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

Editor’s Note

NATIONAL PARK JOURNAL

Welcome to Magic • Get ready to dive into the best of Yosemite, from sparkling waterfalls to stoic granite faces. Plan your perfect trip with a park map, weekend itinerary, trail guide and more.

Park Map • Spend less time driving and more time taking in the views by orienting yourself with this Yosemite National Park map.

Five Ways to See Yosemite

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 Yosemite.

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

Choose YOUR Hike

TOUR Like A Local

Did Someone Say S’mores? • Make your 2023 camping plans at one of Yosemite’s 12 open campgrounds with this guide.

Best of the Coast • Discover the hidden gems of California’s beautiful—and sometimes rugged—central coast.

Joshua Tree

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.

Waterfront Fun

Seaside Escape • Nestled on California’s stunning Hwy. 101, Santa Barbara offers incredible outdoor recreation, inventive food and drinks and stunning architecture for a perfect weekend of exploration.

Beautiful Buellton

Lompoc’s Top 5 • Pronounced “Lom-poke,” this scenic valley town offers a ton to see and do year-round.

California Dreamin’ • Experience the best of the Golden State’s beach culture in Pismo Beach.

Grapes of Robles • Dive into California’s laidback wine and outdoor scene.

Stunning San Simeon • Incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery and fascinating history await along Hwy. 1.

Brews, Burgers & Trails

Big Sur

The Big Blue

Santa Cruz 6 • Santa Cruz and the surrounding region are synonymous with surf culture and while there’s no shortage of places to catch great waves, there’s so much more. From giant redwoods to bucolic vineyards, here are six of the best stops in the area.

Local Flavor • A gorgeous wine trail, beautiful family theme park and designer shops await.

Pinnacles Top 6 • Here are some of our favorite things to do, from gorgeous hikes to exploring a cave.

The Pinnacle of a Getaway • Less-traveled Pinnacles National Park, a gorgeous vineyard trail and historic areas await in towns like Hollister in San Benito County.

Whose Land Am I On?

Bird’s Eye View

Straight Bet • Stay at this modern resort with a stunning indoor/outdoor swimming pool, open-air concerts and gaming.

Gold Country Loop • Tap into California’s golden state of mind on this glittering road trip.

Explore Elk Grove

Farm To Fork

Culture Stop

A More Sustainable Road Trip

Calaveras Gems • Two hours from Yosemite, you’ll find a sprinkling of charming historic towns, an astonishing grove of giant sequoias and the uncrowded California of which you’ve dreamed.

Wet and Wild • Enjoy a...