Visiting US National Parks This Summer? Here’s How To Stay Safe

As summer looms near, many travelers are planning a trip to the amazing US National Parks. This is well and good, but some parks, like Death Valley National Park, suffer extremely high summer temperatures. Meanwhile, this park gets temperatures as high as 134 degrees and many other parks across the US also get pretty hot.

Travelers should take care in US National Parks this summer

In a media briefing on May 21, Nichole Andler, a park ranger with the National Park Service (NPS) said:

Some folks are seeking out what they consider to be a rare experience. But it should go without saying that when heat is that extreme, it can easily be a life or death situation.

“This time of year, when you’re preparing for coming to Death Valley, it’s important to know what you’re getting into,” Andler said, stressing the need to have enough water on hand at all times, while staying close to your vehicle.

“In fact, in extreme heat conditions, it may even be best to stay in your vehicle amid the comfort of air conditioning and explore the park by car, Andler added.

Meanwhile, Andler’s comments were part of the larger NPS media conference call, where officials from parks across the US shared tips for safely visiting in the summer. If you are planning to visit one of the parks in the months ahead, the following are tips to keep you safe.

Safety Tips for visiting national parks this summer

1. Choose activities within your capability

The US National Parks offer all kinds of adventure and activities including hiking, boating, swimming and rock climbing. They also offer some challenging and extreme sports, including whitewater rafting, canyoneering and hang gliding. While planning your trip to the parks, ensure you select activities within your physical limitations and experience.

Cynthia Hernandez, a spokesperson for the NPS said:

Pick activities that meet your skills and fitness level. That might mean being honest if you haven’t prepared for that 15-mile hiking trip.

2. Ensure you bring suitable equipment

While focusing on activities that are within your capabilities, it is important that you travel to a national park prepared with the right equipment for your plans. Hernandez mentioned bringing the “right shoes for your activity, water, a compass or a map or a life jacket if you’re going on the water.”

Meanwhile, it should be noted that many national parks see the weather changing quickly, so visitors should ensure they have suitable clothing on hand. An example was given by Jen Newton of the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, saying:

What can start out as a beautiful and sunny day can pivot quickly into rain and sleet. Extra layers and a rain jacket can be helpful.

3. Communication is key

This tip is aimed at solo travelers but also holds true for anyone visiting the parks, including families and groups. It is important to communicate your plans to others. Hernandez recommends the following:

“Make sure to leave a trip plan with a friend back home,” she said, suggesting telling someone who is not on your trip how long you intend to be gone and when you plan to return. This is particularly important for remote hikes and explorations.

4. Keep your distance from wildlife

While seeing wildlife in the national parks is exciting, care must be taken to stay away from the animals and not trying to engage with them. This is a rule that applies to animals and visitors alike. Hernandez said that visitors should always stay a safe distance from the wildlife and so as not to startle them, adding: “Do not pick up wildlife and do not feed wildlife.”

Meanwhile, Newton said that understanding bear safety is also critical, as Grand Teton National Park hosts both black and grizzly bears. “Be bear aware,” she said. “Be alert and have good situational awareness,” adding:

That’s not necessarily singing and clapping, but even just normal conversation can be helpful to let all creatures know you are out and around.

Carrying bear spray is recommended in Grand Teton and other parks that host bears.

5. Review National Park safety tips before travel

Each US National Park has its own website, which publishes safety guidelines visitors need to follow during their visit. Make sure to visit the chosen park’s website to review the tips prior to your arrival.

“Even if you visited a park before or have been going to this park for a while, follow all park recommendations and safety guidelines,” stressed Hernandez, adding that it is also important to “follow guidelines from park rangers on site.”

Moreover, the NPS has put together a detailed Trip Planning Guide, including key tips, links and tools to help visitors. Readers can download the guide here. to ensure a fun and safe visit to the US National Parks this summer.