Fight the FOMO: Why you need to book now to see these national parks at their best
DON’T risk missing out. This year is the ideal time to see these incredible natural landscapes at their most spectacular.
Destinations
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THE natural beauty of the US national parks attracts millions of tourists each year. But this year visitors are set to spike, particularly to the popular parks in the west of the country – Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks.
There are more than 400 national parks in America and this year they celebrate their centenary.
Officially, the birthday falls on August 25, but there will be commemoration activities at all parks throughout the year.
“People come in their millions to see the amazing natural sites of the national parks to camp, hike and view wildlife,” Lindsay Cowan, of Explore Worldwide Adventure Tours, says.
“This year will be a great time to visit with the centenary celebrations.”
WHY VISIT
Without doubt, the most popular of all national parks is Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Almost five million tourists will visit this year and most will view the canyon from the South Rim.
Whether you drive or go on a guided tour, most visitors arrive at Mather Point, or the Historic District’s Market Plaza, and get a free shuttle to the South Rim.
“There is also a glass walkway, the Skywalk, over part of the canyon for those who dare and, of course, some will want to get an all-over view by flying over in a helicopter,” Cowan says. “The more adventurous can hike down to parts of the canyon, but it’s a steep climb back up, so you will need a relative level of fitness and good walking shoes.” Visitors can stay close to the rim in hotels and lodges or camp.
If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the less-visited North Rim, which is a 34km hike from the South Rim or a 354km drive.
Yosemite National Park, in California, is best known for the amazing waterfalls and the giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove, but this part of the park will be closed until 2017 for maintenance.
Yellowstone borders Idaho, Montana and Wyoming and was the first national park in the US and the world. The beautiful redwood trees and wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk, as well as the geysers and hot springs, attract visitors year round.
In Bryce Canyon, you can hike or take a ranger tour on horseback or mule and, in winter, the more adventurous can snowshoe or cross-country ski the plateau top.
WHEN TO VISIT
The peak season is in spring and summer, which is roughly May to October, but July and August attract the biggest crowds. Huge visitor crowds are anticipated for the centenary in August.
Cowan says those planning a visit outside this peak season can avoid crowds and enjoy the winter activities in the parks, but must be aware of possible road closures and restrictions due to snow.
WHEN TO BOOK
Cowan suggests booking as early as you can, particularly if you want to visit in August this year.
“During the low season reservations are easy to come by, but you should think of booking now if you plan to visit in August,” he says.
Originally published as Fight the FOMO: Why you need to book now to see these national parks at their best
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