“In wilderness is the preservation of the world.”

National Park Week began last Saturday and runs through this weekend.

While one can make nature and landscape photographs anywhere, there's something undeniably special about the parks. I frequently work inside NPS properties. In addition to living next to door to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, quite a few other parks are located within reasonable driving distance: no air travel required.

A friend assured me before I moved to the Intermountain West that my perspective about distances would change once I got here. At the time I scoffed at the idea, but he turned out to be correct. I now consider a five-hour drive a relatively inconsequential excursion. Not quite run-to-the-grocery-store minor, but certainly nothing earth-shattering. In this regard, the version of me who lived in the Northeast has little relation to the person I have become.

With that mindset, Utah's Magnificent Five are easy peasey. In the opposite direction, there's Glacier. Add to the list Death Valley, which - while further - is straightforward and feels quicker than its 11-hours. Badlands. Crater Lake.

I've driven to Grand Canyon's North Rim and the Redwoods, too, although those involve more significant time behind the wheel. (I will admit that since having been injured as a passenger in a vehicle rollover, sitting in a car for a long time is more of a challenge than it used to be.)

At any rate, proximity has made it possible for a kid from the Midwest - who grew up living nowhere near any national parks - to have more opportunities to be inspired by them than I could ever have imagined.

In honor of National Park Week, I'm sharing a handful of images from some of these magnificent locations.

In Local News

Speaking of National Parks, Yellowstone is now partially open to vehicle traffic. The west entrance at West Yellowstone, Montana welcomed guests starting last Friday. The east, south and northeast (Beartooth Highway) entrances will reopen during the month of May. If you're planning on visiting, I strongly advise signing up for text alerts regarding road conditions. It's not unusual for snow to fall this time of year (like yesterday, when a few inches accumulated); sometimes it's enough to temporarily shut things down. Text 82190 to 888-7777 and you'll be set.

Grand Teton's Inner Loop Road is scheduled to open to vehicle traffic on May 1st. Be advised that some campgrounds won't open until mid- to late-May. Signal Mountain partially re-opens in the middle of May, but don't be surprised to find snowpack in your space - and expect mud. Colter Bay partially opens May 22nd. It's a good time to car camp if you can, at least for the next few weeks. It'll be drier at Gros Ventre, which partially opens beginning this Saturday.

Grand Targhee finished its winter season on Easter Sunday (with three inches of fresh powder, no less). The resort is now closed, but will reopen for summer operations on June 13th.

At Jackson Hole, which closed on April 16th, the tram's summer runs will begin on May 17th and mountain biking season starts on June 7th.