Giardiasis is a debilitating intestinal disorder, caused by drinking contaminated water, that you will want to avoid. Do not assume that stream and lake waters are safe to drink. Carry your own water or boil it before using. Boiling Is the only reliable means of sterilizing. Because more and more people are coming to the park, wear and tear is becoming more evident.
Signs usually indicate areas where particular care and attention are warranted.
You can help protect the park by staying on the trails, especially on the tundra, by not shortcutting trail switchbacks, and by following marked routes over lingering snowfields. Tundra is especially fragile. Plants may need several hundred years to recover from repeated trampling and resultant soil erosion. Plant communities are especially subject to damage when soil is wet, so pay particular attention at these times. It is illegal either to drink or have opened alcoholic beverages in a vehicle on park roads or in parking areas.