- Over the past decade, I’ve traveled solo to 59 of the major US national parks.
- Although I’ve visited some parks multiple times, there are a few I wouldn’t return to.
- Despite having great experiences, I wouldn’t return to Glacier Bay or Haleakalā National Park.
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US National Park. Despite having great experiences
Over the past decade, I’ve traveled to nearly every US national park solo, many of them multiple times. At several parks, I started planning a return trip before I even left.
However, I’ve had just as many realizations that I likely won’t be revisiting a park, either because it’s not for me, it’s too expensive or overcrowded, or it’s such a bucket-list experience that it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Of the 59 major US National Parks I’ve visited so far, these are the ones I likely won’t revisit.
National Park in Alaska
I loved Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, but it can be expensive and logistically difficult to visit.
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful places on this earth. That’s why some might find it surprising that I don’t see myself going back anytime soon.
Although I loved experiencing Glacier Bay National Park on a Norwegian Bliss cruise, visiting the park can be both costly and logistically challenging.
Because the park is mostly made up of water, most visitors enter the park on cruise ships, which, in some cases, can cost thousands of dollars. However, only two ships are permitted to enter the waters each day, making this park harder to visit than others.
New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park just wasn’t for me.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is otherworldly. But the park famed for its protection of over 119 known caves — including the legendary “Big Room” and nightly bat flights in the summer months — just isn’t my style.
Personally, I just don’t enjoy exploring caves.
New Mexico has so much to offer, and I’d rather explore White Sands National Park, Bandelier National Monument, or Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu for outdoor beauty and hiking.
Visiting Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Although visiting Haleakalā National Park was one of my favorite experiences, I likely won’t return anytime soon.
Watching the sunset atop the summit of the Haleakalā volcano was one of the most memorable things I’ve done at a national park. But I’m OK leaving it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If I return to Hawaii, there are many other destinations I’d like to explore.
Springs National Park feels
In my opinion, Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park feels more like a national monument.
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a bit of a controversial designation in some national park lovers’ communities. That’s because, unlike many other parks in the system, Hot Springs is made up of lots of man-made structures.
Although the park itself is rich in history, it definitely feels more like a national monument than a national park. Much of the park is located within the city, and the hot springs are mostly developed from their natural state.
I would revisit if I were already in the area, but if not, I’d opt for a trip to the Buffalo National River or Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas.
Dunes National Park
I found Indiana Dunes National Park to be too close to industrial areas.
The proximity of Indiana Dunes National Park, which is located about an hour outside Chicago, is a huge plus for urban dwellers. However, I wouldn’t make a special trip to this park again.
The dunes and park are beautiful — and great for a beach day — but still have views of industrial areas and power plants, which takes away from the awe and wonder I aim to experience at a national park.
Yellowstone National Park
I’d only return to Yellowstone National Park outside peak visiting times.
Although I’ll always revisit Yellowstone National Park — one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been lucky enough to visit — I won’t do it on a summer or holiday weekend.
As the country’s first official national park, it’s a bucket-list destination for a good reason. However, if visiting on a summer or holiday weekend, you’ll likely encounter massive crowds.
There have been times when I’ve sat in my car for over an hour to enter the park and then wasn’t able to find parking. When this happens, I become frustrated instead of excited and filled with joy.
Instead, I’d spend the weekend in Bridger-Teton National Forest and return to Yellowstone early on a weekday.
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