The Best Tips for Enjoying Time in the National Parks
There are several practical and simple ways to make your experience in the national parks the best family vacation. Learn how to avoid crowds, make the most of your time, and when you should go to the parks. Suzannah and Chris Hinton from Hinton the Trail join Lisa to share this wise advice that you will want to use on your next visit to a national park.
Tips on when to go to National Parks, what to bring with you, and what apps are great to use when visiting the parks.
“Get to the park early for cooler weather, less traffic, more wildlife, and fewer crowds.”
Tips for a great visit to National Parks
Get there early: It will be cooler. less traffic, more wildlife, and fewer people. Chris and Suzannah suggest arriving around 8:00 am.
Start at the end of the park and work your way back. Most people will stop at the first interesting thing they see so do the opposite in order to avoid crowds.
Bring refillable water containers. It can get hot while exploring national parks. Always be prepared with plenty of water.
Wear layers and appropriate shoes. Open-toes shoes are best left behind when exploring national parks. Consider wearing sturdy, close-toes shoes.
Suncare (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Bear Spray: Many parks recommend this if you will be in the back county or on certain hikes.
Camera: Bring your camera and GoPro
Tips for a Memorable National Park Visit
National Park Pass: Get an annual pass so you can enjoy the parks without paying an entrance fee at each park. Look on the NPS website and see if you qualify for a discounted or lifetime pass.
Pack a picnic: Some parks do not have many food offerings. You don’t want to cut your adventures short in order to stop and find food.
Best Apps to See the National Parks
NPS App: This has all of the important information you will need when visiting National Parks. You can download the information so that you have access to it in the parks even if you don’t have cell phone service.
Gypsy Guide: This is a service that has a small fee and gives you an audio guide to national parks. Take this along to have many of the interesting landmarks and sites shared with you while you drive through the park.
National Park Trail Guide: You can use a search feature to find parks close to you. Also lists gems, best hikes, and favorite places to visit in the parks. The app can be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
All Trails: Great app for searching hikes. There are a lot of reviews that a usually current so you can check weather conditions and the condition of the trail.
Individual Park Apps: You can download apps specific to many of the national parks.