Here are 10 important tips when you visit a National Park

It surprises me to see some of the posts on social media by people who are not frequent visitors of National Parks. The comments are often humorous, especially when seeing how the naïveté can lead to comical circumstances. But that same naïveté can often lead to disastrous circumstances as well. We have learned from our experiences that there are certain things you should never take for granted…and certainly heed the advice of people who know better.

So after careful thought, and our own pratfalls, here are 10 things you should know before heading out to a National Park adventure:

1. Do your research

Make sure that you have done all of your research and go down every rabbit hole so that you know everything possible about the Park. There are a lot that people don’t know going in, and getting caught off guard can ruin plans and your entire trip. Checking in with a Park Ranger before you start your journey is always best because they have the inside track on just about everything.

2. No cell signal

We embrace the “no cell signal” parts of the trip if only because it grants us that period of solitude away from the nonsense calls and texts. We LOVE our kids, and grandchild, but, hey, sometimes you just need a break. Therapy session aside…be sure to carry hard copies of maps, etc. or invest in a good hot spot/GPS instrument. And don’t rely on something like the All Trails app even if you do get a signal. These apps are not very accurate. Download the National Park app because you will have access to everything that you will need with that app. Download everything, especially the maps, before you head out. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Always have a full tank of gas to start

There are no gas stations in the National Parks. Well, there may be one here or there when the Park encompasses a town within its boundaries. But, for the most part, don’t expect to find a gas station on one of the scenic drives. It ain’t happening. And most National Parks are a good distance in the middle of nowhere and there will be long stretches of driving, to and fro, with nothing in sight. So ya better fill up before you’re stranded on the side of a road in the middle of nowhere. But don’t despair, the long rides are sometimes very scenic and you will often see things that you will never otherwise see. So fill up and enjoy the ride.

4. Bathroom facilities are not guaranteed…and neither is toilet paper if there ARE facilities

Don’t be surprised if there are no formal bathroom facilities. A lot of the larger National Parks will have facilities at trailheads, or at least a port-o-potty. And quite often, once you get past a Visitors Center, you are shit out of luck. No pun intended. And even if you are lucky enough to find a facility, you may not be lucky enough to find a paper product. Don’t be caught empty-handed.

I can’t stress the importance of wearing the right shoes when doing anything, especially when you are hiking. The various terrains and conditions can greatly affect your feet. And your feet are carrying you through this adventure. So great attention needs to be paid to this subject. We have found that Merrill waterproof Moab 3 hiking boots are the most comfortable and durable shoe. And whether you love the cold and hate the heat or hate the cold and love the heat, always pack extra underwear, socks, maybe a fresh t-shirt, and a sweatshirt or jacket. Nobody likes to be walking around in a sweaty pair of underwear. I HATE that feeling. And what if you get wet, or you fall and get muddy? Or what if you are someplace like the Grand Tetons where the temperature can swing 40 degrees in either direction? You don’t want to be caught uncomfortable and miserable and ruin an experience.

6. Make sure to have enough water and snacks

You never know when you may need to take a break, or a wrong turn inadvertently extends your excursion, or you just plain exerted yourself and now you’re thirsty and/or hungry. And you should always stay hydrated and fueled. Pack enough just in case, whether you eat it or not. There a lot of nutritious snacks that are easy to pack, like Bobo’s. And don’t leave anything behind. Whatever you bring into the Park, always bring it out. Don’t make the Park your garbage can. It’s disrespectful and harmul.

7. Hiking poles

While a lot of trails don’t require hiking poles, there are a lot of trails where you would be better off and a lot safer having them at your disposal. Again, just because you do a lot of local hikes that are not exactly difficult, that doesn’t mean you will not ever need poles. You never know what you are going to encounter with the terrain. Better to be safe than sorry.

Photo ops are a great part of the National Parks experience. It’s difficult to take a bad picture. But you’re not always going to have someone around willing to take your picture. And even if you find someone, they may not frame it the way you want. That happens often. And damn those selfies…they never look right and you can’t capture the background the way you want it. Invest in a good little tripod. Trying to maneuver your camera against a rock you found on the ground just ain’t gonna cut it unless you like cockeyed pictures.

9. Avoid alcohol

We learned this concept the hard way. We love wine tasting and beer tasting as much as anyone. But when you are exploring some of the higher altitudes, it is not wise to have any alcohol…or caffeine for the matter…in your system. The effects on your body, if you are not accustomed to it, will be uncomfortable and will ruin your experience. If you don’t believe me…try it. It’s not worth the headache…literally.

I know this sounds cliché and perhaps repetitive given everything else already said, but being prepared is so important. Go down that rabbit hole, read everything you can, check out every blog you can find…you can always learn SOMETHING that you may have not known or simply overlooked. Most importantly, be prepared to have an open mind in case your planned excursion doesn’t go AS planned. Make the best of every opportunity. That’s what makes exploring fun and exciting.

Oh, and one very important note…PLEASE don’t make the mistake of approaching any wildlife. You are in THEIR domain, they are not in yours. Selfies can be dangerous if you attempt to get close to any wildlife. It’s not worth the bodily risk for you, and it’s disrespectful to the animal. Admire from afar and be mindful of the privilege you have to explore these lands.