12 mistakes you're making when visiting national parks, according to a former park ranger of 37 years

Monica HumphriesJun 8, 2024, 00:14 IST

Tom Haraden worked in the National Park Services for 37 years.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Visitors make avoidable mistakes when visiting national parks, a former ranger told Business Insider.
Tom Haraden spent 37 years protecting visitors and wildlife in nine national parks across the US.

For 37 years, Tom Haraden worked in nine national parks across the US.

Haraden's self-described "magical" career in the National Park Service started in 1972 as a volunteer in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Since then, he's worked in eight other US national parks.

"I loved every minute," Haraden told Business Insider.

During this time, he has spoken to thousands of visitors and seen plenty of mistakes.

During his four-decade career, Haraden said some mistakes were common. Nearly all of them were avoidable.

Tom Haraden shows off an old picture of himself working in the national parks.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The first common mistake Haraden said visitors make is trying to squeeze too much into a single trip. Instead, travel slow.

A person sits in silence at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Don't expect solitude. And if that's the goal, be willing to research and hike farther out.

Crowds gather to watch the sunset at the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Don't arrive without an itinerary. No matter where you go, research the park to get a sense of what you want to do once you're there.

A map of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

While Haraden encourages visitors to have a plane, he also urges them to be flexible.

A crowded hike at Arches National Park in Utah.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Don't forget to pack enough water, and don't assume bottled water will be readily available.

A visitor in Arches National Park carries water in their backpack.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Make sure you have the proper supplies for the hikes and activities you're embarking on, like a windbreaker or bear mace.

The author with a backpack of supplies in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Never get too close to wildlife. Haraden says visitors could get seriously hurt and get the animal euthanized, too.

A bison walks past a crowd of people at Yellowstone National Park.George Frey/Getty Images

Don't assume that staying in the national park will be more expensive than staying in hotels or cabins outside the park. However, you will likely need to book accommodations far in advance.

The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park in California.Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images

Don't assume that staying in the national park will be more expensive than staying in hotels or cabins outside the park. However, you will likely need to book accommodations far in advance.

Haraden urges visitors to keep elevation in mind when planning their trip.

A hiker in Glacier National Park, Montana.JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images

On a similar note, Haraden encourages visitors to consider the heat as summertime approaches.

An extreme heat danger sign at Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, on Monday, July 17, 2023, in Death Valley, CA.Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Don't rely on your phone or GPS for directions. Pack a map and be prepared to lose cell service.

A person points to a map of Everglades National Park in Florida.CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images

Haraden says visitors shouldn't make the mistake of not asking for help or advice from park rangers.

A park ranger at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.George Frey/Getty Images

Haraden's most important piece of advice is to consider the people who will explore and discover the parks after you.

Tom Haraden worked in the National Park Services for 37 years.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

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12 mistakes you're making when visiting national parks, according to a former park ranger of 37 years

During his four-decade career, Haraden said some mistakes were common. Nearly all of them were avoidable.

The first common mistake Haraden said visitors make is trying to squeeze too much into a single trip. Instead, travel slow.

Don't expect solitude. And if that's the goal, be willing to research and hike farther out.

Don't arrive without an itinerary. No matter where you go, research the park to get a sense of what you want to do once you're there.

While Haraden encourages visitors to have a plane, he also urges them to be flexible.

Don't forget to pack enough water, and don't assume bottled water will be readily available.

Make sure you have the proper supplies for the hikes and activities you're embarking on, like a windbreaker or bear mace.

Never get too close to wildlife. Haraden says visitors could get seriously hurt and get the animal euthanized, too.

Don't assume that staying in the national park will be more expensive than staying in hotels or cabins outside the park. However, you will likely need to book accommodations far in advance.

Haraden urges visitors to keep elevation in mind when planning their trip.

On a similar note, Haraden encourages visitors to consider the heat as summertime approaches.

Don't rely on your phone or GPS for directions. Pack a map and be prepared to lose cell service.

Haraden says visitors shouldn't make the mistake of not asking for help or advice from park rangers.

Haraden's most important piece of advice is to consider the people who will explore and discover the parks after you.