National Parks in USA gets more than 275 million visitors every year, especially in summer, the parks are over-crowded. If you want to enjoy the nature and dream of scaling Yosemite's Half Dome, whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon, and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is no need to worry. There are some useful tips and guidelines to find the ultimate solitude in the lap of nature.
The best way to tackle the summertime rush at the USA's national parks is to avoid that time and visit out of season. But if someone actually wants to go between May and September, select the dates wisely. The most ideal time is the week just before Memorial Day or the week after Labor Day. Similarly, there are fewer crowds at mid-week instead of a weekend. For weekend visit, reach as early as possible on Friday and depart later on Sunday night to steer clear of the worst traffic jams.
Secondly, you may plan for second-tier parks instead of top 10 national parks like Yellowstone. These parks are also full of same natural beauty as the top parks like Yosemite Valley. To avoid the crowds in Yosemite Valley, visit Kings Canyon; Lave Beds or Great Basin instead of Carlsbad Caverns. But if you plan for a top park, base yourself in a less-known area, for instance, the north ridge of the Grand Canyon rather than the busy south ridge.
The biggest problem one faces while visiting any place is where to stay. Therefore, it should be planned in advance, as the park lodges, hotels and reservation campgrounds all are booked in advance. Check the lodge's website for right information. Campgrounds in less-popular areas are more peaceful and less crowded. Camping is also permitted on national forest lands outside some parks. Purchase in advance the annual pass, the 'America the Beautiful' ($80). This can be purchased online at the USGS store and is valid for free admission to all national parks and federal recreational lands for one year from the month of purchase.
Another important tip is to go against the flow and go slow. Avoid peak period between 10 am and 4pm and visit the park in smaller portions, instead of seeing the whole place in one day. The best thing is that many outdoor activities are free and don't need reservations. Some of the popular guided outings are: ranger-led nature walks, campfire talks, boat trips, cycling tours, stargazing, and snorkeling. A Junior Ranger Program activity booklet may guide the kids rightly. There are some more little tips to avoid big headaches: fuel tank must be full, bring plenty of cash, pack all the outdoor stuff you'll require and last but not the least, small packs of food items. Keeping in mind these tips, one can enjoy fully any visit to these parks.
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