Basecamp Outdoor Gear

Ferruginous Hawk photo captured by Alex Harper

Did you know? The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk in North America! With its impressive wingspan and powerful build, this bird is built for spotting prey across wide-open landscapes.

They’re often found soaring over grasslands, deserts, and open country—keeping a sharp eye on everything below!

"Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me." – Walt Whitman

photo credit: Alex Harper

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for more than 20 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.

If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB).

This includes people who may have been:
• Traveling the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
• Staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground
• Traveling through “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch

📞 NPS ISB Tip Line: 888-653-0009
📧 Email: [email protected]

Please provide any information you have, including a person’s name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name.

Full news release: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm

As Nevadan, when I feel down I remind myself that I live in the Wild Wild West! Yeehaw! 🐎🤠

Coooooll! Thinking about adding this to our rental fleet in Vegas... 🤔

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new all-terrain wheelchair lending program designed to expand trail access for visitors with disabilities, mobility challenges, or injuries. Thanks to the generous support of the Zion Forever Project, Zion now has an Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair available for free check-out!

Visitors interested in the program can come to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to rent the Extreme Motus for the day. The chair is available on a first-come, first-served basis; we don’t take reservations.

For more information about the program, visit our website at go.nps.gov/motus

NPS Photo

Extreme Heat Is Closing Popular Hiking Trails ☀️🥾

Summer heat is becoming a serious challenge for hikers. In Southern California, two popular trails in the Cleveland National Forest—the San Diego River Gorge and Three Sisters trails—were closed throughout August after a surge in heat-related emergencies, including multiple rescues and assists.

It’s a good reminder that checking trail conditions and weather before heading out can be just as important as packing your gear. Stay smart, know your limits, and choose cooler conditions when possible. 🌄💧

Climate Change Is Impacting Campgrounds 🔥

Wildfires are affecting campgrounds in several regions this summer, reminding all of us how important it is to camp responsibly. Before heading out, always check current fire restrictions, follow local regulations, and leave your campsite better than you found it. A little preparation helps protect the outdoors for everyone.

🌲 Mt. Charleston Update: Mary Jane Falls Could Reopen Soon! 🥾

Good news for hikers! Volunteers will be performing trail restoration work at Mt. Charleston this weekend, bringing the long-awaited reopening of the Mary Jane Falls Trail one step closer. While there's no official reopening date yet, the volunteer effort is another positive sign that one of Southern Nevada's most popular hikes could welcome visitors again in the near future.