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 fabulous road trips to Colorado’s national parks, originating in metropolises like Denver and Salt Lake City. Turn to our Road Trips section, starting on page 18, to start dreaming.

Editor’s Note

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

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

WHOSE LAND AM I ON? • Turkeys, language and oral histories tell the story of Mesa Verde’s “Lost People”.

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 the Far View Lodge inside to be poised for exploring. Here’s the plan…

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

A Denver Local’s Perfect Day in the Mile High

Boutique Basecamp

Unplug at the Y • Here are the five best ways to play and stay at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center on the park’s east side or Snow Mountain Ranch 30 minutes from the west side.

Wolves in Colorado

West Side Stay

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

A Journey Through Time

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 top six things to do in Santa Fe County.

Local Beta

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

Silver Lining • Explore two of Colorado’s best kept secrets when you visit the towns of South Fork and Creede along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

Only in Alamosa • This unique town in southern Colorado is home to a beach with mountain views, a huge bison herd and some of the most unique craft beer you’ll find in the state. Here are five of our favorite things that you can only do in Alamosa.

Grand Adventures

Colorado’s Easiest Summit • There’s only one 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado that you can summit by car.

Trails in Trinidad • Scenic drives, two state parks and a beautiful historic downtown await.

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

WHEN THE FRIDGE GETS WARM • I joined a citizen science project to count pikas in Rocky Mountain National Park and it gave me hope for the future.

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

Nature’s...