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

A Note From the Editor

National Park Journal

At a Glance • Colorado has four unique national parks to explore. Get an overview here before diving into each of them in the following pages.

Steep & Deep

Rocky Mountain’s 4 Entrances

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

Choose YOUR Hike

Watch for Wildlife • Keep your eyes out for these critters inside the park.

Great Sand Dunes' Top 6 • From sledding down dunes to watching the sunset, here are the best things to do.

Good Girls & Boys Welcome

A Weekend in Mesa Verde • Two days is the perfect amount of time to explore this park. Make a reservation to stay at the Morefield Campground or Far View Lodge to be poised for exploring. Here’s the plan.

Rocky Mountain Magic • Wander the state that's inspired artists, writers and a national anthem on this mesmerizing road trip.

A Denver Local’s Perfect Day in the Mile High

Linger in Lyons • From boutique lodging to delicious dining, this small town is the perfect basecamp to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.

Sleep Under the Stars • Rocky Mountain National Park has five campgrounds to pull up your RV or pitch your tent at. Use our guide to decide on your perfect stay before reservations open six months in advance on recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly, so be ready to snag your spot.

A RANCHER, A HIKER, AND A SCIENTIST WALK INTO A BAR… • HERE’S WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT COLORADO’S NEWEST RESIDENTS.

Best Slope • Explore the uncrowded side of Colorado in small towns like Delta, Cedaredge and Paonia at the doorstep of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Inside Black Canyon

Adventure in Every Direction

Colorado’s Easiest Summit • Summiting a 14,000-foot mountain isn't easy—unless you drive.

Spring Forward

Land of Enchantment • Discover the subtle beauty of the high desert on this road trip through three national parks.

More Than a City • Santa Fe is a world class destination, but there are fascinating sights dotting the stunning landscape around it. Lose the crowds and enjoy spectacular outdoor activities with these six things to do.

Into the Wild

Living History • There’s more to the southwestern corner of Colorado than just the national park.

Colorful Creede

Silver Lining

Adventure in Alamosa • Whether you’re looking for a laid-back afternoon on the town or an evening under the stars, Alamosa has something for everyone.

Journey Through Time

Grand Adventures

Best of the West • See some of the West’s most incredible national parks on this route through Colorado and Wyoming.

Beware the Rut

The Outpost • Lose the crowds in Laramie’s great outdoors and cultural attractions. Here are the best places to visit.

Soak It All Away

A Weekend in Yellowstone • Short on time? You can still have an incredible vacation in the park, even if you only have 48 hours. Here’s the plan.

The New West • Old West charm meets a vibrant, fresh cultural scene in Wyoming’s capital.

On the Plains

Where the...