03/24/2021
It's that time- you're all traveling to National Parks (and Monuments, Historic Sites, Battlefields, and the other 16 types of national parks)! Here are some tips to ensure your trip is the best it can be!
1. Plan ahead
You can use the map on the www.nps.gov website to search for NPS units along your route.
2. Do some research
On that map, click on the parks you're interested in visiting- voila, you are taken to that unit's official webpage. That is where you will get the most accurate, up-to-date information about a park's hours, entrance fee, campgrounds, any reservations you'll need to make, and so much more!
Pay special attention to the driving directions. GPS often sends our visitors to the geographic center of the park, rather than an actual visitor center. The Quarry Visitor Center is located at 11625 E. 1500 S., Jensen UT 84035.
3. Prepare
When you clicked on the tab for "plan your visit" and then "eating and sleeping" did you notice that there was not an option for finding food at that park? That means there are no concessions, no food for sale at the visitor centers, no restaurants. You will definitely need to plan for meals and snacks.
When you clicked on the tab "learn about the park" you will see tabs where you can learn about a park's natural and cultural resources, current conditions, social media, photo galleries, how to earn a junior ranger badge, and so much more.
4. Make good decisions
When you get to the parks, make sure you follow the rules. It is your responsibility to know the regulations at each place you visit. Find out from the ranger which trails your pet dog is allowed on. Find out if you can boat the rivers or lakes. Find out where you're allowed to camp outside of a campground. Find out where off-trail hiking is allowed. Find out if masks are required inside federal buildings (they are).
We hope these tips will make each visit to the parks easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Check out www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/travel-tips.htm for more great information on visiting your national parks!
image of Dinosaur National Monument official homepage annotated with arrows pointing out important information/NPS