Preparing for Park Travel
ParkChat
MattsRoadTrip
replying to @MattsRoadTrip A4. I'm a firm believer in checking in with visitor's centers and asking rangers about their favorite things to do. I also get tips from fellow travelers I meet in czmogrounds, on the road and on Twitter! But, I always stay flexible in case anything catches my eye! #ParkChat
louisbink
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip a3 - Our new challenge is finding space big enough for 2 teenage boys - the puny hotel pull-out couch really isnt cutting it anymore for a 6'2 200 pd 18 year-old plus his "little" brother - lol #parkchat
Parkasaur
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A3. Camping is really the only way to make it work on a family budget for a multi-day trip to a single park - plus it puts you right on the Park! #ParkChat
Stars252525
replying to @Parkasaur @Parkasaur @unconpeace Sometimes you can luck out and get a room after a cancellation. #ParkChat
coasthikergirl
replying to @rscottjones @rscottjones @Stars252525 @MattsRoadTrip I always make sure to wander through the lodge. My mom taught me long ago how to walk through a place looking like you belong there. #parkchat
Wild_Tribute
RT @MattsRoadTrip: Q4 - How do you plan your daily activities within the park? #ParkChat https://t.co/97fUnsIh8R
OutdoorAdv360
A3: Camping the park is a must, we tow our home/RV so it is cheap to stay everywhere. Even at Disney it was a third of the cost of a hotel.#ParkChat
carfreerunner
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute Thanks. We have 3 in Indiana within hour's drive plus a couple in Ohio. #parkchat
mjn126
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4: I check the weather, or look out of tent/window, usually centered around seeing the "must see" items and at least a little hike. Sometimes, it's based on where we can get to next - so a quick visit here to maximize a visit a the next stop. #ParkChat
59NationalParks
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip @Wild_Tribute Exactly what I was going to guess. Easy Peasy right Matt? #ParkChat
GearDoctors
RT @iStefPayne: @MattsRoadTrip Q2—I categorize. Whether I want to paddle, photograph, camp, climb a mountain, or just wander in a really pe…
theRangerLife
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A5. Some of it is preplanned, but many times we ask a ranger/volunteer at the visitor center for recommendations. They’re the best resource! #parkchat
BarnetteJason
RT @MattsRoadTrip: A4. I'm a firm believer in checking in with visitor's centers and asking rangers about their favorite things to do. I al…
Ben_Wanderin
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A3. We prefer around 2/3 camping and 1/3 lodging (park lodging if available and affordable). And we always start each trip with camping/backpacking to make a break from home life! #parkchat
RCGibby73
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4: With family we hit the popular spots early to avoid peak crowds, do the visitors center later in the morning/early afternoon and tour more in the evening #ParkChat
tthrash
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4. Here's where I research, make a reservation if need be, etc. "What's the one hike I have to do" kind of queries to parks, #parkchat peeps, etc.
louisbink
replying to @coasthikergirl @coasthikergirl @rscottjones @Stars252525 @MattsRoadTrip Ha - Love it! I think we need a picture of Lisa "owning" a park lodge! #parkchat
59NationalParks
replying to @BarnetteJason @BarnetteJason @OutdoorAdv360 I like other stuff too. Small cabin. Big deck. #ParkChat
JulesHalvy
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A3: Ooo! This is tough, as I’ve done all 3. It depends on location and availability. Many Glacier lodge sits in the perfect spot for the start of many hikes in @GlacierNPS, so it was ideal. Camping is great as long as there’s availability 👍 #ParkChat
naturetechfam
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip #parkchat A3 yes. Haha. We try for camping first to save money in nearby #nationalforests, then cabins nearby (@KOAKampgrounds cabins are our favorite), rarely we splurge and stay in the park lodges or campsites. The camping in this @GrandTetonNPS photo was free!
coasthikergirl
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4 #ParkChat It’s almost always about hiking. If it’s a popular trail I plan to do it mid-week and super early. Otherwise I plan for the less visited trails.
rscottjones
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4 #parkchat That really depends on if its my 1st visit or not, and whether I'm bringing someone to the park for the 1st time. First visits always entail substantial visitor center time, along with chatting with rangers & doing the big attractions. Subsequent visits go deeper.
EverybodysNPs
replying to @ParksandPoints @ParksandPoints @MattsRoadTrip We just talked about this on @EverybodysNPs podcast. Staying at 1 site in the park vs. moving to different sites. We concluded that with little kids it’s easier to just stay put. Adults or bigger kids it’s nice to get to stay in different areas. Thoughts? #parkchat
BarnetteJason
RT @MattsRoadTrip: Q4 - How do you plan your daily activities within the park? #ParkChat https://t.co/97fUnsIh8R
unconpeace
replying to @Stars252525 @Stars252525 @Parkasaur Speaking of which, if anyone wants to stay at Canyon Lodge @YellowstoneNPS on July 11, there may be a room available, b/c I cancelled my reservation there recently - planning something much more important and expensive for this summer #parkchat
Stars252525
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4 Check the park websites and resource books. Usually know what day and when. I'm telling you. Hubs plans it out. #ParkChat
t_jh2009
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4) Usually I'll see what the weather will be for the next day or two beforehand then decide in the morning on which type of activity I want to do that day depending upon how my mobility issues are feeling at the time. #ParkChat
DryTortugasFilm
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4) #Parkchat Just walk right in and talk with a Ranger. Depends on my schedule, there are parts of Volcanoes that took me years to get to and I was glad for that because they were more secluded and special since I had to really search for these places. Depends on the weather.
59NationalParks
replying to @BarnetteJason @BarnetteJason @OutdoorAdv360 And yes. One of the best internet systems in the US. In Mayes Coutnty, OK. #ParkChat
MattsRoadTrip
RT @rscottjones: @MattsRoadTrip A4 #parkchat That really depends on if its my 1st visit or not, and whether I'm bringing someone to the par…
kristarsha
replying to @RCGibby73 @RCGibby73 @Stars252525 @MattsRoadTrip I want to stay there when we get back out that way! #ParkChat
unconpeace
replying to @mdeichlerauthor @mdeichlerauthor Yes, and sometimes live piano music! And they even have decaf tea for those of us who don't take caffeine after noon! #parkchat
coasthikergirl
replying to @louisbink @louisbink @rscottjones @Stars252525 @MattsRoadTrip I’ll make sure my husband captures it next time we visit one! 😁 #parkchat
MattsRoadTrip
RT @DryTortugasFilm: @MattsRoadTrip A4) #Parkchat Just walk right in and talk with a Ranger. Depends on my schedule, there are parts of Vo…
publiclandlvr
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A5: My son watches @RockThePark_ and other videos and then makes a list of what he wants to see and do. It always includes competing the jr ranger program and watching the park video. #ParkChat
Ben_Wanderin
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4. We do plenty of research so we don’t seem like total knobs when we go in and ask a ranger for tips. #parkchat
BarnetteJason
A4 I do activities early in the morning to beat the crowds, like popular hiking trails and waterfalls. In the evenings I find a place to relax and catch the sunset. #ParkChat
EPCOTExplorer
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip @Wild_Tribute Park lodge is always my top choice but that’s hard to do. so points from the local Hampton or Holiday Inn usually get me over there. #FindYourPark #ParkChat
carfreerunner
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A3 We stayed in park lodge in Mesa Verde & Yellowstone. Camped at Grand Tetons. Stayed at hotel outside park at Rocky Mtn. Camped at Sleeping Bear. Runs gamut. #parkchat
Todd_the_Hiker
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1. Months in advance! I made the backcountry campsite reservations for our September @PicturedRocksNL backpacking trip in January to ensure we got the itinerary we wanted. #ParkChat
MeToddScott
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A3 If it is winter, I like to stay at a lodge or somewhere that has a great wintery view and has a great warm shower and maybe a fire place. Oh and comfy pillows and a big warm blanket to sleep under since I'm a bit chilled from being in winter. #parkchat
RCGibby73
replying to @kristarsha @kristarsha @Stars252525 @MattsRoadTrip Book well in advance from what I hear #ParkChat
MattsRoadTrip
Q5 - What do you do for meal time? Do you cook your own food, bring prepared food or dine at restaurants or cafes? #ParkChat
59NationalParks
replying to @EPCOTExplorer @EPCOTExplorer @Wild_Tribute Ditto. We have a Park trip next month-paid for long ago. Thinking about what to do. #ParkChat
Parkasaur
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A4. Right now, all our days are planned with either a siesta or some afternoon driving in order to accommodate nap time for our littlest one. #ParkChat