5 Pro Tips to Know Before You Visit a National Park

Come summer, staying inside no longer feels like a viable option. How could it be when the sun is shining, the foliage is in full bloom, and there are plenty of rivers and lakes that are practically begging you to take a dip? Spending time on your patio is one way to spend some quality time with Mother Nature, but if you’re looking to take your adventure status to the next level, you may want to book a trip to a national park.

The West Coast alone boasts 13 can’t-miss parks, each of them with their own treasure trove of bountiful beauty. But while national parks have a lot to offer, navigating both the crowds and twisted hiking trails can be tricky. So, how do you do it? How do you visit national parks without leaving the whole endeavor stressed and overwhelmed. To help, we tapped a few real-life outdoorsy people to share their tips for doing just that.

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Go Early… Or Late

As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm—especially when it comes to national parks. “Many parks like Yosemite and Glacier will require car reservations during peak season,” explains Johanna Albertsson, a Los Angeles-based public relations professional who frequents national parks in her free time. “However, if you enter the park before it opens before 5 a.m., you can get in without a reservation and catch the sunrise.” 

Since the droves of crowds have yet to arrive, an early admittance will give you the opportunity to take in those big tourist attractions solo. Since parking spots will fill up as an area opens up, Albertsson recommends parking your car in one place and taking on the park by foot. 

That said, if waking up early to hike isn’t exactly your thing, you can always go later. “Enter the park after 4 p.m. when the peak hours are finished for the day,” says Kate Holden, who has spent years as a Yosemite tour guide and is now the public relations director of Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau. “Most visitors have returned to their accommodations or decide to lounge by the pool, meaning the trails are less crowded, there are more parking spaces available at key attractions, and the temperature begins to drop bringing relief from the sweltering midday temperature.”

As Holden puts it, the wait will be so worth it. “The sunsets in Yosemite are unmatched,” she adds. “For one of my favorite views, head up Glacier Point Road and hike to Sentinel Dome.”

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Avoid the Weekends

Weekends aren’t just an opportune time for you to check out a national park: They’re an opportune time for everyone. According to Matthew Meier, founder of MaxTour in Las Vegas, you might want to reconsider that Saturday or Sunday trip. “I prefer visiting national parks during the shoulder season on weekdays, as these times offer the best combination of good weather and light crowds,” he explains. Sure, a weekday trip might cost you a PTO; however, the pros think it’ll be so worth it.

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Rethink Those Tourist Traps

Most people might flock to Yosemite in hopes of catching an incredible glimpse of Half Dome, but Meier says a national park has a lot more to offer than its marquee attraction. And, honestly, it’s worth adding those lesser-known gems to your to-do list. “I tend to avoid the most popular attractions, as they are often overcrowded,” he shares. “For example, Old Faithful at Yellowstone and Mather Point at the Grand Canyon have less crowded, equally stunning alternatives.” 

To find an awe-inspiring alternative, you can check out a park’s official website or download AllTrails, which is Albertsson’s favorite app. “If you have an AllTrails Pro subscription you can download routes and make sure you’re on course when you set out,” she shares. “They also have reviews from other hikers and will tell you the trail rating and how popular it is!”

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Respect Your Surroundings

A national park is Mother Nature’s home, so it’s important to respect these places with care. (After all, how would you feel if someone barged into your home, moved your furniture, and sprinkled garbage all over the place?) “The ecology of the parks is also fragile, so going off trail can damage the trail or environmental restoration of the National Park Service,” she says. “Treat each park and experience with care and leave it better than you found it!” To keep things respectful, Albertsson recommends staying on the track, staying far away from the park’s wildlife, and picking up after yourself.

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Pack Appropriately

In addition to avoiding crowds and navigating trails, a well-prepped backpack is imperative to a great time outside. While every adventurer has their own take on outdoor accessories—which you can read all about here—Albertsson recommends packing sunscreen and water. Lots of water, in fact. “You may be away from your car or campsite for long periods of time, so a CamelBak is an essential tool to keep you happy and hydrated as you explore,” she says.

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