Floods Lift Lake Powell 20 Feet; 15 of 17 Boat Launches Still Unusable
Lake Powell rose more than 20 feet after Southwest floods, yet 15 of its 17 boat launches stayed unusable. What the water means for lakes, towns and drought.
Yellowstone in Winter: The Open Road, Snowcoaches and Gateway Towns
In winter, Yellowstone's only road open to cars runs from Gardiner to Cooke City. How snowcoach and snowmobile trips work and how to reach both gateways.
PS Private Terminals Now at DFW and Miami, With Salon Entry at $1,295
PS, which lets commercial fliers skip the main terminal, now runs private terminals at DFW and Miami. Prices, memberships, rules and who it suits.
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Is Coney Island Worth Visiting? Season, Rides, Beach and Getting There
Coney Island is worth a half-day visit from late spring to early fall, when rides and the beach are open. When to go, how to get there and what it costs.
West Coast Road Trip in 14 Days: Seattle to San Diego Day by Day
About 1,800 miles of coast, rain forest and redwoods in two weeks. Here is where to sleep each night, how long each drive takes and why the one-way car rental fee belongs in your budget from day one.
Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: 5 Days From San Francisco to LA
About 500 miles of California coast in five unhurried days. The plan puts Big Sur on its own day, explains how to check for closures, and shows what the trip costs at three budget levels.
National Parks
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Utah National Parks Over Christmas Break: Weather, Crowds, Roads
Utah's five national parks stay open over Christmas break, with cold nights, short days and snow at Bryce. Weather, crowds and roads park by park.
Denali National Park Guide: Buses, Pretty Rocks and Talkeetna
How to see Denali when only one road enters it: the bus system, what changed with the new Pretty Rocks bridge, Talkeetna flightseeing with glacier landings, and the short summer season.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Guide: Lava Viewing, Roads and Safety
How Kilauea's episodic eruption affects what you will see, what to drive on the summit and down to the sea, and where to stay on the Big Island.
Natural Wonders
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Grand Canyon North Rim After the Dragon Bravo Fire: How to Plan
The Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim in July 2025. What burned, what to check before you go and how to plan a visit.
20 Best State Parks in the US: Fees, Seasons and What to Book
Twenty state parks that hold their own against national parks, with fee types, seasons and the few that require a reservation to get in.
Oregon Natural Wonders: Crater Lake to Thor’s Well, With a Map Table
Lakes, waterfalls, painted desert and sea stacks, grouped by region with drive times, passes and a week-long loop to see them.
Seasons
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Best Holiday Light Displays in the US by Region, With Ticket Tips
The best US holiday light displays run from mid-November to early January. See drive-through and walk-through shows by region, plus dates and ticket tips.
Thanksgiving Road Trips: Worst Traffic Days, Drive Times and Where to Go
The worst Thanksgiving traffic is Wednesday afternoon and the Sunday after. See the best times to leave, sensible drive times and long-weekend destinations.
Best Spring Wildflower Destinations in the US and When They Peak
Wildflower season starts in the Southern California desert in late winter and ends in the high meadows of the Cascades in August. Here is the calendar, the best places and the rules that protect the blooms.
Plan & Budget
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AWD or 4WD for Zion and Bryce in Winter: Roads, Snow and Chains
Most winter visitors reach Zion and Bryce on plowed roads with 2WD and good tires. AWD helps on snow days. See closures, chain rules and storm tips.
Is the America the Beautiful Pass Worth It? Break-Even Math
Three fee-charging parks in a year is the usual tipping point. Here is the math for residents and nonresidents, plus who qualifies for a free or $20 pass.
When to Book a National Park Trip: Lodges, Camping, Entry
Each piece of a park trip opens on its own schedule. Here is the timeline from lodges to last-minute tickets, using the rules parks published for 2026.
US News
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U.S. Gas Average Hits $4.06 and Is Expected to Drop Below $4 Next Week
The national gas average is $4.06 a gallon and analysts expect it under $4 soon, the first time since July. Why prices are falling and what drivers may pay.
Alien Throne and King of Wings Rock Formations Collapse in New Mexico
Two famous rock formations by the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness in New Mexico fell during weeks of storms. What happened and what visitors are asked to do now.
Trump Declares Oval Office and Cabinet Room a National Monument
Trump signed a proclamation making the Oval Office and Cabinet Room a national monument run by Interior. What it covers, its limits, and the D.C. arch vote.