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Social distancing and sanitation are still the operative words for summer. That doesn't mean we can’t visit our favorite national parks, albeit remotely in some cases.
Here’s an update on the status of popular favorite national parks.
Bryce Canyon National Park: The park is slowly reopening, but some services and activities are limited. For example, a free park shuttle runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, while the Rainbow Bus Tour is not operating at this time. Additionally, the General Store and its restrooms are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but showers and laundry services remain shuttered.
Home to expansive vistas of red rocks and pink cliffs, Bryce Canyon National Park is a photographer’s dream. Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) anywhere on Earth.
Channel Islands Live Bald Eagle Webcam: Channel Islands National Park is reopening slowly, and at limited capacity. Island Packers, the park transportation system, resumed boat service to the islands June 1. Santa Barbara Adventure Company also resumed kayak tours on Santa Cruz Island. Both operate at approximately 40% capacity.
But due to construction, the mainland visitor center is closed.
Made possible through a partnership with the National Park Service, the bald eagle nests are on the portion of Santa Cruz Island that is owned by The Nature Conservancy.
Channel Islands Live Ocean Webcam: Watch aquatic creatures pass through a forest of kelp, courtesy this underwater camera.
Cherry Blossom Cam, National Mall: The National Park Service has modified operations and temporarily closed sites at the National Mall due to COVID-19.
Watch the cherries come into bloom at this webcam set up at the National Mall in Washington D.C. Spring is when the cherries blossom, making now a great time to check out this feed.
Everglades National Park: A phased reopening of the Everglades National Park is taking place. However, North Nest Key and the area 100 yards from the shore remain closed to the public. The visitors centers are also shuttered for the moment.
But this livestream overlooks the wetlands of the Everglades. Watch birds soar above the swamp and keep your eyes peeled for occasional alligator sightings.
Grand Canyon National Park: The Grand Canyon is reopening, but with some restrictions. However, the East Entrance to the park at Desert View is closed. Drivers must enter and exit the park through the South entrance near the town of Tusayan. The South Rim is open with some visitor services and overnight accommodations available.
Positioned at Yavapai Museum of Geology on the South Rim, this webcam shows recent photographs of the striking natural phenomenon that is the Grand Canyon.
Mammoth Cave National Park: June was a comeback month for Mammoth Cave National Park. The visitor center, self-guided tours, food/beverage opportunities and retail sales reopened June 1. Park campgrounds reopened June 11.
Stretching more than 400 miles, the Mammoth Caves are the longest known cave system in the world. The 53,000 acres of forest feature roughly a dozen miles of subterranean cave trails, as well as nearly 70 miles of nature trails.
Point Reyes National Seashore: Point Reyes National Seashore remains largely closed off. Following advice from the Centers for Disease Control and orders issued by Marin County’s public health department, the national seashore's visitor centers, campgrounds, and picnic areas are closed.
This gem overlooking the Pacific Ocean features more than 1,500 species of plants, as well as rocky headlands, grasslands, sandy beaches and tree-studded ridges.
Shenandoah National Park: Phase One of a reopening plan is underway at Shenandoah National Park. Whiteoak, Old Rag and their associated trails, along with all boundary trailheads and picnic areas, remain closed at this time.
Around 200,000 acres of protected land reside around 75 miles away from Washington D.C. The park boasts picturesque waterfalls, wooded hollows and striking views.
Statue of Liberty: The only way to see Lady Liberty at the moment is virtually. According to the National Park Service, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island are temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19.
Check out the webcam view from Lady Liberty’s torch facing New York’s skyline. See landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building on clear days.
Washington Monument: Following advice from the Centers for Disease Control, the Washington Monument has been closed since mid-March.
A webcam view from the peak of one of the nation’s most famous man-made landmarks. Perched 500 feet above the ground, this camera offers a stream of the National Mall and Washington DC.
Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone National Park reopened its Montana entrances June 1. Limited services and facilities are available in the park.
Watch Old Faithful burst from the ground from the comfort of your couch, bed or desk with this strategically placed webcam. The Yellowstone National Park webcam also captures images of other scenic areas around the park.
Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Wilderness is open to those with existing wilderness or Half Dome permits, while Yosemite National Park remains closed.
Dropping more than 2,400 feet, Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls on Earth. Check out this webcam of Upper Yosemite Falls.
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