Grand Canyon National Park
John Hance
Captain John Hance, who built a trail and guest ranch east of Grandview Point, was one of Grand Canyon's most colorful characters. One visitor declared: "To see the canyon only, and not to see Captain John Hance, is to miss half the show." Reportedly the first white settler in the canyon, he arrived in 1883 and stayed until his death in 1919. He loved the canyon and is credited with carving a number of its trails, which often follow old American Indian paths. Hance was famous for his tall tales, many of which are still repeated today.
Grand Canyon In Depth
News from the Parks
If It Wasn't a Cougar, What Was It?
October 7, 2008 - 4:05pm
It's a wildlife whodunit. Is there a wild cougar roaming rural Jackson County, attacking livestock and spooking residents? Or is it just imaginations running wild?
October 7, 2008 - 4:05pm
It's a wildlife whodunit. Is there a wild cougar roaming rural Jackson County, attacking livestock and spooking residents? Or is it just imaginations running wild?
Shenandoah Park Making Personal Connections
October 7, 2008 - 4:01pm
A new project at Shenandoah National Park involves creating podcasts that will range from virtual hikes to features on flora, fauna and history. Another is the offering of hand-held "GPS Ranger" view screens that will not only guide visitors along park hikes, but display video clips as they reach spots along the way.
October 7, 2008 - 4:01pm
A new project at Shenandoah National Park involves creating podcasts that will range from virtual hikes to features on flora, fauna and history. Another is the offering of hand-held "GPS Ranger" view screens that will not only guide visitors along park hikes, but display video clips as they reach spots along the way.
Road Trip Reveals Wonder of the West
October 7, 2008 - 3:56pm
For each of the recent past four years, as the temperatures begin to drop overnight, my wife, Judy, and I get the urge to visit the mountains of Colorado. About two weeks ago we put some warm clothing in the Blazer and headed west.
October 7, 2008 - 3:56pm
For each of the recent past four years, as the temperatures begin to drop overnight, my wife, Judy, and I get the urge to visit the mountains of Colorado. About two weeks ago we put some warm clothing in the Blazer and headed west.
Crews Rescue Injured Hiker in Acadia National Park
October 7, 2008 - 3:41pm
Park rangers received the call at about 5 p.m. reporting an injured hiker on the West Face Trail that runs from Bubble Pond to the summit of Cadillac. The trail is rugged and steep and can be treacherous, according to Ranger Richard Rechholtz.
October 7, 2008 - 3:41pm
Park rangers received the call at about 5 p.m. reporting an injured hiker on the West Face Trail that runs from Bubble Pond to the summit of Cadillac. The trail is rugged and steep and can be treacherous, according to Ranger Richard Rechholtz.
Officials Weigh Benefits, Costs of Forest Fires
October 7, 2008 - 3:37pm
When officials decided not to stop the Tehipite fire east of Fresno, they got three big payoffs -- a cheaper fire to manage, reduced risk for firefighters and cleanup of dangerously overgrown forest. But this fire -- which has burned 11,000 acres since mid-July -- worries the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Officials fear smoke and ozone-creating gases might harm air quality.
October 7, 2008 - 3:37pm
When officials decided not to stop the Tehipite fire east of Fresno, they got three big payoffs -- a cheaper fire to manage, reduced risk for firefighters and cleanup of dangerously overgrown forest. But this fire -- which has burned 11,000 acres since mid-July -- worries the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Officials fear smoke and ozone-creating gases might harm air quality.
