Park up to enjoy the red, white and views
The United States is vast, and so is the land dedicated to its national parks. Almost 400 sites cover 34 million hectares, writes
Purple Mountain’s majesty and amber waves of grain don’t begin to cover the beauty of the United States. From sea to shining sea, the United States’ national parks deliver on some of the best bits of America, offering plenty of hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives along the way.
The park system began in 1872 when Congress founded Yellowstone National Park for the ‘‘enjoyment of the people’’.
Now, 63 national park sites dot the States and its territories, showcasing natural phenomena, backcountry wilderness, ancient art and more.
If you have been dreaming of a great American holiday, look no further than a trip to explore a national park or two.
Determine the type to experience you want
From remote arctic locations with bush plane-only access to well-defined paths among towering sandstone hoodoos, there is a wide array of experiences in US national parks.
Dig deep into what you are hoping to see in the park. Do you enjoy snowy mountain vistas or prefer to watch the buffalo (they are actually bison) roam? Are you hoping to tick off a few gruelling multi-day hikes or do you prefer wandering through ruins and learning about human history?
You will also want to consider crowds, and whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy lookout or you prefer the quiet solitude of a backcountry hike.
Think about the level of autonomy you want on your trip, too. Some national parks are relatively easy to access without a car, while others rely on personal vehicles.
What time of year are you going?
Shoulder seasons reign supreme. Summers, while gloriously warm and full of life, are a popular time.
Winters can be harsh in many national parks, sometimes with restricted access and amenities, however the unique landscapes can be worth the conditions.
Once you determine which park(s) you want to see, look up the best season to visit.
Decide where you are staying
National park campsites offer an intimate experience and often have personal picnic tables, fire rings (where allowed), and bear boxes (where applicable) to protect your food and trash from unwelcome ursine visitors on-site.
You will also be close to park rangers should you have questions, and some offer complimentary ranger-led activities at night.
Keep in mind that some on-site campgrounds are first-come, first-served, so plan to get there early. Bookable sites can be secured through recreation.gov and it is recommended you book ahead of time.
National park lodges offer an elevated, hotel-like experience, with proper bathrooms (no long drops here), restaurants and some amenities.
Most lodges are historic, so if you are looking for something luxurious, you may want to stay offsite. On-site lodges can be expensive, as it is the location you are paying for.
For a luxurious, unique experience, check out glamping opportunities or historic hotels in nearby towns or further afield.
Those hoping to save a bit of cash may score with off-site campgrounds (many still have fire pits, picnic tables, and the like) and motels.
Buy a National Park pass
The America the Beautiful pass is an annual pass that covers the entrance fees of all federally
operated recreation sites across the country, including national parks. For US$80 (NZ$124), the pass covers the owner and occupants of a vehicle (for parks that charge by the car load) or the owner and three additional adults.
Many parks charge a day rate of $25 or more, so if you are visiting multiple parks for multiple days, the pass pays for itself in a few visits.
Plan your itinerary
Now for the fun part – planning what you want to do. The National Park Service (NPS) website is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to attractions, scenic drives, trails, shuttle bus information and more, so it is a good place to start.
Keep in mind that some parks, such as Zion, require visitors in peak times to travel only by their complimentary bus system, which runs frequently and helps keep roads clear of traffic.
Other parks, such as Arches, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain, have timed entries, meaning you have to reserve the time you enter the park through an online booking system, through recreation.gov.
Once you have worked out the logistics, explore the trails, scenic lookouts, and picnic spots, and plan your route through the park.
If you are driving, plan to enter and exit the park through opposite entry points if they exist, otherwise you will be backtracking a fair bit.
What to pack
If you are camping, fit any essentials that you can in your suitcase and rent bulky items – and gas canisters – from local outdoors retailers.
Clothing is similar to what you would pack for a New Zealand outdoor holiday – plenty of layers, a waterproof jacket, and some comfy hiking boots and socks.
Paper maps are handy, too, and it never hurts to bring heavy-duty rubbish bags so you can leave no trace – for the sake of the surrounding area’s beauty and to reduce your chances of being mauled by a bear.
When you arrive
Head straight to the visitors’ centre and chat to a park ranger. They will be able to fill you in on park conditions, events, crowds, wildlife sightings and more. They can also recommend trails, lookouts, and drives, depending on what experience you are after.
If you are hoping to avoid the crowds, the heat, or see some wildlife, be sure to set your alarm for an early rise.
Finally, don’t stop at the national park’s boundaries. The areas directly adjacent to the parks are usually designated public land, in the form of state parks, national forests, and wilderness areas.
While they may not have the same attractions that make the national parks so special (looking at you, Old Faithful), the beauty doesn’t stop at the park’s gates. You can often find similar landscapes
Once you have the lay of the land – go! Explore every little pocket of the park you can and linger in the moments.
The national parks are awe-inspiring, so let your mouth gape.