US national parks are offering free entry today to mark National Public Lands Day, a celebration of the 640m acres of America that belong to the American people. We’ve been covering the fate of public lands relentlessly: they are adored by outdoors enthusiasts of every stripe, even as the administration of President Donald Trump is seeking to allow more mining and drilling and has already downsized two national monuments in Utah. Climate change, too, promises to be unforgiving – wildfires are reaching unfathomable size and glaciers are vanishing.
Here is a selection of our public lands stories that should give you an idea of how to spend the day, visiting national monuments, forests and seashores from coast to coast. For a dose of reality, we’ve also included a few pieces exploring the threats America’s public lands are facing in the Trump era.
- Alastair Gee
The 22 best US national parks to escape the crowds, chosen by experts
From Acadia to Zion, Bryce Canyon to Yosemite, leading writers and environmentalists share their alternatives to the most popular spots.
‘Nobody knows it’s here’: the quest to memorialize America’s black history
The Trump administration is quietly seeking to create more African American monuments.
Hidden gems: readers share tips on US national parks
As the most popular national parks get more crowded, where do you go to escape?
Trees older than America: a primeval Alaskan forest is at risk in the Trump era
Tongass is the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, with trees more than 1,000 years old. But a pro-logging effort could uproot them.
Trump condemned over plans to allow drilling near national parks
President’s ‘energy first’ agenda means vast tracts of public land up for sale – without proper consultation, critics say.
Rotting cabins, closed trails: why we’re shining a light on US national parks
Amid dangers from the Trump administration and climate change, sites including the Grand Canyon and Zion national park are facing yet another threat: ‘massive disrepair’.
