Do national parks need more wifi & cell connectivity? Really? :-(

[BSR]

I can see the need for cell coverage in national parks in cases of hiking & climbing accidents or animal attacks. No matter how careful and responsible people are, these kinds of emergencies are going to arise. If cell service can speed up the dispatching of emergency services and help track location, then I'm all for it. If you fell and broke your ankle in what felt like the middle of nowhere and you could decide there and then - cell coverage or no cell coverage - I'm guessing a unanimous vote for cell coverage.

 

But is it possible to get coverage all throughout a park with just cell towers along the periphery? I can't imagine it's possible to put towers up within the park, yet many parks are so vast it's hard to imagine coverage extends all the way through. William, can your brother get coverage all over Yellowstone?

[+ friendofsheila]

Well I disagree...peoples lives are complicated, and there are far more serious reasons to stay connected to the world than to post pics on Instagram or to update Facebook. I think that it is unrealistic to assume that everyone can just completely disconnect from the world for days at a time.

 

If this is a reasoning for making more connectivity in more remote nature places, I would respond:

 

Anyone who REQUIRES that amount of connectivity for serious reasons probably should be at some "connection point" attending to the matters, shouldn't they?

[+ WilliamM]

William, can your brother get coverage all over Yellowstone?

 

We have never discussed the coverage all over Yellowstone. My brother spends 95*% of his time in the northern part of the park in or near Montana.

 

I have not called often, when I do I can always reach him.

 

I planned to drive from the northern part of Yellowstone to Jackson Hole, MT to catch my flight the next day (October 2007). It snowed most of the day before, all night and when I started out. I stopped in the city of Gardner to ask about the weather forecast from the park ranger. A cell phone was no use unless I get stuck in a drift. Luckily, I decided to leave the park at W. Yellowstone and drive to WY by way of Idaho. Idaho was a lower elevation, so I just had heavy rain It was a longer drive, but I eventually learned the southern gate of the park was closed

 

I knew Yellowstone was at a very high elevation, so should have been better prepared --- figuring out whom I should call with my phone should have been a much bigger priority.

[bigvalboy]

We have never discussed the coverage all over Yellowstone. My brother spends 95*% of his time in the northern part of the park in or near Montana.

 

I have not called often, when I do I can always reach him.

 

I planned to drive from the northern part of Yellowstone to Jackson Hole, MT to catch my flight the next day (October 2007). It snowed most of the day before, all night and when I started out. I stopped in the city of Gardner to ask about the weather forecast from the park ranger. A cell phone was no use unless I get stuck in a drift. Luckily, I decided to leave the park at W. Yellowstone and drive to WY by way of Idaho. Idaho was a lower elevation, so I just had heavy rain It was a longer drive, but I eventually learned the southern gate of the park was closed

 

I knew Yellowstone was at a very high elevation, so should have been better prepared --- figuring out whom I should call with my phone should have been a much bigger priority.

 

One of the things on my Bucket List is to see Yellowstone in the winter. I've heard it is a must see.

[+ WilliamM]

One of the things on my Bucket List is to see Yellowstone in the winter. I've heard it is a must see.

 

BVB, In many ways, I like Denali better in Alaska. The fairly long train ride north from Anchorage is amazing. And you can see the animals more easily, including a grizzly mom and her cubs walking along the main road.

 

But, it would be a national park to visit in the summer, not the winter.

Edited March 1, 2016 by WilliamM

[Guest]

The sole purpose of visiting a National Park is to experience nature and get way from modern stress and conveniences. Nothing is so important that it has to be posted on Instagram seconds after taking a picture. We have become so connected to the Internet we can barely escape its pervasive intrusion in our everyday lives. Let's leave the National Parks free from this nuisance.

 

No, it's not the SOLE purpose. In fact, I would guess that the reason most people isn't just to experience nature, and, in most cases, not to get away from modern stress and inconveniences. I would venture to guess that primary reason most tourists visit US National Parks is to see uniquely beautiful vistas. With that being said, of course, I would be against building cell towers in places where this might mar the scenic beauty of the area. If cell phone service can be provided without interfering with a place's beauty, however, I feel it's rather elitist to say that such service should not be provided. For some people, being off the grid can have some pretty serious consequences. I have a friend who's a systems administrator for a computer system, so he has to check in periodically even when on vacation (briefly, mind you). If the system goes out, many people might actually go without their paychecks. As for myself, I hold the Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare for my aging mother and step-mother. I would prefer not to be unreachable for days at a time, just in case decisions have to be made. Not everyone has the luxury of an absence from the grid leading to no greater disaster than someone having to search somewhere else to get his rocks off.

I love our national parks. But everyone's taxes pays into the system. As long as the beauty and character of the parks can be maintained, I feel that the parks should be made as accessible as feasible to as many as possible.

[LADoug1]

As long as hikers don't fall of Half-dome while posting on Facebook that they are visiting it!

[+ Keith30309]

As long as hikers don't fall of Half-dome while posting on Facebook that they are visiting it!

"Here - let me take your pic! Backup..., backup.., a little further....

[Rod Hagen]

Years ago something really crucial happened at home while I was at Jasper National Park. I was grateful for the wifi to Skype on, and yet couldn't stop reminding myself that in the past I would have just dealt with it upon returning home from one of the most beautiful North American parks. I honestly texted from one of these chairs (although I remember it as a blue chair). I should be ashamed and I am.

[bigvalboy]

Years ago something really crucial happened at home while I was at Jasper National Park. I was grateful for the wifi to Skype on, and yet couldn't stop reminding myself that in the past I would have just dealt with it upon returning home from one of the most beautiful North American parks. I honestly texted from one of these chairs (although I remember it as a blue chair). I should be ashamed and I am.

 

I think it would depend on what someone would consider "Crucial"...I missed the passing of a dear friend once. By the time they found me, I had missed the funeral as well. Could it have been helped? Obviously not, but it is something that I never quite got over.

Edited March 2, 2016 by bigvalboy

[Guest]

Years ago something really crucial happened at home while I was at Jasper National Park. I was grateful for the wifi to Skype on, and yet couldn't stop reminding myself that in the past I would have just dealt with it upon returning home from one of the most beautiful North American parks. I honestly texted from one of these chairs (although I remember it as a blue chair). I should be ashamed and I am.

 

I much prefer the National Park experience in Canada than in the United States. In Canada, there are actually a decent number of hotel rooms at decent prices in their national parks. In most US National Parks, if you want to book a hotel room inside the park during popular times, you have to book at least a year in advance. And you consider yourself lucky to pay an outrageous amount of money for a run down, piece of shit room. And try finding a place to park your car. The only people with decent accommodations and with parking lots are the park rangers. I often feel as if US National Parks are set up purely for the enjoyment of the park rangers, and the park rangers alone. Like it's their private property. Somehow, Canada manages to have their national parks available for all to enjoy, and, no, it doesn't "ruin the experience" (for either the public or the precious rangers).

A few years ago, I went with an escort to visit Glacier NP in Montana, and Waterton Lakes NP in Alberta. I felt "lucky" to be able to secure a room at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, a shithole that probably hasn't had any improvements for at least half a century, and pay almost as much as I paid for as the fairly luxurious Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. The next day, we spent the night across the border in Waterton Lakes NP, and for about the same price had comfortable, modern accommodations in the park (easily booked), with wifi, and everything. I can assure you that having modern accommodations and communications at Waterton Lakes didn't ruin the experience. Similarly, it's easy to find nice places to stay at Banff and Jasper, and the lakes, mountains, and glaciers are still just as beautiful.

The USNPS has the American public brainwashed into believing that unless we pay big $$$$ to stay in old, run down accommodations with no services, that our entire national park experience will be completely ruined. Of course, the National Park Services profits handsomely from these way overpriced and unimproved accommodations. Well, it's not like that in other countries, and it doesn't have to be that way. National parks should be for all to enjoy, not some elite club for only the very rich, very rugged, or for the personal enjoyment of the park rangers.

[+ WilliamM]

I much prefer the National Park experience in Canada than in the United States. In Canada, there are actually a decent number of hotel rooms at decent prices in their national parks. In most US National Parks, if you want to book a hotel room inside the park during popular times, you have to book at least a year in advance. And you consider yourself lucky to pay an outrageous amount of money for a run down, piece of shit room. And try finding a place to park your car. The only people with decent accommodations and with parking lots are the park rangers. I often feel as if US National Parks are set up purely for the enjoyment of the park rangers, and the park rangers alone. Like it's their private property. Somehow, Canada manages to have their national parks available for all to enjoy, and, no, it doesn't "ruin the experience" (for either the public or the precious rangers).

 

I agree with most of what you write, except "I often feel as if the National Parks are set up purely for the enjoyment of the park rangers and park rangers alone." My brother has a college degree and has worked for the National Park Service for over 30 years. He receives a low salary, and until the past year was always classified as a seasonal worker, which meant no health insurance. Until Obamacare, he bought his own health insurance at very high prices and high deductibles. Only in the past year, the park services changed his classification because he needed open heart surgery. Nearly every park ranger is in the same situation, a seasonal worker, even if they have been working for the park service for decades.

 

I visited my brother, Rick, in Denali, GNP and Yellowstone. I did score a cabin in the park in Denali. He's worked so long in Yellowstone that he bought a small log cabin. I have never stayed in an expensive hotel in a National Park.

 

Find out when you can actually drive on the one main road in Denali (rather than taking the required bus). It is a week or so after Labor Day. I saw moose, bears -- including grizzly bears walking on the main road with their cubs. It's the best time of the year to visit.

 

Most important, I always visit National Parks in the spring (Great Smokey Mountain Park) or after Labor Day (Yellowstone, Denali, GNP). The parks are less crowded and you have more freedom -- especially in Denali. I figured it out on my own; my brother did not have to tell me.

Edited March 2, 2016 by WilliamM

[+ WilliamM]

The USNPS has the American public brainwashed into believing that unless we pay big $$$$ to stay in old, run down accommodations with no services, that our entire national park experience will be completely ruined. Of course, the National Park Services profits handsomely from these way overpriced and unimproved accommodations. Well, it's not like that in other countries, and it doesn't have to be that way. National parks should be for all to enjoy, not some elite club for only the very rich, very rugged, or for the personal enjoyment of the park rgersan.

[bold lettering added by me] Some park rangers seldom take days off, especially those involved in park research projects. At Yellowstone, I met several of my brother's friends. One ranger had not taken a day off in 15 years (without additional pay). I spent several weeks in National Parks in Virginia last summer. Unicorn, talk to the park rangers. In Virginia, the rangers were extremely helpful.

 

I do have a funny story about visiting a National Park with a wonderful aunt. There was a long line. She said, "But, my nephew is a park ranger in Alaska." Ranger's answer, "Sorry, we can not play favorites." I was shocked because she had never done anything like that before or again! It guess it was a very, very long line!

[cany10011]

I'm canadian and i try to visit a US national park every year. I'm so excited to be going to Yosemite this year in August. It was postponed last year as we couldn't get a hotel in the park. It is true that you need to book almost one year in advance. We are staying at the Ahwahnee hotel but was just notified it was purchased by Aramark and is being renamed "Yosemite Hospitality" or something like that. Regardless, i'm looking forward to visiting this beautiful park.

[LADoug1]

Ahwahnee hotel but was just notified it was purchased by Aramark and is being renamed "Yosemite Hospitality" or something like that. Regardless, i'm looking forward to visiting this beautiful park.

 

Stayed there. Unforgettably wonderful. Can't believe it is going to be renamed and pray they don't make alterations to the building. You're lucky to have the reservation. Enjoy!!

[Guest]

I agree with most of what you write, except "I often feel as if the National Parks are set up purely for the enjoyment of the park rangers and park rangers alone." My brother has a college degree and has worked for the National Park Service for over 30 years. He receives a low salary, and until the past year was always classified as a seasonal worker, which meant no health insurance. Until Obamacare, he bought his own health insurance at very high prices and high deductibles. Only in the past year, the park services changed his classification because he needed open heart surgery. Nearly every park ranger is in the same situation, a seasonal worker, even if they have been working for the park service for decades.

I apologize if I seemed to imply that the rangers are over-paid and/or under-worked. That was not my intention, and I certainly don't believe that. It just irks me almost every time I go to a national park, lodging is inadequate in both quantity and quality, in addition to being over-priced, and parking for visitors is usually inadequate. I get tired of hearing the mantra that making things easier for visitors would ruin the park experience. I don't believe that to be true at all, and experiences in Canada and other countries have convinced me that it's possible to be both visitor-friendly and environment-conscious at the same time.

[+ WilliamM]

I apologize if I seemed to imply that the rangers are over-paid and/or under-worked. That was not my intention, and I certainly don't believe that. It just irks me almost every time I go to a national park, lodging is inadequate in both quantity and quality, in addition to being over-priced, and parking for visitors is usually inadequate. I get tired of hearing the mantra that making things easier for visitors would ruin the park experience. I don't believe that to be true at all, and experiences in Canada and other countries have convinced me that it's possible to be both visitor-friendly and environment-conscious at the same time.

 

The only time I have stayed in park lodging was in Denali. It was adequate, bur certainly not wonderful. There were a lot of walking trails nearly and a ok restaurant. I am far more interested in being in a national park when it's not packed with other tourists. Even more interested in seeing the animal fairly up close, something you can actually do in Denali. For example, I was chased by a large moose, when I invaded his "territory."

 

I was in Yellowstone may years ago in July and was completely turned off by the crowds of people, so I have never gone to any national park in the peak season.

 

Unicorn, all of your comments are valid. In fact, except for parks on the east coast, I have never visited a national park other than the ones where my brother is located.

[Guest]

The only time I have stayed in park lodging was in Denali. It was adequate, bur certainly not wonderful. There were a lot of walking trails nearly and a ok restaurant... For example, I was chased by a large moose, when I invaded his "territory."

Yeah, many people don't realize that moose are the most prolific people-killers in North America. I learned that from a ranger at Glacier NP. We saw one from a ferry taking us across a lake. In Africa, it's the equally stupid hippo who's responsible for killing the most humans, with elephants being #2. Carnivores never seem to top the list. Your experience highlights how sad it is that we're afraid to visit US National Parks during peak times. Many families with children don't have the choice. Also, most Americans can't afford the lodging in the parks even if the rooms were available. $350+ a night for the Awahnee (now Majestic Yosemite Hotel)?? What a rip-off.

I've visited at least 20 Canadian National Parks from BC to Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, almost always in July or August, and have never had a problem with finding good lodging at a reasonable price, parking, etc. I once made the mistake of visiting Canada in early June, and had to experience sleet coming down on us while we were driving from Ottawa to Montreal. Since that trip, I've only gone to Canada in July or August, other than a visit to Windsor, Ontario in the 3rd week of September (which is just about as far south as one can go in Canada). The infrastructure of Canadian parks puts Americans' to shame. It's also much nicer to visit scenic areas in Europe. Here's the most recent review a European wrote in Tripadvisor on the Awahnee/Majestic Yosemite Hotel:

The hotel is a true grand old hotel in a stunning area. What is most shocking and not understandable is that there have been zero major renovations since, what it looks like, opening.

The heating and ventilation system, the electrics are in the 70s. The staff are all sick as you walked from areas that are freezing cold to areas that are hot and dry therefore leaving everyone kind of sick. Swimming pool was more than dirty and should have been heated to 33-35oc.

The hotel is thriving as when we were there it was completely full, another example of a hotel that has zero competition and is totally at ease as to what it has become. A place being in the mountains where you come back from hikes and walks should have steams rooms, baths etc. just get an overall enjoyment and experience out of the entire area. This is mostly found in mountain hotels in Italy, Austria, German and Switzerland...they should be set as an example and if they ever renovate this old should be the first thing they look at.

We understand it is an old building but you will find many castles in Europe dating back to the 1700 but these old castles have been updated, renovated and insulated, again another example of a hotel that is too comfortable and with zero competition surrounding it. I'm sure the management and the property owners have plenty of money to throw around and a massive refurbishment would be of no problem even in this isolated area. The day will come when the older generation, who mostly populate the hotel, will die out and then the problem will arise that the younger and fresher generation (with new money) will not come.

In terms of the price performance ratio it was very poor/disastrous. You get nothing for your $ but in saying that our receptionist at check in told us that between the hours of 16:00-17:00 coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies where provided. We decided to sample these delights only to be horrified at the long lines and only tea being served! This was the icing on the cake! The dinner was just again very mediocre (see separate review) but the breakfast buffet (not included in the price) was terrible. Nothing homemade, bagels hard as bricks, no fresh bread, no cheese selection and all at a separate cost. This goes back to the fact that there is no competition for this hotel in the immediate facility so what do they have to different to stand out? Nothing! They just get by.

The staff we found to be a pure delight and where always willing to assist in any of our questions, service at breakfast and dinner, reception, bell service and concierge where all very good and nothing to say.

Dramatically inflated prices and rooms that are crying for renovation.

US National parks have almost become elitist places where only the very hardy or very rich can thrive--with enough planning. I find it unfortunate that some of these most beautiful places in the world can only be truly appreciated by precious few due to neglect of the needs of most visitors. I would love to see a US President who would kick the head of the USNPS in the butt and tell him to upgrade the parks at least to the late 20th Century or get canned. Most of the current hotels date to the early 20th Century, and nothing has been done despite the increase in population and ability of the public to access the parks.

[+ WilliamM]

Your experience highlights how sad it is that we're afraid to visit US National Parks during peak times.

 

In Yellowstone, I can stay with my brother who lives just outside the park in a log cabin he owns. My problem is the crowds. Are not people in the west complaining about the amount of land set aside for national parks?

 

Again I agree with most of your comments. I just remembered a discussion we had about cruise ships. I have never taken a cruise, but have traveled all over the world. I do not expect the hotels where I stay to more than just adequate. I stayed in housing in a National Park in Virginia early last summer, just ok. A question: Isn't the main reason to visit National Park to enjoy the park. Sure I want better lodging too, but it's not as important to me.

 

Since you mentioned bringing an escort early on, is that part of your frustration in the poor lodging?

[Guest]

Isn't the main reason to visit National Park to enjoy the park? Sure I want better lodging too, but it's not as important to me.

 

Since you mentioned bringing an escort early on, is that part of your frustration in the poor lodging?

 

I simply don't see "roughing it" and/or overpaying for run down facilities as a necessary part of my enjoying the park experience. When I go to Canada, Switzerland, etc., I can enjoy both modern comforts and the beauty of the countryside. The Many Glacier Hotel was built in 1915, the Old Faithful Inn in 1905, and the Ahwahnee in the 20s. These hotels have hardly been updated since then. The NPS keeps blocking construction for new lodging in the park, although there's certainly a demand. In addition, they allow the concessionaires to charge outrageous rates to hotel guests (since there's no competition), without requiring these concessionaires to make capital improvements to these facilities. Enjoying a national park in the US has become a privilege for the few, rather than something for all to enjoy. The escort I went with was a joy to be with, and he was certainly not fussy.

[+ WilliamM]

Unicorn, we agree on most of the issues.

[marylander1940]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjVAC_vpzSI

[LADoug1]

Here's the most recent review a European wrote in Tripadvisor on the Awahnee/Majestic Yosemite Hotel:

The hotel is a true grand old hotel in a stunning area. What is most shocking and not understandable is that there have been zero major renovations since, what it looks like, opening.

The heating and ventilation system, the electrics are in the 70s. The staff are all sick as you walked from areas that are freezing cold to areas that are hot and dry therefore leaving everyone kind of sick. Swimming pool was more than dirty and should have been heated to 33-35oc.

The hotel is thriving as when we were there it was completely full, another example of a hotel that has zero competition and is totally at ease as to what it has become. A place being in the mountains where you come back from hikes and walks should have steams rooms, baths etc. just get an overall enjoyment and experience out of the entire area. This is mostly found in mountain hotels in Italy, Austria, German and Switzerland...they should be set as an example and if they ever renovate this old should be the first thing they look at.

We understand it is an old building but you will find many castles in Europe dating back to the 1700 but these old castles have been updated, renovated and insulated, again another example of a hotel that is too comfortable and with zero competition surrounding it. I'm sure the management and the property owners have plenty of money to throw around and a massive refurbishment would be of no problem even in this isolated area. The day will come when the older generation, who mostly populate the hotel, will die out and then the problem will arise that the younger and fresher generation (with new money) will not come.

In terms of the price performance ratio it was very poor/disastrous. You get nothing for your $ but in saying that our receptionist at check in told us that between the hours of 16:00-17:00 coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies where provided. We decided to sample these delights only to be horrified at the long lines and only tea being served! This was the icing on the cake! The dinner was just again very mediocre (see separate review) but the breakfast buffet (not included in the price) was terrible. Nothing homemade, bagels hard as bricks, no fresh bread, no cheese selection and all at a separate cost. This goes back to the fact that there is no competition for this hotel in the immediate facility so what do they have to different to stand out? Nothing! They just get by.

The staff we found to be a pure delight and where always willing to assist in any of our questions, service at breakfast and dinner, reception, bell service and concierge where all very good and nothing to say.

Dramatically inflated prices and rooms that are crying for renovation.

 

I had a very good experience there albeit it was several decades ago. Sorry to hear about its current condition.

[Rod Hagen]

The staff are all sick as you walked from areas that are freezing cold to areas that are hot and dry .

They're sick from working in a confined space alongside people who can't "stay home" when sick. Why do people still believe myths about how you get colds?

[+ WilliamM]

I simply don't see "roughing it" and/or overpaying for run down facilities as a necessary part of my enjoying the park experience. When I go to Canada, Switzerland, etc., I can enjoy both modern comforts and the beauty of the countryside. The Many Glacier Hotel was built in 1915, the Old Faithful Inn in 1905, and the Ahwahnee in the 20s. These hotels have hardly been updated since then. The NPS keeps blocking construction for new lodging in the park, although there's certainly a demand. In addition, they allow the concessionaires to charge outrageous rates to hotel guests (since there's no competition), without requiring these concessionaires to make capital improvements to these facilities. Enjoying a national park in the US has become a privilege for the few, rather than something for all to enjoy. The escort I went with was a joy to be with, and he was certainly not fussy.

 

Now I have to respond. When I visit Yellowstone I do not stay with my brother, I stay in a motel -- his log cabin is too small. There are motels in the towns surrounding the park, especially West Yellowstone, but also near the northeast and northwest entrances to Yellowstone. I stayed in a very nice motel a few towns away from where my brother lives (Silver Gate, MT).

 

To be fair, I drove the Blue Ridge Highway and another highway to Smoky Mountain National Park last summer. I made the trip long ago --1976. In the 1970s, there were motel all along the highways, not anymore. Those motels have been replaced by new government run lodging. Not bad, but it would be very difficult to secure a reservation in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.