I've visited every US national park alone. Here are 8 mistakes I see first-time travelers make.

Thu, 11/14/2024 - 16:07

On the left, Emily wearing a hat, sunglasses, a backpack, a tank top, and a smart watch, with mountains in the background. On the right, Emily staring out at the trees and mountains while wearing a pink jacket and a backpack with patches. — Over the past 10 years, I've traveled to all 63 US national parks.
Emily Hart

Over the past 10 years, I've traveled alone to all 63 major US national parks.
First-time travelers often don't realize they sometimes have to secure reservations ahead of time.
It's also important for visitors to respect the land, the wildlife, and their own physical limits.

Nearly a decade ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with the idea to travel solo to the Grand Canyon — the first national park on what would later become a yearslong personal quest to see every one.

As I got in the car and headed southwest, I, admittedly, didn't know much. I brought my backpack and a water bottle on the road (but forgot to bring any food) and spent days exploring the park. Only later did I realize how woefully unprepared I was on this trip.

Now that I've been to all 63 major national parks, I've seen plenty of other new travelers in my shoes. Here are the eight most common mistakes I see first-time travelers make when visiting the national parks.

Not securing timed-entry reservations in advance.

Emily, wearing a pink shirt, sunglasses, and a bandana around her neck, smiles in front of giant arches at Arches National Park. — Travelers should always check to see if a park requires reservations in advance.
Emily Hart

Reservations and timed-entry permits are the new normal for several of the most-visited US national parks.

However, because it's still a relatively new system, I often see travelers turned away at the gates because they're unaware they need a reservation.

Although there are occasionally workarounds when a traveler can enter those parks without a reservation, navigating them is frustrating and often leaves people looking for backup options instead of the trip they envisioned.

It's crucial to research the entry requirements long before your visit, especially in the busy summer months.

Waiting until the last minute to book lodging or campgrounds.

Emily's legs hanging off of a pink and orange hammock, with a book on top of her legs, and a tent and trees in front of her. — Visitors should also secure reservations for campgrounds in advance.
Emily Hart

Many people think of freedom and spontaneity when considering a trip to the national parks. Although that can undoubtedly be part of the experience, travelers shouldn't wait until the last minute to secure lodging or campgrounds.

The booming popularity of national parks has caused a shortage of lodging and full campgrounds (many of which also require reservations in advance).

Making reservations early is the best way to save yourself any hassle (and likely some money on last-minute accommodations).

Relying on cell service or Wi-Fi for navigation.

Emily, wearing a hat on her back, hiking boots, shorts, and a vest, looks out towards the mountains on an overgrown trail. — Never rely on WiFi to navigate the parks.
Emily Hart

Although some national parks have cell service and WiFi, you should never count on either being available.

I always encounter travelers at visitor centers and shops in the parks begging for a WiFi password that they cannot access or does not exist.

It's essential to download offline navigation before entering a park, as there's no guarantee you'll be able to otherwise.

Hiking without proper gear or enough water.

A good backpack is a must-have on any national-park trip.

Emily Hart.

First-time visitors at a national park don't usually participate in overly technical or strenuous hikes. However, I recommend bringing a few items to stay safe.

I often see visitors hiking in flip-flops or heels without any water or supplies. Even on a relatively short hike, anything could happen.

I always pack the essentials — navigation, sun protection, a headlamp, a first-aid kit, a knife, fire, shelter, extra food, water, and clothes.

Going off-trail and not following the principles of Leave No Trace.

Emily walking down a dirt path, with grass on both sides and mountains in the background. — Stay on posted trails while exploring the parks.
Emily Hart

If you're on social media, you've likely seen viral photos and videos of bad behavior in the parks.

Unfortunately, this behavior seems to be escalating with increasingly bold visitors. In nearly every circumstance in a park, visitors should stay on posted trails.

Travelers should also become familiar with the seven principles of Leave No Trace, which provide guidelines for visiting the parks in a respectful manner.

Venturing too close to wildlife.

Emily, wearing a hat, a green tank top, shorts, and hiking boots, takes a photo with grass and mountains in the background. — Be sure to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Emily Hart

It's shocking how close some national-park visitors will get to dangerous wildlife like bears and moose for a selfie or a thrill.

The rule of thumb is always to stay at least 25 yards from wildlife and 100 yards from predators.

Arriving at popular parks late in the day.

Emily, wearing sandals, shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, and a backpack, looks out over the sunrise on the mountains. — Arrive early to avoid crowds and high temperatures.
Emily Hart

I always recommend entering a national park as early as possible for several reasons.

Arriving early helps mitigate crowds, as there will likely be fewer people around earlier in the day. The morning hours are also the most tolerable for spending time outside, especially when traveling in the summer.

Every year, visitors encounter health emergencies and even death by hiking in the afternoon hours of a hot day.

Pushing themselves beyond their physical limits.

Emily, wearing purple sandals, black leggings, and a black and white tank top, sitting on a rock and staring out at the mountains and trees on a lake. — Know your limits and take breaks when needed.
Emily Hart

The biggest mistake I see visitors make is pushing themselves beyond their physical limits.

For example, if a visitor is not acclimated to higher altitudes, a hike that seems easy or moderate on paper can become extraordinarily strenuous and even dangerous.

Knowing and respecting your physical limits is important when venturing into the parks.

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I've visited every US national park alone. Here are 8 mistakes I see first-time…