Mysteries of the National Parks: 35 Stories of Baffling Disappearances, Unexplained Phenomena, and More

by Mike Bezemek

Overview

Discover the hidden mysteries of America's national parks!

America's national parks are most known for outstanding beauty and unparalleled adventure—and these natural wonders also hold some of the world's greatest enigmas. Why did an ancient civilization abandon their stone city in the mountains of Colorado? Flying past Mt. Rainier, did a pilot really spot nine shiny objects that spawned the UFO craze? How do stones weighing thousands of pounds slide across the sand in Death Valley? Join outdoor expert and writer Mike Bezemek as he explores baffling disappearances, unexplained phenomena, and the secret history of our national parks.

Featuring 35 diverse stories, Mysteries of the National Parks takes readers to every corner of our diverse and beautiful country. You'll travel to some of the most beloved national park units, including:

• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
• And many more!

Mysteries of the National Park is the first book to delve into the details of mysterious happenings across the national park service. Bezemek's vivid storytelling brings each mystery to life, immersing readers in the intriguing settings and characters while revealing previously untold details. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, national park enthusiast, or true crime fan, this riveting collection is a must-have addition to your library. Perfect as a gift or personal treasure, Mysteries of the National Parks will leave you ready to set out on your own national park adventure!  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781464238987
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 8.25(h) x 1.41(d)

About the Author

Mike Bezemek is an award-winning author of books and stories with an adventurous spin. His publications include Outside, Smithsonian Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, National Parks Magazine, Men's Journal, Sourcebooks, Mountaineers Books, U Nebraska Press, Terrain, Duct Tape Diaries, Paddling Magazine, and more. Over the years, he's lived on both U.S. coasts, and in the middle, and spent several years' time doing the road-life thing around the country.

Editorial Reviews

"A coast-to-coast and rip-roaring ride through the dark, mysterious, and oddball side of America’s national parks. A must-read for National Park System lovers!" — Jeremy Puglisi, coauthor of the bestselling Where Should We Camp Next? series

"If wonder is the currency of the national parks, Bezemek invites you to double down on the inexplicable. This lively story collection—like the parks themselves—inspires repeat visits and deeper discoveries every time." — Dave Shively, Sr. Editor at Outside and author of The Pacific Alone

"Mike Bezemek digs deep to unearth the histories and mysteries that have shaped our country’s national parks. These truly engrossing tales offer even more inspiration to visit these breathtaking landscapes." — Jedd Ferris, Editor-in-Chief of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine

"From Kings Canyon to the Blue Ridge Parkway, these mysteries are often eerie, fascinating, and downright absurd. Mike spent years conducting boots-on-the-ground research, which I learned about first-hand over coffee in Utah when he was tracking Josie Basset." — Ashley Peel, former longtime Editor of Duct Tape Diaries

From the Publisher