monument is located near the town of Laramie, Wyoming, and visitors can access it by car or by hiking a short trail from nearby parking areas.

Top 10 Historic Sites In Wyoming

10. Historic Fort Phil Kearny

We’re on to the Top 10 Historic Sites In Wyoming. If you love military history then you’ll enjoy our next site.

Fort Phil Kearny is a historic military outpost located in northern Wyoming that was established in 1866 to protect travelers along the Bozeman Trail. The fort was named after General Philip Kearny, a Union officer who was killed during the Civil War.

The Bozeman Trail was a major route used by travelers and gold seekers traveling from the Oregon Trail to the gold fields of Montana. However, the trail passed through traditional hunting grounds of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, who fiercely resisted the influx of settlers and miners. In response to this, the United States government built several military forts along the trail to protect travelers and maintain control over the area.

The Fort Was Strategically Located

Fort Phil Kearny was one of these forts, and it was strategically located near the Powder River, which was a key source of water for travelers and their livestock. The fort was built using local materials, including logs and adobe, and consisted of several buildings, including barracks, a hospital, a commissary, and a sawmill.

Despite the fort’s strategic location and robust defenses, it was repeatedly attacked by Native American forces, who saw the fort as an intrusion on their land. One of the most famous battles at Fort Phil Kearny was the Fetterman Massacre of 1866, in which a group of soldiers was ambushed and killed by a large group of Native American warriors.

In 1868, the United States government negotiated a peace treaty with the Lakota and other tribes, and the Bozeman Trail was abandoned. Fort Phil Kearny was abandoned shortly after the treaty was signed, and the buildings were dismantled or destroyed.

Today, the site of Fort Phil Kearny is preserved as a historic site and museum, and visitors can explore the remains of the fort and learn about its fascinating history through exhibits and interpretive programs.

9. Connor Battlefield

At #9 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming is a place with a fascinating history. The Battle of Connor took place in Wyoming in 1866. It was a conflict between the US military and the Cheyenne and Sioux Native American tribes. Welcome to Connor Battlefield.

The battle was part of the larger conflict known as Red Cloud’s War, which was a result of tensions over the US government’s encroachment on Native American lands in the Powder River Country of Wyoming and Montana.

The Battle of Connor resulted in a victory for the Native American tribes, which forced the US military to withdraw from the area.

The conflict had significant consequences for US-Native American relations, and is considered a key moment in the history of the American West.

Things To Do & See

Connor Battlefield is now a historical site and is part of the larger Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site.

Visitors to the site can learn about the history of the battle and the larger conflict through interpretive signage and educational materials.

There are also hiking trails that take visitors through the site, providing opportunities to see the historic terrain and gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place there.

Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, which includes the remains of a Native American medicine lodge, as well as an interpretive center that provides information on the cultural and historical significance of the area.

Overall, the Connor Battlefield in Wyoming offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the American West and the interactions between the US government and Native American tribes.

8. Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility

We move from a place which commemorates a 19th century battle to a Cold War era military installation. At #8 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming is the Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility.

The Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility, also known as the Q-01 Site, was one of many sites that were built by the United States Air Force to monitor and control the country’s nuclear weapons arsenal.

The Q-01 Site was built in 1962 and became operational the following year. Its primary purpose was to monitor the status of Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) located in silos throughout the area.

The facility was equipped with advanced technology, including radar and communication systems, which allowed its operators to track missile launches and respond quickly to any potential threats.

The Q-01 Site was manned by a team of military personnel who worked around the clock to monitor the missiles and ensure that they were ready to launch if necessary. The site was also equipped with living quarters, a mess hall, and other amenities to accommodate the personnel stationed there.

It Was Designed To Prepare Military Personnel For The Possibility Of A Nuclear War

In addition to its monitoring and control functions, the Q-01 Site was also involved in a number of training exercises and simulations designed to prepare military personnel for the possibility of a nuclear war. These exercises were often conducted in collaboration with other military installations in the area, including nearby missile silos.

With the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s, the Q-01 Site and many other similar installations became obsolete. The site was decommissioned in 1997 and its equipment was removed.

Today, the site is largely abandoned, although some of the buildings and structures still stand as a reminder of the tense and often frightening history of the Cold War.

7. Independence Rock

At #7 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming is a rock that has played an important role in the history of the American West, particularly as a landmark and rest stop for travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Pioneer trails in the mid-19th century. It’s Independence Rock.

Independence Rock is a granite outcropping located in central Wyoming.

The rock is approximately 130 feet high and covers an area of about 24 acres. It was named by early travelers who observed that it was usually reached by July 4th, and thus it became a symbol of independence and progress for the pioneers who traveled across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.

Beginning in the 1840s, Independence Rock became a popular stopping point for travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Pioneer trails, as it marked the halfway point of their journey. The rock provided a place for pioneers to rest, take stock of their supplies, and leave their names or messages in the soft granite surface.

Many travelers left inscriptions on the rock, and today, thousands of these inscriptions can still be seen. The inscriptions provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and experiences of the pioneers who traveled across the country, including their hopes, fears, and dreams.

Independence Rock also played a strategic role in the history of the American West. During the mid-19th century, it was often used as a landmark by explorers, trappers, and military expeditions, including the famous Fremont Expedition of 1843.

Today, Independence Rock is preserved as a state historic site, and visitors can explore the rock and its surroundings, as well as view the many inscriptions left by early travelers.

6. Oregon Trail Ruts

Our next historic site is quite an unusual one. It fact, it’s a series of deep grooves that were carved into the rocky landscape of central Wyoming by the wagons of pioneers traveling westward on the Oregon Trail during the mid-19th century.

At #6 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming are The Oregon Trail Ruts.

As pioneers crossed the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains on their journey west, they faced numerous obstacles, including steep terrain, harsh weather, and dangerous river crossings. One of the most notable obstacles was the crossing of the Continental Divide, which presented a formidable challenge to even the most experienced pioneers.

In order to navigate the steep and rocky terrain, pioneers often had to use special techniques to guide their wagons safely through the mountains. One of these techniques was to follow the tracks of previous travelers, which had been worn into the rock by the wheels of their wagons.

Over time, these tracks became deep grooves in the rock, which are now known as the Oregon Trail Ruts. The ruts are up to six feet deep in some places and extend for hundreds of feet along the side of a hill.

The Oregon Trail Ruts are a fascinating historical artifact and provide a vivid reminder of the challenges that pioneers faced as they traveled westward in search of a better life.

Today, the site is preserved as a National Historic Landmark, and visitors can walk along the ruts and imagine what it must have been like to travel along the Oregon Trail during the mid-19th century.

Top 5 Historic Sites In Wyoming

5. Fort Bridger

We’re on to the Top 5 Historic Sites In Wyoming. At #5 is Fort Bridger. It’s a fur trading post and military outpost in what is now southwestern Wyoming.

The fort was established in 1843 by Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez, two mountain men and fur traders, as a place to trade with indigenous peoples and travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails. During the mid-1840s, the US Army used the fort as a supply depot for emigrants traveling west.

In 1857, the US Army took over the fort and established a permanent military presence there, which lasted until 1890. During the American Civil War, the fort played a key role as a military and supply center for the Union Army in the western territories.

After the war, it was used as a supply base for US Army campaigns against the indigenous peoples of the Great Basin and the Rockies.

In the late 1800s, as the population of the western territories grew, the fort’s significance as a military outpost diminished, and it was decommissioned and sold to private owners. Today, Fort Bridger is a Wyoming State Historic Site, open to visitors for tours and interpretive programs.

4. Heart Mountain Relocation Center

We’re on to the “Final Four.” At #4 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming is a site which commemorates a dark chapter in American history. It’s the Heart Mountain Relocation Center.

The Heart Mountain Relocation Center was a Japanese American internment camp located in Wyoming during World War II.

It was one of ten camps established by the U.S. government to detain Japanese Americans, who were forcibly removed from their homes on the West Coast and deemed a security risk due to their ancestry.

The camp was in operation from August 1942 to November 1945 and housed over 10,000 Japanese Americans at its peak. Life at the camp was difficult, with cramped living quarters, inadequate facilities, and poor working conditions. Despite these conditions, the internees established a vibrant community, including a newspaper, schools, and religious organizations.

The Heart Mountain Relocation Center became a site of resistance to the internment, as some internees resisted the draft and refused to sign loyalty oaths required by the U.S. government. This resistance culminated in the famous Heart Mountain Fair Play Committee draft resistance case, which challenged the constitutionality of the internment and the loyalty oath requirement.

The legacy of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center remains significant in the history of Japanese American internment and serves as a reminder of the U.S. government’s unjust treatment of its citizens during a time of war.

Things To Do

The Heart Mountain Relocation Center has been preserved as a historic site, and there are several things to see for those interested in learning about the history of Japanese American internment during World War II.

1. Interpretive center: An interpretive center provides information about the history of the camp, including exhibits on daily life, the draft resistance movement, and the legacy of the internment.
2. Original buildings: Some of the original camp buildings, including barracks and administrative buildings, have been preserved and are open to visitors.
3. Memorials and monuments: There are several monuments and memorials at the site, including a rock garden and a stone marker, which commemorate the experiences of those who were interned at Heart Mountain.
4. Historical artifacts: Visitors can see historical artifacts, including original camp uniforms, furniture, and photographs, which help to bring the history of the camp to life.
5. Guided tours: Guided tours of the site are available, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center from knowledgeable guides.

3. Fort Laramie National Historic Site

If you enjoy military history then you’ll love our next site. At #3 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Wyoming is Fort Laramie.

Fort Laramie was established as a private fur trading fort in 1834. As Americans migrated west, it evolved into the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains.

As far as Wyoming National Parks go, this one tells the story of America’s Westward Migration.

The fort played a significant part in America’s goal to expand its boundaries from sea to shining sea. It was a base of operations for efforts to make sure that the Native Americans did not jeopardize this westward migration.

Things To See And Do At Fort Laramie

At the visitors center, you can see an 18-minute film highlighting the history of the fort and the important role it played. You can also see uniforms, weapons, and artifacts relating to the history of the19th century western frontier.

While you’re there you might also want to check out the Fort Laramie Historical Association Bookstore. So many books, so little time!

The Confluence Trail allows you to explore history and nature. It’s a 1.6 mile loop that takes you from the Old Army Bridge to the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie Rivers.

2. Yellowstone National Park

We’re on to the final 2 historic sites. And in the runner-up spot at #2 is America’s oldest national park. Welcome to Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as the first national park in the world.

The area that is now Yellowstone National Park has a long history of human use and habitation. Native American tribes, including the Crow, Blackfoot, and Shoshone, have lived in the region for thousands of years.

European explorers and fur trappers began to arrive in the area in the early 1800s, and by the mid-19th century, the region had become a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and sightseeing.

RELATED: 15 BEST Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

Interesting Facts About Yellowstone

Before it became America’s first national park, people explored this fantastic place. They told tales of its magnificent beauty and amazing natural wonders. Few believed them however.

Then, in 1869, C.W. Cook saw some of Yellowstone’s incredible geysers with two traveling companions. Cook was so moved by his experience that he submitted an article to Lippincott’s magazine.

He received a curt reply from them which read as follows: “Thank-you, but we do not print fiction.” Aren’t publishers wonderful.

CHECK OUT: 18 (FASCINATING) Yellowstone National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Realize

Things To Do At Yellowstone

There are so many wonderful things to see and do at Yellowstone National Park.

10. Go Camping-There are many campsites inside the park though you should check availability before you arrive.

9. Go Fishing-Try the trout waters north, south and west of Cody. They’re filled with native brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout.

8. Check Out The Local Culture-See the Plains Indian Museum or visit one of five museums at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

7. Explore The Rocks & Fossils-Inside Yellowstone you will find basalt columns formed by lava and a petrified forest.

6. Go Rafting-Raft down one of the nearby rivers or check out the information on rafting trips which is available at the park entrances.

For a complete list, check out our article on all of the Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Top 5 Things to Do at Yellowstone

5. Take A Hike-There’s a 1,300 mile trail system. Some of the most popular hikes are Bunsen Peak, Fairy Falls and Uncle Tom’s Trail.

4. Visit The Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone-This incredible place includes three glorious waterfalls. The overlook of the lower falls offers a breathtaking view.

3. See The Incredible Wildlife-Yellowstone is home to more wild animals than anyone else in America. There are are Bears, Wolves, Moose, Elk, Bison, Badgers, Otters, Fox and so much more to see inside the park.

2. See The Geysers Erupt– What would a visit to Yellowstone be without a trip to the Old Faithful Geyser. You don’t have to stop there, however, as Yellowstone is home to the most active geyser field in the world.

1. Sit Back, Relax & Soak It All In-After all, you’re on vacation. You can do as little or as much as you want. I tend to lean towards the as little side, but we’re all different.

Want to learn about some of the classic films and television series that were made at Yellowstone and America’s other national parks? Check out our articles: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks & Look Familiar? 10+ CLASSIC Television Shows Filmed In The National Parks

1. Grand Teton National Park

As the #1 Historic Site In Wyoming, More Than Just Parks has selected Grand Teton National Park.

Wyoming includes some of the most magnificent national parks in the world. And that having been said, Grand Teton National Park is one of our all time favorites.

We first visited Grand Teton National Park back in 2016 and have been back many, many times since.

Grand Teton is truly one of those places that anywhere you look seems to be postcard worthy. Be sure to bring your camera.

Grand Teton Is A Family Affair

In recent years, the park has seen a massive influx in folks (like the Pattiz Family) who want to get a glimpse of this breathtaking destination. Who can blame us! In 2016, all four of us managed to make the trek. It’s one amazing trip that I will certainly never forget.

However, one question we’ve been getting asked more and more lately is “is it still worth it to visit Grand Teton despite the crowds?”

The answer is, yes. It just requires a bit more due diligence and planning these days to have the best possible time at the park.

About Grand Teton National Park

Located in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.

This is a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic mountain beauty.

The park derives it’s name from the mighty Teton Range popularly known as simply the Tetons, or the Grand Tetons.

The park’s creation and eventual scale (in terms of acreage) was largely made possible by John D. Rockefeller Jr., son of the famous oil tycoon.

Things To Do

Here are some things to do during your visit:

1. Hiking: Grand Teton National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in the country, with scenic views of the Teton Range and its surrounding landscape. Popular hikes include the Cascade Canyon Trail, Jenny Lake Trail, and Hidden Falls Trail.
2. Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive through the park’s many picturesque roads, including the Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
3. Wildlife Viewing: Grand Teton National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, moose, bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. Be sure to bring your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures.
4. Boating: Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the pristine waters of Jackson Lake, Snake River, or Jenny Lake.
5. Fishing: The park is home to several lakes and rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Jackson Lake, Snake River, and Gros Ventre River are popular spots for trout fishing.
6. Mountaineering: For the adventurous, climbing Grand Teton is a must-do activity. You’ll need some mountaineering experience and the right equipment, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
7. Camping: There are several campsites within the park, including the popular Jenny Lake Campground, that offer a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the park up close.
8. Ranger Programs: Join a ranger-led tour or program to learn more about the park’s wildlife, geology, and history.
9. Winter Sports: During the winter months, Grand Teton National Park is a great destination for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports.
10. Photography: With its breathtaking scenery, Grand Teton National Park offers countless opportunities for stunning photography. Don’t forget your camera!

Check Out Our Amazing Grand Teton Film

GRAND TETON 8K is the culmination of nearly a month spent filming in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and the foothills of the Teton Mountain Range.

Encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range. Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic beauty. This is Grand Teton. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.

To make this film happen we spent nearly a month in Grand Teton National Park during June & July. Of all the films we’ve shot this one features the most wildlife. We captured bison, elk, moose, bears, foxes, beavers, and more.

Grand Teton is situated just South of Yellowstone and while it still sees a significant amount of visitors each year it is far less than its northern counterpart. As one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world Grand Teton is in a class of its own.

Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, jaw-dropping vistas, and high-alpine beauty comprise this western wonderland.

List Of Historic Sites In Wyoming

1. Grand Teton National Park
2. Yellowstone National Park
3. Fort Laramie National Historic Site
4. Heart Mountain Relocation Center
5. Fort Bridger
6. Oregon Trail Ruts
7. Independence Rock
8. Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility
9. Connor Battlefield
10. Fort Phil Kearny
11. Ames Monument
12. Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site
13. Piedmont Charcoal Kilns
14. Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum
15. Historic Governors’ Mansion

Why Trust Us About Historic Sites In Wyoming?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and more for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

And, in 2018, our father – having spent a lifetime teaching history – joined us so that he could help us to tell the stories behind these amazing places.

Meet The Parks Brothers

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation. 

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below! 

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The post 15 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In Wyoming (Guide + Photos) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Summary: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts! In this article, we provide you with 12 amazing facts about one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks takes a deeper dive with its national park facts. We’ve done our homework so that you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Facts About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Some Basic Facts About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a beautiful and unique park located on the island of Hawaii in the state of Hawaii, in the United States. It covers over 323,000 acres of land and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as several unique geological features.

The park is named after its two main attractions, the Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes, which are both active and have erupted numerous times in recent history. The park is also home to several other volcanic features, including lava tubes, craters, and cinder cones.

The park’s landscape is diverse, with forests of native trees, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including native birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

There are many ways to explore and enjoy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can go hiking or biking on the park’s trails, go birdwatching or stargazing in the park’s dark skies, or even take a guided tour of the park’s volcanoes. There are also several campgrounds and lodges located within the park, providing comfortable accommodations for visitors.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a beautiful and unique place, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the natural world in a truly special setting. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

CHECK OUT: The BEST Hawaii National Parks

Here Are Some Basic Facts About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Location: Hawaii
Acreage:  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 335,259 acres or about 523 square miles.
Visitation: In 2021, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park welcomed 1,262,747 people to the park.
Highest Elevation: 13,681 feet.
Lowest Elevation: The lowest elevation found in Hawaii Volcanoes is 0 feet at the Pacific Ocean.
When Did It Become A National Park? Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts

Top 5 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts

1. Polynesians From The Marquesas Islands Were The First Humans To Visit & Settle The Hawaiian Islands

We begin our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts with the history of its earliest peoples. As a retired history teacher and lifelong history buff, I always like to begin with an interesting origin story. And, as a part of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii Volcanoes, in my opinion, has one of the most interesting.

Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands were the first humans to visit and settle the Hawaiian Islands between 1000-1200 AD.

They were skilled navigators who used observations of natural phenomena such as stars, migratory birds, ocean currents, rainbows, and whales to guide their double-hulled canoes, known as Waʻa, across the 2,000 miles of ocean.

These voyagers brought along many animals and plants to sustain them in their new home, including pigs, dogs, chickens, taro, sweet potato, coconut, banana, sugar cane, and other edible and medicinal plants.

The area now encompassed by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been a destination for many people since the Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii over a thousand years ago.

The park is home to two of the most active volcano’s in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which offer a unique opportunity to witness volcanic activity.

CHECK OUT: 11 AMAZING Acadia National Park Facts

2. The Earliest Settlers Established A Caste System

Another one of the fascinating Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts is that, for the inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands, life was structured around a caste system.  

The social heirarchy was delineated into a strict caste system. At the top of this social pyramid were rulers known as Aliʻ i (chiefs.)

On the next rung below the Aliʻ i were the Kahuna (professionals,) who were experts on the spiritual realm, medicines, canoe-building, and rituals.

Below them were the Maka ʻainana (commoners) who farmed, fished, built homes, and paid taxes to the Aliʻi.

The lowest rung were the Kauwa (outcasts and slaves.) Kauwa were villagers who ran afoul of an Aliʻi or kahuna, or were prisoners of war.

CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)

3. Buffalo Soldiers Were Present In What Is Now Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Another one of the fascinating Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts is that the Buffalo Soldiers were president in what is not Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

In 1866, Congress established six all-black regiments (consolidated to four shortly after) to help rebuild the country after the Civil War and to fight on the Western frontier during the Plains Wars.

It was from one of these regiments, the 10th Cavalry, that the nickname Buffalo Soldier was born.

Congress created four military regiments made up of Black troops, the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry.

The 25th Infantry, comprised of about 850 enlisted men and officers, arrived in Honolulu on January 14, 1913.

The morning after their arrival they began a two-day, twenty-three-mile march to Schofield Barracks where they were stationed until 1917.

They Did Not Encounter Racial Hatred

According to the National Park Service, the Buffalo Soldiers did not encounter the racial hatred that they had from communities on the mainland.

Positive cross-cultural relationships began as the troops marched in local parades and competed with civilian sports leagues in track and field and baseball.

They were perhaps best known for their baseball prowess. Stories about their winning baseball team, the “Wreckers,” were published in the Honolulu newspapers.

Several team members later joined the Negro League and one player, Wilber “Bullet” Rogan, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

To Learn More About The Buffalo Soldiers

From the American Revolution to the present day, African Americans have stepped forward in their nation’s defense.

To learn more about their important contributions, I recommend: Fighting for Uncle Sam: Buffalo Soldiers in the Frontier Army by John P. Langellier.

This concise overview reveals a cast of characters as big as the land they served. Over 150 images painstakingly gathered nearly a half century from public and private collections enhance the written word as windows to the past. 

Now, 150 years after Congress authorized blacks to serve in the Regular Army the reader literally can peer into the eyes of formerly enslaved men who bravely bought their freedom on the bloody battlefields of the Civil War, then trekked westward, carried the “Stars and Stripes” to the Caribbean, and pursued Pancho Villa into Mexico with John “Black Jack” Pershing.

CHECK OUT: 11 AMAZING Facts About Arches National Park

4. Mark Twain Traveled To Kilauea

One of my favorite Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks Facts involves one of America’s greatest authors.

Fifty years before Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established, author and humorist Mark Twain ventured to the then-erupting summit of Kilauea.

At the time, Twain was on a four month visit to the islands as a correspondent for the Daily Union newspaper of Sacramento.

He traveled to Oahu, Maui, and the island of Hawaii.

His dispatches were published serially in the newspaper throughout that year and later compiled in a volume entitled: Mark Twain’s Letters from Hawaii.

Twain was fascinated by the Kilauea Volcano. Of it he would write:

“It makes three distinct sounds – a rushing, a hissing, and a coughing or puffing sound; and if you stand on the brink and close your eyes it is no trick at all to imagine that you are sweeping down a river on a large low pressure steamer, and that you hear the hissing of the steam about her boilers, the puffing from her escape pipes and the churning rush of the water abaft her wheels. The smell of sulfur is strong, but not unpleasant to a sinner.”

Mark Twain’s Travels On Hawaii

Mark Twain wrote about his experiences at several different locations, including Kealakekua Bay, the “city of refuge” (Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau), and the small settlement of Waiohinu.

However, he wrote most extensively about his visit to the volcano Kīlauea, which he described as “a scene of wild beauty.”

After a long and rough horseback trek up to the summit from Kaʻū, Twain initially expressed disappointment at the sight of the massive caldera, describing it as “a wide, level, black plain.”

However, as he spent more time at the volcano, he began to appreciate the true scale of the caldera, noting that “the place looked a little larger and a little deeper every five minutes, by the watch.”

He also observed a house perched on the edge of the caldera, which looked like “a martin box under the eaves of a cathedral.”

During his stay at Kīlauea, Twain stayed at the Volcano House, a hotel that he described as “neat, roomy, well furnished, and well kept” and was surprised to find such a good hotel in such an remote location.

CHECK OUT: 12 AMAZING Facts About Big Bend National Park

5. Hawaii Volcanoes Features A Historic Landmark Which Is Over 150 Years Old

If you enjoy historic landmarks as much as I do then this next Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Fact is one you will find fascinating.

The Volcano House in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been there since 1846 when Benjamin Pitman constructed a four walled thatched shelter “in the native style.”

Today it’s a historical retreat with 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins and 16 campsites.

The hotel is actually on the edge of an active volcano which makes it an exciting place to visit any time you go.

It also features an incredible timeline as amazing place underwent a metamorphosis from Pitman’s simple structure to the grand place it is today.

Volcano House Over The Years

According to the National Park Service, Volcano House went through four major renovations.

1877 Volcano House: William Lentz, a carpenter from Baltimore, built a more permanent western-style Volcano House hotel in 1877 located where koa trees near the pā hula (hula platform) is now. 

1891 Victorian Addition: The hotel had traded hands again, this time to Lorrin A. Thurston. He  increased capacity of the hotel with a 2-story Victorian-style addition to the Kaʻū side of the building.

1921 Renovations: The 1877 section of the building was removed from the 1891 Victorian addition and rolled back to where it currently houses the Volcano Art Center.

A massive two-story wing was then added to the Victorian addition, bringing the number of rooms from 25 to 104. This grand hotel operated under the Interisland Steamship Company until 1932. 

1941 New Volcano House: On February 7, 1940 the Volcano House burnt to the ground. George Lycurgus began the process to build a new hotel.

He commissioned Maui-born architect Charles W. Dickey to pen the design. On November 8, 1941, the new hotel opened for business.

This hotel, located across Crater Rim Drive at the caldera’s edge, hosted a fair share of significant guests.

The list of names included Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry S. Truman, Dr. Charles W. Mayo, John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon as well as many others.  (Source: NPS)

CHECK OUT: 14 AMAZING Facts About Biscayne National Park

Top 10 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts

6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Home to the Largest Active Volcano On Earth

One of the most interesting Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks Facts involves volcanoes. Or, to be more specific, it involves one volcano in particular.

Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on the planet. Its name means “long mountain” in Hawaiian.

As a matter of fact, as I write this article for More Than Just Parks, Mauna Loa erupted again for the first time in 38 years.

At just 21 miles apart, Mauna Loa and Kilauea have not erupted together since 1984, when Mauna Loa last erupted.

Fountains of lava as tall as 200 feet burst from Mauna Loa, the Geological Survey said.

The eruption was concentrated in Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone, where lava is flowing from at least one split in the volcano, the geological survey said. (Source: CNN)

Mauna Loa Is A Shield Volcano

Mauna Loa is what geologists refer to as a shield volcano in its shape— signified by broad, rounded slopes.

The volcano makes up roughly 51% of Hawaii Island and stands 13,681 feet above sea level.

More impressive, however, it rises an astonishing 30,000 feet from the bottom of the sea, a greater height than Mount Everest. The ocean floor actually bends under the weight of this mammoth mountain.

By itself, the land mass that Mauna Loa encompasses is almost equal twice all of the other Hawaiian islands combined.

CHECK OUT: 12 SURPRISING Channel Islands National Park Facts

7. Hawaii Volcanoes Includes An “Island Of The Giants”

Just when you thought we couldn’t come up with any more unbelievable Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts we’ve come up with another one.

You know that the two most active volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii are Kilauea & Mauna Loa.

But did you know that there are three other volcanoes which make up the Island of Hawaii?

From oldest to youngest their names are: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

IF you’re planning a visit then the good news is that these three other volcanoes (Kohala, Mauna Kea & Hualalai) are much older and less likely to erupt than their younger siblings to the south.

Mauna Kea, which last erupted an estimated 4,500 years ago, is likely to erupt again, although its periods of quiet are much longer. Kohala, the oldest volcano on the island, has concluded its period of eruptive activity.

CHECK OUT: 10 FASCINATING Denali National Park Facts

8. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Another fascinating Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Fact is that the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What does it mean to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site? World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. 

World Heritage is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park preserves the intimate connection between the natural history of the region and Native Hawaiian culture –- a culture that to this day reveres the island volcanoes as sacred places.

CHECK OUT: 11 SURPRISING Everglades National Parks Facts

9. The Park Is Also An International Biosphere

In 1980, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural organization (UNESCO) named Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park an International Biosphere Reserve because of its outstanding scenic and scientific values.

What is an International Biosphere?

Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity.

They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each site promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. (Source: UNESCO)

CHECK OUT: 15 AMAZING Facts About Grand Teton National Park

10. Exploring the Park By Car Is Easy

Now if you’re planning a visit, but you’re not someone who likes to do a lot of walking then you’ll be thrilled by the next one of our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts. Exploring the park by car is actually quite easy.

There are different ways to see the attractions throughout the park. You can take a guided volcano tour or drive through on your own.

If you prefer an excursion through the park via car, however, there are two popular drives to choose from:

• The Crater Rim Drive Tour takes you to the Kilauea Visitor Center, Steam Vents and Sulphur Banks, the Kilauea Iki Overlook, Pu’u Pua’i Overlook, the Devastation Trail, and the Keanokako’i Crater.
• The Chain of Craters Road winds visitors through the park. You will hit stops such as the Lua Manu Crater, Pauahi Crater, Mauna Ulu, Kealakomo Lookout, and the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs.

You Can Also Walk The Trails

If you prefer traveling by foot then there are some wonderful walking trails.

One of my favorites is the Crater Rim Trail.

It’s an easy hike and it traverses the edge of the Kilauea summit Caldera from Uekahuna to just past Keanakakoʻi Crater.

Along the way, you’ll see some breathtaking scenery.

CHECK OUT: 15 AMAZING Facts About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Top 12 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts

11. Hawaii Volcanoes Features Some Amazing Petroglyphs

Another Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks Fact has to do with the Puʻuloa Petroglyphs.

These amazing etchings document the life and culture of the Native Hawaiian people.

The poho (cup-like depressions) cradle the piko (umbilical cord) of their children. It brought hopes of receiving the blessings of a long and prosperous life.

Now be forewarned that this trip entails a moderate hike of approximately 1.5 miles round trip. You should plan on approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

It’s well worth it, however, as this beautiful coastal trail traverses a 500-550 year old lava field to one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaii.

This incredible site has approximately 23,000 petroglyphs. Many of these are viewable at a boardwalk constructed just for this purpose.

CHECK OUT: 10 FASCINATING Facts About Guadalupe Mountains National Park

12. Hawaii Volcanoes Features Amazing Lava Tubes

One of my favorite Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts has to do with the amazing lava tubes which visitors can explore.

A lava tube, or pyroduct, is a natural conduit formed by flowing lava from a volcanic vent that moves beneath the hardened surface of a lava flow. If lava in the tube empties, it will leave a cave.

When the lava flow stops or gets diverted, the tube becomes an empty cave.

These lava tubes can be found in Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, home of the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, and they offer a unique opportunity to witness volcanic activity.

When active, lava travels through these tubes at temperatures that exceed 2,000º F (1090º C). The intense heat can cause winds of superheated fumes to blast through the tunnel, but the only sound may be the constant soft hiss of the relentless flow.

These tubes are not only geological wonders but also provide habitat for unique ecosystem of troglobites, animals specifically adapted to live in the dark and isolated environment.

Distinct species of crickets and spiders develop alongside special microbial colonies that can only be found in these lava tubes.

Thurston Lava Tube 

One of the most amazing lava tubes can be found in Haleakala. It’s the Thurston Lava Tube.

The Thurston Lava Tube, a 450-foot tunnel east of the caldera, was formed when a lava stream’s outer crust hardened while the molten lava continued its flow.

The lava tube is named for Lorrin Thurston, a local newspaper publisher who discovered the cave in 1913. Thurston was also an advocate for the creation of the national park.

When this lava tube was discovered, the roof of the tube was covered with lava drippings. 

The lava tube can be accessed by a short day hike. Alternate parking for Nahuku is at Kilauea Iki Overlook, a half-mile distance.

CHECK OUT: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED BY EXPERTS

Check Out Our Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park 8K Film

HAWAI’I VOLCANOES 8K is the culmination of several weeks spent filming in the rugged volcanic landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Situated on the island of Hawaii in the heart of the remote south pacific, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of massive mountains, rare wildlife, and fiery volcanoes. Journey with More Than Just Parks as we discover an ever-growing land shaped by fire.

This is Hawai’i Volcanoes. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an incredible place featuring the most active volcano in the world. Kiluea is constantly in a state of eruption.

This film was shot before much of the more recent explosive activity occurred and features some locations that have been significantly altered.

Why Trust Us About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

List Of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facts

1. Polynesians From The Marquesas Islands Were The First Humans To Visit & Settle The Hawaiian Islands
2. The Earliest Settlers Established A Caste System
3. Buffalo Soldiers Were Present In What Is Now Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
4. Mark Twain Traveled To Kilauea
5. Hawaii Volcanoes Features A Historic Landmark Which Is Over 150 Years Old
6. The Park Features The Largest Active Volcano On Earth
7. Hawaii Volcanoes Includes An “Island Of The Giants”
8. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site
9. The Park Is Also An International Biosphere
10. Exploring the Park By Car Is Easy
11. Hawaii Volcanoes Features Some Amazing Petroglyphs
12. Hawaii Volcanoes Features Amazing Lava Tubes

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested joining the adventure, sign up below!

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Email *

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Article Summary: Joshua Tree National Park Facts

Joshua Tree National Park Facts! In this article, More Than Just Parks provides you with 15 amazing facts about one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks takes a deeper dive with its national park facts. We’ve done our homework so that you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Facts About Joshua Tree National Park

Some Basic Facts About Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful and unique park located in California. The park covers over 790,000 acres of land and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as several unique geological features.

The park is named after the Joshua trees that are found throughout the park. These distinctive trees are native to the region and are known for their twisted and gnarled branches. The park is also home to several other unique plant species, including cactus and wildflowers.

The park’s landscape is diverse, with forests of Joshua trees, grasslands, and rocky outcroppings. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, and over 250 species of birds.

There are many ways to explore and enjoy Joshua Tree National Park. Visitors can go hiking or rock climbing on the park’s trails, go birdwatching or stargazing in the park’s dark skies, or even go camping or picnicking in the park’s beautiful landscapes. There are also several lodges and cabins located within the park, providing comfortable accommodations for visitors.

Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful and unique place, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the natural world in a truly special setting.

It is truly a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities.

CHECK OUT: 7 National Parks Near Los Angeles You’ll Love

Here Are Some Of The Basic Facts

• Location: California
• Acreage: 795,156 gross acres including private and state in-holdings.
• Visitation: 3,064,400 visitors in 2021.
• Highest Elevation: 5,814 ft at the summit of Quail Mountain.
• Lowest Elevation: 536 ft at the southeastern boundary of the park.
• Average Annual Precipitation: Joshua Tree gets 8 inches of rain, on average, per year.
• When Did It Become A National Park? Joshua Tree was designated a national monument in 1936 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and accorded national park status in 1994.

Joshua Tree National Park Facts

Top 5 Joshua Tree National Park Facts

1. The Earliest Peoples Were Part Of The Pinto Culture

If you’re as fascinated by origin stories as I am then the first of our Joshua Tree National Park Facts may be of special interest to you. Scholars believe that the area may have been first inhabited 15,000 years ago.

Joshua Tree National Park has a rich history of human occupation dating back thousands of years. Archeological evidence in and around the region points to the fact that people actually lived and hunted in a cooler grassland environment between 10,000 and 4,000 years ago.

Archaeologists Elizabeth and William Campbell studied evidence and identified the existence of a group of hunter-gathers known as the Pinto Culture.

According to the National Park Service, the Campbells believed that there had been a river flowing through Pinto Basin, but more recent research by geologists dispels the notion that there was either a river or a lake in Pinto Basin by the time humans occupied the area.

The Pinto culture is known for the triangular shaped points they left behind, which were thick and triangular in shape, with notched shoulders and a broad stem. Pinto hunters attached the points to a wooden spear shaft and used a spear thrower, or atlatl, to propel the spear.

Based on the relatively large number of Pinto points and cutting and scraping tools compared with the few seed-processing implements found at these early sites, it is believed that Pinto Culture was a mobile population dependent upon large game hunting and seasonal plant gathering.

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2. Three Groups Of Native Americans Once Occupied The Joshua Tree Area

Another of the fascinating Joshua Tree National Park Facts is that, when the Europeans arrived in California during the late 18th century, there were three groups of Native Americans occupying the Joshua Tree area.

The peoples who followed the Pinto Culture were the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, and Serrano tribes. Of the three, the Chemehuevi were the most recent arrivals, coming from the Great Basin of Nevada by 1500.

The Chemehuevi people are considered to be the most southern group of the Southern Paiute Indians, who are linguistically related to the greater Uto-Aztecan language family, which includes languages spoken by peoples from the Great Basin south into central Mexico.

Little evidence links the Pinto Culture with today’s tribal groups, but it’s known that the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, and Serrano who followed the Pinto period had a more diversified strategy of hunting and collecting food items that included distinct changes in stone tools and increasing numbers of hard-seed milling stones.

CHECK OUT: 8 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco To Visit

3. The First Americans To Use The Joshua Tree Were Cattlemen

Among the lesser known Joshua Tree National Park Facts is that the first Americans to consistently use the Joshua Tree area were cattlemen.

During the 1870s, the western, higher elevation area of the park received more rainfall than it does today. This supported a variety of native grasses which were ideal for cattle grazing.

One of the earliest cattlemen was the legendary William “Bill” McHaney. He drove his Texas longhorns into the Lost Horse, Queen and Pleasant Valleys in 1879.

It turns out that McHaney’s brother, Jim, was a cattle rustler. His gang rustled cattle from Mexico and Arizona while returning stolen horses to the area.

This gang operated successfully for over a decade by keeping their herds isolated in an area which they called “Cow Camp” on the western edge of the Wonderland of Rocks.

CHECK OUT: 15 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In California

4. The Discovery Of Gold In The Sierra Nevada Foothills Led Miners To Excavate In Joshua Tree

One of my favorite Joshua Tree National Park Facts concerns the other major group which came to the area in the 19th century seeking their fortune.

Unlike the cattlemen who were attracted to the grasslands, it was the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada Foothills which led miners to Joshua Tree.

Mining for gold began in the late 1860s in the Twentynine Palms area. It was the presence of water at the oasis of Mara which made this area a natural location for the flurry of mining activity that ensued.

Dry Washing

It’s amazing what one can learn when researching these fascinating national park facts. For example, dry washing is a method of winnowing gold from dirt.

In many of the mining districts of California, water could not be obtained during the summer for mining purposes.

The miners therefore managed to wash their dirt without water. They took only rich dirt, and put it on a raw hide Miners pulverized all the lumps and picked out the large stones.

With a large flat basin they threw the dirt up into the air, caught it as it comes down, threw it up again, and repeated this operation until nothing but the gold remained. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

In the Joshua Tree area, virtually all of the gold and other minerals were unexposed in solid rock.

Thus miners needed to dig out the rock and crush it into a fine powder without the use of water which is typical in so many mining operations, which is probably more than you were interested in learning, but I’m a retired history teacher so cut me some slack here.

If you are interested in taking a deeper dive into the history, however, then I recommend: The History of Joshua Tree National Park: A historical, informational, and educational timeline of Joshua Tree National Park by Thomas Crochetiere.

The Desert Queen Mine

One of the more successful mining ventures was the Desert Queen Mine.

Frank L. James, who was an employee of the Lost Horse Mine, went prospecting on his day off and discovered a rich vein of gold in the Northern Queen Valley.

Unfortunately for James, the notorious cattle rustler Jim McHaney and his gang learned of the discovery.

One of the gang members, a man by the name of Charles Martin, shot and killed Frank James. Believe it or not, Martin was actually acquitted on a self-defense plea. So much for frontier justice!

The cattle rustlers, however, decided that mining was too complicated so they brought in outside investors who were actually able to extract almost 4,000 ounces of gold from the mine over the next five years.

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5. The Joshua Tree Area Was Actually Popular For Its Health Benefits

Now one doesn’t typically think of an arid desert as conducive to good health, but it actually can be. One of my favorite Joshua Tree National Park Facts has to due with the role played by this area after World War One.

While many homesteaders failed due to the hot, dry desert climate, it was actually considered beneficial to veterans of World War One who were suffering from the effects of mustard gas.

If you’re unfamiliar with this lethal weapon it’s probably because it has been banned as a weapon of war since World War One.

Mustard gas was introduced by the Germans in 1917. It causes chemical burns on contact, with blisters oozing yellow fluid. Initial exposure is symptomless, and by the time skin irritation begins, it is too late to take preventative measures.

The mortality rate from mustard gas was only 2-3%, but those who suffered chemical burns and respiratory problems had long hospitalizations and if they recovered were thought to be at higher risk of developing cancers during later life.

In 1925, the Geneva Gas Protocol Treaty was signed by most of the world’s countries banning the use of chemical and biological weapons in warfare.

Top 10 Joshua Tree National Park Facts

6. A Desert Conservationist Was The “Mother” Of Joshua Tree National Park

What amazes me the most about these national park facts are the stories of the extraordinary men and women without whom these special places would not today be enjoyed by so many visitors. A cast in point is a remarkable horticulturist and desert conservationist by the name of Minerva Hamilton Hoyt.

How a transplanted southern belle born on a Mississippi plantation became a staunch backer of the protection of desert landscapes is perhaps one of the more unlikely stories in the history of America’s national parks.

Minerva Hamilton was born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi. She married a wealthy surgeon from New York, Dr. Albert Sherman Hoyt. The couple moved to California in the 1890s.

Trips to the desert instilled in Ms. Hoyt a strong appreciation for the austere beauty and wonderful inventiveness of desert plants that somehow managed to thrive in the harsh climate.

She also saw the widespread destruction of native desert plants by thoughtless people who dug up, burned, and other wise destroyed so many of the cacti and Joshua trees that Minerva found so beautiful.

Minerva Hoyt Leads A Crusade For A National Monument

According to the National Park Service, Minerva dedicated herself to the cause of protecting desert landscapes. She organized exhibitions of desert plants that were shown in Boston, New York, and London.

She founded the International Deserts Conservation League with the goal of establishing parks to preserve desert landscapes.

Hoyt was tapped by noted landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. to serve on a California state commission formed to recommend proposals for new state parks.

She prepared the commission’s report on desert parks and recommended large parks be created at Death Valley, the Anza-Borrego Desert, and in the Joshua tree forests of the Little San Bernardino Mountains north of Palm Springs.

A National Park Was The Best Option For Preserving Desert Areas

In time Hoyt became convinced that a national park was the best option for preserving large desert areas. Hoyt hired well known biologists and desert ecologists to prepare reports on the virtues of the Joshua Tree region.

She was introduced to President Franklin Roosevelt whose New Deal became active in the establishment of national parks and monuments as a jobs-creation initiative. Hoyt also developed an ally in Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes.

She had a major success when President Roosevelt asked the National Park Service to prepare a recommendation on the site.

Problems with the inclusion of certain railroad lands, however, forced a reduction in the size of the proposed park from over one million acres to a more modest 825,000 in the final proposal.

On August 10, 1936, President Roosevelt signed a presidential proclamation establishing Joshua Tree National Monument. Minerva finally had her grand desert park. (Source: NPS)

CHECK OUT: 10 AMAZING Facts About Badlands National Park

7. Joshua Tree Was Almost Named Minerva Hoyt National Park

One of the more intriguing of the Joshua Tree National Park Facts concerns how the park received its name.

Given the indispensable role which she played in the establishment of Joshua Tree National Monument, many of the park’s supporters believed it ought to have been named after Minerva Hoyt.

Both the Mayor of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (LAACC) appealed to Interior Secretary Harold Ickes to name the site after Minerva Hoyt.

The President of the LAACC wrote, “Mrs. Hoyt is internationally known as an authority upon desert life, and no more fitting name could be chosen for the great monument, the establishment of which is respectfully urged.”

As momentum build to have the monument (later park) named in her honor, Minerva Hoyt decided to make her own wishes known.

She informed the Altadena Historical & Beautification Society that she preferred the name “Joshua Tree National Monument.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

CHECK OUT: 12 AMAZING Facts About Capitol Reef National Park

8. Most Mountain Ranges Run North To South – Not At Joshua Tree However

If you’re someone who’s fascinated with geology then you’ll be particularly intrigued by our next Joshua Tree National Park Fact. In the United States, mountain ranges typically run north to south. Not so in Joshua Tree National Park.

Five of the six mountain systems in the park are part of the Transverse Ranges.

The Little San Bernardino, Hexie, Pinto, Cottonwood and Eagle Mountains run along lines of latitude from east to west.

Only the Coxcomb Mountains follow the north to south pattern which is so typical for mountain ranges.

CHECK OUT: 15 (FASCINATING) Death Valley National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

9. America’s Most Famous Earthquake Fault Runs Through Joshua Tree

Just when you thought we couldn’t come up with any more unbelievable Joshua Tree National Park Facts we’ve come up with another one. America’s most famous earthquake fault runs through Joshua Tree.

The San Andreas Fault is a continental transform fault that extends roughly 1,200 kilometers through California. It forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, and its motion is right-lateral strike-slip.

The San Andreas Fault location begins in Northern California, south of Cape Mendocino. It moves southeast going through major cities such as Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Desert Hot Springs, San Jose, and winds down to San Bernardino outside of Los Angeles and the Salton Sea.

Believe it or not, the San Andreas Fault lies just southwest of Joshua Tree National Park. It can actually be seen from Keys View as a line of hills at the northern end of the Coachella Valley.

Now here’s another interesting fact. The San Andreas Fault and the smaller Dillon Fault, which is parallel to it, formed the Little San Bernardino Mountains.

CHECK OUT: 11 SURPRISING Everglades National Park Facts

10. Nearly 800 Species Of Plants Grow In The Park

We move from geology to botany. One of my favorite Joshua Tree National Parks Facts has to do with the number of plant species which grow in the park. Believe it or not, nearly 800 species of plants actually grow in Joshua Tree.

It is characterized by stands of ocotillo plants, ironwood trees, palo verde trees, and teddy bear cholla cactus.

The southern boundary of the Mojave Desert passes through the park. It is the habitat of the park’s namesake: the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia).

Among this incredible diverse array of plant species are included 15 cacti. Did you know that cacti adapt to desert heat by internal mechanisms.

Teddybear cholla, for instance, can withstand an air temperature of 138 degrees F. Most other plants would literally cook at this temperature, but teddybear cholla often rises 59 degrees F or more above the air temperature.

CHECK OUT: 16+ FASCINATING Grand Canyon Facts

Top 15 Joshua Tree National Park Facts

11. Joshua Tree National Park Is Home To 52 Species Of Mammals

Another of the fascinating Joshua Tree National Park Facts has to do with its wildlife. It’s home to 52 species of mammals including 24 small rodents.

According to the National Park Service, when most mammals get hot they perspire, and the evaporation of this water (sweat) cools them down and helps maintain a constant body temperature.

Some mammals use panting to produce the same effect. Both methods work well, but they have an important drawback for life in the desert.

They Use Sweat To Keep Cool

They involve substantial loss of water. Where water is in short supply, animals must minimize water loss. Thus, few desert mammals use perspiration or panting as their main method of keeping cool.

A few desert mammals, such as the round-tailed ground squirrel, a diurnal rodent, enter a state of aestivation when the days become too hot and the vegetation too dry.

They sleep away the hottest part of the summer. They also hibernate in winter to avoid the cold.

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12. Joshua Tree Actually Includes 2 Deserts

At Joshua Tree, you get two deserts for the price of one which is another one of the truly amazing Joshua Tree National Park Facts.

The southern tip of the Mojave Desert makes up its western edge and the Colorado Desert covers its eastern and southern areas.

These deserts have different elevations, and as a result, different ecosystems.

The Colorado Desert’s gentle slopes receive more annual rainfall and are home to desert lavender, desert agave, and colorful ocotillo plants.

13. The Densest Growth Of Joshua Trees In The World Can Be Found At The Cima Dome

Joshua Trees are an incredibly unusual looking tree, in part because they’re not actually a tree at all. They’re a plant belonging to the Yucca genus that happens to resemble the size and growth pattern of a tree.

One of the more intriguing Joshua Tree National Park Facts is that the densest growth of Joshua trees in the world is found on the 1500-foot Cima Dome.

Cima Dome is modeled to be a climate refuge for the species. In August of 2020, the Dome Fire burned over 44,000 acres.

The burn intensity throughout most of the fire was catastrophic and nearly all above ground vegetation was scorched and would not survive.

The National Park Service estimated that over a million trees were burned in the fire.

14. Joshua Trees Were Given Their Name By Mormon Settlers

Another of my favorite Joshua Tree National Park Facts has to do with how the iconic Joshua Tree got its name.

One of the Native American tribes to inhabit the area, the Cahuilla People, called Joshua trees humwichawa.

When Mormon settlers first arrived in the area in the 19th century, legend has it that the distinctive trees reminded them of the Old Testament story of Joshua, the leader of the Israelites who held his arms up to heaven in a prayer to God to lead them across Canaan.

So this is how the plants got their name.

15. Joshua Tree Gets Snow

Our last Joshua Tree National Park Fact is perhaps the most surprising one of all. Despite the fact that it’s a desert, it actually snows in Joshua Tree National Park.

The average high in the summer months is a scorching 100 degrees. Temperatures, however, have dropped below freezing in the winter—once reaching a record low of 10 degrees in 1990. And the park gets a dusting of snow about every year.

In February of 2021, the park saw a snowfall like it hadn’t seen in over a decade.

The snow reached not only the usual higher elevations, but also the valley floor.

The Joshua trees apparently love precipitation in any form, but the snow and ice typically disappear as quickly as they arrive.

Why Trust Us About Joshua Tree National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of Joshua Tree National Park

List Of Joshua Tree National Park Facts

1. The Earliest Peoples Were Part Of The Pinto Culture
2. Three Groups Of Native Americans Once Occupied The Joshua Tree Area
3. The First Americans To Use The Joshua Tree Were Cattlemen
4. The Discovery Of Gold In The Sierra Nevada Foothills Led Miners To Excavate In Joshua Tree
5. The Joshua Tree Area Was Actually Popular For Its Health Benefits
6. A Desert Conservationist Was The “Mother” Of Joshua Tree National Park
7. Joshua Tree Was Almost Named Minerva Hoyt National Park
8. Most Mountain Ranges Run North To South – Not At Joshua Tree However
9. America’s Most Famous Earthquake Fault Runs Through Joshua Tree
10. Nearly 800 Species Of Plants Grow In The Park
11. Joshua Tree National Park Is Home To 52 Species Of Mammals
12. Joshua Tree Actually Includes 2 Deserts
13. The Densest Growth Of Joshua Trees In The World Can Be Found At The Cima Dome
14. Joshua Trees Were Given Their Name By Mormon Settlers
15. Joshua Tree Gets Snow

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested joining the adventure, sign up below!

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Article Summary: Crater Lake National Park Facts

Crater Lake National Park Facts! In this article, we provide you with 11 amazing facts about one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

This park is filled with beautiful landscapes and amazing stories.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand.

And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Facts About Crater Lake National Park

Some Basic Facts About Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park is a national park located in the state of Oregon. It covers an area of 183,224 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations.

The park is home to a number of unique geological features, including Crater Lake, which is a caldera lake that is over 1,900 feet deep and is the deepest lake in the United States. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including pinyon pine trees, juniper trees, and mule deer.

In addition to its natural beauty, Crater Lake National Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The park also offers guided tours and ranger-led programs, which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Crater Lake National Park is a popular destination for visitors, with millions of people visiting each year to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Here Are Some Basic Facts About Crater Lake National Park

• Location: Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles (160 km) east of the Pacific Ocean.
• Acreage:  183,224 acres
• Visitation: 647,651 visitors in 2021
• Highest Elevation: Hillman Peak, 8,156 feet, is highest point on crater rim
• Lowest Elevation: 1,949 feet
• Annual Precipitation: 66.8 inches
• When Did It Become A National Park? May 22, 1902

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Crater Lake National Park Facts

Top 5 Crater Lake National Park Facts

1. Crater Lake Is A Caldera

If you’re interested in origin stories then one of the most interesting Crater Lake National Park Facts is that the area which today is known as Crater Lake National Park is a caldera.

This means that it’s a huge hole that was made when a volcano collapsed about 7,5000 years ago. Over time, this hole filled with rain and snow.

Today, it’s a lake that can hold up to 5 trillion gallons of water.

2. Crater Lake Was Discovered By A Young Prospector

For me, one of the most intriguing of the Crater Lake National Park Facts is that, according to the historical record, the first people to know about Crater Lake were the Klamath Indians.

While they knew of its existence, they seldom went there. According to their legends, they regarded the lake and the mountain as the “battleground of the gods.”

Fast forward to American fortune hunters in the nineteenth century. Like Death Valley, Crater Lake’s history features prospectors looking for buried treasure.

Crater Lake was discovered by a young prospector on June 12, 1853. His name was John Wesley Hillman.

Hillman was leading a party in search of the “Lost Cabin Mine.” Having failed in their efforts, Hillman’s group returned to Jacksonville, a mining camp in the Rogue River Valley. It was there that they reported their discovery which they had named Deep Blue Lake.

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A Name That Kept Changing

The discovery of Crater Lake would be forgotten, but others kept coming.

On October 21, 1862, Chauncey Nye, leading a party of prospectors from eastern Oregon to Jacksonville, happened upon the lake. Thinking they had made the discovery, they named it Blue Lake.

Then a third discovery would be made by two soldiers from Fort Klamath on August 1, 1865. These soldiers called it Lake Majesty.

In 1869, the name was finally changed to Crater Lake by visitors from Jacksonville.

And that’s the name that has stuck.

CHECK OUT: 10 AMAZING Facts About Badlands National Park

3. A Kansas Man Led To Crater Lake Being Designated As A National Park

Another of the extraordinary Capitol Reef National Park Facts is that, before 1885, Crater Lake had few visitors and was not widely known. A man from Kansas changed all of that.

In 1870, William Gladstone Steel read about the park in a newspaper. Fifteen years later, Steel got his chance to visit.

He was mesmerized by the beauty of the place and vowed to have it made into a national park.

The Father Of Crater Lake

For seventeen years, Steel devoted much of his time, energy and effort to the objective of making Crater Lake a national park. Success was finally achieved on May 22, 1902. William Steel proved that one person can make a difference.

Steel became known as the “father of Crater Lake National Park.” He devoted the remainder of his life to its development.

Fittingly, he served as the park’s second superintendent and later as park commissioner, an office which he held until his death in 1934.

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4. Crater Lake Was Formed From A Collapsed Volcano

Volcanoes have played an important role in many places around the globe.  Crater Lake sits in the caldera of a collapsed volcano.

The volcano, Mount Mazama, formed half a million years ago.

It erupted around 7,700 years ago and collapsed in on itself.

The Makalak People

There’s a wonderful story told by the native Makalak people. According to their legend, the fall of the mountain was caused by a brutal battle between the spirit of the sky and the spirit of the mountain.

The destructive eruption signaled the end of the battle.

Many natives have since mourned the loss of their sacred volcano. 

RELATED: 15 (GIANT) Sequoia Tree & Kings Canyon National Parks Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

5. Crater Lake Is The Deepest Lake In The U.S.

Just when you thought we couldn’t come up with any more unbelievable Crater Lake National Park Facts we’ve come up with another one.

Bottoming out at 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is deeper than any other lake in America. Because there are no inflowing streams, the lake is fed solely by rain and snow.

It is the cleanest and clearest large body of water in the world, according to the National Park Service.

Crater Lake is the second-deepest lake in North America. Canada’s Great Slave Lake is deeper.

Crater Lake is the seventh-deepest lake in the world. 

RELATED: 11 Epic WEST COAST National Parks To Visit In 2021

Top 10 Crater Lake National Park Facts

6. Crater Lake Is One Of The Snowiest Places In The U.S.

If you like snow then you’ll love Crater Lake. Perhaps the least known of our Crater Lake National Park Facts is that the park is known for its extreme weather. From October through June, the park is covered in snow. It has even been reported as late as July.

The park has an annual average of 43 feet of snow.

If you enjoy winter activities, there’s snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and snowmobiling.

7. Crater Lake Is Home To A Number Of Mysterious Deaths

Now here’s the grizzliest of our Crater Lake National Park Facts. Imagine a national park that could be hazardous to your health. Relax. The odds are that you’ll have a wonderful time if you travel there, but the park does have a lethal history.

We all know that accidents happen, but they happen with an uncomfortable regularity at Crater Lake National Park. Visitors to the park fall off cliffs, get caught in snowstorms and crash their cars into deep ravines.

Not only that, but airplanes and helicopters have fallen out of the sky there too.

And, as if that weren’t bad enough, the park has even had an alarming number of homicides.

A Ghost From The 1940s?

After the end of World War Two, a Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter crashed there.

In 1970, a man named Dave Panebaker was employed as a seasonal park ranger. On his day off, Panebaker decided to look for the wreckage of this lost fighter.

While hiking, he got lost. Not sure what he should do, Panebaker decided to sit down and consider his options. While his was doing this, however, he had this uncanny feeling that he was being watched.

According to news reports, he looked up and locked eyes — or, rather, eye sockets — with a human skull that was staring at him from under a nearby log.

Ensign Frank Lupo

Panebaker did manage to find his way out. He notified the chief ranger of his discovery and a Whidbey Island naval investigative team came to the park a few days later.

The Navy authorities identified the skull using dental records. It was 22-year-old Ensign Frank Lupo.

Lupo had been part of a squadron of seven Hellcats flying from Redmond to Red Bluff, California. The seven planes flew into a bank of clouds and mist.

Seven planes flew in, but only six planes flew out. Lupo’s remains were returned to his mother twenty-five years after his disappearance.

A Skeleton Crew

On February 26, 1975, Jean Nunn dropped her husband, Dave, off at the airport in Klamath Falls. Dave, along with his daughter and grandchild, were flying home to Salem in his blue Cessna 182.

Two 17-year-old student pilots, Jim Pryor and Matt Perkins, also came along for the ride to pick up some flight hours.

The plane landed in Salem. Dave’s daughter and grandchild were dropped off. Then he and the two student pilots flew back to Klamath. They never made it!

Jean Nunn reported, “I woke up at 9:30 with the sensation of a hand on my leg,” she recalled in a 2007 interview with Lee Beach of the Klamath Falls Herald and News.

“I looked at the clock and I knew. I called the airport and told them the plane had gone down at 9:20 p.m. and he had died at 9:30. They confirmed they had lost the plane off the radar at 9:20 at 11,000 feet.”

Search parties went out looking for the three missing men. They weren’t able to find them.

Seven years later, on July 5, 1982, a hiker outside of the park boundary, near Huckleberry Campground, spotted what looked like the badly mangled wreckage of a small airplane. Approaching it, he found three skeletons slumped inside the cabin.

Jean’s worst fears were confirmed.

The Vanishing Man

Here we go again! In 1974, a photographer left his home in the state of Virginia for a cross country trip. Charles McCullar, nineteen years of age, left on a hitch-hiking and bus riding adventure.

In January of 1975, he left on a short excursion, hitchhiking to Crater Lake to take winter photos McCullar planned to return to a friend’s house two days later. He never made it.

Search parties were deployed. The FBI even got involved in this case, but with no luck. Then, a year later, two hikers took a wrong turn and ended up in a little-traveled canyon.

There they found an old dirty ripped backpack with a car key in the side pocket — the key to McCullar’s Volkswagen back home.

Things Get Really Bizarre

Now this story gets really bizarre. Rangers went in search of Charles body and found it 12 miles from the trailhead.

On the day he disappeared, there were seven and a half feet of snow on the ground. There’s no way someone could have traveled that distance on foot in those conditions.

And then there’s the condition of the skeleton. According to Tyler Willford of That Oregon Life:

“There were foot bones in the socks, but Charles’s jeans were empty except for the broken-off ends of his shin-bones sticking up. The jeans were unbuttoned. And the rest of him was gone, as if melted away. They found the crown of his skull about 12 feet away; nothing more.”

“Rescuers never found a shirt. They never found his coat. They never found his boots, either. Just an empty pair of pants sitting on a log, with socks and foot-bones inside.”

An unsolved mystery!

CHECK OUT: 14 AMAZING Facts About Biscayne National Park

8. Crater Lake Is A Great Place To Ride A Bicycle

If you’re a cyclist who looks forward to combining a love of nature with an exhilarating ride then Crater Lake’s a great place to visit. You may find the hilly landscape requires more endurance than what you’re typically used to, however, so be forewarned.

That having been said, the breathtaking nature around you will definitely make all your huffing and puffing worthwhile

If you’re ready to compete, Rim Road goes vehicle-free two days a year for the “Ride the Rim” event.

Bicyclists from across the country take part in this ride to enjoy the scenic roadway.

CHECK OUT: 10 FASCINATING Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Facts

9. Crater Lake Features A Ship-Shaped Island

Perhaps the strangest of our Crater Lake National Park Facts falls under the heading of “Mother Nature is the best interior (and exterior) decorator.”

At the center of Crater Lake, you will find a ship-shaped island. This island is an ancient rock formation. It appears to resemble a large sea vessel which is about 170 feet above the water.

It’s better known to park-goers as the “Phantom Ship.”

So, what is it and how did it come to be?

400,000 Years Ago

It was formed from andesite rock. It dates from approximately 400,000 years ago and it’s a remaining section of the filled conduit of a fissure.

It’s has the appearance of a ship, but that’s unintentional unless one wants to credit Mother Nature with possessing the skills of a Michelangelo.

On second thought, given nature’s incredible body of work, why not compare it to Michelangelo’s finest.

The island is situated on the south east end of Crater Lake and projects more than 656 feet out from the wall of the caldera.

CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)

10. There Are No Streams Flowing In Or Out Of Crater Lake

Now here’s another one of those intriguing Crater Lake National Park Facts. As far back as Willian Gladstone Steel, people have marveled at the magnificent blue color of Crater Lake. How does one explain it?

One explanation would be the fact that no streams flow in or out of Crater Lake.

All of the water in the lake comes from rain and snowmelt.

This explains both the incredible clarity and the sparkling blueness of the water.

Top 11 Crater Lake National Park Facts

11. Reese Witherspoon Filmed A Movie At Crater Lake

One of my favorite Crater Lake National Parks Facts is that Crater Lake has appeared in several movies.

In 2014, Reese Witherspoon starred in a biographical adventure drama entitled Wild. It’s the story of a divorcee who leaves her troubled life behind to hike 1,110 miles of the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail.

It’s a story of discovery and healing which is based on Cheryl Strayed’s best-seller of the same name.

Crater Lake represented only a brief stop on Witherspoon’s journey, but her time along the lake’s magnificent rim marks a critical turning point in her personal journey.

CHECK OUT: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks

Why Trust Us About Crater Lake National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of Crater Lake National Park

List Of Facts About Crater Lake National Park

1. Crater Lake Is A Caldera
2. Crater Lake was discovered by a young prospector
3. A Kansas man led to Crater Lake being designated as a national park
4. Crater Lake was formed from a collapsed volcano
5. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S.
6. Crater Lake is one of the snowiest places in the U.S.
7. Crater Lake is home to a number of mysterious deaths
8. Crater Lake is a great place to ride bicycles
9. Crater Lake features a ship-shaped island
10. There are no streams flowing in or out of Crater Lake
11. Reese Witherspoon filmed a movie at Crater Lake

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested joining the adventure, sign up below!

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Helpful Related Links

Oregon National Parks: 12 EPIC Oregon National Parks & Monuments To Visit

Portland: 6 Amazing National Parks Near Portland

Historic Sites: 10 Must-See Historic Sites In Oregon

National Parks: All 63 National Parks Ranked By Experts

National Monuments: Ultimate List Of National Monuments

Landmarks: 25 Famous Bucket List Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)

Park Rangers: A Brief (& Informative) History Of America’s National Park Rangers

Gifts: 50 BEST National Park Gifts For The National Park Fan In Your Life

Books: 45 BEST National Parks Books

Revolutionary War Sites: 10 BEST Revolutionary War Sites In America

Civil War Sites: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America

Civil Rights Sites: 10 BEST Civil Rights Sites In America

National Parks In Movies: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks

The post 11 FASCINATING Crater Lake National Park Facts (Facts + Trivia) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Summary: Channel Islands National Park Facts

Channel Islands National Park Facts. Who’s ready for some amazing facts about Channel Islands National Park?

The Channel Islands are no ordinary national park which becomes apparent when you realize that you cannot travel there by car. Nevertheless, it’s a magical place that offers its visitors a truly amazing experience.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films, and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand.

And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

To get you excited about planning your next visit, in this article, we’re covering 13 fascinating facts about Channel Islands National Park.

Facts About Channel Islands National Park

Basic Facts About The Channel Islands

Channel Islands National Park is a national park located off the coast of the state of California. It consists of five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. The park covers an area of 249,354 acres and is known for its stunning views, clear blue waters, and diverse plant and animal life.

The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including over 2,000 species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. It is also home to a number of historic and cultural sites, including the Santa Barbara Visitor Center and the Island Packers Visitor Center, which offer visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Channel Islands National Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and boating. The park also offers guided tours and ranger-led programs, which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Channel Islands National Park is a popular destination for visitors, with millions of people visiting each year to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

A Very Special Place

These islands’ unique geography over thousands of years has created animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth.

The Channel Islands have helped to preserve a very special place where visitors can experience coastal California as it once was a very long time ago.

Camping is available year-round on all five islands. There are many trails and roads which traverse these islands and provide you with spectacular hiking opportunities.

Channel Islands National Park covers a total area of 249,354 acres.

The Channel Islands Become A National Park

On April 26, 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation designating Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands as the Channel Islands National Monument.

On March 14, 1979, Congressman Robert J. Lagomarsino introduced a bill creating Channel Islands National Park.

President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation, Public Law 96-199, on March 5, 1980.

Channel Islands National Park Facts

1. The Channel Islands Have The Highest Concentration Of Prehistoric Sites In North America

If you’re interested in origin stories, then one of the most interesting Channel Islands National Park Facts is that along the Channel Islands, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of primitive sea-faring peoples that date back over twelve millennia. These people had the necessary skills and abilities to travel on open water in small boats.

The Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands have the highest concentration of prehistoric sites in North America, which can be traced back nine thousand to thirteen thousand years ago.

When European explorers first reached the islands in the 16th century, they discovered a rich culture dependent upon the resources of the land and the sea for sustenance and survival.

CHECK OUT: 7 EPIC National Parks Near Lost Angeles You’ll Love

2. Early Island Peoples Developed An Economy Based On Shellfish

For me, one of the most intriguing of the Channel Islands National Park Facts involves the fact that the early natives of these islands maintained a subsistence existence that was largely based on marine products, which included fish, shellfish, and sea mammals. They also lived off of wild plants such as acorns.

According to the historical record, these early peoples can be described as foragers who learned how to store both food and water.

What’s even more fascinating is that they built a primitive economy that included a medium of exchange.

Their currency, if it could be called that, was shellfish or “shell money,” which they used to barter for the goods they needed.

CHECK OUT: 11+ AMAZING Facts About Acadia National Park

3. San Miguel Island Was Named The Graveyard Of The Pacific

The westernmost of the Channel Islands is San Miguel Island. It lies 26 miles south of Point Conception.

The island is often enveloped in fog and is considered to be one of the most dangerous to approach by sea. 

Another of the extraordinary Channel Islands National Park Facts is that the island has claimed enough shipwrecks to earn the name “Graveyard of the Pacific.”

Between 1853 and 1980, more than 150 historic ships and aircraft are known to have wrecked within the boundaries of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and National Park.

The Winfield Scott

The side-wheel passenger steamer Winfield Scott, on its last voyage, departed San Francisco on December 1, 1853, with over 500 passengers and a shipment of gold bullion.

The captain, Simon F. Blunt, attempted to save time by taking the Santa Barbara Channel instead of a passage outside the islands.

However, the ship crashed into Middle Anacapa Island at full speed in the fog, but fortunately, there was no loss of life. Most of the passengers were rescued eight days later by the steamer California.

CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America

4. An Adventurer Made His Mark On Santa Rosa Island

In addition to the magnificent scenery, what makes these places so fascinating are the stories of the people who impacted their history. One of my favorite Channel Islands National Park Facts involves the story of an adventurer named George Nidever.

According to the National Park Service, George Nidever was an American otter hunter and maritime tradesman who became known in Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands.

He arrived in Santa Barbara in 1835 and made at least two hunting expeditions to the islands. On his second trip, he went out with an African American hunter known as Black Steward and local hunter Isaac Sparks.

During this trip, they were attacked by a group of North West Indians who were also on a hunting party. Nidever and his companions exchanged gunfire with the attackers and managed to kill three and wound five others.

Nidever reported that thirteen canoes made the attack and that the Indians’ muskets had an “incredible” range of up to a mile.

To learn more about this remarkable man, check out The Life and Adventures of George Nidever, 1802 – 1883,  by William Henry Ellison.

5. Santa Rosa Island Was The “Island Of The Cowboys”

Santa Rosa Island, one of the five islands that make up Channel Islands National Park, is known as the “Island of the Cowboys.”

This name comes from the island’s ability to grow, feed and water livestock, which made it an ideal location for one of California’s most successful sheep and (later) cattle ranches.

At its peak, the island was able to support up to 80,000 sheep and 8,000 cattle.

Top 10 Channel Islands National Park Facts

6. Santa Cruz Island Became A Favored Film Destination

Just when you thought we couldn’t come up with any more unbelievable Channel Islands National Park Facts, we’ve come up with another one. Another of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz, became a favored location for Hollywood.

It provided the exotic location for films which included Pearls of Paradise (1916), Diamond In The Sky (1917), Male & Female (1919), Peter Pan (1924), and The Rescue (1928).

CHECK OUT: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks

7. A Bootlegger Leased Anacapa Island

Perhaps the least known of our Channel Islands Facts is that Anacapa Island, another of the Channel Islands that became a part of the national park was home to a bootlegger who leased the island.

Now if you’re unfamiliar with what a “bootlegger” is or what a bootlegger does (or did) then have no fear. As a retired history teacher, I’m only too glad to fill in the blanks with a short history lesson.

The Prohibition Era began in 1920 with the passage of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which banned the manufacture, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquors.

The Volstead Act was passed to enforce the 18th Amendment. This increase in the illegal production and sale of liquor (known as “bootlegging”), the proliferation of speakeasies (illegal drinking spots) and the accompanying rise in gang violence and organized crime led to waning support for Prohibition by the end of the 1920s.

In 1933, the 21st Amendment was adopted and ratified, which repealed the 18th Amendment and thus ended the Prohibition Era on December 5, 1933.

Enter Ira Eaton

Now that you have the backstory, enter Ira Eaton and his wife Margaret. They operated a resort on Santa Cruz Island that catered to sailors, fishermen, and film crews.

Being an enterprising capitalist, Eaton wanted to be able to offer his customers a product, which despite being outlawed, was in high demand.

For ten years (1917-27), Eaton held a lease to Anacapa Island. He used this lease to provide storage for bootlegged liquor which he ran into various ports on the Southern California coast after the start of Prohibition in 1919.

The Island Also Had Its Own Hermit

After Ira Eaton’s lease expired on Anacapa Island, another interesting character would add to the local lore.

Raymond “Frenchy” Le Dreau was born in Brittany, France, on April 15, 1875. He had studied for the priesthood but became disenchanted with the church and chose to travel on merchant vessels to China and America.

Sometime around 1889, he signed up for a tour with the U.S. Navy, and in 1898, he served in the Spanish-American War. Frenchy eventually drifted to San Pedro and later became a skiff fisherman out of a lobster camp in Baja, California, which at the time was called Lower California.

Frenchy married in San Pedro, California. He and his wife, Emma, had three children. Tragically, Emma became one of the victims of the Spanish Flu, which killed an estimated 675,000 people in the United States. After her death, Frenchy sought solitude and wine.

He Built His Own Cabin On The Island

Frenchy built a cabin on Anacapa Island.

A narrow trail led from his shack to the beach, where he kept his lobster traps, fishing gear, and skiff. He often traded lobster for necessary supplies and liquor. Although fresh water was always scarce, he begged it from vessels that anchored off his cove.

After Anacapa Island became a National Monument in 1938, Frenchy acted as the unofficial Park Service representative, reporting acts of vandalism and island activities.

After World War Two, friends helped Frenchy apply for a state old-age pension. California authorities, concerned about his advanced age, living conditions, failing sight, and failing health, told him he needed to leave the island.

In 1954, after suffering injuries in a fall in his 80th year, he regretfully agreed.

He moved to a house in Santa Barbara at 520 Garden Street, where he lived another eight years. Frenchy died on April 21, 1962, and he is buried in Calvary Cemetery.

CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)

8. Painted Cave Was The Inspiration For Pirates Of The Caribbean

If you’re a fan of the film series Pirates of the Caribbean, then you’ll be interested to learn that Painted Cave and the other sea caves on Santa Cruz Island were the inspiration for some of the sets on Pirates of the Caribbean.

This sea cave is gigantic, making it the twelfth-largest sea cave in the world and the second-largest in the USA. It is 1227 feet in length and has an entrance that’s over 130 feet high. 

9. The Channel Islands Inspired A Book And Film About The Last Indigenous Native

Though it’s not one of the five islands comprising the Channel Islands National Park, San Nicholas has its own place in the history of these magical islands.

Another of the extraordinary Channel Islands National Park Facts involves the incredible story of The Lone Woman of San Nicholas.

The native population of San Nicholas was removed to the mainland. Then a story began circulating about a lone woman who remained on the island. In 1850, a Franciscan of the Santa Barbara Mission offered a reward of $200 to anyone who could find this illusive woman.

It was the adventurer George Nidever, of Channel Islands fame, who went out as part of a hunting and fishing party. According to Frederic Chiles, on the west end of the island, they discovered a windbreak made of whale ribs and sticks, which were covered with brush.

Inside, to their amazement, was a woman clothed in a dress of skins and feathers. She followed the men to their boat and made the trip to Santa Barbara, where she was hailed as a local sensation.

Island Of The Blue Dolphins

Nidever took her to his house, where she entertained the locals with sign language and pantomime. Unfortunately, no one could speak her language.

Nevertheless, the people who encountered her were fascinated. She was given foods that she had not tasted before, which included fruit, meat, and vegetables. This would prove to be her undoing, however, as her system was unable to cope.

Seven weeks after she began eating these foods, she died of an intestinal disorder. She was given the name of Juana Maria by the Franciscans and buried in the Santa Barbara Mission Cemetery.

Her story was the inspiration for Scott O’Dell’s successful 1960 novel titled Island of the Blue Dolphins.

In 1964, it was made into a film of the same name.

10. A Seasonal Gathering Of Seals On San Miguel Island Is One Of The Largest In The World

One of my favorite Channel Islands National Park Facts involves the seasonal gatherings of pinnipeds on San Miguel Island – northern elephant seals, California sea lions, harbor seals, and northern fur seals – are one of the largest congregations of wildlife in the world.

Top 13 Channel Islands National Park Facts

11. There Are Few Mammals On The Channel Islands

If you’re looking for wildlife on the Channel Islands, then you should know that what you discover will be unique.

The only native land mammals are the island fox, the island deer mouse, the harvest mouse and the spotted skunk.

Bats are found there as well.

12. See The Whales Up Close At The Channel Islands

You can get an up-close view of the gray whale migration, which happens every year from December through mid-March.

To do so, hike up the short trail to Cavern Point and then look out from the hill above Scorpion Anchorage.

While I can’t guarantee that you’ll see them when you’re there, the odds are definitely better than most other places. And if you do see them, then you’ll definitely have a whale of a time.

13. Kayak With Harbor Seals At The Channel Islands

Now here’s what I consider to be the most fun fact when it comes to our Channel Islands National Parks Facts. If you enjoy kayaking, then you might find yourself with some unexpected company at Channel Islands National Park.

Harbor Seals like to swim alongside kayaks outside of the caves.

So if you don’t mind a little company, then grab your kayak and paddle out.

Why Trust Us About Channel Islands National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers), and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, the USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years, creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world, and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on national parks.

Meet The Parks Brothers

Map Of Channel Islands National Park

List Of Channel Islands National Park Facts

1. The Channel Islands Have The Highest Concentration Of Prehistoric Sites In North America
2. Early Island Peoples Developed An Economy Based On Shellfish
3. San Miguel Island Was Named The Graveyard Of The Pacific
4. An Adventurer Made His Mark On Santa Rosa Island
5. Santa Rosa Island Was The “Island Of The Cowboys”
6. Santa Cruz Island Became A Favored Film Destination
7. A Bootlegger Leased Anacapa Island
8. Painted Cave Was The Inspiration For Pirates Of The Caribbean
9. The Channel Islands Inspired A Book And Film About The Last Indigenous Native
10. A Seasonal Gathering Of Seals On San Miguel Island Is One Of The Largest In The World
11. There Are Few Mammals On The Channel Islands
12. See The Whales Up Close At The Channel Islands
13. Kayak With Harbor Seals At The Channel Islands

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value of land conservation.

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure, sign up below!

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Submit

Related Links: California National Parks

California: 20 BEST California National Parks Ranked

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Redwood: Redwood National Park

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National Parks: All 63 National Parks Ranked By Experts

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Landmarks: 25 Famous Bucket List Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)

Park Rangers: A Brief (& Informative) History Of America’s National Park Rangers

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National Parks In Movies: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks

The post 13 SURPRISING Channel Islands National Park Facts (Guide) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Summary: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts! In this article, we provide you with 11 amazing facts about one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything you’ll need to know about America’s national parks. We’ve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more.

I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind some of these natural wonders. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!

More Than Just Parks takes a deeper dive with its national park facts. We’ve done our homework so that you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Facts About Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a national park in the Badlands region of western North Dakota.

It covers 70,446 acres and is named for the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who had a strong connection to the area.

The park features rugged badlands terrain, as well as a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. It also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

The park is divided into three units, the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit, each offering unique features and experiences.

Visitors to the park can also explore the historic sites related to Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands, including the Elkhorn Ranch Site and the Maltese Cross Cabin.

Here Are Some Of The Basic Facts

• Location: North Dakota
• Acreage: Theodore Roosevelt National Park protects more than 70,000 acres over three park units. Of the 70,446.89 total acres, 29,920 acres are designated Wilderness Area.
• Visitation: Theodore Roosevelt National Park receives nearly 600,000 visitors each year. Although the park is open year-round, the busiest months are June, July, and August.
• Elevation: The park’s highest elevation is 2198 feet.
• Climate: Summers are warm with average high temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F. Winters are cold with average lows in the single digits December through February. Wind is considerable year-round.
• When Did It Become A National Park? On April 25, 1947, after several compromises, President Truman signed the bill (PL-38) that created Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park. This included lands that roughly make up the South Unit and the Elkhorn Ranch site today.

Top 5 Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts

1. 65 Million Years Ago The Park Area Was A Swampy Wetland

As a retired history teacher and lifelong history buff, I always like to begin with a story about the area’s past. In the case of Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts, however, I’ve decided to go back 65 million years which I believe is a record for me.

According to the National Park Service the area of land which now comprises the park was once a swampy wetland full of cypress like trees, fish, and reptiles (about 65 million years ago).

Eventually ash from volcanic eruptions filled the swamps with sediment that was compacted over millions of years into different colored rock layers (I wonder what color our time will be…) and buried.

An ice age came and formed massive glaciers over much of North America. When the glaciers began to melt away the Little Missouri River was formed. As the river began eroding away the softest sediment it left behind amazing formations revealing millions of years of geological history.

This set the stage for the earliest known human inhabitants of the area – Native Americans.

CHECK OUT: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is Insanely Beautiful

2. The Park Features Thousands of Prairie Dogs

Another of the fascinating Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts has to do with one of its most popular inhabitants.

The park hosts thousands of Prairie Dogs. Prairie dogs are herbivorous burrowing ground squirrels native to the grasslands of North America. Within the genus are five species: black-tailed, white-tailed, Gunnison’s, Utah, and Mexican prairie dogs

While there are five species of prairie dogs living in North America, only the black-tailed prairie dog can be found at Theodore Roosevelt. These small critters live on the grasslands in prairie dog towns, a series of burrows with connecting tunnels.

A favored meal, the prairie dog has many predators on the range, so they are often spotted scouting the landscape for danger and squeaking and yelping loudly to warn others. 

CHECK OUT: 20 EPIC Things To Do At Theodore Roosevelt National Park

3. Theodore Roosevelt Spent His Formative Years In The Badlands

It’s not possible to examine the fascinating facts surrounding Theodore Roosevelt National Park without focusing on the man whom the park is named after.

It was Theodore Roosevelt himself who once said, “I would not have been president had it not been for my experience in North Dakota.”

In 1883, at the age of 24, young Theodore Roosevelt was lured in to the Badlands by an acquaintance promoting the area as prime ranch lands.

Excited about the prospects for an open-range cattle industry, he invested in a ranch along the Little Missouri River near Medora before returning to New York.

His aim then was to kill a bison before there were no more left on the continent and to get a taste of the real American west.

Upon arriving he was quickly mesmerized by the otherworldly landscapes and natural beauty of the area. The clean air was also a great remedy for his chronic asthma.

CHECK OUT: 10 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In North Dakota

4. Two Of The Most Important Historic Sites At The Park Are The Maltese Cross Cabin & Elkhorn Ranch

If you’re planning a trip to the park then my next Theodore Roosevelt National Park Fact is one you should pay particular attention to as it pertains to two of the most important historic sites which you may wish to see.

The Maltese Cross Cabin

After spending a few weeks in the area hunting (and killing his first bison) Roosevelt decided to purchase the Chimney Butte Ranch for $14,000.

As the ranch’s official brand, the Maltese Cross was the name that the cabin Roosevelt had built on the property as a temporary home.

The cabin can still be toured today (after taking a trip to St. Louis for the world fair & Portland, Oregon for the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition).

The Elkhorn Ranch

After the unexpected and tragic deaths of his wife and mother on the same day, a devastated Roosevelt returned to North Dakota in 1884 to make ranching his full-time business.

He found a ranching boom in progress in the Little Missouri River Valley.

Encouraged by the success of his Maltese Cross Ranch, he purchased 1,000 head of cattle and selected a site for a second ranch. He purchased the rights for a second ranch for $400 and named it Elkhorn.

Elkhorn Ranch, about 35 miles north of Medora, became headquarters for Roosevelt’s cattle operations. Completed by the spring of 1885, the 30’ by 60’ Elkhorn Ranch house was one of the finest in the Badlands, with eight rooms and a porch on the east elevation.

This ranch, which he referred to as his “home ranch”, was where he based his cattle operations.

See The Elkhorn Ranch Today

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the place where Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, selected as his “home ranch” after the deaths of his wife and mother.

This unit of the park has a special, solemn character and is less developed than the other two units of the park.

There are no visitor centers, facilities, or scenic roads in the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. This allows visitors to experience a more natural and secluded environment, and to explore the area on foot or by horseback.

The Elkhorn Ranch Site is only accessible via a rough, primitive road and is only open seasonally. Visitors can take guided tours and see the original buildings that were part of the Elkhorn Ranch.

5. Theodore Roosevelt Came To The Badlands To Hunt Bison & Raise Cattle

You will have the opportunity to see bison at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. And, if you do, consider the fact that Theodore Roosevelt came to the badlands and decided to become a rancher there.

Theodore Roosevelt had a deep connection to the Badlands of North Dakota and was determined to find a bison despite the difficult conditions and the fact that most of the herds had been depleted by commercial hunting.

He and his hunting guide, Merrifield Ferris, used the small ranch cabin of Gregor Lang as a base camp, and even though they were not successful in finding a bison, they were able to discuss politics and ranching with Lang.

This experience further sparked Roosevelt’s interest in raising cattle in the Badlands and led him to establish the Elkhorn Ranch as his “home ranch” after the deaths of his wife and mother, which was later preserved as part of the Elkhorn Ranch Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Roosevelt Became A Cattle Rancher

Cattle ranching in the Dakota Territory was a booming business in the 1880s, as the northern plains were recently devoid of bison and the nutritious grasses provided an ideal grazing ground for cattle.

The Northern Pacific Railroad offered a quick route to eastern markets, which made the region even more attractive for entrepreneurs like the Marquis de Morès to bring money and infrastructure.

Theodore Roosevelt saw this as a sound business opportunity and entered into business with his guide’s brother, Sylvane Ferris, and Bill Merrifield, another Dakota cattleman.

He put down an initial investment of $14,000, which was significantly more than his annual salary as a civil servant.

Roosevelt instructed Ferris and Merrifield to build the Maltese Cross Cabin, which was his personal retreat on the Elkhorn Ranch.

His investment was not purely for business reasons, he saw it as a chance to immerse himself in a western lifestyle he had long romanticized, and as a biographer Edmund Morris noted, “Fourteen thousand dollars was a small price to pay for so much freedom.”

Disaster Struck

Roosevelt’s ranching business reached a peak in 1885 and 1886, but disaster struck during the winter of 1886 and 1887.  More cattle already were grazing on the open range than it could support by the fall of 1886. 

Winter brought heavy snows, partial thawing, and subzero temperatures that created a crust over the snow that the cattle could not break through. 

When Roosevelt returned in the spring of 1887, he learned that he had lost over half his herd.  By the early 1890s, he had abandoned his Elkhorn Ranch and returned to the Maltese Cross Ranch.  He came back periodically to the area until 1898, but felt that open-range ranching in Dakota Territory was “doomed, and can hardly outlast the century.” 

He sold the last of his stock in 1898.  Roosevelt lost much of his fortune in the Badlands but never regretted the time he spent there.

6. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is the Only Only Park To Be Named For A President & It’s The Only Park To Be Named For A Single Person

While many presidents have national park sites which bear their names, Theodore Roosevelt is the only president to have a national park named after him.

In fact, it’s the only American national park named directly after a single person.

And if you were going to select a president to name a national park after then why not Theodore Roosevelt?

Theodore Roosevelt is often referred to as the “conservationist president” for his efforts to protect wildlife and public lands during his time in office.

He used his executive authority to establish many national forests, preserves, parks, and monuments, including the creation of the United States Forest Service.

Through the use of the 1906 American Antiquities Act, he protected an impressive 230 million acres of public land.

His actions set a precedent for future presidents to continue to protect and preserve the nation’s natural resources.

7. The Park Is Divided Into Three Separate Districts

Another intriguing Theodore Roosevelt National Park Fact has to do with the park’s composition.

As mentioned earlier, it’s divided into three districts. These districts are: the South Unit which is the largest and most visited, with 46,158 acres of Badlands landscape and a 36-mile loop road that leads to several overlooks and nature trails.

There’s also the North Unit, which is a quieter, more remote area with 24,070 acres and a 14-mile scenic road that leads to the River Bend Overlook.

And finally there’s the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. This is where Theodore Roosevelt once had a ranch. It’s the least visited unit, with 218 acres accessible by a gravel road.

Each unit offers unique landscapes and experiences to visitors, providing a good glimpse of the park’s natural beauty and history.

8. The Park Features Wild Horses

To understand the significance of the park’s wild horse, a short history lesson is in order. But have no fear as there will be no homework assignments.

Horses went extinct in North America around 11,000 to 13,000 years ago and were reintroduced by Spanish explorers in the 1500s.

They were widely used by explorers and Native Americans, and their population grew.

Theodore Roosevelt visited North Dakota during the “open-range era,” when ranchers allowed their horses to roam freely on the plains.

In 1954, the park was fenced and rangers removed around 200 horses from the park, but a few bands of horses managed to evade capture.

These bands have continued to thrive over the years, living freely in the park. However, these wild horses are skittish and will not allow humans to get close, as they can usually see or smell humans coming.

They are not considered feral, but protected as wild horses under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

9. The Park Has The Third Highest Concentration Of Petrified Wood In The U.S.

One of the lesser known Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts is that the park has the 3rd highest concentration of petrified wood in the United States. Who knew?

My favorite hike (and easily one of the highlights of the entire trip) was the Petrified Forest Trail. I almost didn’t hike this trail as I had not read much about it anywhere but had some extra time left on my last day in the park. Boy was I glad I did!

• Length: Depends (1.5 miles each way to either of the petrified forests OR can do 10 mile loop)
• Time: 2-10 hours depending on how long you linger
• Elevation: Maybe 200ft

According to the National Park Service, the park has the third highest concentration of petrified wood in the United States. Who knew!

To get to the trailhead you actually have to leave the South Unit of the park and drive down the interstate one stop to West River Rd. Signs (or google maps) will eventually lead you to the trailhead from there.

We opted for the North Trail as we were told by another hiker that had done both that it was far superior – we were not disappointed.

Now I’ve been to Petrified Forest National Park, and absolutely loved it, but the Petrified Forest in this amazing park blows the one in Arizona out of the water. The stumps of trees are absolutely massive – some of them more than 6 feet tall and larger!

10. The Park Includes Up To 500 Species Of Plants

If you love to see amazing plant life then you’ll love this next Theodore Roosevelt National Park Fact. The park features up to 500 species of plants.

The Theodore Roosevelt National Park boasts a diverse range of plant life due to the unique topography of the badlands.

The park’s different habitats, from the sunny and dry south faces of buttes to the cooler and forested north slopes, from floodplains to grasslands, and prairie dog towns, provide a home for a wide variety of plant species.

Over 400 species of plants have been identified within the park, with as many as 500 species possibly inhabiting the park.

The abundance of prairie plants in the park results in impressive wildflower displays during the late spring and summer months.

The pasqueflower is the first to bloom in April, signaling the arrival of spring. From May to September, a broad range of flowers can be seen on the landscape.

Many flowers bloom in June and July, the peak months for flower viewing. Some flowers, such as sunflowers, asters, and rabbitbrush, hold out for the late summer months of August and September.

In late September, as the seasons begin to change, cottonwood leaves turn a brilliant gold color before falling to the ground.

Visitors to the park can discover a stunning array of colorful flowers and plants during the warmer months, and an ever-changing landscape throughout the year.

11. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Offers A Diverse Array Of Wildlife

If you love wildlife then you’ll be impressed with the diverse array of wildlife to be found at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

In fact, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, thanks to its diverse landscape and habitats. The abundance of native grasses in the park provide sustenance for grazing animals such as bison, pronghorn, and mule deer, while the different habitats attract a wide range of birds, including golden eagles, hawks, and many species of songbirds.

The park’s badlands terrain also creates microclimates, such as warm and dry slopes, relatively cool and wet juniper woodlands, and riverbottoms, which support a diverse array of animals, like bighorn sheep, coyotes, and beavers.

Visitors to the park can also spot a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish, which are also present in the park. The park offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Check Out Our Theodore Roosevelt National Park Film

Encompassing over 70,000 acres, Theodore Roosevelt National Park boasts a stunning array of breathtaking badlands, snaking rivers, diverse wildlife including our national mammal, and colorful canyons.

Journey with us as we explore a land teeming with rugged beauty, massive mammals, epic overlooks, and the place where Theodore Roosevelt once claimed “it was here that the romance of my life began.”

This installment in the More Than Just Parks award-winning series featuring Theodore Roosevelt National Park was done not only to showcase the amazing recreational opportunities that exist in the park but to underscore the importance of protecting North Dakota’s wild places so they stay legendary.

Why Trust Us About Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Map Of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

List Of Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts

1. 65 Million Years Ago The Park Area Was A Swampy Wetland
2. The Park Features Thousands of Prairie Dogs
3. Theodore Roosevelt Spent His Formative Years In The Badlands
4. Two Of The Most Important Historic Sites At The Park Are The Maltese Cross Cabin & Elkhorn Ranch
5. Theodore Roosevelt Came To The Badlands To Hunt Bison & Raise Cattle
6. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is Not Only The Only Park To Be Named For A President, It’s The Only Park To Be Named For A Single Person
7. The Park Is Divided Into Three Separate Districts
8. The Park Features Wild Horses
9. The Park Has The Third Highest Concentration Of Petrified Wood In The U.S.
10. The Park Includes Up To 500 Species Of Plants
11. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Offers A Diverse Array Of Wildlife

We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation. 

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below! 

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