National parks are renowned for their remote natural beauty, stunning architecture, and diverse flora and fauna, although online accessibility hasn’t always been a strong point. In an effort to improve this situation, iBestTravel is introducing several updates that will help travelers explore these natural wonders.
These updates, rolling out for US parks starting in April and expanding internationally in the coming months, will make it easier to locate attractions, navigate popular trails, and download maps for offline use.
“After visiting 24 of the 63 US national parks, I understand how rewarding outdoor exploration can be,” stated Google Maps group product manager Michael Curtes. “I’m also aware of the challenges involved in planning outdoor adventures, such as finding the best trailheads. With these updates, navigating parks and discovering activities will feel like a walk in the park.”
Detailed Directions for Popular Trails
Anyone who has pulled up Google Maps in a remote area may have encountered a vast expanse of green space on their screen. However, with the latest updates, there is added support for those heading out for a hike.
Searching for a trail now reveals full-route directions from start to finish, alongside bullet points regarding trail characteristics, such as whether it’s a loop or out-and-back, difficulty level, expected travel time, suitability for various activities like running or cycling, and available amenities, including restrooms and parking.
Moreover, walking and cycling directions are more accurate, beginning with step-by-step instructions to reach the trailhead. Park entrances will also be marked clearly on the map.
Visual Aids Pointing to Park Attractions and Amenities
Whether your journey includes the country’s most popular or lesser-known national parks, such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park and National Park of American Samoa, taking full advantage of these sites is crucial.
Look for thumbnails that highlight main attractions, from Yellowstone’s Old Faithful to Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. Tapping on these images will yield user-generated content, including tips, reviews, photos, videos, and possibly information about closures and crowds.
Downloading Maps for Offline Use Made Easier
Downloading maps for use without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage has always been a smart travel tip. However, the process has often been cumbersome. By May, a download button will appear on all National Park Service listings, providing a much-needed shortcut and a reminder to manage offline maps before losing service.
What to Know About Planning a Trip to the National Parks in 2023
Planning a visit to national parks requires diligence, as conditions can change frequently due to extreme weather, maintenance, and other factors. Consequently, prospective visitors should conduct thorough research on activities that may require reservations, times when parks are free to enter, and essential items to bring for a successful outing.
