Photo: Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, 277 miles long and an impressive 18 miles wide. It takes 5 hours just to drive from the South Rim to the North Rim. — *Photo:* Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, 277 miles long and an impressive 18 miles wide. It takes 5 hours just to drive from the South Rim to the North Rim.

The United States is home to 423 national park sites covering over 84 million acres of land which is more than most states. An impressive 63 of those protected areas are designated National Parks which include some of the most beautiful, pristine land the country has to offer.

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BRIEF HISTORY

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established under the control of the Secretary of the Interior. Not only was this the beginning of what became the US National Park system, it sparked a worldwide movement of setting aside nature preserves.

Photo: Yellowstone National Park geyser . The geysers in Yellowstone can reach 204 °F and those bright bands of color get their hues from thermophile (heat-loving) bacteria that thrive in this unique environment. — *Photo:* Yellowstone National Park geyser . The geysers in Yellowstone can reach 204 °F and those bright bands of color get their hues from thermophile (heat-loving) bacteria that thrive in this unique environment.

Over the years, other lands were set aside and controlled by various agencies until President Woodrow Wilson signed an act creating the National Park Service on August 25, 1916.

Today, the National Park Service is dedicated to the incredibly important task of conserving the resources of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of us all and for generations to come.

Photo: Zion National Park. Zion is home to the California Condor. This endangered species is the largest flying bird in North America that can reach flight speeds up to 55 mph with an impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet!. — *Photo:* Zion National Park. Zion is home to the California Condor. This endangered species is the largest flying bird in North America that can reach flight speeds up to 55 mph with an impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet!.

TIPS FOR VISITING

Our National Parks belong to all of us and it’s our duty to protect the history, culture and landscapes. Below are some tips for visiting them.

Summer 2021

In anticipation of increased popularity due to the fact everyone seems to want to get outdoors these days after a year of stay-at-home orders, some National Parks have announced that day-use permits will be required for entry during the 2021 summer season. Be sure to check current park updates before you go.

Most parks have also implemented special requirements during the COVID pandemic regarding social distancing and masks.

Annual Passes purchased as gifts come with two blank signature lines for use by a gift recipient not present at the time of purchase. If you’re looking to buy me a stocking stuffer, you know what to get. Mine expires this Christmas! Wink-wink!

Buy an Annual Pass

If you plan on visiting more than one national park in a year, consider purchasing an annual pass. The America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass allows you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites including free entrance to all National Parks. Annual passes currently cost $80 and will allow entry for one vehicle with all of its occupants.

Did you know 4th graders are eligible for a free annual pass? It’s even been extended to all 5th graders for the 2020-2021 school year! Find out more.

Visit on Fee Free Days:

National parks across the country have several fee free days where all park entrance fees are waived. Those dates include the following:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (3rd Monday of January)
National Park Week (usually in April)
First Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4)
National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
National Publics Lands Day (September 25)
Veterans Day (November 11 in honor of the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918 which signaled the end of WWI - Armistice Day)

NPS App - Tips for Visiting US National Parks — **Download the NPS App**

Before you leave, install the NPS app and download the parks you plan to visit for offline use. Most parks have limited to no cell service and this app will allow you access to interactive maps, virtual tours and important visitor information even if you lose bars. The app is free and available for iOS and Androids.

CAMPING TIPS

Make Campground Reservations Far in Advance

Disclaimer: COVID restrictions may be in effect so be sure to check NPS.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Photo: Wild Rose, Death Valley. Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth thanks to a record breaking heat wave in 1913 when Furnace Creek reached an astonishing 134°F. It’s not unusual for summer temps to exceed 120°F. — *Photo: Wild Rose,* Death Valley. Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth thanks to a record breaking heat wave in 1913 when Furnace Creek reached an astonishing 134°F. It’s not unusual for summer temps to exceed 120°F.

Most national parks are now part of the Reserve America reservation system with many sites being reservation only. I strongly suggest booking campsites far in advance to guarantee yourself a spot as reservations fill up quickly, sometimes a year in advance. Be sure to do your research to avoid disappointment.

Although my tip is to book advanced reservations, I hate this system and prefer the good old-fashioned first come, first serve camping spots or primitive campground nearby. I also tend to travel by the seat of my pants, never knowing where I might end up, no real destination in mind. So, the reservation system really doesn’t work for me. Nonetheless, most of you are probably a different breed of planners and it has become quite necessary to book most parks this way or you may find yourself not knowing where to stay at the last minute.

Do Your Research if You Don’t Have a Reservation

If you hate reservations like me, or the dates you are looking for are unavailable, some parks do still offer first come, first serve sites and each campground is different. Visit the NPS website for specific information on what type of campsites are an option for the park you plan on visiting.

Another option is the lottery system. Not all parks offer this, but you can check in at the local ranger station to inquire upon arrival. Basically, you put your name in for a spot and they raffle off the sites when the person(s) holding the reservation failed to show up. We have often been lucky enough to get sites this way. The problem is you will likely have to move from site to site each day depending on availability not to mention it’s always a little nerve wracking not knowing for sure if you will actually get a spot.

*The best rooms with a view are often tents.*

Camping Outside the Park

There are almost always a few state-run or private campgrounds close by our national parks that offer last minute reservations. Some are even first come, first serve. Again, do your homework.

There are a few states, especially the 12 western states, which offer alternative primitive camping in specially designated areas near our national parks in case you can’t find availability anywhere else. These sites typically have no water, no restrooms and no amenities so it may not be your cup of tea, but they do tend to offer solitude, a huge plus if you ask me. While I’m not a fan of geo-tagging remote spots due to problems with overcrowding, feel free to send me a message on my contact page if you get stuck and I will share any information I have on helping you find these types of locations so you don’t get stuck at the last minute.

Photo: Death Valley National Park. If you time a trip to Death Valley in the spring after a year with generous rain, you might just be lucky enough to see one of its wildflower super blooms. Just be warned, this rare phenomena doesn’t last long. — *Photo:* Death Valley National Park. If you time a trip to Death Valley in the spring after a year with generous rain, you might just be lucky enough to see one of its wildflower super blooms. Just be warned, this rare phenomena doesn’t last long.

PLAN AHEAD

Plan Around Your Must-Sees

Some of our National Parks are massive, covering thousands of square miles. For example, Death Valley National Park covers over 5,200 square miles (3.2 million acres). It is really important, especially when visiting the larger parks, to know ahead of time what your absolute must sees are and plan around them. Be sure to stay in areas of the park that will allow you not to miss them. Otherwise, you may run out of time and be disappointed.

*Visitor Guides usually offer maps that are much easier to use than traditional maps when looking for a simple overview of what kind of things there are to do within a park.*

Read the Visitor Guides

When you enter our national parks, you will undoubtedly be given a park-specific Visitor Guide (possibly more than one) which is much more than gorgeous photos you will undoubtedly want to emulate. These guides typically offer easy to use maps with major points of interest and descriptions as well as information about the park’s history, fun facts, flora and fauna. They often provide schedules for special events and ranger led programs.

They will also provide you with emergency information, park rules and things to avoid.

For more information and PDF visitor guides, visit my complete list of national parks.

*Did you know that carrying an umbrella is not just for rainy days? An umbrella can make all the difference on a hot summer day, offering much appreciated shade as you hike.*

Check the Weather

Be sure to always check the weather in advance and pack accordingly. This is such a simple thing but often overlooked in the haste to get out of town.

Make sure to pack weather appropriate clothes as well as weather appropriate gear if camping. There are many types of tents to choose from including ones designed for high winds, rain, etc. Sleeping bags are also rated for weather. If you are camping in temps that drop to 20°F at night, I always bring two zero-degree bags to put one inside the other. You will definitely want something better than a cheap Walmart bag.

If the weather predicts rain, bring waterproof shoes and a waterproof jacket in addition to that umbrella or rain poncho. Consider a rain proof cover for your backpack. If the weather predicts snow, bring cramp-ons for your boots to avoid slip and falls on ice. In other words, be prepared so you will enjoy your trip!

Most National Parks have Visitor Center gift shops offering fun souvenirs for kids including quite a bit of Junior Ranger gear. 100% of proceeds from purchases go to the National Park Foundation, the official non-profit partner of the National Park… — Most National Parks have Visitor Center gift shops offering fun souvenirs for kids including quite a bit of Junior Ranger gear. 100% of proceeds from purchases go to the National Park Foundation, the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service.

Traveling with Kids - Join the Junior Ranger Program

If you’re traveling with kids, you will definitely want to check into the National Park Junior Ranger Program. The NPS Junior Ranger Program is a fun activity-based program available in almost all of the national parks where kids can earn official Junior Ranger patches, stickers and certificates. All ages can participate although it’s designed mostly for kids ages 5 to 13.

Becoming a Junior Ranger means you take an oath to protect our national parks, continue to learn about them and share your story and the importance of our parks with others.

DO NOT DISTURB WILDLIFE

Photo: North American Bighorn Sheep. Thanks to their split hooves and amazing balance, bighorns can stand on ledges only 2 inches wide, jump 20 feet and scale up a mountain at 15 mph. — *Photo: North American* Bighorn Sheep. Thanks to their split hooves and amazing balance, bighorns can stand on ledges only 2 inches wide, jump 20 feet and scale up a mountain at 15 mph.

Do Not Feed Wildlife

Do not feed the wildlife under any circumstances.

Human food is not healthy for animals and isn’t necessary for their survival. All wild animals have adapted to survive in their unique, natural environments including digestive system adaptations and specialized diets. Feeding them can cause malnourishment and often leads to accidental ingestion of plastics and foils causing sickness or even death.

When driving mountain roads, especially at dusk and dawn, be cautious of deer. The saying “you look like a deer in headlights” is because they are notorious for darting out in front of you then freezing in place right in the middle of the road. In fact, deer cause 1.3 million accidents a year. Drive slow and stay alert. You can even mount a tiny deer whistle on your vehicle to help protect them which typically cost under $10.

Feeding wild animals also leads to other serious, unintended consequences. It can result in overpopulation, throwing off the delicate eco-balance between species in an area resulting in unnatural competition or even eradication of a species. Overpopulation also creates public health concerns as many animals spread and carry diseases that are dangerous to humans. For example, large concentrations of waterfowl near rivers and streams can actually contaminate water sources.

Another issue is human safety. I often see people feeding those cute little squirrels at Zion that come right up to you as you approach the entrance to the Narrows. They’ll look up at you with the cutest little puppy dog eyes, warming your heart, causing you to think what can one little chip hurt? The problem is those adorable little creatures have lost all fear of humans and become quite aggressive to the point they’ll rip food right out of your hand. Well, those sharp little teeth can cut right through your flesh so don’t encourage them.

Bear Safety

Many national parks are shared with brown bears, black bears and grizzly bears so being familiar with basic bear safety is a must.

When camping in national parks, always use a bear box for food storage when available. Some national parks require this and will ticket you for not complying. When hiking, especially alone, wear a bear bell or talk loudly, and carry bear spray for protection. Bears will usually avoid humans if possible. When backpacking, carry food in a bear canister.

Photo courtesy of Joe James. This is “Otis” who has come up with an incredible way to catch Salmon at Katmai National Park, Alaska. Learn how he does it and see more of Joe’s amazing photos. — *Photo courtesy of* Joe James. This is “Otis” who has come up with an incredible way to catch Salmon at Katmai National Park, Alaska. Learn how he does it and see more of Joe’s amazing photos.

Never approach a bear and do not ever get between a mother and a cub. If you do encounter a bear and have enough room, stay calm and leave the bear plenty of room to avoid you. If a bear is coming toward you or acting aggressively, make yourself appear as large as possible (i.e. opening up your jacket wide).

Bears rarely attack but if one does, what to do depends on the type of bear.

Brown Bears/Grizzlies - Play dead and remain still until it leaves. Lay flat on your stomach, hands clasped behind your neck and spread your legs. Fighting back often escalates the attack but if it intensifies, use a rock or anything else you can find to hit the bear in the face.
Black Bears: Do not play dead. If you can’t escape, aggressively fight back concentrating blows to its face and muzzle.

For more detailed information on what to do if attacked and how to say safe while camping and backpacking (or if you just want to see more incredible bear photos), read my article on bears.

PROTECT OUR PARKS

Photo: Zion National Park. Zion is home to one of North America’s most “dangerous hikes” - Angels Landing which takes you high above the canyon on a narrow trail of switch-backs that traverses across exposed edges with sheer drop offs to stunning viewpoints. Not for those afraid of heights. — *Photo:* Zion National Park. Zion is home to one of North America’s most “dangerous hikes” - Angels Landing which takes you high above the canyon on a narrow trail of switch-backs that traverses across exposed edges with sheer drop offs to stunning viewpoints. Not for those afraid of heights.

Stay on Dedicated Trials

Our national parks have extremely delicate eco systems. Stay on dedicated trails as much as possible not just for your own safety (i.e. to avoid slips and falls), but also to protect the natural landscape. Many areas have fragile soils and rare plant species that need protection.

A major issue with creating your own trail is soil erosion. With millions of visitors each year, even a small unofficial trail causes vegetation and roots to get completely trampled on which can lead to significant erosion over time resulting in long-term problems especially when rain comes.

Joshua Tree - Tips for Visiting US National Parks — **Wear Eco-Friendly Sunscreen**

Always opt for eco-friendly sunscreen especially if you plan on swimming during your visit to protect the delicate eco-systems of our lakes, rivers and streams.

Sunscreen will end up in our waters when swimming and many of its common ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, paraben, etc. are extremely toxic to reefs and sea creatures. There is really no reason not to simply chose one that is “reef safe” and eco-friendly.

Never Bathe or Wash Dishes in Park Waters

You may be thinking, doesn’t this go without saying? Well, you might be surprised. I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve witnessed people bathing in our national parks washing their hair, soaping up or even washing dishes in their pristine waters as if it’s no big deal. I absolutely want to scream when I come across suds-filled water along the shores of a crystal clear alpine lake or running rapids.

I realize this may be acceptable in other places and among other cultures, that good people with good intentions simply may not know this is a problem. So, I am here to tell you, it is not acceptable in our public lands or national parks. Please do not under ANY circumstances, use body soap, shampoo or dish soap in our waterways. Do not bathe or wash dishes in any lake, river, creek or stream. It pollutes them and harms the aquatic flora and fauna. Even biodegradable soap is a pollutant.

Photo: Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is home to several sand dunes including the tallest in California, and quite possibly all of North America rising 680 feet above a dry lake bed. Some are only accessible with 4-wheel drive. — *Photo:* Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is home to several sand dunes including the tallest in California, and quite possibly all of North America rising 680 feet above a dry lake bed. Some are only accessible with 4-wheel drive.

LEAVE NO TRACE

The doctrine of “leave no trace” not only means leave no trace you were there, but leave things better than you found them. If you find a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up even if it’s not yours. Only use designated trash receptacles and if there are none, pack all trash out with you. Do not leave it behind. Be sure to properly close and lock trash can lids to keep critters out and help keep these incredible parks pristine for future generations.

Toilet Paper

This mainly goes for women, please do not leave toilet paper behind. If you’re properly hydrating, you will no doubt have to hide behind a bush at some point. I always carry a zip lock baggie in my backpack to carry out my TP. As much as I hate wasting a plastic bag, I hate the idea of leaving TP behind more. I can’t tell you how sick and tired I am of coming across streams of it stuck in bushes along trails. It’s literally everywhere we go these days.

Maybe you think, “I’ll just bury it.” Maybe you think carrying it gross to carry it out. Well, let me tell you what’s gross and why that too is a problem. Most national parks experience heavy winds at some point in time if not regularly. Those winds blow away the topsoil, exposing your buried toilet paper causing it to resurface where it will undoubtedly be set free. Quite honestly, it’s no better than throwing it on the ground. Do not be selfish. Do your part. Pick it up! I don’t care if you have to stick it in your pocket and wash your clothes later. For God’s sake, just don’t leave it behind!

Graffiti

So, since I’m already on a TP rant, here’s my other pet peeve. Do not graffiti our national parks. Do not spray paint rocks, do not carve your name on trees! Nothing disgusts me more (not even TP) than hiking through a gorgeous serene spot feeling like I’m the first human to set foot on these never before seen places only to suddenly turn a corner and find graffiti sprayed across a boulder.

Why would anyone do that? It’s so stupid, like a dog marking his territory peeing on a rock. It doesn’t make you cool or macho. It makes you ignorant. This is not your back yard. This land belongs to all of us, it’s gift to YOU too. Respect it!

My husband hates it so much, he carries a graffiti removal kit when hiking. I cannot tell you how much time he’s wasted taking it off rocks just so others won’t have to experience the frustration and anger it caused us.

This is our heritage and our legacy. Keep it pristine for future generations.