10 Tips for a Stress-Free National Park Trip
It is no secret that the National Parks are crowded. While everyone wants to experience the tranquility and serenity of being in nature, often times we find ourselves sitting in a line of cars at the Entrance Gate wondering when we will even get into the Park!
Even the Prairie Dogs have to let out a scream sometimes!
So, although our National Parks are more crowded than ever, there are plenty of ways to ensure you have the best time exploring these wonderful lands. Here are the 10 tips to give you a stress-free and enjoyable visit to our National Parks.
The Early Bird Gets The Parking Spot
Many National Parks are open and accessible 24 hours a day, which means as long as you are willing to wake up a little early, you can have the entire Park to yourself before many visitors are even out of bed. Getting to the Park before 7 am will almost always guarantee you have a place to park, empty trails, and only the sounds of nature as you venture into the wilderness.
The spider webs are well worth the early morning start
2. Embrace the Shoulders
Summer crowds are notoriously well known at some of America’s most popular National Parks. Many of the southern parks see similar crowding in the winter. What does that mean to you? Spring and Fall are nearly perfect seasons to visit our National Parks. Depending on the park, the weather during these shoulder seasons tends to be mostly pleasant and the lack of crowds leads to more wildlife activity as well! Although you may need to change the dates of that next “summer trip”, the solitude and beauty of the shoulder seasons are well worth it!
The usually crowded Navajo Loop Switchbacks turn into a private trail during Spring at Bryce Canyon National Park
3. Hydrate for Happiness
Once you venture away from the visitors centers, more than likely you will be out on the trail, or ways away from the nearest restaurant, snack stand, or water fountain. Nothing is worse than the feeling of being half way into a trail, and realizing you ran out of water and need to turn around before reaching your objective. This is especially true for the parks in the dry heat climates and at higher elevations as dehydration can occur very quickly. By ensuring you have more water than you need (2L hydration bladder goes a long way on the trail), you can relax and enjoy your hike knowing that you will be able to make it back to the car safely without feeling that dry mouth and lightheadedness that can ruin your day!
Six miles in, and plenty of water to enjoy the beauty of Glacier National Park
4. Poles lead to Goals
We have all been on that trail that seems to climb forever…and ever….and ever! As we continue up the never ending slope, the legs get tired, and we lose sight of why we started this trek in the first place. Trekking poles go a long way in helping you climb those steep slopes, and are even more beneficial on the hike down. A collapsable, lightweight pole can typically be stored in a day pack when not in use, and any weight gained from the pole is offset by the incredible benefit they provide when you feel like you simply can’t climb anymore!
Trekking poles go a long way when climbing into Cohab Canyon at Capitol Reef National Park
5. It’s Not a Race to Set the Pace
As someone who has been guilty of this many times, it’s best to be aware of the experience level of all hikers in your party. If you are the strongest hiker, you should not be the one setting the pace on the trail! Be sure that all hikers in the party are moving at a comfortable pace, and no one is at their limit trying to keep up. There is no time limit in completing a trail, and when everyone moves at a comfortable pace, the landscape and wildlife can be truly appreciated in these fantastic lands!
Enjoying the unique landscape of Petrified Forest National Park at a comfortable pace
6. Planning for Permits
As visitation has risen at many National Parks across the country, permits and reservations for some of the more popular attractions at these majestic places are now commonly required. Driving Going to the Sun Road at Glacier? Get a reservation. Climbing Angel’s Landing at Zion? Get a permit. Be sure to check the details of the park you are visiting to ensure you are prepared with any permits or reservations you may need to hike that trail of your dreams!
Permit planning ensures you can hold on to those chains as they hike Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park
7. Don’t Bring the Kitchen Sink
Sure, while carrying a few extra pounds for day hike isn’t quite the same as counting grams for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike, that extra weight can make for more of a miserable day. Be sure to pack appropriately for what you plan to do for the day. Is the weather looking like 80 degrees and sunny? If yes, then there is probably no need to pack that heavy winter jacket. Are you hiking a short, paved trail? Maybe you don’t need those crampons, ice axe, and rope! Pack for the project and your shoulders, hips, and knees will thank you in the morning!
Small, lightweight day packs are the ideal choice for the short hike to Storm Point at Yellowstone National Park
8. Don’t Argue with Mom
Hiking through our National Parks can put you into some pretty exposed areas with rugged terrain, slippery slopes, and steep descents. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather in and around the area before you venture into that slot canyon or high alpine trail. Mother Nature can be unpredictable at times, but be sure not to test her as she writes the rules in the wilderness.
The Grand Wash Trail at Capitol Reef National Park can flood in minutes during the occasional summer rainstorms
9. Be a Trail Head
Our great National Parks have thousands upon thousands of miles of trail available to explore. Before you head out down that rocky, dusty path, be sure you have an idea of the length, elevation gain, terrain, type of trail (loop, out and back, one-way, etc), and any risks along the trail. The last situation you want to be in is a 4 hour hike that requires a second car to get you back to the trailhead. Learn about the park, talk to a Park Ranger, and find the trail that is best suited to your goals and abilities!
The steep and exposed South Kaibab Trail of Grand Canyon National Park
10. Remember Why You’re Here
For most of us, a trip to a National Park is a chance to escape the day to day stress of work, school, and activities, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. Getting out among the mountain peaks, flowing rivers, and open prairies is an opportunity to unplug, slow down, and embrace the wonder in front of you in our National Parks. Grab your pack, bring along your friends and family, and enjoy a distraction-free stroll through the park knowing you are in a place that will be protected and preserved for generations to come!
