Millions of people trek through the gates of national parks in the United States and Canada every summer, but just because it’s peak season doesn’t mean it’s the best time to travel.
So when should you plan your trip? To answer that very question, we’ve thoroughly analyzed Lonely Planet’s guide to the most visited and most famous parks in both countries. The results were somewhat surprising. From Acadia and Arches to Yellowstone and Yosemite, October is our most frequently recommended month.
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Yosemite Valley is especially beautiful during the fall ©Javen/Shutterstock
Why October?The fewer the number of people, the cheaper the price.
The sweet spot between high and low season, the so-called “shoulder season,” is many savvy travelers’ favorite time to hit the road and explore the great outdoors. It’s the best of both worlds. Crowds become more manageable as summer vacation ends and children return to school before ski season. The weather is also less severe, especially in desert and mountainous regions where temperatures are usually low. Where winter has not yet fully begun. Depending on your destination, you may experience unseasonably warm and sunny days. And there are also economic factors. Many destinations begin offering low-season rates for lodging to attract more travelers as the crowds fade.
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October is mating season for many large animals in North America, including elk © Bill Swindaman / Getty Images
Where the wildlife is: nature’s parade
New England maples aren’t the only ones putting on a show. In October, trees begin to change color across the continent. Poplars, cottonwoods, oaks, willows, and dogwoods are all in full bloom for fall. October is also the mating season for many of North America’s large mammals, including elk, moose, antelope, and bison, making it a great time to see wildlife, especially dramatic mating displays.
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Banff National Park becomes deserted as the days get shorter © Matteo Colombo / Getty Images
Northern exposure: the best of Canada
Canada and its national parks are located north of the 49th parallel, so the schedule is slightly different. In general, the low season – from November to April – is the best for sports in snowy weather. The shoulder seasons – May, September and October – offer the lowest prices and the most colorful fall foliage. High season – June to August – is ideal for sports. Hiking in the mountains. In March, “people start swapping out snowshoes for hiking boots,” writes Brendan Sainsbury in Lonely Planet, but winter, of course, has a special charm. For example, Banff is busiest from mid-November to mid-April and from July to early September, but in my opinion, May, June, August, and September are the best times to travel.
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The Everglades is hot and humid during the summer, so the cooler months draw large crowds © Douglas Rissing / Getty Images
Best performance: when to join the crowd
Of course, some parks have to be visited during peak season due to extreme weather. For example, in the case of Alaska’s Denali National Park, there are few options other than going during high season. The Everglades can also get disastrously hot and humid in the summer, so crowds are best served during the cooler months. Yosemite’s amazing sights more than make up for the summer hordes, and Death Valley is best enjoyed during the short wildflower blooms of early spring, making this time of year high season and the best time to travel. It’s also the time.
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Other parks, especially Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala, are pleasant to visit year-round. In fact, aside from the occasional lava flow that closes the roads, high-altitude snowstorms, or really foggy days, there’s no bad time. Even if the number of visitors to the park is higher in the summer.
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Crowds gather at Delicate Arch on a busy summer day in Arches National Park © Aaron Hawkins / Getty Images
Countermeasures against crowding: Survive the peak season
Even the busiest parks can be avoided by booking lodging and trail permits early, visiting outside of business hours (such as early in the morning or mid-week), and considering less-visited areas and attractions. You can enjoy it during the season. Hike alone in the tranquil west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, watch a sunrise without the crowds at Shoshone Point in the Grand Canyon, or skip the most visited parks entirely to explore something relatively unnoticed. For example, why not try Yellowstone or the Pinnacles in Minnesota? Voyagers vs. Everglades. “Stop, think about what you want to do, and choose the off-the-beaten-path route,” Jessica Gossett, a park ranger at TO Fuller State Park in Memphis, recently told Lonely Planet. “You might be surprised what you find.”
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Hike the Grand Canyon during the winter, when there are fewer tourists of the year © Eric Hanson / Moment / Getty Images
Winter wonderland: off-season travel
Don’t miss the low season either. Some parks are at their most beautiful and peaceful during the winter months. Grand Canyon covered in snow. Half Dome towers over the white fields of Yosemite Valley – these are sights you won’t soon forget.
October is great – it really is. However, there is no month in the year when it is not the best time to go to the national park. When is the best time to visit a national park? It’s now.
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