Social distancing was difficult for many during the pandemic, but it was a dream for me because I got the chance to get out and explore.
In the past two years I have traveled more than 7,000 miles and visited at least 20 of the country’s national parks.
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Timing is everything to get the most out of a park visit. Getting close to nature for a stress-free trip means doing everything you can to avoid traffic jams, long waits and overcrowded viewpoints.
Here are my tips and tricks to avoid crowds and get the most out of your visit to the National Park.
TO GET UP EARLY
Getting up and out before sunrise is no easy task, and many park visitors won’t be eager to wake up to the birds.
Use this to your advantage. Find out what time the sun rises in the park you visit, choose a vantage point and avoid the afternoon crowds.
The spectacular sunrise makes that dizzy feeling worth it. If the early hours aren’t for you, consider staying in the park well after dark for an incredible stargazing experience.
I would recommend Great Basin National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park as they see some of the darkest skies in the country.
VISIT ON A WEEKDAY
Most people, of course, visit a park on the weekend. so why not go on a weekday.
If you work, take a day off or offer to work a public holiday in exchange for a replacement day so you can avoid popular holidays.
Use a weekday visit to take the most popular hikes and take in the must-see sights and viewpoints that are normally bustling.
REMOVED FROM BUCKET LIST HOTSPOTS
Take the time to travel a little further and see some of the parks that are not on everyone’s bucket list.
For example, Zion and Bryce Canyon are extremely popular destinations of the five Utah parks.
Just a few hours drive from them is Capitol Reef National Park.
If you’re looking for stunning Mars-like red rock formations, Capitol Reef won’t disappoint and you’ll avoid crowds of people only interested in the other two.
GO OUT OF THE LEAFED PAD
There is something to do in every park.
Whether it’s Tunnel View in Yosemite, Old Faithful in Yellowstone, or Delicate Arch in Arches, these spots are teeming with visitors.
While these features are famous for a reason, there are a plethora of beautiful places to visit in every park that may not get the attention they deserve.
Take a look at the park map or do some research online, you’re bound to find a secluded trail or hidden waterfall that’s been overlooked simply because it’s not close to the popular areas of the park.
My favorite best kept secret is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
DO NOT GO ON FREE ENTRY DAYS
Each year, the National Park Service gives visitors free entry on select days:
January 17th: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 16: First day of National Park Week
August 4: Jubilee of the Great American Outdoors Act
Sep 24: National Day of the Public Lands
Nov 11: Veterans Day
While this may seem like the perfect opportunity to visit a park, keep in mind that many people will have the same idea.
No matter what day of the week these fall, they are sure to bring huge crowds.
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