A major storm taking aim at Yosemite National Park is forecast to dump enough rain and snow to raise the Merced River through the park's iconic valley nearly 6 feet above flood stage by Sunday afternoon. Park officials announced that all roads leading into the Yosemite Valley would close at 5 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Sunday at least.

With more than 400 units in the National Park System, trying to zoom in on any one particular park for a visit can be a challenge. Over the past 12 months the Traveler has "explored" quite a few parks, and we list those stories here to help you plan your next national park adventure.

The House of Representatives moved quickly Tuesday to pass legislation designed to provide the National Park Service with badly needed funds to help the agency chip away at a staggering, $12 billion maintenance backlog. However, without concurrence by the Senate by week's end the measure could die.

There’s one sure-fire way for avoiding the crowds at Yosemite National Park: visit during the winter. Gone until May are the crowds that fill the Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove. You’ll love the freedom from take-a-number tourism, and be mesmerized by the pure, clean, quiet whiteness. It just might seem like you have the place all to yourself.