4 Insights I Wish I Had Before Solo Traveling to a National Park

Exploring the 63 national parks across the country as a solo adventurer provides a distinctive and fulfilling experience, allowing you to dictate your own schedule and pursue your passions without needing to accommodate others. It's easy to see the appeal—from the vibrant reefs of Biscayne National Park to the stunning dark skies of Big Bend National Park, these parks are truly remarkable destinations.

As a travel writer specializing in outdoor experiences, I've witnessed coastal brown bears devouring salmon in Lake Clark and Katmai, embarked on extensive hikes in Yosemite and Arches, scaled glaciers in Kenai Fjords, enjoyed scenic drives through Rocky Mountain and Canyonlands, and navigated the waters of Grand Tetons—all on my own.

Solo travel necessitates thorough planning and preparation to ensure your safety and enjoyment. If you're thinking about exploring parklands by yourself, check out these tips before you set out.

Select the right park and plan your itinerary

Begin by evaluating how accessible the parks you wish to visit are. Some, like Gates of the Arctic National Park, are quite remote and require significant travel, whereas others, such as Hot Springs National Park, offer easier access with nearby facilities. Additionally, consider the optimal time for your visit in terms of crowds—off-season trips can provide greater solitude, but may come with harsher weather conditions and fewer park staff available in case of emergencies.

After selecting a park, conduct thorough research. Collect details about the park's trails, seasonal weather patterns, and any potential dangers. Then, create your itinerary, mapping out your routes, rest stops, and accommodations, whether you plan to camp within the park or stay at a nearby hotel. Always prepare a backup plan—you don’t want to jeopardize your safety by being unready for unexpected situations.

It's wise to check whether the park requires any permits or reservations for entry, camping, or specific activities. Popular parks often have limited availability, so it's best to book in advance.

Ensure your safety

Getting immersed in the wilderness is wonderful . . . until you find yourself truly lost. Even in the busiest national parks, there are large areas where cell service may be unreliable or completely absent. It's advisable to download offline maps and mark important locations like visitor centers, accommodations, grocery stores, and gas stations in case you encounter difficulties. (Pro tip: Google provides detailed, interactive maps of national parks for download.) While your phone can be a useful tool, don’t depend solely on it. Carry a paper map, a compass, and a backup GPS device, like a Garmin InReach, and ensure you know how to use them.

Engaging with park rangers at the visitor center upon your arrival is a smart move. Rangers can offer invaluable insights on trail conditions, wildlife activity, and essential safety tips, so don’t hesitate to seek their advice and support.

Once you're in the park, stay vigilant about your surroundings, trail markers, and changing weather conditions. While solo adventurers aren’t necessarily at greater risk for accidents, help may be harder to come by in less populated areas. Always inform someone of your travel plans, including your anticipated return time—this is critical for rescue operations in case of emergencies.

Be aware of your limits. If you're not an experienced hiker or outdoor enthusiast, attempting a challenging 18-mile backcountry hike alone may not be wise. Instead, stick to the more popular and well-maintained trails. If you need assistance in finding a suitable route, visit alltrails.com or download the AllTrails app, which categorizes options in a given area by difficulty and length. It also features detailed maps and user reviews that provide insights on trail conditions and whether the path is suitable for dogs.

Pack wisely

The National Park Service recommends that every visitor carries the '10 essentials'—this is especially important if you’re solo and might forget something crucial. These essentials include navigational tools and safety items like a first-aid kit, sun protection, insulating layers, a flashlight, a multi-tool, a fire starter, an emergency shelter, and extra food and water. However, tailor this list to fit your specific itinerary—you probably won’t need matches or a tent for a day trip in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Aim to pack lightweight and practical gear. A quality backpack, durable hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and a filled water bottle can take you a long way. If you tend to drink a lot of water like I do, consider bringing a LifeStraw Water Filter for easy access to filtered water while on the move. I also suggest packing a camera and binoculars to capture the stunning landscapes and observe wildlife.

If you plan to hike in bear territory, don’t forget your bear spray. I’ve never had to use mine, which I attribute in part to engaging with other hikers or, when alone, attaching a Bear Bell to my backpack to signal my presence to any nearby bears. Generally, bears avoid conflict with humans—most encounters happen when bears are unexpectedly surprised by hikers.

One last tip regarding your gear: ensure you know how to use it and that it functions properly before heading deep into the wilderness. Few things can put a damper on your camping adventure like discovering that your new tent is missing a rain fly. Change the batteries in your headlamp, check that your inflatable sleeping pad is leak-free, and break in your boots well ahead of your hike.

Savor the journey

Fully immersing yourself in the experience is one of the greatest pleasures of solo travel. Relish the freedom to explore at your own pace, taking the time to soak in the scenery, observe wildlife, capture photos, and rest whenever you feel the need.

Remember, solo travel doesn’t mean you have to be on your own all the time. Many parks offer guided walks, presentations, and activities that can enrich your visit and add a social aspect to your adventure (often, it's easy to snag a single spot on a tour, even as a walk-in). You could stargaze with a park ranger at Arches, attend a sled dog demonstration at Denali, or explore Indigenous storytelling at Yellowstone, for instance. Be sure to check the park's website and the bulletin boards at the visitor center for the activity schedule.

If you prefer not to camp alone, choose parks with charming gateway towns (such as Sequim, Washington for Olympic National Park or Bar Harbor, Maine for Acadia), where you can spend your evenings wandering through local shops, dining at restaurants, and enjoying bars before settling down on a comfortable mattress. Whether you're in town or on the trails, connect with fellow visitors; you might just make new friends along the way.