National Parks Tips
Read these 9 National Parks Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Hiking tips and hundreds of other topics.
Yosemite Hiking Trails are World-Famous
Yosemite hiking trails are some of the best known and loved hiking trails in the world, and that means you'll probably have company on Yosemite hiking trails when you visit, at least the most popular and accessible trails in the valley, such as Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and Mirror Lake.
Backcountry hiking in
Whatever trails you choose to hike in
Olympic National Park Hiking
Olympic National Park hiking trails are as diverse as the Olympic Peninsula they occupy. They can take you to rocky tide pools, old-growth fir and pine forests, the summit of peaks, and anything in between.
Olympic National Park hiking trails are accessible for most of the year, but you should always be prepared for rain when you hike in Olympic, so carry rain gear, and food, even if you only plan to be on the trail a few hours.
If you plan to backpack overnight, you'll need a Wilderness Permit, available at the park or at the
You can also hike the rugged coastline for some breathtaking views of ocean, cliff, and headland, and many of these trails are not as strenuous as those in the higher elevations.
Olympic National Park hiking trails are easily accessible from
Glacier National Park Hiking, Camping, and Safety
Glacier National Park hiking trails can take you to the top of the world and back. With over 700 miles of magnificent hiking trails, Glacier is truly a hiker’s paradise. You can hike to waterfalls, lakes, glacier outlooks, passes, and tunnels. Glacier offers trails to accommodate all levels of hikers, from handicap accessible trails to extended overnight backpacking trips. It is a good idea to take a look at a travel guide on Glacier National Park to get a better idea of the difficulty of certain trails while planning your trip. Always come prepared with enough water and nourishment for the entire journey.
Though Glacier National Park is beautiful, it can also be dangerous. Here are some things to watch out for to keep your trip fun and safe.
• Weather. Due to the extreme altitude, Glacier’s weather can change rapidly, and snow covers many of the trails even after the park fills up with visitors in the spring. Always remember never to hike without the proper gear and clothing for all weather conditions. Check with one of the many Visitor Centers in the park to see the status of the trails when you arrive. Trail closures and warnings are also available at the park’s website (http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm).
• Bears. Many bears call Glacier National Park home; make plenty of noise while hiking as it encourages bears to move away from the trails. Trail running is discouraged because you could surprise a bear. Check the nearest Visitor Center for updates on which trails bears have been frequenting.
• Mountain Lions. These big cats also inhabit the park. Make noise when you hike to scare the lions off. If you do encounter a lion, do not run. Back away slowly, without making eye contact, and try to make yourself appear as large as possible. Visitor Centers also keep updates on cat sightings around the park.
• Snowfields. If you encounter a snowfield, use caution; they can hide deep deadly, crevasses. Do not slide across a snowfield. It is recommended that only highly experienced hikers with knowledge of self-arrest technique and the proper tools hike in areas with snowfields. Park rangers monitor the snow on the trails daily. Check with your visitor center for the current status.
Glacier also offers many options for camping in and just outside of the park. Back country camping is a wonderful experience in the wilderness, but requires certain preparations.
• Reservations. You will need to reserve a back country campground the morning before you plan to camp at the park office. Back country camp sites are under high demand and limit the number of campers per night to about four (depending on the campground). Be sure to arrive extra early to ensure you get the spot you want.
• Bears. Like hiking, camping in bear country offers a whole suite of dangers. Be sure to come prepared with plenty of thick plastic bags and at least 20 feet of rope to keep your campground secure from bear intrusions.
• Car Camping. Glacier National Park offers many options for camping around the perimeter of the park boundaries. These campgrounds are by reservation only and must be reserved ahead of time. A spot costs around $30 per night and offers showers and bathroom facilities. Call the park office or visit the park website for more information and to make reservations. If you happen to stay over on a clear night, you might be lucky enough to participate in a star observing session with an astronomer!
• Lodging. If you prefer to sleep in a bed and not a bag, then you might consider staying in one of Glacier’s historic hotels or motor lodges.
Whether you plan to hike a day trip or stay over night, your experience at Glacier National Park is guaranteed to be one you will never forget!
Acadia National Park Hiking
Perched on the rim of
One thing to remember when you hike in
Some of the favorite hikes in the park include the Bar Harbor Shore Path, which meanders along the rugged shoreline, and the Cadillac Summit Loop trail, which will take you to the top of
Shenandoah National Park Hiking Trails
- White means you're on the
Appalachian Trail . - Yellow means the trail is open to hikers and horseback riders.
- Blue means the trail is open only to hikers.
- Unblazed means the trails are nature trails for hikers only
- Red-Orange means you've reached the park boundary.
There are many self-guided nature trails throughout the park, just watch out for ticks and poisonous snakes on some
Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Trails
If you want a real "Rocky Mountain High," then take a hike on
The park breaks down their hiking trails into three categories –
Remember the elevations in the park are high, and only get higher, which can stress heart or breathing problems in some people. There are some wheelchair accessible trails in the park, as well.
Grand Canyon Hiking Trails
If you hike into the canyon in the summer, be sure to carry more water than you think you'll need. Park experts recommend drinking at least a quart of water every hour, so make sure to take enough. Take food with you, because eating helps keep up your energy on the trail, especially in hot weather. Don't hike during the hottest part of the day – hike early in the morning or after Heat exhaustion can creep up on you, and it can kill you, so make sure you learn about the dangers of summertime hiking before you set out on
Arches National Park Hiking Trails
Some of the most popular trails are easy walks even for the youngest members of the family, and most lead to stunning viewpoints of what Arches is famous for – delicate arches balanced over the trails. The trails to Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, and Double Arches are all short, relatively easy hikes. Of course, there are more strenuous hiking trails in the park, as well.
Some popular longer
Yellowstone National Park Hiking
One important thing to remember when you're hiking in
Also remember the park is very spread out, and you may have to drive several miles between geyser basins and hiking locations, so plan your day accordingly. When you're in the backcountry, stay on the
