Your Guide to Exploring America’s National Parks & Public Lands
As the new year rolls in, let’s get real: if you want an unforgettable year of outdoor adventures, you’ve got to plan it right. Whether you’re chasing sunrise hikes, scenic drives, or just peace and quiet in the woods, here’s how to lock in your 2026 plans before the crowds do.
Step 1: Choose Where You Want to Go
Start by picking 1–3 priority parks or regions.
Do you want epic views? Remote solitude? Easy family hikes? Your answers will shape your trip.
Here’s a quick way to choose:
Big-name adventures
- Yellowstone
- Glacier
- Grand Canyon
- Yosemite
Hidden gems
- Great Basin
- Lassen Volcanic
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Congaree
Best by season
- Spring: Joshua Tree, Big Bend, Great Smoky Mountains
- Summer: Glacier, North Cascades, Rocky Mountain
- Fall: Shenandoah, Acadia, Zion
- Winter: Death Valley, Everglades, Saguaro
🔗 Browse the full List of U.S. Parks to get inspired and narrow down your picks.
Step 2: Know the Key Dates
Most parks don’t operate on your schedule — they run on permit windows, lotteries, and reservation releases.
Mark your 2026 calendar now:
- Jan–Mar: Lottery season (Half Dome, Grand Canyon rafting, The Wave, etc.)
- 6–12 months out: Lodging opens for high-demand parks
- 1–3 months out: Entry reservations for timed-entry parks (like Arches, Rocky Mountain)
- All year: Buy your America the Beautiful Pass to skip entrance fees
🗓 Pro tip: Set calendar reminders so you don’t miss those 5-minute windows where everything books up.
🏕️ Step 3: Lock Down the Essentials
Once you know where and when, grab these:
- Lodging or campsites: Use Recreation.gov, park lodges, or Hipcamp
- Permits: Backpacking, special hikes, or river trips
- Flights/rental car: Especially if flying to Alaska, Hawaii, or remote Western parks
- Passes: Get your park pass here if you don’t have one
⛺️ For popular places like Yosemite or Glacier, campsites sell out in minutes—plan ahead or be ready with backup options.
Step 4: Build Your Itinerary (But Stay Flexible)
Don’t overpack your schedule. Parks are for exploring, not sprinting.
Include:
- 1–2 major hikes or must-do activities
- Scenic drives or ranger programs
- Downtime (sunsets, stargazing, sitting by the lake)
🔥 Pro tip: Download offline maps before you go. Cell service is nonexistent in most parks, and Google Maps won’t help when you’re lost in Canyonlands.
Step 5: Prep Your Gear & Get Hyped
Make sure you’re ready for the elements:
- Hiking basics: boots, layers, hydration pack
- Navigation: maps, GPS app (like Gaia or AllTrails+)
- Safety: first aid, bear spray (if needed), sun protection
- Extras: binoculars, portable coffee kit, journal
💡 Now’s a great time to gift yourself or a friend something for their 2026 trips — or use the holidays to upgrade your setup.
👇 Ready to Plan?
Explore all your options with our full list of U.S. parks, and get moving before permits, campsites, and cabins are long gone.
2026 is your year to hit the trails.
Let’s make it epic.
