Shh! Here's How to Beat the Crowds when visiting National Parks!

Ah, fresh air and stunning views—what else can you wish for on your day outside?

Well, how about the added bonus of no crowds? I've always been an advocate of nature being enjoyed by everyone! But let's be honest, National

Parks can get packed and it can be challenging to connect with nature in those conditions.

So if you’re after some peace and quiet while communing with nature, read on for our top tips on avoiding the crowds in your next national park visit.

Location: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Visit Off-Peak Seasons

Sometimes all it takes is a little planning ahead to avoid peak season crowds. For many parks, peak season means summertime and public holidays, but keep in mind winter can be a magical time to go adventure too!

There is something quite special about seeing snow-capped mountains in a national park, so don’t overlook this option.

Choose to Start at Sunrise

Getting up early might feel like a drag but trust us, it can be worth it for some much needed peace and quiet in some of the most popular spots. Not only do you get to witness a stunning sunrise (which will likely be far less crowded than sunset), but there are fewer people around and more wildlife too - win-win!

Visit Less Popular Parts of Your Park

While the main attractions may be popular for good reason (think Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser or Yosemite Falls), there are often lesser known gems tucked away or hidden trails that remain relatively unknown to visitors. To find these spots take time to look at maps, ask locals – they know best, or.. one of my favorite ways to find epic spots: spend some time looking at google earth! Yes you can totally find incredible views just by exploring google earth.

Discover Surrounding Areas of Your Park

When possible, try to explore areas outside of the main park entrance as these are often underrated yet beautiful places that offer a unique places – plus an added bonus of fewer tourists and no entrance fee. If you plan on visiting multiple parks during your stay then why not map out your road trip beforehand so that you hit less touristy spots along the way? For this purpose we love to user www.roadtrippers.com

Get off the beaten path and avoid any overcrowded areas while getting some much needed rest and recharged energy surrounded by nature.

Happy exploring!