How to Plan a Trip to a

NATIONAL PARK

By DIENEKE

At first glance, a trip to a National Park can be daunting. They are, after all, national treasures, “America’s Best Idea” (Ken Burns), so how can you get the most out of these priceless wonders? Below you’ll find a few tips that I’ve learned over a decade of crossing the country absorbing the most wonderful (and a few disappointing) experiences.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS:

Decide what is important: outdoor adventure, historical significance, big views, big animals…all parks have much to offer, but if you don’t like water, then Voyageurs probably isn’t for you, or if you don’t like the smell of rotten eggs, maybe Yellowstone isn’t for you.
Decide how you’d like to get there: plane, car, train, ferry, canoe? We’ve done them all and they each bring their own speed and perspective to the journey.
Decide where you’d like to stay: we’ve only stayed in a couple of the parks (usually in towns just adjacent) which can be expensive and require planning much in advance; however, definitely don’t venture too far as you’ll want to maximize your time in the park and be the first ones inside to avoid the crowds!
Decide when you’d like to go: if at all possible, I highly recommend the shoulder seasons, unless you enjoy experiencing a life-changing view with dozens of your favorite strangers or continual disgorgement of tour buses at every pullout. This is also typically when you’ll see the most animals and blooming foliage. Check out this post for other ways to avoid the crowds.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT:

I always recommend getting an “America the Beautiful” annual pass. It’s $80 but applies to all national parks, monuments, lakeshores, etc. And even if you don’t get all your money’s-worth, it’s for a great cause as NPS continues to be defunded and has such a backlog of projects to keep the parks looking their best! Unlike taxes, usage fees go directly to the service applying them and cannot be used elsewhere!
First visit nps.gov (each park has its own web page) to make sure everything is open. Sometimes roads & trails are closed due to weather/fire/rock/etc. Also check general weather conditions for your time of visit.
NPS also has the most reliable, up-to-date maps. I only use these and Fodor (these are the best) guidebooks to plan everywhere we go.
Packing. Layers are a must! Some areas will be at very high elevations, so you’ll want warm clothes but also light layers if it’s sunny and you’re hiking. Also bring good quality shoes as some trails will be rocky. And ALWAYS carry water and a little snack in case of an emergency. For those parks with bear-residents, bear spray has proven the most reliable animal deterrent (NOT guns); however, if you are traveling by air, this must be purchased at your destination as airlines generally frown upon aerosolized hazardous chemicals.

AT THE PARK:

Stop at the Visitor Center! They are a great place to pick up the Park Newspaper and talk to a ranger about any questions/concerns you might have. I usually ask for hiking suggestions.
Stop at the Lodge! Not all parks have them (and some have multiple) but they are incredible pieces of architecture where you can grab a cup of coffee and just sit in the lobby for a rest.
Hike!! If you’re going to a National Park, you’ve got to get out of your car. I would recommend doing 2 hikes at a minimum. All parks will have an “easy” accessible/interpretive trail where you can learn about the landscape/animals/history. If able, also try a longer hike that will get you farther off the road and through the most beauty the park has to offer.
Reception. You won’t always have it, but this is not always a bad thing; thus, the maps and guidebooks are a life-saver if you can’t access Google. Be prepared and embrace disconnecting.