Five Ways to Make the Most of National Parks
2020 Summerby Karen Inbody
National parks can provide dramatic settings for some of the greatest family adventures. Here are five tips to help make the most of an exploration at one (or all!) of our country’s 58 national parks.
1. Plan ahead
When the few hours of daylight we get in January are obscured by snow, take the time to plan a summer trip. Visit the national parks online through videos, blogs, reviews and more to decide on a plan. Campgrounds generally open for site reservations six months ahead of travel dates. Hotel reservations have a similar reservation timeline, though some more desirable spots fill up earlier.
2. Center on an adventure
A ride into the Grand Canyon on a mule, kayaking across Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park, or catching a train to Denali National Park is a great way to add action to a trip. Think through early in the planning of what you want to do in the park. Memories are made of things you do, not necessarily things you see.
3. Find some quiet
Aim for off-hours and shoulder season to trade the tourist hordes for wildlife. In Glacier National Park, for example, by 8:30 a.m. on most summer days, the parking lot at Logan Pass is full, and roads are clogged. Instead of drinking in the scenery, drivers must battle traffic. Instead, start driving up Going-to-the-Sun Road at 4 p.m. to get evening light and space for scenic views.
4. Become a junior ranger
Nearly every national park has a Junior Ranger program, and it’s a fun way for children to learn about the park. Yellowstone National Park also offers a Young Scientist program at Canyon and Old Faithful visitor centers. Why just look at Morning Glory Pool when you can instead point a temperature gun at it, loaned by the park for young researchers? If you’re too old to collect Junior Ranger badges, get a national park’s passport and collect stamps instead. Gift stores and visitor centers have cancellation stations.
5. Get out of the car
The “windshield tour” has become a national park cliché. Instead of budgeting minimal time to drive through the park, plan time for walks in the woods and rigorous hikes, for leisurely meals and picnics, for detours, for s’mores, and staring at the stars. Get out of the car. Even if it’s only for a half-mile walk down a trail, you’ll be richer for the experience and appreciate the park in a different way.