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Things You Just Don't Do In The National Park System

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Published Date

September 20, 2023

There's a reason there's a boardwalk to take you close to Grand Prismatic Spring/Rebecca Latson file

It should come as no surprise that there are some things you just don't do in the National Park System. 

For example, here's a short list of no-no's:

* Do not pose for a selfie with a bison, or try to get really close for that closeup. Yes, they can appear cute and docile, but they're anything but.

* Do not try to climb down to get a better view of an eruption of Kīlauea at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

* Do not try to correct punctuation on National Park Service interpretive exhibits.

* Do not rely on your vehicle's navigation system while in a park.

* Do not try to hike from rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon in summer.

* Elk antlers are sharp and can skewer you. Do not try to get close to a bull elk, especially during the fall rut.

* Do leave your trip itinerary with a friend or family member if you're heading out on a solo trek in a park, especially a rugged one such as Canyonlands National Park.

* Don't abandon your climbing companion, with the rope, if you disagree on how to proceed.

* Always follow the speed limit when traveling in parks and watch out for wildlife, but if you're going to speed, pay extra attention for wildlife.

* Not only should you not drink and drive, you also should not drink and ride.

* Don't second-guess the signs at Yellowstone National Park that say hot springs can be dangerously hot.

* Do not go off-trail along the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park to get a closer look at the Merced River as it plunges out of the high country down to the Yosemite Valley.

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Comments

Submitted by A. Johnson on September 21, 2023 - 4:32pm.

I once "led" some friends on a camping trip to Utah parks in March about 5 years ago.  I emailed them information and news stories on the parks including the death & dangers up on Angel's Landing.

 

So, we get up the Wiggles to Scout's rest,and then it starts to sleet...in sheets.  Waves of sleet.  Then one of my friends decides to head up to Angel's Landing.  I went ballastic.  I told her husband, who stayed at Scout's rest, that it was one of the most reckless acts I witnessed.

 

I headed back down out of disgust.  

I waited at the bus stop in the rain, and they appeared in 15-20 minutes. She decided to turn around after a few hundred yards.  

 

I refuse to take any more trips with her.

 

Nat'l Park Tip:  Don't head up Angel's Landing in a sleet storm.


Submitted by Teresa on September 26, 2023 - 5:20pm.

Don't climb Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park in flip-flops


Submitted by Tim Bear on September 27, 2023 - 9:46am.

Don't try to pose your kid(s) on the back of an elk for a photo (saw this attempted numerous times while working @ Grand Canyon one summer). Crazy people! 


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