Exploring National Parks: A Beginner’s Guide

Visiting national parks is an exhilarating way to connect with the great outdoors, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, and discover the wonders of our natural world. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, wildlife admirer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, national parks offer an abundance of opportunities for everyone to enjoy. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and tips to make your first national park visit a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Beginner’s Guide: Choosing A National Park

With 63 national parks, selecting the right ones for your visit can be a daunting task. Here are some top considerations:

• Location: Though it may seem obvious, location research is key to your national park planning. For your first national park visits, look for areas that are easily accessible to you. It is common to consider grouping several national parks or other outdoor attractions together into a trip. This park locator is a useful tool when doing your location research.
• Activities: The types of activities that you’re interested in will help narrow down what parks are right for you. Consider if you’re interested in activities such as hiking, camping, guided tours, etc. and then research to see if the parks you’re looking into offers these options. You will also want to look into how accessible the features of the park are and if it offers a scenic drive.
• Seasons: Consider the time of year you plan to visit, as seasons can greatly affect the park’s conditions and available activities. Also understand the crowds that popular parks receive and how this may impact your trip. For heavily trafficked parks, we’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons and avoiding the core summer months.

Beginner’s Guide: Preparing For Your National Park Visit

Once you’ve chosen a national park, it’s time to plan your trip:

• Maps and Information: Obtain maps and visitor guides from the park’s website or visitor center to help you navigate the area. If you are entering through a staffed entry, the park ranger helping you will typically have maps and printed park news available for you. Each park has their own official NPS website which offer a lot of great information for planning your visit to the park.
• Accommodation: Decide whether you’ll stay in park lodges, campgrounds, or nearby hotels/rentals. Booking accommodations early is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
• Plan Hikes: If hiking is on your list, make sure to plan ahead of time to find hikes that fit your schedule and are appropriate for your fitness level. We recommend using AllTrails website and phone app for your hiking planning. With a AllTrails+ subscription you can download detailed hiking maps for offline use which is crucial given the limited cell service in the parks.

Beginner’s Guide: Permits & Reservations

Check if the park requires permits or reservations for entry, camping, backcountry hiking, or specific activities. Many popular parks require timed entry permits where you choose which time slot during the day you’ll be entering. These permits fill up fast, so booking in advance is crucial. Some additional tips:

• Popular hikes and sections of certain parks now require an additional permit on top of what you need to enter the park. Examples of this that we’ve run into include Angels Landing hiking and access to the Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of these are in very high demand and require a lottery to be selected.
• Park Rangers strictly enforce these permits both on the trails and at entries when in your vehicle. Be prepared to present your permit along with your ID.
• Permit requirements typically only apply to certain core hours of the day, so you may have some options available even if you don’t have a permit. Permits are also typically only required seasonal. Check your park’s website for more information on the hours and dates when permits apply.
• At most parks, a limited number of permits are released each evening for the following day. This is a great way to get a permit if you’re flexible and in the area already.
• Permits and reservations can be acquired through Recreation.gov who also offers a handy mobile app. National Parks typically have limited cell service, so ensure that you have your permits and reservations either printed out or saved off as screen shots on your phone.

Beginner’s Guide: National Park Packing Essentials

Proper packing can make or break your national park experience. Here are some essential items to include in your packing list:

• Clothing: Dress in layers, considering the weather and potential temperature fluctuations. Don’t forget sturdy, comfortable footwear. Consider elevation changes that you may be going through while in a park. For example, in Rocky Mountain National Park weather conditions and temperatures can change drastically between the entry points of the park and the highest points of the park.
• Outdoor Gear: Depending on your activities, bring hiking boots, a backpack, camping gear, and any specialized equipment you may need.
• Food and Water: Pack enough food and water for your trip, as some parks have limited dining options. If you’re traveling with pets, ensure that you’re considering their food and water needs as well.
• Prepare Your Vehicle: Most national parks do not have gas stations within them, so ensure that you have the fuel you need to handle the driving you’ll be doing in the park plus extra. Evaluate your vehicle’s capabilities if there are rougher roads or areas that recommend high clearance and four wheel drive vehicles.
• First Aid Kit: Include basic medical supplies like bandages, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
• Safety Gear: Carry a flashlight, whistle, and a multi-tool for safety. If visiting a national park that has frequent bear activity, make sure to pack your bear spray as well.

Beginner’s Guide: Respect Park Regulations

National parks are protected environments, and it’s essential to follow park regulations to preserve their natural beauty. Some common rules include:

• Most national parks have restrictive pet policies. Check out our Visiting National Parks With Dogs post for a deeper dive into this topic.
• Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
• Pack out all trash and dispose of it properly.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife for your safety and theirs.
• Follow fire regulations and use designated fire pits if permitted.
• Respect quiet hours and fellow visitors to maintain a peaceful environment.

Visiting national parks is an incredible way to appreciate the beauty of our natural world while enjoying outdoor activities. With proper planning, a well-packed bag, and a commitment to respecting park regulations, your first national park adventure is sure to be a memorable and rewarding experience. So, grab your hiking boots, embrace the wilderness, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature! Check out our outdoor adventure posts for more tips and trip ideas.