How Do I Turn My Move Into a National Park Trip?
1. Plan Ahead
The first step to getting the most out of your relocation road trip is to research the parks along your moving route. Websites like nps.gov and apps like Chimani can help you easily identify which parks you’ll pass along the way.
This will give you a better idea of how much time you’ll need to allocate to each park and how much time you’ll have left to spend on the road. Planning ahead also means making reservations for campsites, lodges or activities that require booking in advance. By taking these steps, you’ll be able to optimize your time at each park and avoid the disappointment of not being able to experience everything you had hoped for.
2. Prioritize Your Interests
National parks offer an array of activities and natural wonders, making it crucial to prioritize your interests. Are you an avid hiker? Consider visiting a park with exceptional trails. Do you want to spot wildlife? Choose a park with a thriving animal population.
To help plan your visit, be sure to check the specific park website or use an app like AllTrails to obtain more information about the activities that interest you.
3. Get a National Parks Pass
If you plan on visiting more than one national park, a National Parks Pass is a must-have item. The pass will save you time and money in the long run. You can learn more about your park pass options at nps.gov.
By investing in a pass, you’ll be able to make the most out of your national park visits and enjoy the benefits of being a frequent visitor.
4. Don’t Pack Away Your Outdoor Gear
As you pack for your move, be sure to keep essential gear like hiking shoes, water bottles and sunscreen on your person. Don’t pack these items away in the moving truck, as they will come in handy when you’re exploring the national parks along your route.
By keeping these items readily accessible, you’ll be able to take advantage of any impromptu hiking opportunities or sudden changes in weather without having to rummage through your belongings.
5. Layers are Key
Depending on how far your move is, you may experience different climates simply by driving across the country. This is especially true as you get into the mountains, where the weather can be particularly unpredictable; it could be 16°F in the morning and 60°F by the afternoon.
To ensure you’re prepared for any weather conditions, it’s essential to dress in layers. This will not only keep you comfortable but also make your life easier as you won’t have to constantly change your clothes.
6. Hire a Moving Company
You don’t want to be weighed down by all of your belongings when embarking on your national parks adventure. Hiring a moving company to transport your cumbersome items can save you a lot of hassle and stress, leaving you free to focus on the open road and the adventures ahead.
Wheaton World Wide is a reliable moving company with agents all over the country. They’ll take care of your belongings, no matter where you’re headed.
How Many National Parks are There? Where Are They?
There are 423 national park sites in the United States, which includes parks, monuments and historic sites. Of these, 63 are designated national parks. This means that depending on your location and destination, you have a multitude of options to choose from. Here are the national parks to choose from based on your region:
WEST
- Arches National Park (Utah)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)
- Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
- Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
- Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
- Channel Islands National Park (California)
- Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
- Death Valley National Park (California and Nevada)
- Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
- Glacier National Park (Montana)
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
- Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
- Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado)
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)
- Joshua Tree National Park (California)
- Kings Canyon National Park (California)
- Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)
- Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
- Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
- North Cascades National Park (Washington)
- Olympic National Park (Washington)
- Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
- Pinnacles National Park (California)
- Redwood National and State Parks (California)
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
- Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
- Sequoia National Park (California)
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho)
- Yosemite National Park (California)
- Zion National Park (Utah)
MIDWEST
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
- Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)
- Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
- Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)
- Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Missouri)
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan)
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Michigan)
- Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)
EAST
- Acadia National Park (Maine)
- Biscayne National Park (Florida)
- Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
- Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)
- Everglades National Park (Florida)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina)
- Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Ready to Hit the Open Road?
Incorporating national parks into your moving plans is a great way to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. By planning ahead, prioritizing your interests, getting a National Parks Pass, keeping your outdoor gear close by, dressing in layers and hiring a moving company (like Wheaton World Wide) you’ll be well on your way to a successful adventure!
