Room rates for a given year are sometimes not set for several months into that year, so reservations agents may have to tell callers that rates are subject to change. Even if a lodge has been sold out for months, travelers can sometimes secure rooms when room blocks held by tour wholesalers open up 21 or 30 days in advance. Don't believe everything you read or hear. Myths of overcrowding and crumbling facilities abound. Savvy travelers know, however, that visitation is down or flat at many popular parks and the infusion of funds from entrance fees has allowed the National Park Service to launch a variety of improvement projects.
Many parks are in better shape than they have been in years.
Most parks offer a wide variety of tours and activities, yet many travelers limit their experiences to a handful of stops at park turnoff points. Seeing parks by mule or horse or taking a guided motorcoach tour provides visitors with a better appreciation of a park's offerings 8. Join the National Park Service, Amfac and other concessioners in their aggressive efforts to preserve parks for future generations. Recycle and re-use everything possible. Stay on trails.