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  • Yes, Zion National Park is Stunning - But Have You Seen Its Neighbour?

Yes, Zion National Park is Stunning - But Have You Seen Its Neighbour?

Plus.. the best mushrooms to forage this fall.

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Did you know bears get drunk?

They do. And it’s a problem right now in Montana - for both train operators and the grizzly population. As freight trains pass through one area of the state, they are spilling a decent amount of grain along the way from cargo cars.The grain then ferments, producing alcohol, and then bears get into it. The bears get “drunk” and fall asleep, or become sluggish on the tracks. More below.

Also in today’s newsletter, we’ll visit at one of Zion NP’s most photogenic, overlooked neighbours and examine some great mushrooms that can be foraged this month.


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Zion Is Stunning, But Go to Snow Canyon State Park Instead—Here’s My Experience with Both

I first experienced Zion National Park by car, admiring the jaw-dropping scenery as it whizzed by. Sad that we were just passing through, I made a mental note to return for a proper visit. Last year, I finally checked Zion off my list. As awesome as it was, a hidden gem just 50 miles away from Zion—Snow Canyon State Park—ended up stealing my heart.

Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, these two parks offer distinct outdoor experiences. No matter which park you choose, scenic views and epic hikes await. Zion National Park attracts those seeking a robust adventure surrounded by extraordinary scenery. Snow Canyon provides a quieter escape into nature with spectacular landscapes—and fewer people.

Find out what it’s like to be an NPS Park Ranger with this guest post from Carina Hammang, a supervising state park peace officer and a park ranger at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California.

Together with Inside Hotels

Hotels We Love: Amangiri

The heart of the desert may not seem to the uninitiated like the ideal place for a luxury vacation, but for those who love adventure, Amangiri is the pinnacle of a luxury wild west experience. Here, your wildest pioneer fantasies can come true as you ascend mountains using a series of cables and ladder rungs called a Via Ferrata. Once you reach Cave Peak, head up the Cave Peak Stairway for another thrill, as well as a sweeping view of the surrounding terrain. If you’re an animal-lover, try a horseback ride of the Colorado plateau, customized for your skill level and desires. For those seeking softer adventure, opt for an immersive cultural experience as you listen to unique stories shared by one of the last living WWII Navajo code talkers. There’s so much to explore, your only limit is how long you stay.

Forage These Mushrooms This Fall

Fall doesn’t mean foraging is over. In fact, for mushrooms, it can actually be one of the best times to gather ‘shrooms. In November, foraging is spectacular in areas with extra rain, and it can be a wonderful time for finding wild mushrooms. There are several mushroom species that are more commonly found in the late fall and can be easy to find. Here are some of the easiest to find in November.

Grizzlies are Disrupting Trains in Montana. Why? Because They’re Drunk

A story out of Montana is highlighting a bizarre issue involving grizzly bears, trains, and fermented grain that may be getting the bears drunk.

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