National Park Pro Tips

As National Park Week 2025 winds down, it’s the perfect time to shift from inspiration to action. If you’ve been dreaming about your next adventure, now’s the moment to start planning it—intentionally, mindfully, and with a few pro tips in your back pocket.  National Park Pro Tips will ensure you are ready to hit the trail!

In this week’s episode of the Wandering But Not Lost Podcast, we’re sharing our best advice for making the most of your time in nature. Whether you’re exploring your first national park or your fiftieth, these tips will help you wander smarter and soak in the beauty with more clarity, ease, and presence.

Listen to Episode 349: National Park Pro Tips

→ Click here to listen or watch → Or find us on your favorite podcast app under Wandering But Not Lost

Miss our National Park Blog Posts? 

Our Favorite National Parks

We kicked off the conversation by reflecting on some of our favorite national park experiences:

Jan’s Top Picks:

  • Yosemite National Park – a spiritual home
  • Sequoia National Park – where giants dwell
  • Utah’s Mighty 5 – for red rock wonder

Matt’s You Need to Go Parks:

  • Glacier National Park – alpine beauty and turquoise lakes
  • Olympic National Park – where rainforest meets rugged coast
  • Acadia National Park – East Coast charm with epic sunrises

Bucket List Parks We Can’t Wait to Visit

Even after all our adventures, there are still parks calling to us:

Matt’s Bucket List:

  • Mammoth Cave – the world’s longest known cave system
  • Channel Islands – rugged and remote
  • Isle Royale – a wilderness island in Lake Superior

Jan’s Bucket List:

  • Redwoods – the tallest trees on Earth
  • Crater Lake – Oregon’s crystalline caldera
  • Rocky Mountain – alpine meadows and soaring peaks

Planning Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Before you even leave your driveway, a little prep goes a long way.

  • Choose the right park for your vibe. Want solitude, challenge, family time, or awe? Different parks offer different energies.
  • Download the NPS App. It’s a must-have tool for maps, trail info, alerts, and conditions.
  • Check current conditions. Fire alerts, weather changes, and trail closures can shift fast.
  • Reserve early. Especially for popular parks like Yosemite, Zion, and Arches. Think: timed entry, permits, and campsites.
  • Practice Leave No Trace. Respect nature by leaving it just as you found it—or better.

Packing Tips from the Trail

What you bring can make or break your day on the trail.

Jan’s Essentials:

  • Daypack with water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers
  • Trail map or app like AllTrails or Gaia GPS
  • First aid kit, whistle, flashlight
  • Extra socks, bug spray, and a light rain shell
  • Journal, pen, and sit pad for reflection

Matt’s Bonus Pro Tips:

  • Roll your clothes to save space (lifesaver!)
  • Invest in one great pair of trail shoes you trust
  • Don’t forget to take a battery to recharge your phone & lights!

How to Be Present While You’re There

Nature invites presence—if we’re willing to slow down.

  • Don’t try to do it all. One powerful moment > ten rushed ones.
  • Hydrate early and often. Especially in high altitudes or desert parks.
  • Respect wildlife. Stay 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other animals.
  • Use restrooms when you see them. Seriously. 😅
  • Take quiet breaks. Sit. Breathe. Observe.

Mindful Practices to Add Meaning

Want to deepen your experience beyond the sights?

Try this:

  • Sit Spot Practice: Pick a spot and sit for 10 minutes. No phone. Just listen, breathe, and jot down what you notice.
  • Themed Noticing: Focus on one sensory detail—like color, texture, or sound—and track it all day.
  • Set an intention before each hike.
  • End with gratitude. Ask: What did I learn, feel, or remember today?

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts

Your next national park visit doesn’t need to be epic to be impactful. A simple walk among the trees, a quiet sit by a stream, or the feel of dirt underfoot can be the reset your soul craves.

So pick your park, pack with intention, and remember:  Wander with intention. Align with clarity.

What’s your favorite National Park? Please drop a comment below or tag us on Instagram @wanderforclarity. We’d love to hear about your adventures!