Some National Parks Are Free Right Now—But Should You Visit?

A visit to a national park looks like a terrific idea right about now. Leaving your house, fresh air, and plenty of space to social distance– what could be bad about that?

After Interior Secretary David Bernhardt waived charges for national parks visitors earlier this week, lots of people may be questioning: Is it okay to go to national parks during the COVID-19 break out?

Sadly, like much about this pandemic, the answer isn’t easy. Yes, the bulk of national parks are staying open (in the meantime), but many things will be customized.

Important services (such as visitor centers, toilets, camping site, and shuttles) will be closed as a health precaution. If you do check out a park, you’ll need to be prepared to be completely self-reliant– so come prepared with maps, plenty of food and drink, and emergency situation materials.

Other parks are experiencing a flood of visitors today that makes it difficult to follow social distancing standards, and that’s sparking concern in citizens over an increase of individuals increasing the risk of contagion. The Mayor of Moab, Emily Niehaus, told the Salt Lake Tribune, “Moab is asking people to please stay in their house neighborhood. This is an immediate message to individuals thinking about travel to Moab.”

It’s likewise essential to consider if you would be putting park rangers in threat by going to a park. The Union to Secure America’s National Parks launched a declaration stating, “National forest welcome visitors from all over the world. Numerous National Park Service (NPS) workers engage with members of the public everyday. These workers should not be exempt from recommendations made by the CDC. Even more, to suggest to the public that gathering at national park sites is appropriate when gathering at restaurants, theaters, libraries, and other public spaces is no longer safe is reckless to the visiting public and staff members.”

Practice #SocialDistancing! CDC states to avoid groups larger than 10 and stay 6 feet apart. You can help slow the spread of COVID-19!

We do not recommend hiking hectic narrow routes (like Angels Landing).

NPS Image taken the other day (3/21/20) on Angels Landing. pic.twitter.com/SXvErSuCu2

— Zion National Park (@ZionNPS) March 22, 2020

If you are thinking about a journey to a nationwide park, think of whether you can do it responsibly.

Prior to departing, ask yourself: Will you need to travel a cross country to arrive, leading to stops at rest areas, dining establishments, and hotels? Or can you take a trip there and back in your car, from your home, without much public exposure?

Are you visiting a crowded trailhead, where it may be difficult to stay six feet far from other groups of hikers, or can you park your car and walking without engaging with anybody else?

If you do decide to go, The NPS is prompting park visitors to follow all existing CDC guidelines, particularly cleaning hands regularly and most notably– staying at home if you feel ill.

Make certain to check the private park’s NPS page before going to, as some parks (specifically those in metropolitan environments, such as the National Shopping mall) have closed.

The very same suggestions uses for visiting state parks, a few of which may be waiving costs at this time. Check the website for the state park you wish to visit prior to you go, to confirm it is open and to see what limitations use to visitors.