If you visit any national park website and click on the link for "Fees & Reservations," you'll notice something interesting. The entry fees are broken down into categories such as vehicle, RV, motorcycle, bicycle and individuals on foot.
"On foot?," you might think to yourself.
It may seem strange to explore a national park by bicycle or on foot, but plenty of people have done it. When you're in a national park, you'll encounter families packed into RV's and vans, motorcycle riders making their way through the tight curves with ease and backpackers heading out into the wilderness—backcountry permits in hand.
In this chapter, we'll discuss some of the most popular ways to explore national parks and what you'll want to keep in mind during your travels.
Cars have always been a blessing and a curse in national parks. Sure, they've expanded the size amount of space we can explore, but cars have also caused unnecessary traffic jams in certain parks, increased the need for roads and parking lots where grasslands and forests used to thrive and they can be problematic when hundreds of folks stop suddenly to view wildlife.
However, road tripping to a national park can also be an experience of a lifetime! If you're planning a trip by car, be sure to see if the park has a shuttle system. Shuttles are great for seeing popular sights in some of the busiest parks and many can also be used as pick-up and drop-off options for well-traveled through-hikes.
As most frequent riders will tell you, there is nothing quite like taking to the open road on a motorcycle. Seeing the national parks without the restrictions of a larger vehicle can be incredibly rewarding. Motorcyclists tend to have better access to parking, can avoid some of the traffic jams other motorists endure and are generally charged less per vehicle at the entrance gates.
However, some riders note limitations such as having less mobility once they've stopped to check out the scenery. For example, wearing full riding gear can be troublesome if you're also an avid hiker. In addition, motorcyclists have to be particularly careful while riding through the park due to wildlife and—let's face it—other people. Motorists often stop suddenly while driving through parks because the scenery can be... well... distracting and motorcyclists have to keep an eye out for that. Wildlife is also an issue as some might be spooked or feel threatened by the sound of certain motorcycles.
Having your home-away-from-home along for the ride can make for an incredibly pleasant national park vacation. Motorhomes and RV's offer some creature comforts that most campsites simply cannot.
That said, there are some drawbacks to traveling through a national park in a large vehicle—especially when it comes to some scenic drives. Be sure to visit the official park website to ensure your motorhome or RV is allowed throughout the park. For example, Glacier National Park has strict vehicle size limitations in place along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to reduce congestion.
Exploring national parks on foot can be incredibly rewarding. Though some may feel limited without a vehicle, those on foot can reach the deep backcountry trails that day hikers cannot. If you're looking to find peace and solitude in even some of the busiest national parks, backpacking might be the best option for you.
Sheldon Neill of Project Yosemite chats about the benefits of backpacking in the national parks.
If you're interested in traveling on foot, I encourage you to research the shuttle, bus and guided tour options available in the park of your choice. Chances are, there is a way to get where you need to go without a vehicle of your own. Also, be sure to get the necessary backcountry permits and let someone know your tentative plans before heading out on your trek.
Believe it or not, some national parks cater to bicyclists! Though not all roads will be open to bicycles year-round, you may have an opportunity to take in the best scenery the U.S. has to offer from the seat of a bike.
My best advice to cyclists is to check the official website of the park you intend to visit. It will be important to note seasonal and temporary road closures, weather and wildlife hazards, elevation gains and—of course—bike parking!
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However you plan to explore the national parks, you're sure to have a great time. Just be sure to spend a little time crafting your plan of action, ask the necessary questions and get going!