National Park Service Profile picture
May 27, 2021 12 tweets 7 min read Read on X
Summer is here and a little trip planning can ensure that your only surprises when visiting a park are happy ones. To help everyone have a great experience, @NatlParkService rangers have shared their top 10 insider tips so you can #PlanLikeAParkRanger!

Are you ready? Family walking among giant ...
10: Ruffing it?

Many parks allow pets on leashes and in campgrounds, some even have kennels. But sometimes these furry friends are best left at home. Discover what you can (and can’t) do with your pet and follow the B.A.R.K. principles. nps.gov/subjects/pets Dog peers out of car window
9: Leave only footprints

We know that each of us—rangers, volunteers, visitors, everyone—plays a vital role in protecting YOUR national parks. Whether it’s carrying out what we brought in, or staying on the trail, we’re careful to respect these incredible places. Looking into canyon at Blac...
8: Don’t pet the fluffy cows

Bison can weigh up to 2,000 lbs and run up to 35 mph. Can you? We can’t run that fast. Keep your distance from wild animals, never feed the wildlife, and when taking pictures, use your zoom and give them room.

nps.gov/subjects/watch…
7: Keep safety in the picture

We love to take photos. (Have you seen our Instagram?) But we like surviving the process, too—so we’re careful to take them where it is safe.

nps.gov/articles/safep… Image
6: Explore the new NPS app

The new NPS App offers tools to explore more than 400 national parks...interactive maps, tours, accessibility information, and more. And we’re adding new content every day!

nps.gov/subjects/digit… Image
5: Ask a ranger

Have a question? Ask a ranger. (Yep, we ask other rangers about visiting parks.) We can answer questions, share park stories (we’re always happy to point you to the nearest restroom), and we can let you know what activities are available.

nps.gov/subjects/healt… Image
4: Reservations may be needed

Many campgrounds and lodges in and around well-known parks are already fully booked. Having a reservation guarantees you won’t arrive at a park only to find that you need an entrance reservation or a popular trail is closed. Image
3: Travel off the beaten path

There are more than 400 parks across the country. We love exploring the lesser-known ones. They can be a great option for travelers looking for all the beauty of nature, rich history, and fewer crowds and lines.

nps.gov/findapark Sunset at Scotts Bluff in w...
2: Pack Your Patience

Allow extra time to get from one place to another and enjoy the experience. This season, parks are already bustling. Like lots of places, we may not yet be able to offer the past level of service as we emerge from the ongoing pandemic. Image
1: Have a plan...and a backup plan

For us, a park visit begins at home with a trip to NPS.gov. Park websites have ideas about where to go and what to do, and most important, what we need to include in our planning. Flexibility and a backup plan are key, too. Image
Learn more top tips from parks across the country at nps.gov/aboutus/news/p…

#PlanLikeAParkRanger

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More from @NatlParkService

Apr 5
If I fits, I sits. Bobcat in a sticky situation as it perches on the arm of a large saguaro cactus.
“Catcus” alert! Sitting on a throne of spines, this bobcat was observed at @OrganPipeNPS in southern Arizona. 🐱🌵
The height of the cactus provides a good lookout station. But what about the spines? Bobcats are very adept climbers. They also have very thick foot pads that protect them from the sharp spines of the cactus.
Read 4 tweets
Mar 6
When you get your DNA results and find out you’re 3% frog.

🐸🐻 They told me I could be anything...so I became a frog.⁣ A bear (Not a ranger in a bear costume) sitting on a rock in a frog like pose in the middle of a river at Katmai National Park & Preserve.
Bears sit in the woods. We said it.
Why do they just sit? Bears have a very high ratio of brain size to body size. Some believe that bears can interpret some sense of natural beauty. Scientists have observed bears sitting at vista points for hours staring at a river or mountain views.
Read 4 tweets
Dec 13, 2023
Oh, snap! You could try gingerly icing it.

We like selfies. We also like it when your trip to a national park is fun, safe, and that you don’t chip or crumble. But when capturing the perfect photo or selfie, be a smart cookie. A selfie-taking Gingerbread visitor is a bit too close to a herd of Gingerbread bison. Behind is another gingerbread friend being launched in the air.
Wildlife may appear calm and docile but can be unpredictable and easily startled.

Really? You wore the hat with the giant pom pom and bells?

Remember to use a zoom on your camera. If you are close enough to take a selfie, you may lose more than your gumdrop buttons.
We get it---national parks have some photogenic scenery, but do not put your life at risk for a picture. Stick to trails and boardwalks. Use caution, watch your step, and keep your eyes on the trail and not on your camera while walking.

That branch came out of nowhere! No, it didn't.
Read 5 tweets
Jun 10, 2023
Hike in groups. Bears like to have options
Don’t we all? Remember, your safety is your responsibility while hiking in national parks. Planning is an important step in being prepared for any adventure.
Although it’s generally safer to hike with a companion, if you prefer to go solo, take a few extra measures, like leaving a trip plan with a trusted friend or family member.
Read 6 tweets
May 26, 2023
Researching ahead of time gives you the opportunity to learn about the park you’ll encounter during your adventure. It will be an adventure. A good adventure. Didn’t mean for it to sound all “brace yourself kiddos,” or “who knew banana slugs would bite?" type of adventure. 🤔
Other considerations when planning includes, do you bring a tall friend (for spiderwebs), or a slower friend (to set the trail pace.)

You thought we were going to say bears, didn’t you? How’s your friendship these days? Asking for a friend.
Also, it’s good to know what essentials to bring on your adventure. Think water, snacks (For you, animal whisperer. Not the rock squirrel that will beg you for a peanut while its chipmunk accomplice snatches your car keys right out of your backpack), and also a map. 🗺️
Read 7 tweets
Apr 26, 2023
Oh, you’re headed out to bear country? That salmon-scented body wash was a bold choice.
Bold indeed. So, you've decided to take a trip to a park either alone, or with friends, or maybe you somehow ended up as group leader.

Do you know what information or skills you need before heading out? If you answered yes, good luck. If you answered no, see the next tweets.
It's always important to keep in mind the time of year you want to venture out, hence the salmon-scented body wash during bear bulk-up season. Oh, it's trout? Same idea. Keep an eye out for the weather, road conditions, and environment.
Read 7 tweets

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