Visiting the National Parks is a bucket list adventure for most people. Whether you’re exploring Grand Teton’s towering mountains or the Channel Islands’ kelp forests, these wild and rugged places have allured and inspired visitors for generations. If you’re itching to get out there, below are nine pieces of national park travel advice to have the most enjoyable time possible.
Pre-Trip Considerations
Pre-trip planning can go a long way in making your national parks trip a success. Here are four tips to help you prepare for your journey.
Check for Required Permits and Reservations
As the National Parks get more popular, you need to know of permits and reservations required for your trip. Several parks, including Arches and Rocky Mountain, require a timed entry reservation to enter during peak season. And with more and more parks implementing timed reservations every year, it’s essential that you do your research well in advance so you aren’t left scrambling at the last minute. Recreation.gov, the National Parks’ main booking platform, includes lots of valuable information, including when reservations are available to the public.
You’ll also likely have to navigate red tape to stay at many campgrounds or access popular trailheads, roads, and other activities. Depending on what you’re trying to get, the booking window can vary greatly – from a few days in advance to six months out and beyond. Again, make sure to do your research ahead of time.
To help you secure any permits you may need, head to our in-depth article outlining what to know to score a reservation for your next National Parks adventure.
Visit on a Weekday or During Shoulder Season
A national park is the perfect travel destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, slow down, and connect with the outdoors. However, depending on when you go, reservation competition could be fierce and you may have to share the park with thousands of others. For a more enjoyable experience, plan to visit on a weekday or during shoulder season.
Summer is peak season for most parks (of course, this isn’t the case for the desert). While it’s usually the most convenient time of year to travel, crowds are at their largest and reservations are the hardest to get. If you can, visit during shoulder season. This timeframe occurs between peak and off-season when the weather is still friendly, but the crowds have dissipated and competition for permits has lessened. For most national parks, it spans March through early May and September through October. If this isn’t possible, then aim to visit on a weekday. Otherwise, you’ll likely run into herds of people.
Download Everything Beforehand
One of the best things about visiting the national parks is the ability to disconnect from technology. Without the constant distractions of modern life, you can begin to experience the beauty and majesty of nature. However, the lack of connectivity could serve as a problem if you forget to download important information. While you still have service, make sure any maps, GPX tracks, reservations, and other important documents are available offline. It’s also smart to pack a physical map and compass just in case your electronics fail while you’re in the wilderness.
Pack Proper Clothes and Gear
Your clothes and gear choices can make or break your time spent in the national parks. Therefore, it’s imperative to make informed decisions on what to bring. While your packing list will vary widely depending on where you’re visiting, the time of year, forecasted weather, and planned activities, here are a few general tips to keep in mind.
First, when figuring out clothes to wear, think about implementing a three-layer clothing system. That way, you’re prepared for fluctuations in temperature and potential changes in weather conditions. You’ll also likely be spending lots of time exploring the outdoors. Invest in dependable, comfortable gear that you trust. You don’t want a gear failure or a preventable injury when you’re miles from civilization. Before you head out on any adventure, make sure to pack plenty of food and water. If I know it’s going to be a long day, I like to bring snacks that are high in carbs and protein, as well as an electrolyte supplement like NUUN Sport Hydration Tablets to help replenish my body and keep it properly fueled. Finally, make sure to pack the ten essentials. These items are a safety net to help keep you prepared and safe while exploring.
At the Park
After waiting anxiously for your adventure, it’s finally here! When you’re at the national park, remember these five travel tips so your adventure runs smoothly.
Avoid a Mid-Day Arrival
Unless you have a timed entry reservation, avoid arriving at a popular national park during the middle of the day, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. That way, you’ll spend more time out in nature and less time waiting to get in. I’ve heard horror stories of visitors stuck in traffic for hours – don’t let that be you.
It’s also worth researching less popular entrances. While one may have a long line of cars, others might be completely empty. They initially may be an inconvenience to get to, but can potentially save you a significant amount of time.
Visit Popular Locations Early
Parking for popular viewpoints or trailheads will likely fill up quickly. Therefore, plan on arriving as early as possible to snag a spot and avoid large crowds. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to wait, parking far away, or potentially miss out altogether.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking, there are a few options you can pursue. Consider getting dropped off and picked up from your destination if possible. Also, several parks like Yosemite and Zion have shuttles to help with congestion and overcrowding.
Seek Out Hidden Gems
Just because a trail or viewpoint isn’t popular doesn’t mean that it’s not worth visiting. Even at the most crowded national parks, you can experience gorgeous vistas with hardly anyone else around. While finding these hidden gems might require you to research the park more extensively, hike further distances, or visit during less popular times, it’s worth it for the peace, solitude, and beauty you’ll discover.
The national parks are chock-full of underrated wonders—if you’re willing to put in the work to find them. However, if life makes this difficult, you’re still in luck. Contact us and we’ll help you build your dream outdoor adventure, including must-see views and off-the-beaten-path highlights away from the crowds.
Don’t Underestimate the Visitor Center
When visiting the national parks, I highly recommend heading to the visitor center as soon as you can. Not only will you find maps, accurate weather forecasts, and road and trail conditions, but you also can broaden your appreciation for the geology and history of the land. Additionally, it’s the perfect place to speak to a park ranger. They’ll answer any of your questions, provide recommendations, and share expert knowledge to make your trip as memorable as possible. Plus, they are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet!
Leave No Trace
The national parks are filled with pristine beauty, and it’s our job to keep it that way. Whenever you’re outside, practice leave no trace. Stand a safe distance away from wildlife, avoid taking anything unless otherwise permitted, and leave the park better than you found it. That way, we’ll help ensure that future generations can experience the same wonder and awe in the parks that we do.
Follow these nine pieces of national park travel advice and you’re bound to have a magical experience! If you’re feeling the allure of the outdoors but don’t know where to start, contact us! From reservations to custom itineraries to best practices and advice, click below and fill out the questionnaire for a free consultation. We’re here to turn your outdoor dreams into a reality!
