Despite its remote location in southern Alaska, Katmai National Park and Preserve packs a surprising economic clout for the state, generating nearly $40 million a year, according to a study.

Here at the Traveler we'd like to welcome the National Parks Conservation Association to our list of sponsors, and welcome back the folks at Yellowstone Vacations for another winter season in the world's first national park.

John Wessels finds himself in arguably one of the best jobs in the National Park Service, that as director of the agency's sprawling Intermountain Region, and yet there probably aren't many who envy him at this point.

One of the most beautiful drives in the National Park System is along the Tioga Road that runs across the high country of Yosemite National Park. But can that drive be improved? Yosemite officials are working on a study to determine how, and will visit sections of the road next weekend. And you're invited.