Navigating the national parks: pro tips for your next visit!
- barbara6469
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Living in Utah, I’m close to so many national parks: the Utah ones like Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon; the big Arizona one (yep, I’m talking about the Grand Canyon); the Montana ones like Yellowstone and Glacier National Park; and I’m not terribly far from Yosemite in California. Warm weather equals the PERFECT time to check out your favorite national park location—but do you know everything you need to know? In the past few years, some things have changed, so if you haven’t been for awhile (or if it’s your first time), I’ve put together some tips for you, before visiting that amazing national park.
Before you dust off those hiking boots, grab your favorite hat, and channel your inner park ranger, let's chat about what you need to plan for.
Reservations required?
What's more exciting than a bear with a picnic basket? Reserving your own slice of heaven in a national park, that’s what! Some parks have reservation systems, so you’ll want to secure your spot early.
These are the parks that require reservations:
Arches National Park (Utah): Timed-entry reservations are mandatory from April to October between 7 am and 4 pm, excluding July 7-Aug. 27. You can make reservations up to three months in advance.
Zion National Park (Utah): Permits are required to hike Angels Landing year-round. Permits are issued through a lottery system, with seasonal lotteries opening two months in advance.
Glacier National Park (Montana): Vehicle reservations are required for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork, June 13-Sept 28, 7 am to 3 pm. Reservations are available now, and can be made up to 4 months in advance.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado): Timed-entry permits from May 24 to October 20 are required. There are two types of reservations available: one for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, and another one for the rest of the park. Reservations open May 1.
Yosemite National Park (California): Day-use reservations are required during peak times between April and October—check the National Park Service website for more details.
Mount Rainier National Park (Washington): Timed-entry reservations were piloted in 2024, but the park hasn’t announced whether they’ll continue the system in 2025. See the website for updated details.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument (Arizona): No reservations are required, but they have a new law with helicopter tours: Commercial air tours are prohibited, in order to protect the cultural and spiritual significance of the area.
Haleakala National Park (Hawaii): Reservations are required for sunrise viewing at the summit year-round. Tickets are issued per vehicle and are limited to one per customer every three days.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia): Day-use tickets are required for hiking Old Rag Mountain between March and November.
Certain parks have reduced operating hours due to staff reductions. Make sure to check the official National Park Service website or the specific park's website for the most current information before visiting.
Book Early
Campgrounds and lodges are filling up fast! If you’re staying in the park, be sure to secure your accommodations and permits well in advance to avoid disappointment—and sleeping in your car like an overgrown raccoon.
Be Prepared
Pack essentials: Layers for unpredictable weather, sunscreen for those deceptively cloudy days, plenty of water, enough food, and a hefty dose of patience for potential wait times. Also, maybe some duct tape—because, honestly, that stuff fixes everything.
Do your homework: Research weather patterns, trail conditions, and wildlife safety. Knowing the difference between a harmless garter snake and its less-friendly cousin could save you from an impromptu cardio workout.
Fire safety: With 90% of wildfires caused by humans, it's crucial to follow all fire regulations. One careless move can lead to devastating consequences—and no one wants to be the person who accidentally barbecued a national park.
Leave No Trace
Always make sure you work on protecting the parks so that future generations can enjoy them too.
Trash talk: Pack out all your garbage. If you can carry in that heavy can of beans, you can carry out the empty tin. Your mom isn’t here to clean up after you.
Stick to trails: Venturing off-path can damage fragile ecosystems and lead to unintended encounters with wildlife (and not the cute kind). Stick to the trails—your ankles will thank you later.
Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance. That selfie with the bison isn’t worth the hospital bill. Remember, animals don't sign photo release forms for a reason.
Expect less, appreciate more
With increased visitation and limited resources in the parks, be prepared for:
Reduced services: Some parks may have overflowing trash bins or closed facilities. Pack extra supplies and, above all, be kind to the hardworking staff—because yelling at a park ranger won’t magically make the bathrooms clean themselves.
Accommodation considerations: Staying within park boundaries offers convenience, but if you're bringing an RV, check for size restrictions. No one wants to be the person trying a 14-point turn in front of an audience.
Pro tips for visiting national parks
A few tweaks can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:
Timing is Everything: Arrive early or explore lesser-known trails to avoid the crowds. The sunrise is called "golden hour" for a reason, and the fewer people there are, the less likely you’ll have someone loudly narrating their hike like a nature documentary.
Engage with Rangers: These folks know their stuff. They can provide real-time updates, safety tips, and point you toward hidden gems. Plus, they’ve probably seen it all—so maybe ask them about the weirdest tourist stories if you need a laugh.
Family Perks: Traveling with kids? The Junior Ranger Program is both educational and entertaining. Frequent visitor? An annual park pass might save you enough cash for an extra round of s'mores.
Visiting a national park requires a blend of preparation, respect, and adaptability. Plan ahead, stay informed, and embrace the adventure that awaits. Let me know if you’d like some help navigating the planning process. Happy hiking, and may your path be packed with nature’s beauty and laughter!
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