Arches National Park (UT) Pursuit, Attempted Assault On Rangers

Rangers Karen McKinlay-Jones and Will See were returning from a SAR incident in separate patrol vehicles around 11:30 p.m. on August 27th when they encountered a vehicle traveling into the park at a high rate of speed. An attempt to stop the vehicle five miles into the park was unsuccessful. As the rangers pursued, the driver - later identified as Kevin Tupper, 36, of Bradenton, Florida - turned around and headed back towards the entrance. The rangers were unable to catch up, so requested assistance from the Grand County Sheriff’s Department. While searching a turnout for the vehicle, See had to take evasive action to avoid having his cruiser struck as Tupper hastily left the overlook. McKinlay-Jones and a county deputy attempted to stop the vehicle at the park entrance. Tupper headed directly toward the parked patrol vehicles, swerving away at the last second as he left the park. County deputies and Moab city officers stopped him just outside the park by using a moving roadblock. At their request, the two rangers assisted with the arrest. The county will be prosecuting the case.  Tupper has been charged with excessive speed, fleeing, attempted aggravated assault and operating a vehicle with faulty equipment. [Submitted by Denny Ziemann, Chief Ranger]

Source: NPS

To read more about the desert, go to DesertUSA.com.

Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn SP Hosts Special Field Trips for Schools

School Group Field Trips at Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park (Fairfield, Utah) can hear a first-hand account of life in Johnston’s Army, view cannon and musket fire, experience the life of a soldier by marching, drilling, making candles and adobe bricks; play Pony Express games, experience class in a 19th century schoolhouse, view the Stagecoach [...]

3rd Annual Slide Rock State Park (AZ) Apple Festival

The Arizona State Parks Foundation celebrates the 3rd Annual Slide Rock Apple Festival on October 6-7, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Slide Rock State Park. The park is just north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. This year on Saturday, the Apple Festival will feature Arizona State Parks’ 50th anniversary with dignitaries [...]

Upcoming Fall Events at Petrified Forest NP

SEPTEMBERArtist in Residence Program. Visit with artists using the park for inspiration as they paint, draw, photograph, or otherwise express their artistic ability. Artist Robert deJonge, Digital Imaging Artist, Photographer is scheduled for September 8 and 21.Navajo County Fair. Lots of fun for the entire family, including the Little Miss Navajo County Pageant, a rodeo, [...]

Great Basin National Park Current Conditions

RoadsWheeler Peak Scenic Drive: Open to Wheeler Peak CampgroundBaker Creek Road: Open to Baker Lake TrailheadLexington Arch Road: Dry and firm to the trailheadSnake Creek Road: Dry and firm to the trailhead*Note:  In the fall, roads may be closed temporarily due to snow.CampgroundsLower Lehman Creek: OpenUpper Lehman Creek: OpenBaker Creek: OpenNote:  The week of September [...]

Death Valley Current Conditions

Death Valley National Park Morning Report — Thursday, September 6, 2007Weather Forecast Today — Mostly sunny. High around 111. Northwest wind around 10 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon.Tonight — Clear. Low around 80. Light wind.Tomorrow — Mostly sunny and clear. High around 111. Low in the lower 80s. Light wind becoming [...]