Sun & Summit Destinations
How to Visit National Parks Like a Ranger
Habits that make park trips calmer, safer and more memorable.
- Pass
- An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at all national parks
- Reservations
- Some popular parks require timed entry in busy seasons; check recreation.gov
- Kids
- Most parks have free Junior Ranger programs
- Rule one
- Arrive early
Start at sunrise
Rangers will tell you the same thing everywhere: be at the trailhead before 8 a.m. You'll find parking, cooler temperatures and more wildlife.
Use the free programs
- Ranger-led walks and evening talks are free and often the best part of a visit
- Junior Ranger booklets give kids a goal and a badge
- Visitor centers have the latest trail, road and weather conditions
Parks near our destinations
- Great Smoky Mountains: right next to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
- Rocky Mountain: about 2–3 hours from Steamboat Springs or the Vail Valley
- Mesa Verde: about 2 hours west of Pagosa Springs
- Shenandoah: about 90 minutes from Old Town Alexandria, 3 hours from Williamsburg
- Hawai'i Volcanoes: on the Big Island, a long day trip from Kona
Leave no trace
Stay on trails, pack out everything you bring and give wildlife plenty of room.
Ready to plan a trip?
Tell us where and when, and we'll find a resort and send you a quote.
