National Park Journal

NATIONAL PARK JOURNAL is the authority on national park travel and is devoted to bringing the national park experience to the palm of your hand. Providing comprehensive seasonal trip-planning information for four of the United States’ major national parks - Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Yosemite - each issue focuses on one park and includes feature stories, photo essays, road-trip itineraries, lodging and dining information, wildlife beta and more.

Hit the Road

Editor’s Note

National Park Journal

Welcome to Wonder • Get ready to experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon. Plan your perfect trip with a park map, weekend itinerary, trail guide and more.

The Four Sides of the Grand Canyon

Get Oriented on the South Rim

Back to Basics • Whether you’re a first-time national park traveler or a seasoned pro, there are a few things you need to know about visiting Grand Canyon National Park.

A Weekend on the South Rim • Short on time? Even if you only have 48 hours, you can still have an incredible vacation on the South Rim. Here’s the plan.

Choose YOUR Hike

Southwest Hot Spots • From saguaro arms raised into the brilliant blue sky to delicious tacos and hidden lakes, this mesmerizing road trip is one for the books.

Farm-to-Table Scene • Get in touch with the beautiful Sonoran desert in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert.

Meet Me at the Lake

Take to the Trails • From great hiking and kayaking to a fun downtown scene, here are the top five reasons to explore this small city.

High Desert Fun • In Chino Valley, Arizona’s first territorial capitol, off-road exploration, a great beverage scene and historic hiking trails await. Here’s where to stop.

Unexpected Oasis • Stroll through charming downtown Cottonwood, packed with wine tasting rooms and restaurants, before heading to a rare, solitude-fueled national monument.

Après is Calling

See the Stars • In Flagstaff, you’ll find mountain air and glittering night skies.

Galaxy Gazing

FINDING HOPE ON STOLEN LANDS • In August, Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon became our newest national monument, but does it go far enough to protect this sacred space?

Route 66 Kicks

I Was Petrified

Take It Easy • In Winslow, see the best eras of the Southwest brought back to life, from a historic Harvey hotel to Route 66.

RELIVE the 1950s • Historic downtown Williams, with its vintage Route 66 businesses, is one of the Grand Canyon area’s best kept secrets.

Ready, Set, Go!

Hay There

The King

The Other Side of the Grand Canyon • Two hours from Las Vegas, visit the Skywalk, go rafting or take a scenic helicopter ride at Grand Canyon West.

Utah Unlimited • Opportunities for adventure are endless in Utah when you explore its five national parks on the way to the Grand Canyon.

The Center of It All • Salt Lake is where tradition meets a progressive and energetic cultural scene.

Utah’s Heartland • From the world’s longest art gallery to a revitalized historic main street, towns like Helper, Price and Wellington offer a chance to experience mining and Indigenous history and take in incredible scenery.

Desert Solitaire

Pedal & Paddle

A Living Monument

This is Hopi

Picture Perfect • Capture the most amazing sunrise, sunset and Milky Way shots on this action packed photography itinerary.

Utah’s Best Kept Secret • Base out of Kanab to enjoy magical landscapes, fantastic food and local charm on the doorstep of Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon national parks. Here are four reasons to explore.

Wildflower Gem

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