National Parks, 2021: How to Prepare for, Get in, and Stay in Our National Parks This Summer
https://issuu.com/prairie-mountain-media/docs/longmont_magazine_may-jun_2021
On the heels of a year of unprecedented change to everything from how we shop to how we conduct our work and social lives, many find themselves leaning toward summer with hopeful expectancy. While international travel still poses unpredictable challenges and often prohibitive expense, interstate and local travel restrictions are slowly loosening, making visits to our immutably beautiful national parks an inviting choice for individual and family adventures this summer season.
Though for many, the current collection of 63 US national parks represents permanency and steadfastness in the midst of unrelenting change, monumental achievements in forward-looking, organized preservation, the truth is that even these breathtaking national gems have not gone unscathed by the winds of global environmental change and pandemic. Fires, floods, public health orders, and economic pressures have impacted operations in national parks over the last year resulting in facility and trail closures, shortened operating hours, and limited entry. Even so, just under 300 million people visited US national parks last year, pointing to the irresistible and unstoppable draw of the outdoors. If you, in 2021, find yourself among those who cannot refuse the lure of adventure found in our nation’s most inspirational sites, take your cue from our National Parks System (NPS) itself, and plan ahead.
Preparing to Go
Despite the fact that states are allowed to create and enforce their own mandates regarding masks, social distancing, and building capacity, national parks are federally governed, and thus follow federal as opposed to state public health mandates. Because of this distinction, the most reliable information you can find about COVID protocols when planning your visit to the park of your choice is the park’s website, where you can also find the most current information about operating hours, trail and facility closures, and other emergency and non-emergency alerts. Even though visitor’s centers and park gift shops and restaurants are slowly reopening, mask mandates, reduced operating hours, and social distancing requirements are still in effect for NPS as a whole. In addition to changes initiated by the pandemic, many national parks continue to contend with devastating environmental challenges such as the East Troublesome and South Rim fires that threatened hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine park lands in Rocky Mountain and Big Bend National Parks, respectively, from the fall of 2020 to the spring of 2021. So, before you drive hundreds of miles to see that majestic site you’ve always wanted to see or hike that trail you’ve always wanted to hike, check the park’s website for up-to-date park information to maximize your visit’s experiential potential.
Getting in
While you’re visiting your chosen national park’s website, also be attentive to the park’s admission system. Many national park lovers buy the Interagency Annual Pass for $80 each year which purchases entry for your carload into over 2,000 Federal recreation sites including national parks, monuments, historic sites, seashores, and battlefields. Discounted annual and lifetime passes for seniors, veterans, and permanently disabled US citizens are also available for purchase at most site entry stations and at https://store.usgs.gov/. Buying an Interagency Annual Pass is an excellent, cost-effective way to enjoy multiple parks throughout the year with one caveat that is crucial to your park experience: Your annual pass does not guarantee admission to all Federal recreation sites on any given day at any given time. Because of park overcrowding and the resultant detrimental environmental impact on some of our greatest national treasures, at least six national parks including Yosemite, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Great Smoky, and Carlsbad Caverns have moved to a reservation system with other parks likely to follow suit. For parks with a reservations system in place, passholders still need a reservation to enter. In addition to your annual pass or 1-day entry fee, reservations cost $2 - $6 and can be purchased from the park’s website or directly from recreation.gov up to one month in advance.
Staying in
Perhaps because travel abroad in 2021 is still challengingly complex, and perhaps because economic and public health constraints are keeping many closer to home, sources predict that this is “the year of camping.” According to campgroundviews.com, campground reservations are up 50% over average with advanced bookings up 80% over average. Campgrounds within more popular national parks like Yellowstone are often sold out 6 months to a year in advance. With current campground trends in mind, booking campsites in advance may be more important this year than ever before. If you’re venturing into van life or are willing to tent or car-camp without campground facilities, apps such as The Dyrt, IOverlander, Ultimate US Public Campgrounds, or All Stays Camp and RV can help you find your free home away from home. Desktop tools such as freecampsites.net can also help direct you to free camping destinations including nation-wide businesses that generally allow overnight parking such as Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel, and Camping World. Keep in mind that even in paid campgrounds, facilities such as showers may not be operational under COVID restrictions.
Despite the many challenges and constraints we have all faced over the last many months, we and our magnificent national parks remain. Knowing how to prepare for, get in, and stay in our national parks safely and healthily will allow you to take full advantage of America the Beautiful and have the best adventure possible this summer season. Safe travels and happy trails!
