Avoid These Common Errors When Exploring National Parks: Insights from a Seasoned Ranger

Tom Haraden dedicated nearly four decades to safeguarding both visitors and wildlife in a span of nine diverse national parks across the United States.

His journey began back in 1972, when he eagerly volunteered at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Since then, he has spent years working across a variety of other stunning parks within the country.

"Every moment was filled with joy," Haraden mentioned in a discussion with Business Insider.

Throughout his extensive tenure, Haraden interacted with countless visitors, witnessing a multitude of preventable missteps.

Recognizing Recurrent Mistakes

A key piece of Haraden's guidance is straightforward: "Use common sense."

Although park rangers are there to assist, Haraden emphasized that ensuring personal safety is each visitor's responsibility.

"The philosophy of the park service regarding safety is that your well-being is ultimately up to you," he elaborated.

Going at a Fast Pace Can Lead to Missed Experiences

Throughout his career, Haraden frequently encountered visitors who planned overly ambitious park itineraries.

Some visitors aimed to see every scenic overlook in just one day. While this is one way to approach a visit, Haraden advocates for a more leisurely pace, allowing guests to genuinely appreciate the natural wonders.

"The error I often observe is people rushing through experiences," he remarked. "They visit a scenic point at the Grand Canyon and tick it off their list, saying, 'seen it.'"

He advises people to savor the essence of the park instead of merely checking items off a to-do list. This approach may involve witnessing a sunrise, reading near a picturesque river, or taking leisurely strolls during hikes.

Finding Solitude Requires Effort and Planning

According to Haraden, although numerous less-crowded national parks exist, identifying them necessitates thorough research and planning.

"Preparation is crucial, and one must be adaptable," he commented. "Currently, understanding the crowd levels at parks is an essential part of the planning. If you visit locations like Arches mid-summer, anticipate large crowds. Opt instead for lesser-known destinations such as Canyonlands."

Even when venturing off the beaten path within these parks, encountering other visitors is likely, especially if sticking to main attractions. The more distant you venture into a park, the better chance for solitude.

Plan Ahead: Know What You Want Out of Each Visit

Haraden suggests thoroughly researching each park slated for a visit, which will assist in creating an itinerary that aligns with personal interests.

"Clarify your goals," he noted. "Do you have an interest in hiking? If so, determine the type of trails you prefer—do you lean towards flat terrains or challenging paths?"

The optimal approach for gathering information is utilizing the National Park Service's online resources, as each park's official website provides detailed insights about what to expect, including popular areas and potential congestion.

Flexibility Enhances the Quality of Your Visit

Although pre-planning an itinerary is beneficial, Haraden also emphasized the need for adaptability during the park visit.

"Avoid rigid thinking that a specific activity is essential, as unexpected situations like large crowds or full parking might alter plans," he explained.

Weather conditions and crowd dynamics can significantly affect experiences, thus it's wise to have alternative plans ready.

Proper Hydration Is Essential—Don't Count on Bottled Water Availability

One of the gravest errors according to Haraden is failing to bring sufficient water.

The National Park Service warns about a heightened risk of heat-related health issues, especially during hotter months. Preparation involves carrying an adequate supply of water or a filtration system.

It is advisable to carry reusable water bottles to minimize waste, as commercial bottled water is seldom available.

Gear Up Appropriately for Your National Park Excursions

Proper preparation through research equips visitors to meet the demands of a park excursion.

This could involve packing weather-suitable attire like windbreakers for elevated areas or carrying bear deterrents when exploring bear-populated regions, such as Yellowstone or Grand Teton.

"Preparedness is key—even if you don't end up needing it, you'll be ready," Haraden suggested.

Respect the Wild: Keep a Safe Distance from Animals

"Whether large or small, wild creatures are not domesticated," Haraden stressed. "Seemingly harmless animals like squirrels can bite, and larger ones like bison can harm humans if provoked or threatened. Altering an animal's natural behavior implies you're too close."

He recounted reports of visitors trying to interact closely with bears or placing children on bison, actions that often result in negative headlines.

This creates dangerous situations not only for people but often requires the euthanasia of involved animals.

Value Prizes Beyond Price: National Park Stay Options

National parks offer a range of affordable accommodations, whether it be camping, cabins, or hotels.

Haraden highlighted, "Many believe that park stays are costlier compared to lodging outside, which isn't necessarily accurate. Prices aim for inclusivity, but advance booking is advised."

Elevation Changes Can Prove Challenging—Plan Accordingly

"Elevated parks are common in the west, where high altitudes can negatively affect unaccustomed visitors," Haraden remarked. "Transition time is essential, especially for individuals coming from low-altitude regions, to prevent altitude sickness."

Consider Rising Temperatures During Summer Months

"The trend of increasing temperatures is noticeable, influencing visitors to approach national park conditions mindfully," Haraden noted. "Avoid exertion during peak heat, possibly by arriving early or visiting during cooler seasons."

Use Traditional Navigation Tools Instead of Digital Devices

Due to limited cell coverage in many parks, Haraden recommended against relying on phones for navigation.

"Digital maps often fail in remote locales, necessitating the carrying and reading of physical maps," he advised. "Trust your instincts and refrain from following GPS blindly if it leads to unclear paths."

Take Advantage of Park Ranger Expertise

Park rangers provide valuable information and assistance to enhance visitor experiences.

"Consult rangers for guidance—be it trail advice or weather insights," Haraden advised.

He encouraged frequent interaction with rangers as they possess extensive knowledge about park conditions.

Legacy Matters: Preserve the Parks for Future Generations

Haraden calls for responsible visitor conduct, emphasizing the importance of conservation for future explorers.

Environmental stewardship entails actions such as trash removal, respectful wildlife interaction, and minimizing plastic waste use, ensuring that iconic parks remain pristine.