the buzz log

America's parks may be the country's preserved wildernesses, but even they can't dodge the political and economic effects of the urban world.

The recession could shutter some of California's state parks, but now national park lovers have a reprieve: Interior Secretary Ken Salazar just swung open the gates to let visitors in for free at all 391 national parks on three weekends: June 20-21, July 18-19, August 15-16.

Of course, since 244 parks didn't charge in the first place, the deal's only a deal at 147 parks and monuments. Still, Salazar's heart is in the right place—our wallets.

That makes the timing of the top-searched national parks spot on. Take a look, and don't forget to pack a lunch before you go.

1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
2. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
3. Yosemite National Park (California)
4. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
5. Glacier National Park (tie) (Montana)
5. Sequoia National Park (tie) (California)
6. Zion National Park (Utah)
7. Estes National Park (Colorado)
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee)
9. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
10. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)