National parks are breathtaking, but they can also be incredibly crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Whether you’re looking for a quiet hike, a peaceful camping experience, or just a moment to truly connect with nature, large crowds can sometimes get in the way. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can help you avoid the masses and enjoy a more tranquil experience in even the most popular national parks.

1. Visit During the Off Season

One of the best ways to avoid the crowds is to visit during the off-season. Many national parks experience their busiest times during the summer months, so try to plan your trips in the spring or fall. Some national parks have really short seasons where everything is open, so if the summertime is the only time that is viable I would recommend going in May or September. These months typically allow you to see most of the park while also avoiding crowds since many kids are in school still. Some parks are even better during different, such as Acadia during the fall when you can see the vibrant colors of the fall foliage.

When I went on a 6 week road trip I departed in early May, and did not find any of the parks to be super busy until the last few weeks of the trip. When I went to Glacier only part of Going to the Sun road was open, and even though I would have liked to see the whole thing, not having to deal with a crazy crowded park was worth it. There were a ton of other great things to do, and although I would love to go back when the road is open, my visit in early June was well worth it.

2. Start Your Day Early

If you’re unable to visit during the off-season or just want to avoid the mid-day rush, one of the best strategies is simply to get your day started early. Many visitors arrive in the late morning or afternoon, so by getting up before sunrise, you’ll have the trails, viewpoints, and key attractions mostly to yourself.

This worked especially well for us in a popular park like Yosemite. We got up crazy early (like 4:30am) so we could be in the park by 5am, and we did the most popular things first. As the day went on, we ventured to the less crowded areas of the park since we had already seen the popular spots by late morning. I’ve also found that the early hours of the day are often the best time to hike, especially in popular parks like Glacier or Yosemite. There’s something magical about witnessing the first rays of sunlight hitting the landscape, and without the crowds, you can truly take in the beauty of the park without distraction.

3. Opt for Weekdays Instead of Weekends

If you’re able to visit on weekdays, you’ll typically find fewer people, especially if you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons. Most visitors tend to arrive on weekends, so if you can plan your trip mid-week, you’ll likely experience less crowded conditions.

When I was on my 6 week road trip I tried to plan it so I could avoid weekends in the popular parks, but sometimes this is unavoidable. If I was in a popular park during the weekend, I tried to go the less popular areas of the park and do the more popular areas during the week. Campsites also tend to be more rowdy on the weekends, so consider finding a less popular campsite for those days.

4. Use Alternative Transportation

In some parks, taking a shuttle or using public transportation can help you avoid the chaos of parking and crowded visitor centers. Many parks, like Zion and Yosemite, offer shuttle services to key points of interest. This allows you to bypass the traffic and crowds while still enjoying all the park has to offer.

Finding parking can be one of the hardest parts of visiting the popular spots, so this is a great option to avoid that. You can also avoid having to sit in traffic, giving you more time to enjoy the park.