You are here

Home » Reader Survey Day: How Far From The National Park Parking Lot Do You Venture?

Reader Survey Day: How Far From The National Park Parking Lot Do You Venture?

Share

Published Date

July 22, 2015

Mister Bubbles, Yellowstone National Park/Kurt Repanshek

You have to venture into the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park to see (and soak in the overflow of) Mr. Bubbles./Kurt Repanshek

Its been said that in many national parks, visitors don't trek far from the parking lots. Which is a shame, as there's so much to see and experience in the backcountry. How far do you typically roam into the backcountry during your national park vacation?

While "windshield" tours of Shenandoah National Park, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and even Grand Teton National Park can give one the sense of experiencing those parks, don't you really need to head down a trail to truly experience the park?

Tell us, travelers, how far from the parking lot do you roam when you visit a national park?

Related Stories:

Any Future Eruption Of The Yellowstone Caldera Likely To Occur Along Northeastern Edge
New Study Outlines Fire Danger Of Dead Standing Trees In Yellowstone
Sunday's Podcast: Yellowstone Wolves At 30

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Mike Koz on July 22, 2015 - 10:20am.

While not a real backcountry hiker I will venture a long way from the parking lot. Basically day hikes.

Yellowstone NP I guess the furthest we went was about 5 miles.

Grand Teton NP about 6 miles

Smokey Mountain NP about 10 miles

Grand Canyon NP about 6 miles

Yosemite NP about 5 miles

Badlands NP about 3 miles

Denali NP about 1 mile

Acadia NP about 2 miles


Submitted by Anonymous on July 22, 2015 - 1:49pm.

day hikes, usually 3 - 5 miles one way


Submitted by Sean on July 22, 2015 - 3:08pm.

Depends on the park.

Glacier, I've been twenty miles into the backcountry, while at parks such as Yellowstone and Mount Rainier my farthest ventures were about ten.

I've been to the bottom of the Grand Canyon which is only about 7 miles from the trail head, however it's probably one of the most remote places one will ever visit.

At Denali I've venture only a few miles into the backcountry, however with so little development in this 6 million acre park, that one could get totally lost in the experience just a few hundred yards from the road.


Submitted by Megaera on July 22, 2015 - 3:45pm.

My capacity's about 3 miles at altitude, 4 or 5 at sea level, and I always try to get out at least a mile or two.


Submitted by Kirby Adams on July 22, 2015 - 4:24pm.

Day hikes for me, usually. Three miles deep is good. I tend to hike extremely slowly, though. Six miles is an all day affair when you stop every seventeen feet to look at ferns or birds or lichens or centipedes.


Submitted by Acadia on my mind on July 22, 2015 - 4:58pm.

We've backpacked in Zion, driven off-road in Death Valley, hiked to Wheeler in Great Basin and done nearly all 150+ miles of hiking trails in Acadia (mostly for our Acadia hiking guides, but also for pure pleasure). We try to get as far away from parking lots and crowds as possible.


Submitted by NP_Day_Hiker on July 23, 2015 - 7:58am.

I've been to 20 U.S. National Parks and always try to get out on a few day hikes. I've done most of hiking in Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion, Arches, and Yosemite. In fact, I've written a book about my times hiking in the National Parks, if anyone's interested in checking it out, The Adventures of a Day Hiker: An Exploration of America's National Parks.

http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Day-Hiker-Exploration-Americas/dp/15089...


Submitted by Brown on July 28, 2015 - 2:08pm.

I am not brave and don't go too far, especially in the West. Thank goodness there are beautiful things to see close to the lots. We take boat rides, Ranger tours, and hikes of less than 3 miles. There are good things for all of us to see, thanks to fine planning by the Park Service.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.