Exploring America’s National Parks: 7 Things to Know About Roadtripping

The open road is calling, and there’s no better way to answer than with a national park adventure. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a long-haul truck or towing a camper through mountain passes, America’s national parks and their world-class scenery are only a (admittedly probably long) ride away. To help you plan your next national park adventure, here are 7 roadtripping strategies.

  1. Plan Ahead.

Many parks, particularly Yellowstone, Glacier, and Zion, require advanced reservations for campsites and entry permits. Log on to Recreation.gov at least six months in advance, and book as soon as new dates open. As you are planning, identify reliable fueling points. Many national parks have long, remote stretches with limited services.

  1. Get a National Parks Pass.

If you plan to visit multiple parks within a year, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a fantastic investment. For only $80, it covers entry fees at literally thousands of national parks, forests, and monuments.

  1. Pack and Prepare Efficiently.

Everyone has a roadtrip story so bad that it should be a country music song. Car broke down. Phone battery dead. No water. Alone on the side of the road. That doesn’t have to be you. Pack your vehicle for long miles, inclement weather, and limited supply stops. Make sure you have ample food and water. Keep your devices powered and download offline maps. Don’t forget to stash layers for temperature swings and changing weather.

  1. Leave No Trace.

It’s easy after a long drive to leave a car full of candy wrappers and empty coffee cups. Under normal circumstances, a couple of days’ worth of trash wouldn’t be a big deal and would simply warrant a quick trip to the carwash industrial vacuum. When you’re traveling in a national park, there are strict waste disposal laws and steep punishments for littering. Clean out your vehicle before you enter, and use a drawstring trash bag to keep things contained while you’re in the park boundaries.

  1. Be Flexible. Prepare for Alternate Routes.

Road trips rarely go as planned. Think bad weather, closures, and detours. Plan a buffer day or two on either side of your stay at a national park. You never know when a summer snowstorm could shut down the road, or a herd of bison could slow your roll.

  1. Fuel Up. And Pack Extra Fuel.

Some national parks in the West are as large as states in the East. Most don’t have gas stations within their borders, and in the rare event they do, it’s expensive. Use fuel savings apps like GasBuddy to maximize your savings. Buy a gas caddy and stash it in your vehicle.

  1. Don’t Forget to Document!

National parks have perception-altering scenery. You nearly can’t believe your eyes the first time you see the Tetons or watch a moose block the road. Whether you prefer to unplug and write in your journal or you prefer to livestream from your phone, take the time to document your National Park roadtrips. They are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

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