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.

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Editor's Note

National Park Journal

WELCOME TO PARADISE • Ready for the ultimate Yosemite vacation? Our insider's guide to the park will lead you to the best hiking trails, hotels and attractions.

BEHIND THE SCENERY • Pull back the curtains of history to find out how Yosemite came to be.

THE FIVE YOSEMITE ENTRANCES • There are five entrances into Yosemite National Park, one of which is on the park's east side. Choose the entrance that best fits your needs.

YOSEMITE’S TOP SIX • Have 48 hours? Here are some of our favorite things to do from hiking to exploring a giant sequoia grove.

WILD AT YOSEMITE • From large predators that prowl the forests to tiny creatures that fly through the night sky, here are some animals to look for in the park.

TOUR LIKE A LOCAL • Enjoy Yosemite with GyPSy Guide in your car.

WHAT’S THE BEST HIKE FOR YOU IN YOSEMITE?

Trailhead Talk • Before you hit the trail, become familiar with these important hiking terms.

WHAT TO PACK • After many trips to Yosemite, we've created the ultimate packing list. Use it to spend more time outside and less time shopping for items you forgot.

INSIDER'S TIPS • Every year, we help more than 600,000 travelers plan a Yosemite National Park vacation. Here's how to build your itinerary.

Protect Your Parks • You can be a conscientious traveler instead of a tourist without expending much energy. Here’s how:

Entrance Fees* • Buy your pass at a park entrance station, purchase a digital pass at recreation.gov or order a card online at REI.com (with no shipping costs).

WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE • Find your perfect lodging with our personalized guide.

BEST OF THE COAST LOOP • From sparkling beaches to fresh food, this 886-plus mile route gives you the best of the Central Coast on the way to Yosemite National Park.

UNCROWDED PARADISE • You'll find wide open spaces, beauty and sea-swept beaches in towns like Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme along California's undiscovered coast.

WILD ISLANDS • Take a day to explore the “American Galapagos,” otherwise known as Channel Islands National Park.

SEASIDE ESCAPE • Discover four quintessential Santa Barbara experiences.

LOMPOC’S TOP FIVE • Pronounced “Lom-poke,” this scenic valley town offers a ton to see and do year-round.

BARBECUE CENTRAL • In Santa Maria, experience an affordable getaway while enjoying award-winning wine, legendary barbecue and the outdoors.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ • Experience the best of California beach culture at Pismo Beach, Calif.

THE PINNACLE OF A GETAWAY • An undiscovered national park, gorgeous wine trail and historic areas await.

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK TOP SIX • Here are some of our favorite things to do from gorgeous hikes to exploring a cave.

LOCAL FLAVOR • A gorgeous wine trail, beautiful family theme park and designer shops await in Gilroy, Calif.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS • Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson brings to life the stories of the Black soldiers who served as the park’s first rangers.

PICTURE THIS • Along with a stunning panoramic poster of El Capitan, this section gives you details behind the poster shot and how to take your best nighttime...