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Comments (15)
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Save/ShareWhile it's the simple things that draw travelers to national parks, the logistics of planning such a trip can be complicated—and overwhelming.
For example, Yellowstone, the first national park, is 2.2 million acres in size. There's obviously way too much to see and do in the course of a week's vacation, let alone a short, "drive-by" visit. You can try to cram in as much as possible, which is what a lot of travelers do. But fluttering from one sight to the next at a national park may defeat the trip's purpose: to relax and peacefully breathe in the best Mother Nature has to offer.
With all of that in mind, feel free to send us all of your questions related to national parks. The subjects might include:
Cool programs for kids and nature enthusiasts of all ages
Tips for snagging the best campsite spots
Advice for avoiding crowds
Lesser-known parks that are well worth visiting
Offbeat lodging options
Great hikes, and great spots for safely viewing wildlife
Or you tell us: Any parks-related topics are fair game, so to speak. Send us your questions and we'll answer them in an upcoming issue of Budget Travel.
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My husband and I are in are late 30's. We want to visit Yellowstone in the winter. We are active and adventurous. What is the best way to see the park in winter?
Posted By Debbie Coggin on March 30, 2010, 9:01 AM
My husband and I love to camp and usually rough it in the backcountry. What are some of the best budget lodges at the National Parks, for a little more upscale--but not fancy--trip?
Posted By Jennifer on March 31, 2010, 11:56 AM
My daughter and I are planning to walk 150 miles of the Thames River Path in England. We understand that residents of the villages along the river rent rooms to hikers for the night. Is there a clearing house for these accommodations where we can call ahead to find a room? We don't want to stay in commercial B&Bs that advertise but prefer to seek the local culture.
Posted By Liz Giarratana on April 2, 2010, 9:19 PM
My family is trying to plan a 40th wedding anniversary for our parents. There will be a total of 14 adults and 5 kids under 6. We are looking for an inexpensive way to gather everyone coming from across the US together in the Midwest; preferably within driving distance from Minneapolis. Any suggestions?
Posted By Saras on April 6, 2010, 4:21 PM
Which parks can you gain access to (from airports) without renting a car?
Posted By Susan on April 8, 2010, 1:32 PM
I'm going to the Grand Canyon with a group of girlfriends and we were hoping to do a day hike to the bottom of the canyon and back. Is it possible? What are the best trails?
Posted By Megan on April 8, 2010, 4:06 PM
We would like to go to Redwoods National Park on a summer vacation but would add Lassen Volcanic National Park and/or Crater Lake to the trip. Is is it feasible to do 2 to 3 of these parks and still be able to enjoy what each has to offer with the driving associated with the vacation? We're planning a 8-9 day trip and flying from Columbus, Ohio to the area.
Posted By Mark Ulrey on April 8, 2010, 6:30 PM
Megan:
We're planning a similar trip, and Fodor's does not consider a day hike down and up to be possible. Since that's the sort of thing I had in mind I'm not sure where that leaves us, but there is a campground at the bottom.
Posted By Guy Rich on April 8, 2010, 10:53 PM
Do the parks near or part of the Grand Canyon allow running of vehicles engines while camping? Planning to install an inverter to use to run or charge a laptop, phone or other equipment. Advice and suggestions would be appreciated. Otherwise, would I have to depend upon solar charging?
Posted By Joan Simms on April 9, 2010, 2:46 AM
Staying at a lodge inside the park significantly enhances the visit. Booking an inside-the-park lodge can be difficult as to availiablity. Other than making plans and reservations early, any suggestions for securing lodging on the inside?
Posted By E Blair on April 9, 2010, 11:26 AM
My parents and I would like to see Glacier National Park before it namesakes disappear! The only thing is, my mom is limited in her physical activity due to arthritis. She's ok with a decent amount of walking, like a day of sightseeing in a city, but not a strenuous hike. Suggestions?
Posted By Dana on April 9, 2010, 11:13 PM
I'll be visiting relatives near San Francisco and want to visit Yosemite. They have all been there, so it would be a solo trip. Do you know any day tours that go out of San Francisco or environs?
Posted By carol elder on April 11, 2010, 6:17 PM
To the people proposing to hike from the rim of the Grand Canyon to the river and back in one day - don't. People die trying this, usually because they haven't done their homework and are quite unprepared for the demands of the hike. It takes about 4-6 hours to hike down on the Bright Angel Trail and probably 6-8 hrs to come back up. Rangers will warn you that because of the heat, you should avoid hiking between 10 am and 4 pm, which means you need to hit the trail before dawn. It's dehydration that does most people in -- extreme heat, little shade and only one or two places where you can get drinking water. Consequently, hikers must carry LOTS OF WATER, salty snacks, etc., and dress appropriately. There are two campgrounds -- Indian Garden and Bright Angel -- and they probably require advance booking. Check out trail info at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/Bright_Angel_Trail.pdf and then decide if this trip is really for you. If it's not, one alternative is the mule ride rim to river. And there are lots of other lovely hikes. The park website has a ton of information.
Posted By Jane on April 11, 2010, 11:55 PM
I'd like to take my husband away for some weekends and will be driving from Boston. I'd like to know of some inexpensive places to stay in NH, VT, ME where we can hike, bike and enjoy the great outdoors, preferably no more than 2-4 hours away. I'm interested in mini weekend vacations and some mini retreat places since we're on a limited budget for the summer. Any recommendations?
Posted By Jacqui on April 23, 2010, 9:30 AM
My husband and I are planning a trip west that will include the Grand Canyon. We have a 4-lb Poodle who travels with us. Are well-behaved, leashed and/or carried, pets allowed in National Parks?
Posted By Elizabeth Ann Tucker-Smihal on July 19, 2010, 2:06 PM