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.

A Note From the Editor

National Park Journal

Hit the Road

Welcome to Wild • Get ready to experience one of the most awe inspiring places on the planet: Yellowstone National Park. Plan your perfect trip with a park map, weekend itinerary, trail guide and more.

Get Oriented • Spend less time driving and more time taking in the views using this Yellowstone National Park map.

Yellowstone covers 3,468 square miles and is even bigger than Puerto Rico. America’s first national park has five entrances to choose from.

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 Yellowstone.

Tour Like A Local • This easy-to-use app makes exploring Yellowstone more engaging.

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

INTO THE WILD • Get to know some of the mammals that call Yellowstone home.

Choose YOUR Hike

Rocky Mountain High • Get a taste of John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High on this iconic road trip from Colorado’s peaks to Yellowstone’s geysers and back again.

2 Days in Rocky Mountain • Spend a magical weekend exploring this alpine national park. You’ll need a timed entry reservation from Recreation.gov to visit during peak hours May 23 to October 20, 2025.

The New West • Old West charm meets a vibrant, fresh cultural scene in Wyoming’s capital.

A More Sustainable Road Trip

Rodeo, Ho!

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

Soak It All Away • From stunning scenic drives to relaxing hot springs, this is the spot to recharge.

Find Your Escape • Get off the highway and explore southern Wyoming’s charming plains towns that stretch from Chugwater to Glendo for sparkling lakes and history galore.

The Fort

Paradise Found

At the Crossroads • In Casper, experience the best of the great state of Wyoming all in one place. Here are seven reasons to stop.

The Wild, Wild West • On your way to Yellowstone’s east entrance, don’t miss a stop off in the towns of Buffalo and Kaycee for a dose of history and culture. Here are five reasons to visit.

Cruise the Bighorns • See petroglyphs, wild horses, dinosaur tracks and a breathtaking canyon near Wyoming towns like Basin, Greybull and Lovell.

Wyoming’s Hidden Heart • Between Cody and Powell, this restored WWII Japanese American confinement site tells a sobering history we can’t forget.

Your Ticket to Exploration • Plus a chuckwagon dinner you won’t want to miss.

Buffalo Bill’s Town • Located near one of Yellowstone’s least crowded entrances, the Cody area offers a taste of Wyoming in the days of its founder, Buffalo Bill Cody. Here are the top eight...