Are you canceling your annual trek to the National Park System this year due to coronavirus?/Rebecca Latson file
If you haven't already made plans for your national park escape this year, you should be doing that now. Unless, of course, you've decided to skip the parks this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The thought of sitting in an airliner for a few hours with other potentially sick passengers is always a concern, but the hype around the novel coronavirus adds to those concerns. And the thought of visiting a park that attracts a lot of international visitors might be concerning as well. So what are you going to do this year?
Around the National Park System, staff is approaching the current situation much as it does flu season.
"While there have been no identified cases of coronavirus in any national park, the NPS Office of Public Health and the U.S. Public Health Service officers assigned to the National Park Service are closely monitoring the situation and keeping staff informed, relying on the most updated data and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," Park Service staff told Traveler late last month. "Parks are informed to follow CDC guidance regarding preventative actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, particularly during flu and respiratory disease season."
Of course, on the flip side, national attention and concern could make park lodging prices fall this summer if a great number of folks start canceling their trips, making a visit more affordable. That's definitely something to watch if you are flexible with your travel plans and are willing to go ahead with your vacation in spite of the coronavirus news.
But as of today, what are you thinking of doing?
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
We're not changing our plans at all. We're going to live our lives and do what we want to do.
Headed to the Grand Canyon with my wife and grandsons tomorrow. Can’t wait to share the beauty! Live your life, taking hand sanitizers and will use recommended precautions, but not gonna shut my life down. Trust your country and it’s leadership. This too shall pass.
I have a tour to the Grand Canyon in April and was just sitting here debating whether to cancel or not. Your post has encouraged me and we will go as planned. You're right, this too shall pass. Let's live now, thanks!!!
I trust my country just not the leader ship
We are planning to visit a number of the National Parks this year. You take the normal precautions and leave the fear at home.
BTW leave your politics at home as well.
Every year they come up with something new that is going to kill us all. Every year life goes on. Heading to Rocky Mountain NP this weekend as planned.
Good for you! Get out there!
Sorry Jim Holmes, but when the decisionmakers higher on the food chain daily uise the politics of fear as a weapon, Free Speech is essential.
Yes, free speech is essential, so I'll use it also. Our leadership is responding to this as well as any we ever had and perhaps better.
My wife and I will not change our plans. Every day is a gift and not to be wasted in fear of what might happen.
Planning to visit less crowded parks in May - Guadalupe, Carlsbad Caverns, and White Sands.
Not if I can help it. I'm hoping flights/hotels don't start canceling. If they don't I'm going to national park sites as previously planned. As other mentioned, we have one life. Live it!! Currently, I have the time to travel so here I come! :)
I'll need to make some plans before I can change them ;-) But at this point, I don't see it posing a problem.
Unfortunately until we get some truthfull answers from leaders, I think I'll postpone being in large crowds of people. I'm part of the age group that statistically has the most issues, so it seems logical to wait and see how the virus spreads and what medical experts suggest. I wouldn't put too much faith in the polititions giving us the truth.
The National Park System Advisory Board Meeting for this upcoming week has been cancelled. It was posted to be held in the National Register but was cancelled yesterday per CDC guidance.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/25/2020-03658/notice-o...
Deciding now. Do not want fear to rule us, and have been looking forward to this trip for a year----but we are seniors and want to make wise decision. Have YNP reservations end of April. Wonder what kind of plans the parks have as to sanitizing the rooms between occupants, etc. Are they doing anything different than business as usual?
As parents with young children, we don't appear to be at too much risk from this disease. However, we're very conscious of the fact that its not just about the risk to ourselves, but the possiblity that we may become a risk to others by carrying the disease. At this point, we're making sure that all of our travel plans have a cancellation plan available.
As long as our flight to Las Vegas at the end of the month isn't cancelled, we will be visiting Death Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, Colorado National Monument and possibly Natural Bridges NM. Once we get past the flights/airports, all should be good.
Already have a trip booked for September to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons.
We have planned a huge trip to many of the National Parks and plan to go taking the necessary precautions and using what my doctor said "good common sense is the best offense". We want to experience all life has to give. God willing we get to.
Since I come by RV, I do not need reservations except for camping so can cancel at the last minute if needed. No plans to make changes for me.
I am leaving on a 3 week trip to some of the southern National Parks next Thursday. I am planning on living my life. Please don't close the parks.
It's the other way around. I may not go overseas this year and will visit some new national parks.
I don't have years to waste.
Danny
www.hikertohiker.com
Planning a 3month camping trip starting in May. We will visit a dozen National Parks, 39 campgrounds in all, from the Smokies to Olympic! Life is mighty precious when there is less of it to waste..... Prefer to spend our lives living..... don't worry be happy!
I am sitting here debating what I should do. My 6 year old son and I are scheduled to leave on Saturday the 14th and visit Zion and Bryce Canyon till the 20th. Am just considered they will end up closing the parks. They just closed the Houston Rodeo of all things. SMH
Such a tough call....
Planning on visiting the Grand Canyon next month - taking normal percautions but not cancelling our trip.
We are planning to work in West Yellowstone this summer. As of now, our plans are to spend our summer there and enjoy Yellowstone.
As long as the Parks are open, we are planning on traveling this April - May.
Going to Yosemite in April. I'll do there like I do here, be patient, Keep a respectful distance, wash hands often. i told my friends treat everyone you don't know like they have germs or a mental problem, you've got a 50/50 chance of being right
I understand many are worried. Since I run a horseback trail riding ranch between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park we have tried to make things accommodating
I would love to keep my plans my question is do you think the government will make them shut down.
No change in plans unless travel restrictions force a change. RMNP, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, all on the list for this summer.
We having benn planning on going to Carlsbad Canyons all winter and we have not changed our plans. We leave next week and will be there for the entire following week. travelling by car and camping seems like the best thing you can do these days.
I've gone through a winter of chemo and have been planning a two month cross country camping/hiking/National parks tour. Hitting about 17 National Parks, camping under the stars. This trip is on. Not cancelling for anything.
We are planning a trip in early May flying from the East to Las Vegas, going to Zion, Bryce, Arches, Grand Canyon North Rim. No change in Plans unless the Government shuts things down.
We live in Montana and are driving down to Moab end of March.. so other then a few restaruants and a couple of hotel stays we are camping and hope to NOT see many people. So basically it is sort of in our backyard and we have no concerns. We are older and so life is pretty short so make the best of it.
We want to go to Mammoth Caves KY next week but we are afraid they might shut down National parks. This is my spring break as a school teacher in Florida, so we have been planning and saving. We are rethinking our plans. Hopefully we can still gonif parks remain open.
My family and I are planning a trip to GTNP in June. At this point we're not changing any plans. We're actually hoping the crowds will be down.
Here is an idea please stop calling the park and asking if it is open. There is too many resouces available to everyone these days to check that. You may think that it's just one phone call and it won't be that big of a deal well......wrong! About 10,000 other people are saying the same thing. Also I might suggest that you plan your own trip instead of calling and asking what you should do when you arrive mainly since another 10,000 people are thinking the same thing.
Wow I have never seen so many people being afraid of an illness that is less contagious that Rotovirus. All of these messages are just insane. I do agree that the powers that be are using this virus as a tool of fear no doubt but. give me break people. Quit letting the government dictate on how you spend your vacation. I mean whats next are you going to let the government tell you when to use the bathroom??? Sadly I see lots of people on here that seem to let themselves be told what to do.
Close the parks like Statue of Liberty, visitor centers, closed venues, etc. Leave open the open air parks with campgrounds and hiking trails! We, the people, need our nature to maintain our health and sanity! Protect your staff and let us have our parks too!
We have planned a 7 week motorhome trip to California national parks starting mid-April. Biggest issue we see emerging is potential for larger rather than smaller crowds. With schools, theme parks and sporting events shutting down, the parks may become one of the last venues for escape. They could end up with heavy populations of kids as parents look for activities to keep their kids busy and out of trouble.
We are looking to our very first road trip in the Central Coast of California next week. Can't wait to escape the irrational madness and hysteria over this.
The stars aligned for most of my family to go to the Grand Canyon in April. Praying we don't have to cancel because of travel restrictions or closure.
People say in park that are not safe, we need companys that take safety very seriously., and they don't because some employees just don't care to do there jobs in proper manner. Or even to do the right thing even when they are given proof of the things don't done the proper way.