USA National Parks

National Parks protect some of North America’s most spectacular scenery. Though their primary purpose is preservation, the parks also host recreational activities such as ranger talks, guided hikes, marked trails, skiing, and snowshoe expeditions. For info, contact the National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20240 (☎202-208-6843; www.nps.gov).

Entrance fees vary. The larger and more popular parks charge a $4-20 entry fee for cars and sometimes a $2-7 fee for pedestrians and cyclists. The Interagency Annual Pass ($80), has replaced the old National Parks Pass and the Golden Eagle Passport hologram, allows the passport-holder’s party (up to 3 adults, unlimited children) entry into all public lands across the country, including national parks and sites managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. National Parks Passes purchased in 2008 will expire 12 months from the date of first use (punched at the first gate entry).

Interagency Annual Passes can be purchased at park entrances and also by writing to National Park Foundation, P.O. Box 34108, Washington, D.C. 20043 (send $80 plus shipping and handling), online at www.nationalparks.org, or by calling ☎888-467-2757. US citizens or residents over 62 qualify for the Senior Pass ($10 one-time fee), which entitles the holder’s party to free park entry, a 50% discount on camping, and 50% reductions on various recreational fees for the passport holder. Disabled persons can enjoy the same privileges with the Access Pass (free).

Most national parks have both backcountry and developed camping. Some welcome RVs, and a few offer grand lodges. At the more popular parks in the US, reservations, available through MISTIX (☎800-365-2267; www.recreation.gov) are essential, no more than five months in advance. Indoor accommodations should be reserved months in advance. Campgrounds often observe first come, first served policies; many fill up by late morning.

Leave No Trace. Let’s Go encourages travelers to embrace the “Leave No Trace” ethic, minimizing their impact on natural environments and protecting them for future generations. Trekkers and wilderness enthusiasts should set up camp on durable surfaces, use cookstoves instead of campfires, bury human waste away from water supplies, bag trash and carry it out with them, and respect wildlife and natural objects. For more detailed information, contact the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO 80306 (☎800-332-4100 or 303-442-8222; www.lnt.org).

Often less accessible and less crowded, US National Forests (www.fs.fed.us) are a purist’s alternative to parks. While some have recreational facilities, most are equipped only for primitive camping—pit toilets and sites without water are the norm. When charged, entrance fees are $10-20, but camping is generally free or $3-5. Necessary wilderness permits for backpackers can be obtained at the US Forest Service field office in the area. The Guide to Your National Forests is available at all Forest Service branches, or you can call or write the main office (USDA Forest Service, Information Center, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250; ☎202-205-8333). This booklet includes a list of all National Forest addresses; request maps and other info directly from the forest(s) you plan to visit. Reservations with varying fees are available for most forests, but are usually only needed during high season at popular sites. Call the National Recreation Reservation Center up to one year in advance (☎877-444-6777, international 518-885-3639; www.reserveusa.com).