Time for one more trip? Try a national park

It’s already mid-July and it feels like the summer is slipping away. Remember summer as a kid, the fun, carefree nights and family vacations? Now as college students, our summers are often filled with working to pay for that next year of school. If so far this summer you haven’t had the chance to break away, there’s still time. One of my favorite things about Utah is the easy access to some great vacation destinations like the national parks.

A hiker finds his way around the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park

Utah boasts five large national parks and a few smaller national monuments. All are within reasonable distance for a quick weekend get-away. All parks have campgrounds open to public reservation, and though they fill up fast, Kampgrounds of America or other campsites can be found in the surrounding areas.

A couple of my favorite parks that I’ve been to this year alone are Zions National Park, near St. George, and Arches National Park, just outside of Moab.  Pro tip: do a bit of research for camping/lodging beforehand. If you’re going to camp in Southern Utah, look to see if there are campgrounds more up in the mountains where you’ll be cooler and have more shade.  

Start packing your bags, here’s a few ideas and tips to get the most out of your trip:

• Plan ahead – know where you’re staying and what to take. Don’t expect camping to be open when you show up.
• Take a lot of water – It’s hot. Have plenty of water with you, and carry even more if you’re hiking. A small
  

  National parks offer trails for all shapes and sizes

  Dasani water bottle won’t cut it, and yes, you’ll see people who will try.

• Go early – Not only will this help you stay cool, but also most national parks have big issues having enough staff to run the toll booth in the mornings. Save yourself $30 and go extra early. The park is always open, sometimes you have to pay.
• Look outside the park – often there are great hikes just outside the park that you don’t have to pay for. Try Corona’s Arch only a couple miles away from Arches, with camping around the corner.

Take your selfie stick and a good friend and go out and have one last adventure for this summer.

richard.w.poll@gmail.com