I Road-Tripped To 8 National Parks. Here Are The Ones You Can't Miss.

1. Follow 'leave no trace' principles.

Because many National Parks workers and rangers were laid off, each parks’ efforts to keep trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and restrooms may be minimized, irregular, or non-existent. Following ‘leave no trace’ principles implies your full responsibility for cleaning up the trash, food scraps, and more that you bring into the park.

Leaving no trace also includes staying on designated trails to prevent erosion that could impact local ecosystems and wildlife. And when it comes to wildlife, it’s best to not interact with their habitats – keep a safe distance and never feed the animals you may come across. This is also for your own safety!

For more information and guidance on how you can leave no trace, visitLNT.org.

2. Plan ahead.

If your national park itinerary includes day hiking, backpacking, or camping, planning ahead will be a key step in making sure your trip is as seamless as can be. This is especially pertinent as certain trails and areas may experience closures in light of the recent NPS layoffs.

So, what does planning ahead look like? It could be checking park websites in advance to be aware of any closures, fees, wait times, or limited services, bringing your own maps, first-aid kits, and packing plenty of food and water.

3. Get familiar with being self-sufficient.

This next method for responsibly visiting national parks goes hand-in-hand with ‘leave no trace’ and planning ahead. Since certain park rescue and ranger positions were also affected by the cuts, you’ll want to be 100% positive that you’ve brought everything you need in case of an emergency.

You’re not entirely on your own, though. During your visit, you’re sure to run into friendly faces that know basic first aid principles, how to read a map, and how to reach out for help if it’s needed. Make a friend on the trail or campground and simply show up for each other!

4. Be patient and respectful.

Fewer workers and rangers in the national parks may mean slower service, whether it’s waiting to enter the parks or pay for goods. Of course, a slower process puts on a strain on everyone – visitors and workers alike. Be kind to staff and fellow parks lovers, and avoid peak hours to reduce any strain on park resources.

5. Support the parks through donations and volunteer work.

If you can’t make it out to (or simply don’t want to visit) a national park this season, you can still show your love and support for the parks by donating directly to NPS or groups like National Parks Conservation Association.

Additionally, contacting lawmakers in your local government for better park funding can be effective in making sure your voice is heard. Finally, you could also join volunteer programs in your nearest national park for things like trail maintenance or clean-ups.

1. View trails from beginning to end on Google Maps

Trails are easier to discover via Maps. When you search for a trail, you’ll see the entire route displayed, so you can easily find the starting point and the end. Upon searching, you’ll get a preview of the trail with reviews and photos from the Google Maps community. You’ll also be able to see the trail’s difficulty as well as what it’s used for.

2. Detailed Google Maps directions bring you straight to the trailhead or park entrance

Spare yourself the confusion of whether the trailhead you parked at is the trailhead you’re supposed to be hiking. Now, when you request walking or cycling directions to a particular trail, Google Maps will direct you right to its beginning.

3. Get informed when there's a heat wave warning

When you Google search for information on extreme heat events, the engine will show you details on predicted heat waves, tips on staying cool, and any urgent health concerns associated with hot weather. This feature is helpful for exploring National Parks in particular, so you’re not risking your wellbeing for exploration and fun. These warnings will pop up in a conspicuous space on your screen to eliminate confusion.

4. See how the planet evolved over time with Google Earth's update

Immerse yourself in Earth’s transformative nature using the biggest Google Earth update since 2017, Timelapse. The 4D experience takes you from the Amazon rainforest to the palm oil-rich land of Indonesia to shine a light on our changing planet and its problems and solutions, as well as a handful of beautiful natural phenomena that have unfolded over the past decades.

5. Easily view a National Park destination's can't-miss attractions

With a National Park-related search, you’ll now be able to easily view any notable attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trailheads within your desired park.

6. Go properly off the grid with offline Google Maps features

Reliable cell coverage isn’t guaranteed in the great outdoors. To help you responsibly explore parks with clarity, Google Maps brings you offline features. Just tap the "download" button on any park’s Google Maps listing to download it for offline use.

Itching to explore more?

Here are the most popular U.S. National Parks, according to Google*:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
3. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
4. Kenai Fjords National Park
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
6. Acadia National Park
7. Badlands National Park
8. Mount Rainier National Park
9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
10. Grand Teton National Park
11. Crater Lake National Park
12. Redwood National and State Parks
13. Olympic National Park
14. Haleakalā National Park
15. White Sands National Park
16. Arches National Park
17. Sequoia National Park
18. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
19. Dry Tortugas National Park
20. North Cascades National Park

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!