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Avoiding Common Errors in National Parks: Insights from a former Ranger on What Not to Do within the Park

Inexperienced visitors to American national parks typically commit these 12 common blunders, as recounted by park protector Tom Haraden over nearly four decades of service.

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Visiting America's national parks? Be aware of these 12 common blunders by tourists, as pointed out...
Visiting America's national parks? Be aware of these 12 common blunders by tourists, as pointed out by park conservation expert, Tom Haraden, after almost four decades in the field.

Avoiding Common Errors in National Parks: Insights from a former Ranger on What Not to Do within the Park

Navigating National Parks: Ex-Ranger's 12 Tips to Avoid Mistakes

With thirty-seven years under his belt, Tom Haraden - an ex-ranger for the National Park Service - has seen it all. From dehydration to wildlife encounters, here are the most common - and avoidable - mistakes tourists make in US national parks:

Mistakes of Ambition

Haraden warns against cramming too many sights into one visit. According to him, taking your time to savor a national park's wonders will help you appreciate its beauty. Instead of checking things off a list, try watching the sunrise, reading a book by the river, or slowing down your hiking pace.

What's Too Much is Just Too Much

Overambitious travel plans can lead to an exhausting trip, causing visitors to miss out on truly enjoying the park. Instead of attempting to see everything, embrace the parks' serenity and soak in the natural beauty at your own pace. Research lesser-visited parks to find solace away from the crowds.

Do the Homework

Haraden advises researching each park you plan to visit before setting foot inside. Know what you're looking for, whether you want easy hikes or challenging trails. Make use of the National Park Service's extensive websites to plan your route according to your interests and preferences.

Flexibility is Key

While researching and planning are essential, staying flexible is crucial. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on weather conditions, crowds, or road closures. Having an open plan and alternatives in mind can help ensure a successful visit.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can make for a miserable and potentially dangerous experience in a national park, especially during hot weather. Always bring enough water or use a water filtration system. Remember to pack a reusable water bottle to reduce waste, as there might be limited opportunities to buy water in the parks.

Bring the Right Gear

Being well-informed means knowing what you need for your trip. Pack appropriate clothing, such as a windbreaker or extra jacket for high-altitude hikes, and carry bear spray if visiting parks with a high bear population, such as Yellowstone or Grand Teton.

Wildlife Awareness

Remember, wild animals are not pets. They can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed them or approach them. Haraden warns that getting too close can result in injury or even euthanization for the animal.

Affordable Accommodations

National parks offer a variety of affordable accommodations, from cabins to hotels. Some, like Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park, even start at $50 (or 44 euros) during the off-season. Book well in advance to secure your spot.

Consider the Altitude

Many western national parks are located at high altitudes, which can affect visitors who aren't used to it or have pre-existing health conditions. Acclimate accordingly to avoid altitude sickness.

Stay Cool During the Summer Heat

Parks can get sweltering during the summer months, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Try to visit during the cooler hours, or plan an off-season trip to avoid the summer heat.

Navigate with Caution

Mobile coverage is often poor in remote areas like national parks. Bring maps and learn how to read them. Don't rely solely on your phone for navigation or follow GPS blindly, especially on rough roads or nonexistent trails.

Ask the Experts

Park rangers are a valuable resource, capable of answering questions, recommending hikes, and providing weather updates. Don't hesitate to approach a park ranger to contribute to a positive and informed park experience.

In the end, Tom Haraden's hope is that future generations of park visitors will do their part in preserving these natural wonders by maintaining cleanliness, giving animals space, and avoiding single-use plastic bottles. Happy park exploring!

  1. Ex-ranger Tom Haraden, having served the National Park Service for 37 years, suggests integrating relaxation into travel plans, such as watching the sunrise or reading a book by the river, to avoid an exhausting visit to Yellowstone or any other national park.
  2. Rather than attempting to visit every sight within a park, Haraden recommends researching lesser-visited parks and slowing down one's pace to soak in the natural beauty, instead of focusing on checking things off a list.
  3. The ex-ranger emphasizes the importance of doing homework before a visit, recommending the use of home-and-garden websites like those provided by the National Park Service to plan routes according to one's interests and preferences.
  4. To successfully integrate a lifestyle of eco-friendly travel, Haraden advises bringing a reusable water bottle and using a water filtration system to stay hydrated in national parks while avoiding single-use plastic bottles.

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