America’s national parks are more popular than ever, with attendance doubling at many locations in just the last ten years – or maxing out completely as more travelers flock to outdoor destinations while the COVID-19 pandemic lags on. However, the good news for intrepid travelers is that most tourists never venture further than one mile from their car. Therefore, with a bit of planning, ingenuity, and exercise, a clever visitor can find a great spot all to themselves, or darn close to it. Here are our top picks for how to escape the crowds and find a slice of pristine wilderness in some of the country’s most visited national parks.
1. Take in the views at Mineral King
Sequoia National Park, California
Although you’ll have to drive an hour down a rugged dirt road to reach Sequoia’s Mineral King area, the reward is spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada Range alongside plentiful hiking and backpacking opportunities. The trail up to Franklin Lakes (12 miles round trip) makes for an awesome day hike or overnight trek, passing by waterfalls and, in summer, remarkable wildflowers. Furthermore, serious adventurers may want to embark on a 3-4 day journey over Franklin Pass to the secluded Kern Hot Springs.
2. Experience solitude on the East Inlet Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Situated on the far less traveled, western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the East Inlet Trail serves as a fantastic launching point for hikers looking to discover magnificent mountain vistas, diverse wildlife, waterfalls, and, most importantly, solitude. This trail begins at Adams Falls and steadily climbs up through a mountainous valley, with views improving as you ascend. It extends for 16 miles round trip to Spirit Lake, and a longer overnight trek is possible for those wanting to continue to Fourth Lake and over Boulder Grand Pass.
3. Consider a 15-mile trek in Kolob Canyon
Zion National Park, Utah
Located within the park’s northern, higher elevation section, Kolob Canyon boasts the stunning red rock and expansive vistas that one would expect from Zion, yet with far fewer crowds. A scenic drive along East Kolob Canyon Road precedes a hike amidst towering, rust-colored fins and escarpments on the La Verkin Creek Trail. Additionally, serious trekkers and hikers should not miss visiting Kolob Arch (15 miles round trip – mostly flat), ideal for a long day hike or a leisurely backpacking excursion along a gently bubbling creek.
4. Paddle the tide pools at Schooner Head Overlook
Acadia National Park, Maine
Use a tide schedule app on your phone and traverse the Park Loop Road to Schooner Head Overlook. At low tide, head to the rocky shore to discover numerous tide pools brimming with barnacles, sea urchins, and crabs. However, be cautious of slippery seaweed on the rocks. Visitors comfortable with scrambling on wet rocks should not miss Anemone Cave, accessible only at low tide via careful rock-hopping. While entering the cave isn’t recommended by the National Park Service, you can safely view its interior from the rocks nearby.
5. See the spring alpine flowers in Hetch Hetchy
Yosemite National Park, California
Situated in the least-visited northwestern quadrant of Yosemite, Hetch Hetchy is an area that John Muir once famously referenced as “one of nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” Although the valley was dammed to create a reservoir for drinking water, the mountainous surroundings remain stunning and devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of the rest of Yosemite. Visitors can enjoy day hikes or a spectacular 25-mile backpacking loop that traverses several of the area’s gorgeous lakes and waterfalls. Timing your visit for spring will provide a chance to see stunning bursts of alpine wildflowers.
6. Try a short off-trail route on Sidewinder Canyon
Death Valley National Park, California
Approximately 20 minutes by car from Badwater Basin lies a small, unsigned parking lot and an inconspicuous trail leading toward a trio of slot canyons. After hiking 6 miles up an imposing desert wash, visitors can squeeze, shimmy, and scramble through narrow breccia rock formations. For those feeling uneasy about off-trail exploration, precise, printed directions for the round trip can be obtained at the ranger station in Furnace Creek. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water.
7. Cliff dive at Sinks Swimming Hole – if you dare
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Experience one of the most picturesque spots on Tennessee’s Little River Road scenic drive, located just 12 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Travelers can relax on the massive river boulders, unwind near a rushing waterfall, and swim in the clear natural pools to cool off on a hot summer day. For the bravest members of your party, cliff diving from nearby rocks remains a popular activity among locals.
8. Experience total solitude in the West Tetons
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Idaho side of the Tetons offers a far less crowded access point, with camping available in Caribou-Targhee National Forest and services in nearby Driggs and Victor. While some hikes are technically outside the national park boundaries, they fall within the same range. Table Mountain serves as an outstanding hike starting in Targhee, providing solitude, bountiful wildflowers, and stunning high-alpine scenery without the crowded backdrop found on the eastern side of the range. This hike culminates at the flat-top summit of Table Mountain, offering excellent views of the Grand Teton, Alaska Basin, and the western slope of the peaks – the sights that originally captivated photographer William H. Jackson during the 1872 Hayden Geological Survey.
9. Follow a low-grade hike around the Lone Star Geyser
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
To escape the mass of visitors at Old Faithful, head instead to Teton County, Wyoming’s Lone Star Geyser. This mellow, 4.8-mile (round trip) hike or bike ride down an old park road brings visitors through a dense pine forest, occasionally opening to stunning meadow views. At the trail’s endpoint, you’ll witness the geyser erupt, which occurs approximately every three hours; consider utilizing a geyser times app to stay updated. It’s the perfect spot to relax over lunch while you await the geyser’s performance. Prior to this hike, download the NPS Yellowstone App on your phone as cell service is limited within the park.
10. Go at sunrise to Shoshone Point
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Shoshone Point offers all the grandeur of Mather Point and Bright Angel, yet devoid of the throngs that can hinder a decent photo opportunity. Travelers here must walk an easy, 1-mile (each way) former service road to reach this viewpoint. Here, gaze out at layer upon layer of vibrant red canyon rock and attempt to glimpse the mighty Colorado River, situated a vertical mile below. For a truly serene experience, plan your visit for sunrise to enjoy the location without any distractions.
This article was originally published in March 2020 and was updated in September 2021.
