<![CDATA[National Park Club Journal]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uWkh!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F521d27a9-a5da-45e8-b91f-dfbe5c3e5c45_1280x1280.pngNational Park Club Journalhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.comSubstackWed, 02 Sep 2026 11:59:34 GMT<![CDATA[3 National Park Canyon Overlooks That Don't Require a Permit]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/3-national-park-canyon-overlookshttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/3-national-park-canyon-overlooksTue, 01 Sep 2026 16:05:32 GMTWe get a lot of messages about permits lately: where to get them, how far in advance, what happens if you miss the window. And look, some hikes are worth that hassle. But plenty of the most jaw-dropping canyon views in the park system are just... there.

No reservation. No lottery. Just drive up, walk a few minutes, and check out the view.

Sunset Point (Bryce Canyon National Park)

Bryce doesn’t need Angels Landing-style drama to earn its reputation: the hoodoos do all the work. Sunset Point is one of the easiest overlooks in the park to reach, just a short walk from the parking area, and it puts you right above thousands of those orange spires without a single switchback.

Go right before sunset if you can. The light hits the rock formations and the whole amphitheater seems to glow. It’s crowded at that hour for a reason. Sunrise is also a great time to visit and the crowds are far fewer.

Get the Full Bryce Canyon Overlook Guide

Canyon Overlook Trail (Zion National Park)

Everyone talks about Angels Landing when they talk about Zion, and I get why, but Canyon Overlook gives you one of the best views in the entire park for a fraction of the effort and zero permit required.

It’s about a mile round trip, some of it along exposed rock with chain handholds, but nothing close to the exposure you’ll find on Angels Landing. At the end, you’re looking straight down into Zion Canyon with the Towers of the Virgin in the distance. Early morning is your best bet.

Get the Full Zion Overlook Guide

Sunset View / Gunnison Point (Black Canyon of the Gunnison)

This one still surprises people. Black Canyon doesn’t get the crowds of Zion or Bryce, which means you can pull up, walk a couple hundred feet, and stare straight down 2,000 feet into one of the steepest, darkest canyons in the country: with almost nobody else around.

The South Rim Road has several overlooks like this, all an easy walk from parking. Gunnison Point, right by the visitor center, is the easiest of all.

Why it’s worth the stop:

  • No hiking required if you don’t want it

  • Some of the steepest canyon walls in North America

  • A fraction of the crowds you’ll find at the bigger parks

Get our guide to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

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National Park Trivia

Which park is home to the famous Sunrise and Paradise areas near a massive volcano?

Check your Answer

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

Upgrade to Access the National Park Explorer Map

This map is available just for paid subscribers and is being constantly updated as we plan and research National Park Trips. You’ll find information on hikes, scenic viewpoints, places to stay and more.

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Please note that we are updating this every week - if you want more on a specific park - shoot us an email!

]]><![CDATA[Two new national park itineraries are live: here's why I built them.]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/two-new-national-park-itinerarieshttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/two-new-national-park-itinerariesSat, 29 Aug 2026 19:52:14 GMTHey,

I need to tell you about something I’ve been working on for way longer than I probably should admit.

Paid subscribers already get our National Park Planning Guides as we release them. These are great for people looking to plan a trip to one of these parks - lots of quick tips and highlights.

But for people who are looking for complete itineraries and don’t have the hours it takes to build your own, I finally turned these guides into complete itineraries: real, step-by-step itineraries for specific parks. Not another “20 things to do” list an actual day-by-day plan, built around how the park really works (parking, light, crowds, drive times, all of it).

I decided to start with 2 of my favorite National Park and The first two are live:

Arches National Park Itinerary → 1-day, 2-day, and half-day plans for over 2,000 arches and some of the most surreal landscapes in the country. This one tells you exactly when to be where, sunrise and sunset spots included, so you’re not guessing.

Badlands National Park Itinerary → Sunrise overlooks, scenic drive timing, short hikes, and honestly your best shot at spotting bison and bighorn sheep without just getting lucky.

Each one includes where to stay, where to eat, what to pack, and the parking/timing stuff that trips almost everyone up. Basically everything I wish someone had handed me the first time I visited either park.

See all the itineraries →

And if you’re the type who wants to collect them all as I add more parks, the National Parks Club membership gets you every itinerary I release, plus more.

  • paid subscribers get 50% off of the membership and itineraries - scroll to the end of the email for the codes

Talk soon,

Gretchen

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]]><![CDATA[ 5 Underrated Parks We’re Obsessed With Right Now (and Why We’re Skipping the Big Ones This Year)]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/5-underrated-parks-were-obsessedhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/5-underrated-parks-were-obsessedThu, 27 Aug 2026 19:21:28 GMTHere’s an unpopular opinion: the “greatest hits” parks aren’t always where you want to be. The most photographed parks are also the most crowded, most booked-up, most likely to have you waiting in a shuttle line instead of actually being outside.

This year, we’re skipping the obvious picks and making the case for five parks that don’t get nearly enough credit.

Each of these parks offers something slightly different but they all have a quieter, less hectic feel which and some still have the WOW factor.

Isle Royale, Michigan: An island park in Lake Superior that most people have never set foot on. Cooler temps, near-total quiet, and genuinely wild. Visiting Isle Royale →

Voyageurs, Minnesota: A water-based park built for canoeing and houseboating instead of hiking boots. A completely different kind of national park trip. Visiting Voyageurs →

North Cascades, Washington: Some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country, and one of the least visited parks on the list. That combination doesn’t happen often. Visiting North Cascades →

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado: Steep, dramatic, and surprisingly empty even in peak season. Big canyon energy without the Grand Canyon crowds. Guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison →

Great Sand Dunes, Colorado: Genuinely strange and beautiful, towering dunes with the Rockies as a backdrop. Mornings and evenings here are unreal. Guide to Great Sand Dunes →

Full guides for each are linked above: planning tips, what to expect, and how to make the most of a visit.

Have you visited these parks? Drop us a comment and tell us about it - we read everyone!

Gretchen and Finley

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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National Park Trivia

Which national park has the largest concentration of glaciers in the lower 48 states?

Check answer.

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Reach 26,000+ travelers who love our National Parks with a bulletin in our Bulletin Board sharing your newsletter, business, or website. Learn more.

Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

Upgrade to Access the National Park Explorer Map

This map is available just for paid subscribers and is being constantly updated as we plan and research National Park Trips. You’ll find information on hikes, scenic viewpoints, places to stay and more.

Get instant access when you upgrade to a paid membership.

Subscribe now

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]]><![CDATA[August 2026 National Park News and Updates ]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/august-2026-national-park-news-andhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/august-2026-national-park-news-andTue, 25 Aug 2026 17:45:44 GMTThroughout the year, the National Park Journal shares a round up of National Park news. You’ll find many of the most important updates all summarized for a quick read.

Every month we dig through the news so you don’t have to, and August gave us a lot to dig through. There’s a genuinely good update on one of the Grand Canyon’s most-asked-about trails, another rough month for heat safety, a wildfire that became the nation’s largest for a while, and a public lands fight that’s nowhere close to over.

As always: we do our homework, but conditions change fast, especially with fire season. Double-check anything time-sensitive before you go.

Planning a National Park Visit? You should be planning and for winter and spring now.

We do our best to research and bring you the most up to date news - BUT we strongly recommend you do your own research before you visit any park to get the most up to date information.

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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Wildlife Highlight of the Month

Katmai’s Bears Are Starting to Pack It On

The Brooks Falls bear cam is still one of the best free things on the internet, and August is when it gets interesting. As the heaviest part of the sockeye run tapers off, you’ll start seeing bears drift downriver to fish the lower stretches, which is basically the bear equivalent of finishing your entrée and moving on to dessert.

This is also the month serious Fat Bear Week watchers start paying attention to belly drag (subtle now, impossible to miss by September) as an early read on who’s in contention. Bear 32 Chunk is defending his 2025 title, and Grazer, the two-time former champ, is always worth watching too, though her standing depends on whether she’s raising cubs this year. Official Fat Bear Week dates and the bracket usually drop in September, so more on that next month.

Watch the live cam →

Heat Safety: August Is Historically the Worst Month

We warned you in June and again in July, and unfortunately the trend held. National data on heat deaths in parks is notoriously hard to pin down in real time, and reporting on it has gotten murkier this year after new restrictions on what park staff can confirm publicly. What we do know: this has already been one of the deadliest heat seasons on record for the park system, and historically, August is worse than the months before it.

The advice hasn’t changed, because it still works:

  • Be off exposed inner-canyon or desert trails by 10 AM

  • Carry more water than feels reasonable, closer to a liter an hour in extreme heat

  • Know where shade and water actually are on your specific route, not just in general

  • Turn around before your body tells you to, not after

If you’re heading to a desert park in the next few weeks, this is not the summer to wing it.

A Rough Fire Season, With a Few Bright Spots

Mount Rainier is currently dealing with the Grand Park 2 Fire, reported August 7th about three miles north of Sunrise. As of the most recent update it had burned over 300 acres and wasn’t yet contained, and the Sunrise area and White River Campground are closed to all public access, along with the roads leading in. If Rainier’s on your fall calendar, keep an eye on this one.

Down in Utah, the Babylon Fire, which spent most of July as the largest wildfire in the country, is finally behind us. It burned just over 107,000 acres in and around Bears Ears National Monument and the Manti-La Sal National Forest before crews called it 100% contained on August 12th. It closed part of Canyonlands’ Needles District for weeks and destroyed several structures, and land managers are already warning that flood and erosion risk in the burn scar could linger for years, so if you’re camping or hiking that area this fall, check for updated advisories.

Elsewhere across Colorado and Utah, the Snyder, Ferris, and Gold Mountain fires burned a combined 130,000-plus acres this summer. None of them sit inside a national park, but if you’re routing through the Four Corners region, smoke is still the thing most likely to affect your trip, not an actual closure.

Facility Closures & Construction Updates

Grand Canyon: The North Kaibab Trail Is Open Again

Finally, some good news to report. After being closed for the better part of a year following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, the North Kaibab Trail reopened to foot traffic back in May, and it’s stayed open through the summer. If you’ve been holding off on a Rim-to-Rim hike, this is the update you’ve been waiting for.

One thing to plan around: starting October 15th, a section between Redwall Bridge and Cottonwood Campground will close again for waterline repair work, with no detour available, and that closure is expected to run through roughly February.

If a fall Rim-to-Rim is on your list, you’ll want to time it before mid-October.

Yosemite Fire restrictions remain in effect park-wide as of the most recent update, standard for this point in the season, though there’s no significant fire currently threatening visitor access.

Summer Into Fall: What’s Changed for August

The access picture is mostly the same as last month, with one calendar shift worth knowing about:

Read more

]]><![CDATA[How to Beat the September Crowds (Without Skipping the Big Parks)]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/how-to-beat-the-september-crowdshttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/how-to-beat-the-september-crowdsThu, 20 Aug 2026 19:29:37 GMTHere’s the thing nobody tells you about national parks in September: the crowds don’t disappear, but they change shape completely. Labor Day weekend is still a mob scene and there are more and more people taking advantage of the shoulder season.

Once school’s back in session, weekday visitation drops off fast: even while the weather is still holding onto summer in a lot of places. It’s arguably the best window of the whole year (especially late Sept), if you know how to use it. Although this is the time of year that people without kids tend to travel, so don’t think you’ll have the trails to yourself.

What actually works this month:

  • Avoid Labor Day weekend itself if you can. The week after is a completely different experience: same trails, a fraction of the people.

  • Weekdays are your best friend now. With kids back in school, the mid-week crowd thins out dramatically almost everywhere.

  • Watch for the shift toward fall color. Some parks are just starting to turn: that’s a reason to go, not a reason to wait.

  • Shoulder season doesn’t mean no reservations. A few parks still run timed entry into September: worth a quick check before you go.

Two parks that are genuinely a different experience this month:

Visiting Zion → Zion in September still gets warm days, but the shuttle lines and trailhead crowds ease up noticeably once school’s back.

Visiting Acadia National Park → September through early October is arguably Acadia’s best window: cooler air, thinner crowds, and the first hints of fall color along the loop road.

Personally, Acadia is a favorite to visit in September.

Looking for places to go in Oct? Here are some of my favorites.

Have fun,

Gretchen

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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National Park Trivia

What national park has no roads and is accessible mainly by boat or plane?

Get the Answer

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Reach 25,000+ travelers who love our National Parks with a bulletin in our Bulletin Board sharing your newsletter, business, or website. Learn more.

Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

Upgrade to Access the National Park Explorer Map

This map is available just for paid subscribers and is being constantly updated as we plan and research National Park Trips. You’ll find information on hikes, scenic viewpoints, places to stay and more.

Get instant access when you upgrade to a paid membership.

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]]><![CDATA[Ancient Wonders]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/ancient-wondershttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/ancient-wondersTue, 18 Aug 2026 19:04:07 GMT

Imagine standing at the foot of something taller than the Statue of Liberty, and ten times heavier than a blue whale. Imagine staring at a tree as old as the pyramids. This isn’t just imagination; this is what some of the trees in our National Parks have to offer. These trees aren’t just scenery; they are monuments that have withstood the test of time. Despite their vastly different environments, they are each truly incredible.

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]]><![CDATA[It might be just what you need...]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/it-might-be-just-what-you-needhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/it-might-be-just-what-you-needSat, 15 Aug 2026 18:52:34 GMTQuick note today

A lot of people ask me:

What’s the difference between following along for free… and becoming a paid subscriber?

We hate feeling pushy here in the newsletter and are committed to providing loads of free information, BUT if you are looking for more help planning your National Parks Trip or want to learn more about the parks, a paid subscription is worth it.

The paid newsletter is for the people who are planning trips and want inspiration for future adventures.

The free emails are inspiration.

The paid side is where I share the stuff that actually helps you do the trip.

See all Paid Subscriber Perks

Things like:

• Park planning guides (we are releasing 1 a month until we have all the parks)
• trip timing advice
• practical basic itineraries
• gear recommendations that are actually worth buying
• planning shortcuts I wish I’d had years ago

It’s basically everything I’d send to a friend if they texted me:

“Help: I’m going to Zion/Acadia/Yellowstone. What do I need to know?”

If that sounds useful, you can check it out here:

Subscribe now

Want even more? paid subscribers get 50% off to the full membership and 50% off my full detailed Park Itineraries.

No pressure just wanted to make sure you knew it exists.

Gretchen

]]><![CDATA[The Only National Parks Checklist You Need This Summer]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/the-only-national-parks-checklisthttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/the-only-national-parks-checklistThu, 13 Aug 2026 19:12:04 GMTEvery August, we get the same message: “We’re headed to ______ park next week what do we actually need to know?”

So here’s the short version: the stuff that trips people up most, boiled down to what actually matters.

Before you go:

  • Timed entry, sorted early. Zion, Yosemite, Acadia, and a growing list of others require reservations during peak season: som…

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]]><![CDATA[Congaree National Park Planning Guide]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/capitol-reef-national-park-planning-646https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/capitol-reef-national-park-planning-646Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:03:57 GMTLocation: Central South Carolina
Established: 2003

Home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States, Congaree National Park protects a remarkable floodplain ecosystem shaped by the waters of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. The park is known for its towering champion trees, rich biodiversity, winding waterways, and peaceful boardwalk trails that offer visitors a chance to experience one of America’s most unique and wild forest landscapes.

Check out the National Park Journal Chat to swap travel tips with fellow adventurers or share your favorite Congaree experiences.

Explore my travel guides to Congaree National Park.

Each month we share a new planning guide to a specific National Park exclusively for paid subscribers. These printable resources provide a simple, useful overview: PDFs and essential links to help you plan quickly without wading through a 20-page guide. Want complete itineraries? We’ve got these too.

It’s the perfect starting point for your next National Parks trip.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Which National Park Should You Actually Visit This Fall?]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/which-national-park-should-you-actuallyhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/which-national-park-should-you-actuallyThu, 06 Aug 2026 19:00:46 GMTEvery year around this time, we get the same question in a dozen different forms: “We have a week this fall: where should we actually go?”

Fair question. There are 63 national parks, and not all of them are good in the Fall. So here’s a quick gut-check before you book anything:

While it might be hard to plan a park trip for this month (it’s not impossible) and now is the perfect time to pencil in a trip for this fall or even next.

Start by selecting which parks are best in each month using our park finder and then narrow down your park choices using these questions.

Answer these honestly:

  1. Heat or no heat? If 95°F sounds like a dealbreaker, you want mountains or coastline: not desert.

  2. How far will you actually drive once you’re there? Some parks reward road-trippers, some reward people who park once and hike. Choose a park based on your time and preference.

  3. Who’s coming with you? Toddlers, teens, and grandparents all change the answer. Look at the parks and choose what people actually like to do.

  4. Crowds or quiet? Some of the most photographed parks in the fall are also the most miserable to actually be in. Choose parks from your list

If you’re already nodding along to one or two of these, you basically know your answer.

Use our Park Finder and Get Your Match →

Have fun,

Gretchen

National Park Trivia

Which national park contains the world’s longest known cave system? (get answer)

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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Enjoy stories of adventure travel? Check out Chasing ADVNTR travel for first hand reports, itinerary guides and travel photography. Sign up here.

Reach 25,000+ travelers who love our National Parks with a bulletin in our Bulletin Board sharing your newsletter, business, or website. Learn more.

Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

Upgrade to Access the National Park Explorer Map

This map is available just for paid subscribers and is being constantly updated as we plan and research National Park Trips. You’ll find information on hikes, scenic viewpoints, places to stay and more.

Get instant access when you upgrade to a paid membership.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Florida's Park]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/floridas-parkhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/floridas-parkTue, 04 Aug 2026 19:02:21 GMT

When most people think of Florida, they picture Miami’s neon strips, Orlando’s theme parks, or a beach towel on a packed coast. But if you look just a little further, you’ll find some of the most untamed wilderness in North America. Florida is home to three national parks, and unlike the mountain giants of the West, these places are defined entirely by water, rare wildlife, and stunning biodiversity.

As someone who has checked all three off my bucket list, I can tell you they require some planning, but the payoff is incredible. Here is my honest guide to exploring Florida’s wild side.

1. Everglades National Park

The Everglades is a massive, slow-moving river of grass, spanning 1.5 million acres. It’s also famously the only ecosystem on Earth where alligators and crocodiles live side-by-side in the wild.

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]]><![CDATA[One Thing that Should Always be in your Day Pack]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/one-thing-that-should-always-be-inhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/one-thing-that-should-always-be-inSat, 01 Aug 2026 18:52:21 GMTA few years ago on a small day hike, Finley had a small fall that resulted in a fairly major knee injury. We were only planning to be away from the car for about 1.5 hours, and didn’t bring our normal pack so didn’t have our first aid kit.

We were able to hike him out, but since we didn’t wrap his knee in anything sterile, it ended up getting infected and led to a much longer recovery and a lifetime gnarly scar.

Now, whether we are heading out on a 1 hour walk or a full day hike in a National Park, we always bring a basic first aid kit. It doesn’t have to be huge and fancy (in fact something small is more likely to make it into the bag).

This is the ultra-compact kit we carry on most of our day hikes (we have a bigger one for long hikes or overnights).

Whether you use this one or have your own, this is your reminder to check your pack this weekend for basic first aid equipment (and take a minute to know how to use it!)

Gretchen

National Park Club Journal
Wildlife in the West
There is a kind of magic that happens when the mist clears to reveal a grizzly bear foraging for berries, or a herd of bison crossing a meadow. The national parks of the American West, from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the volcanic basins of Yellowstone, offer some of the best wildlife on Earth. However, witnessing these animals in their natural habitat requires more than just showing up with a camera…
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3 months ago · 7 likes
]]><![CDATA[3 State Parks That Are Just as Impressive as Their National Park Neighbors]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/3-state-parks-that-are-just-as-impressivehttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/3-state-parks-that-are-just-as-impressiveThu, 30 Jul 2026 18:22:14 GMTNational parks get most of the attention, but some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes can be found just beyond the national park boundary.

In fact, there are a few state parks that I think deserve just as much recognition as the famous national parks nearby. They often offer incredible scenery, fewer crowds, and a chance to experience the region from a different perspective.

Here are three state parks that are worth adding to your next national park road trip.

Custer State Park (Near Badlands National Park)

Badlands National Park is known for its dramatic rock formations and colorful landscapes, but just an hour away you’ll find one of the best state parks in the country.

Custer State Park offers a completely different experience. Instead of barren rock formations, you’ll find granite peaks, scenic lakes, winding roads, and one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the United States.

The Needles Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the country, and wildlife sightings are common throughout the park.

Why it rivals Badlands:

  • Incredible wildlife viewing

  • Scenic drives that rival many national parks

  • Beautiful hiking trails and lakes

  • Less crowded than many popular national parks

National Park Trivia: Which national park contains Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.? (check answer)

Dead Horse Point State Park (Near Canyonlands National Park)

If you’ve visited Canyonlands National Park, you’ve already experienced some of the most dramatic views in Utah.

What surprises many visitors is that one of the best overlooks in the entire region is located inside nearby Dead Horse Point State Park.

The viewpoint overlooks a dramatic bend in the Colorado River nearly 2,000 feet below. At sunrise and sunset, the canyon walls glow with shades of red and orange that are every bit as impressive as the scenery inside Canyonlands.

Why it rivals Canyonlands:

  • One of the best viewpoints in Utah

  • Easily accessible overlooks

  • Stunning sunrise and sunset photography

  • Often much quieter than nearby national parks

Kodachrome Basin State Park (Near Bryce Canyon National Park)

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos, but many travelers drive right past one of Utah’s hidden gems.

Kodachrome Basin State Park features colorful rock formations, towering sandstone spires, and scenic hiking trails that showcase a landscape unlike anywhere else in the state.

While Bryce gets most of the attention, Kodachrome often rewards visitors with quieter trails and a more relaxed experience.

Why it rivals Bryce Canyon:

  • Unique rock formations and spires

  • Beautiful desert scenery

  • Excellent hiking opportunities

  • Significantly fewer crowds

Final Thoughts

National parks deserve their reputation, but they aren’t the only places worth exploring.

Some of the most memorable destinations I’ve visited have been state parks sitting right next door to famous national parks. They offer stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and often a completely different perspective on the landscape.

The next time you’re planning a national park trip, consider adding one of these state parks to your itinerary. You may find yourself wondering why they aren’t talked about more often.

What other State Parks did I miss.

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

Subscribe now

Bulletin Board

Enjoy stories of adventure travel? Check out Chasing ADVNTR travel for first hand reports, itinerary guides and travel photography. Sign up here.

Reach 24,000+ travelers who love our National Parks with a bulletin in our Bulletin Board sharing your newsletter, business, or website. Learn more.

Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

Upgrade to Access the National Park Explorer Map

This map is available just for paid subscribers and is being constantly updated as we plan and research National Park Trips. You’ll find information on hikes, scenic viewpoints, places to stay and more.

Get instant access when you upgrade to a paid membership.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Channel Islands National Park Planning Guide]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/channel-islands-national-park-planninghttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/channel-islands-national-park-planningTue, 28 Jul 2026 16:46:07 GMTEstablished: 1980

A remote island escape off the coast of California, where rugged cliffs, sea caves, and untouched beaches protect a remarkable diversity of wildlife. Explore dramatic coastal trails, kayak through hidden caves, spot island foxes and nesting seabirds, and experience one of the most pristine and wild national parks in the United States.

Each month we share a new planning guide to a specific National Park exclusively for paid subscribers. These printable resources provide a simple, useful overview: PDFs and essential links to help you plan quickly without wading through a 20-page guide.

Want complete itineraries? We’ve got these too.

It’s the perfect starting point for your next National Parks trip.

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]]><![CDATA[5 National Park Books That Will Keep You Inspired Between Trips]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/5-national-park-books-that-will-keephttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/5-national-park-books-that-will-keepThu, 23 Jul 2026 12:00:51 GMTNot every national park adventure happens on the trail.

Sometimes the best way to stay inspired between trips is by picking up a great book. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply dreaming about future travels, these are a few of my favorites

1. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

A beautiful look at the history of our national parks, packed with incredible photography and stories.

2. National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States

One of the best resources for discovering new parks and planning future trips.

3. Leave Only Footprints by Conor Knighton

A fun and inspiring memoir about visiting every national park in the United States.

4. Subpar Parks by Amber Share

This hilarious book combines real one-star national park reviews with stunning artwork. It’s funny, clever, and surprisingly inspiring for anyone who loves the parks. It’s one of my favorites!

5. Lonely Planet National Park Guides

This whole series is perfect for travelers who are always looking for their next destination, scenic drive, or outdoor adventure.

Which one should you start with?

If you’re looking for trip-planning inspiration, I’d recommend the National Geographic Guide to National Parks. If you want something fun and different, Subpar Parks is hard to beat.

Happy adventuring.

National Park Trivia

What was the first national park in the United States?

(See the Answer)

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]]><![CDATA[July 2026 National Park News and Updates ]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/july-2026-national-park-news-andhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/july-2026-national-park-news-andTue, 21 Jul 2026 16:07:27 GMTThroughout the year, the National Park Journal shares a round up of National Park news. You’ll find many of the most important updates all summarized for a quick read.

This month we’ve got some closures, some safety cautions, and bear cams to watch. Read up on this months news, and enjoy summer in our National Parks.

Planning a National Park Visit? You should be planning and for winter and spring now.

We do our best to research and bring you the most up to date news - BUT we strongly recommend you do your own research before you visit any park to get the most up to date information.

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]]><![CDATA[3 National Park Alpine Lakes Worth Every Step]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/3-national-park-alpine-lakes-worthhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/3-national-park-alpine-lakes-worthThu, 16 Jul 2026 18:01:15 GMTThere’s something special about an alpine lake. In fact - I almost prefer an alpine lake hike versus a summit.

Maybe it’s the crystal-clear water reflecting surrounding peaks. Maybe it’s the feeling that you’ve earned the view after climbing hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of feet in elevation. Whatever the reason, alpine lakes are often among the most rewarding destinations in our national parks.

If you’re looking for hikes that end with unforgettable scenery, these three alpine lakes deserve a spot on your hiking bucket list

Iceberg Lake (Glacier National Park)

Located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, the trail to Iceberg Lake climbs gradually through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers before opening up to sweeping mountain views. Along the way, hikers often spot bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other wildlife that call this area home.

Then comes the grand finale - the lake itself

While the hike is longer than some popular national park trails, the elevation gain is manageable and the scenery never stops delivering.

Get the Details on Hiking to Iceberg Lake

Delta Lake (Grand Teton National Park)

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through hiking photos from Grand Teton National Park, you’ve probably seen Delta Lake.

The turquoise water almost looks unreal, especially when the jagged peaks of the Teton Range are reflected in its surface. Reaching the lake requires a challenging hike with significant elevation gain, but the payoff is one of the most spectacular alpine lake views in the national park system.

The trail begins at Lupine Meadows and follows portions of the popular route to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes before climbing toward Delta Lake. The final section can be rocky and steep, but most hikers agree the effort is well worth it.

Why it’s worth the hike:

  • Stunning turquoise water

  • Dramatic mountain backdrop

  • One of the most iconic views in Grand Teton National Park

Lake Haiyaha (Rocky Mountain National Park)

Lake Haiyaha feels almost otherworldly.

Thanks to glacial rock flour suspended in the water, the lake often takes on a vibrant blue-green color that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding boulder fields and mountain scenery.

The hike begins from Bear Lake and can be combined with visits to several other famous alpine lakes, including Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. While those lakes are beautiful, many hikers find Lake Haiyaha to be the most unique destination on the route.

Large granite boulders surround the shoreline, creating a rugged landscape that feels distinctly different from many other alpine lakes in the Rockies.

Why it’s worth the hike:

  • Incredible blue-green water

  • Relatively moderate hike

  • Opportunity to visit multiple lakes in one outing

National Park Trivia

How many people visit national parks each year? Click here for the answer.

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

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]]><![CDATA[The National Parks I’d Visit Again Tomorrow]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/the-national-parks-id-visit-againhttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/the-national-parks-id-visit-againThu, 09 Jul 2026 17:52:09 GMTWhen you make it a goal to visit all 63 National Parks, it’s not often that you visit a park more than once. I’ve visited a lot of incredible places over the years. Some parks are amazing to see once and other deserve another visit or two.

These are the national parks I’d happily pack for and visit again tomorrow.

Olympic National Park

Olympic feels like several national parks rolled into one. Rainforests, rugged coastline, alpine peaks, waterfalls, and wildlife all exist within a single park.

Every visit feels different even though I visited this park more than any other.

Explore my Olympic National Park guides →

Acadia National Park

Acadia has become one of my favorite places in the country. Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, rocky coastlines, carriage roads, and charming nearby towns make it easy to return again and again. It’s also the closest to my home so I might be biased.

See my Acadia recommendations →

Yosemite National Park

Even if you’ve seen photos of Yosemite, nothing prepares you for standing beneath El Capitan or watching the light change across Half Dome.

I’d never turn down another Yosemite trip and since I’m planning to visit this year, I’m extra excited about Yosemite!

Yellowstone National Park

The wildlife alone is enough reason to return. Every visit offers different sightings and experiences. It’s also worth visiting in the winter for a completely different experience.

Explore Yellowstone →

What park would you visit again tomorrow?

Reply and tell me which national park keeps calling you back.

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

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This map is available just for paid subscribers and is being constantly updated as we plan and research National Park Trips. You’ll find information on hikes, scenic viewpoints, places to stay and more.

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]]><![CDATA[Carlsbad Canyon National Park Planning Guide]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/carlsbad-canyon-national-park-planninghttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/carlsbad-canyon-national-park-planningTue, 07 Jul 2026 16:45:11 GMTEstablished: 1930

A vast underground world filled with over 100 caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern. Discover massive limestone chambers, dramatic rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites, and the incredible evening bat flight where thousands emerge into the desert sky.

Explore the Chat for Carlsbad Canyon

Each month we share a new planning guide to a specific National Park exclusively for paid subscribers. These printable resources provide a simple, useful overview: PDFs and essential links to help you plan quickly without wading through a 20-page guide. Want complete itineraries? We’ve got these too.

It’s the perfect starting point for your next National Parks trip.

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]]><![CDATA[The Most Scenic National Park Drives in America]]>https://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/the-most-scenic-national-park-driveshttps://nationalparkjournal.substack.com/p/the-most-scenic-national-park-drivesThu, 02 Jul 2026 17:42:08 GMTThere’s something magical about seeing a national park through the windshield of your car - it might truly be the best way to see a National Park (except perhaps on foot).

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or just dreaming about your next adventure, these are some of the most scenic drives I’ve experienced in and around America’s national parks.

Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park)

If I could only recommend one national park drive, this might be it. Winding through the heart of Glacier National Park, this road climbs over Logan Pass and delivers jaw-dropping mountain views around nearly every corner.

Read more about visiting Glacier National Park →

Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park)

At over 12,000 feet, Trail Ridge Road feels like you’re driving above the clouds. The alpine tundra, sweeping mountain vistas, and frequent wildlife sightings make this one of the most unforgettable drives in the country.

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park →

Needles Highway (South Dakota)

This twisting road through granite spires and narrow tunnels feels like an adventure from start to finish. It’s one of the highlights of visiting the Black Hills and pairs perfectly with a trip to Badlands National Park.

Plan a Badlands road trip →

Blue Ridge Parkway

Connecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for scenic overlooks, mountain views, and charming small towns. It’s a slow drive - but completely worth it.

Beartooth Highway

Many travelers say the drive to Yellowstone via Beartooth Highway is even more spectacular than Yellowstone itself. After driving it, I understand why. When we did this drive in 2021, we promised we would come back and explore more!

Plan your Yellowstone adventure →

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

This route through Zion offers dramatic sandstone cliffs, switchbacks, and one of the most unique tunnel drives in the national park system.

See my Zion guides →

Park Loop Road (Acadia National Park)

Acadia is one of those parks that seems designed for scenic drives. Ocean views, rocky coastline, and mountain scenery all come together along the Park Loop Road.

Plan your Acadia trip →

Which drive would you add to this list?

Hit reply and let me know your favorite national park drive. I’m always looking for new adventures to add to my list.

Happy adventuring,

Gretchen

For less than the cost of a trail snack, you can upgrade to our paid Newsletter and take the guesswork out of planning. You’ll unlock park guides and itineraries that save hours of research, and our Interactive U.S. National Parks Map that helps you go from “Where do I start?” to having your adventure mapped out.

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National Park Trivia

How many total sites does the National Park Service manage? Click here for the answer.

Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning a Trip to the U.S. National Parks

Upgrade to Access the National Park Explorer Map

This map is available just for paid subscribers and is being constantly updated as we plan and research National Park Trips. You’ll find information on hikes, scenic viewpoints, places to stay and more.

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Subscribe now

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