National Park Journal

Get the digital version of the National Park Journal with its four separate park editions (Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Yosemite) to discover all-time favorite road trips to the national parks. From Utah’s dazzling deserts, the adobe-lined streets of New Mexico’s charming towns, Wyoming’s authentic outposts, California’s stunning coastline and Colorado’s mountain towns, we feature all the amazing places to explore en route to the parks, no matter where you begin your adventure. Plus , our insider’s guide includes our top things to do in each national park in 48 hours. Discover the best hiking trails, campsites and attractions in our magazine. Our illustrated wildlife guide will help you discover the best of the park's wild animals, including tips on where to find them, and our packing list ensures you don’t leave anything at home.

4 Road Trips

Editor's Note

National Park Journal

WELCOME TO PARADISE • Ready for your ultimate Grand Canyon vacation? Our insider's guide will lead you to the best hiking trails, most fascinating attractions and much more.

Park Map • Check out where everything is along Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim.

THE FOUR SIDES OF GRAND CANYON • Stretching across 1.2 million acres, Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona. While people often refer to the park as one place, there are actually four distinct areas you can visit.

The SOUTH RIM’S TOP SIX • Here are some of our favorite things to do from biking to exploring the South Rim's most historic treasures.

WHERE TO STAY • Find your perfect Grand Canyon lodging with our personalized guide. Then visit MyGrandCanyonPark.com/ where-to-stay-camp-eat for details.

CHOOSE YOUR HIKE

LEAVE NO TRACE • Before you hit the trail, become familiar with how to recreate responsibly.

ROAD TRIP UPGRADE

RIDE THE RAILS • If you want adventure, sightseeing and history all rolled into one on your Grand Canyon vacation, Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel is your ticket.

SOUTHWEST HOT SPOTS • Discover the best of Arizona along this awe-inspiring 563-mile road trip.

FARM-TO-TABLE SCENE • Get in touch with the beautiful Sonoran desert in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert, Ariz.

DESERT HAVEN

PERFECT PRESCOTT • From great hiking and kayaking to a fun downtown scene, here are the top five reasons to explore Prescott.

UNEXPECTED OASIS • Stroll through this charming historic downtown packed with wine tasting rooms and restaurants before heading to a rare, solitude-fueled national monument.

BEAUTY WITHOUT CROWDS • Explore five of Arizona's most beautiful state parks.

SUSTAINABLY SEDONA • Transform from a tourist to conscientious traveler.

ASTROLOGICAL ITINERARIES • Here are the best things to do in and around Flagstaff based on your astrological sign. If you feel like being a Libra for a day, we're not going to stop you.

CLIFF HANGER

A GRANDER STAY • Sleep well and sustainably at Yavapai Lodge.

HISTORIC ROUTE 66 • Plunge deep into Americana on this 2,448-mile odyssey from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif. We've highlighted the New Mexico and Arizona stretch of the Mother Road.

GET YOUR KICKS ON 66 • From Grants, N.M., to Winslow, Ariz., you'll discover vintage Route 66-themed stops and uncrowded national and state park sites. Here are some of our favorites.

PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Homolovi State Park

TAKE IT EASY • In Winslow, Ariz., see the best eras of the Southwest brought back to life from Native American sites 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.

THE KING • Here are the...