From hiking trails and vibrant scenery to all the beauty nature offers, national parks remain popular vacation destinations. One of the best ways to enjoy an outdoor excursion is to have a well-thought-out plan. This approach ensures you stay safe and follow the rules for visitors. As you prepare your hotel reservations and other trip necessities, keep these steps in mind for your next adventure.

How to Prepare for a National Park Visit

1. Know When to Go

Plan your trip months in advance if you know what you want to do when visiting a national park. This measure allows you to secure campsites, find hotel rooms, and book the necessary permits. Summer is the busiest time for park visits, so go towards the end of the season when crowds are not as large or schedule the outing during off-seasons.

Ask national park officials or refer to the park's website to find out what time of day is best for hiking and other activities. This approach will also allow you to find out the daily hours and learn whether there will be modifications for upcoming holidays. 

2. Pack the Essentials

Before leaving for your trip, make a checklist of items to bring to the park. These belongings should include hiking shoes, bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and snacks. 

The night before the outing, pack all essentials in a backpack so that nothing remains at the hotel. Additionally, charge your phone overnight to ensure it's at full power during your adventure. However, there can be charging stations on-site, depending on the national park. The key is to have everything needed for a safe and enjoyable outing.

3. Don't Disturb Wildlife

Always be respectful of the park's rules regarding wildlife in the area. Avoid feeding, petting, getting too close, or scaring, which protects you and the creatures. Depending on the animal, you should be 100 to 300 yards away from them. This distance gives you ample space to quietly observe without intruding on them.

4. Hold On to Trash

Bring bags with you to discard waste when at the park. While there will be trash bins available, there may not be enough staff on hand to empty them frequently each day. This problem is especially true during peak seasons at larger parks. As you prepare your backpack, include a few empty trash bags. You can dispose of them in public bins away from the reserve.

With some planning, your national park visit will be fun and memorable. If your next destination is Denali National Park, stay at Totem Inn in Healy, AK, during your trip. The stunningly rustic hotel has all the amenities to make your stay pleasant, from queen-size beds and microwaves to saunas and a fitness room. Their friendly team will also gladly answer all your questions about visiting the national park. Book your reservation by calling (907) 683-6500 or via the website.