Dome Fire Helicopter Crash Kills Two Pilots
Pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter died September 20, 2026, while fighting the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park.
California National Park News
National parks in California run on visitor access, infrastructure projects, conservation efforts and reservation systems, and coverage here follows all of it. Reporting focuses on the management of protected landscapes throughout the state.
Recent news
November 6, 2026
First Partner Receives Golden Poppy AwardJennifer Siebel Newsom was honored as a Golden State Parks Champion at a live-streamed event held at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.
November 6, 2026
Turtles Return to Yosemite Ponds After Bullfrog RemovalScientists found juvenile northwestern pond turtles again after nearly eradicating invasive American bullfrogs from two Yosemite ponds by 2019.
November 5, 2026
Scotty's Castle Storage Costs Near $5 MillionThe closed Death Valley National Park landmark has drawn scrutiny over taxpayer-funded artifact maintenance while remaining off-limits to visitors.
November 4, 2026
Death Valley Breaks Ground on $69.5M Water UpgradeThe three-year Furnace Creek Water Systems Rehabilitation Project will modernize aging utilities in Death Valley National Park.
November 4, 2026
Tribal Trail Group Receives $75,000 GrantMountain Bike Tribal Trail Alliance is among 29 California organizations awarded funding through Arts in California Parks.
November 4, 2026
Michael Reese Sets Fastest Half Dome TimeColorado climber Michael Reese broke Dean Potter's 2015 record on the Yosemite Valley route, finishing in 1 hour, 12 minutes and 58 seconds.
November 3, 2026
California Parks to Waive Fees for VeteransCalifornia State Parks will offer free day-use access to veterans and active-duty service members at 145 park units on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
November 3, 2026
California to Start Prescribed Burns at Henry CoeCalifornia State Parks plans controlled burns in Henry W. Coe State Park as early as November 7, with some roads and trails closed nearby.
November 2, 2026
BLM Accepts $3.7M in California Geothermal BidsThe Bureau of Land Management accepted winning bids on 16 California parcels covering 33,362 acres from an October geothermal lease sale.
October 31, 2026
California Caucus Opposes December 2026 Land AuctionState lawmakers formalize opposition to a Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease sale covering 35,000 acres.
More in National Parks
Regular subjects here include visitor patterns, infrastructure repairs, reservation requirements and land management policies. Reporting reaches from the coast to the high desert, encompassing every federal park site across the state. Geography and seasonal fire risks dictate how access changes throughout the year. Infrastructure maintenance and the balance between visitation and conservation surface as the most frequent topics.