National parks are incredible places to visit. However, overcrowded trails and popular attractions can take away from your experience.
Plan ahead and make sure you have the right equipment to stay safe in these wild surroundings. Also, remember that your actions can have an impact on others. By following these tips and practicing good etiquette, you can help improve your National Park experiences.
Bring the Right Gear
Depending on where and when you plan to visit a national park, you may need some specific gear for your trip. However, there are some essentials that should be in every outdoor adventurer’s bag, no matter the destination or season.
For example, a rain jacket or windbreaker is an important piece of gear that should be included in any park-hopping backpack. This jacket will help to keep you dry when the weather turns sour and also has a breathable lining that can regulate your body temperature.
Sunscreen is another vital item, especially if you’re visiting parks with a high elevation. It’s important to use a reef-friendly sunscreen to reduce the impact on marine ecosystems. A baseball or sun hat is also a good idea to avoid UV exposure. Finally, a good quality tripod is great for taking trail selfies!
Plan Ahead
Even though spontaneity is part of the fun, planning a trip with the help of Mountain Goat Tours to any national park can really maximize your time there. This can also help you avoid the crowds if you plan to visit popular parks during busy times of the year.
Many of the national parks can be vast and sometimes have multiple entrances that aren’t connected. Make sure you know how much travel time is involved between each park and make a rough itinerary that allows for this.
Be sure to check the park websites before your visit for updates on trail closures, seasonal changes and other important information that may affect your plans. This will help prevent you from being disappointed if the weather or other factors change your original plans. You can also get helpful tips for hiking or driving in a particular park from its website too.
Be Prepared for Changes in the Weather
If you are planning a hike or any other activity in the park, it is important to have a backup plan in case weather or equipment issues change your plans. This includes having a way to contact your emergency contacts and leaving your trip plan with them.
The weather in the national parks can vary greatly, especially due to elevation changes. For example, it may be warm and sunny near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park but snowy at higher elevations within the park.
If possible, avoid visiting national parks during peak season. Instead, try to visit during the off-season, such as September for a beautiful display of fall colors or May for a quieter experience. This will also help you avoid crowds.
Be Prepared for Crowds
National parks can be crowded, especially during the summer when people are out of school. Overcrowding can be frustrating, but there are ways to avoid it. Visiting during off-peak seasons or weekdays is a good way to experience fewer crowds.
Another way to avoid crowds is by planning a backpacking trip. Backpacking will allow you to experience a national park in a more remote area where there are fewer visitors. You can also explore nearby National Forests or public lands for additional hiking trails that will offer more solitude than the popular trails in the national parks.
If you are unable to avoid the crowds, be sure to keep your cool and be courteous. It is important to respect other hikers and the environment. Do your best to not disturb wildlife and leave no trace of your visit.
Stay on the Trail
When you’re hiking or exploring, always stay on the trail. This helps prevent erosion and damage to the plants and animals that call the park home. It also keeps you safe by reducing the risk of accidents or wildlife encounters.
National parks are wild places, and the people who visit them pose a serious threat to the wildlife they are trying to protect. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and follow posted warning signs, especially if you are near bears or wolves.
Many national parks are large and can be difficult to navigate without a map or navigational app. It’s a good idea to bring one along, especially since many of them don’t have cell service. This way, you can get where you want to go without worrying about finding your way back. Then, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful sounds of nature.
Be Prepared for Animals
National parks are home to many species of animals, from tiny American pikas to towering moose. Regardless of their size, all animals deserve our respect and care.
Avoid feeding wild animals, even if they seem cute or friendly. It can be dangerous for you and the animal, and it can also cause future problems with local ecology.
Plan your hikes and activities according to the park’s recommended pace. This will help you stay safe and keep your energy levels consistent throughout your trip.
Invest in a map or navigational app to use during your trip. It will be helpful if you do not have cell service or your phone battery runs out while exploring the parks. A paper map can also be a great way to mark attractions and trails you have explored on your trip.
Bring a Map or Navigational App
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with national parks’ maps before your trip, especially for remote sites and permit-required activities. This helps you avoid any unpleasant surprises — like seasonal closures or waiting lists for famous hikes.
New updates rolling out this month from Google Maps will make it easier to explore national parks even if you lose cell service. Key attractions will be visible at a glance, and popular trails will have detailed descriptions including crowd-sourced photos, tips and reviews. It’s also easy to get directions to trailheads and campsites.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
The wilderness that encompasses national parks is beautiful and exhilarating, but there are many natural hazards to watch out for. From extreme weather conditions to water-related dangers, it is important for visitors to be aware of these risks and take precautions to ensure their safety.
It is also important to bring emergency gear in case of an accident or a problem with your trip. This can include items such as extra food, water, a first aid kit, and a shelter (tent, tarp, or bivy sack).
It is also a good idea to let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. Additionally, it is important to follow park regulations so that you do not disturb wildlife or leave trash behind. This will help keep the park safe for everyone and ensure that future generations can enjoy its beauty.
