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.

4 Road Trips • Here are four of our all-time favorite road trips to the park—each with its own scenic wonders, cultural sites and one-of-a-kind attractions. Turn to our Road Trip sections starting on page 18 for details and itineraries.

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.

Park MAP • Get yourself oriented along Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim.

The Four Sides of the Grand Canyon

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

A Grander Stay • Sleep well and sustainably at Yavapai Lodge.

Southwest Hot Spots • There’s a gorgeous corner of Arizona that’s packed with secret lakes, vibrant vineyards bursting with locally made wine and a town nestled amongst red rocks so magnificent they are believed to radiate energy.

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

Cowboy Culture

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

High Desert Fun • Find fun in the Central Arizona Highlands in the state’s first territorial capital: Chino Valley. Here are five places 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.

Sustainably Sedona • Transform from a tourist to conscientious traveler.

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

Starry Nights

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.

Route 66 Kicks • Established in 1926, the legendary Route 66 stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to California. Get a taste of the Mother Road today on this iconic road trip.

Mother Road Stops • In Grants, N.M., you’ll discover vintage Route 66-themed stops, an uncrowded national park site and more. Here are some of our favorites.

Petrified Forest National Park

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.

IMAX Stop

Plug It In

Hay There!

The King

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

The New Salt Lake • Discover unique coffee houses, creative chefs and a short hike with fantastic views of the city.

Starlight, Starbright… • Get ready to see the stars like never before, because we’ve rounded up...