I love national parks, but there are some I don’t plan on returning to. emily hart
Over the past 10 years, I have traveled solo to 59 major national parks in the United States.
I’ve visited some parks many times, but there are some I never want to go to again.
Despite having a great experience, I have no desire to return to Glacier Bay or Haleakala National Park.
Over the past decade, I have visited nearly every national park in the United States by myself, many of them multiple times. At some parks, I started planning my return even before I left.
But for just as many reasons, I realized that I would never visit the park again because it wasn’t for me, too expensive, too crowded, or just a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I did. A trip of a lifetime.
Of the 59 major U.S. national parks I’ve visited, this is one I’ll probably never visit again.
I loved Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, but it can be expensive and difficult to visit.
We visited Glacier Bay National Park on Norwegian Cruise Line. emily hart
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska is one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth. That’s why some people may be surprised that I won’t be going back any time soon.
We loved experiencing Glacier Bay National Park on Norwegian Bliss Cruises, but visiting the park can be expensive and transportation can be a pain.
Because much of the park consists of water, most visitors enter the park by cruise ship, which can sometimes cost thousands of dollars. However, visiting this park is more difficult than other parks, as she is the only two boats allowed to enter the sea each day.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico just wasn’t for me.
I love national parks, but there are some I don’t plan on returning to. emily hart
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is an otherworldly place. But while this park is famous for protecting more than 119 known caves, including the legendary “Big Room” and Summer Night Bat Flight, it’s not my style.
Personally, I don’t really like caving.
New Mexico has a lot to offer. If you enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and hiking, you’ll want to explore White Sands National Park, Bandelier National Monument, or Ghost His Ranch in Abiquiu.
Visiting Hawaii’s Haleakala National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I loved watching the sunset at the top of Haleakala Volcano. emily hart
While visiting Haleakala,National parks were one of my favorite experiences. I probably won’t be able to go back any time soon.
Watching the sunset atop Haleakala Volcano was one of the most memorable things I’ve done in a national park. But it’s okay to leave it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When I return to Hawaii, there are many other destinations I would like to explore.
In my opinion, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas feels more like a national monument.
Hot Springs National Park has a rich history, but it feels more like a national monument. Kelly Vanderen/Shutterstock
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a somewhat controversial designation in some national park enthusiast communities. That’s because, unlike many other parks in the system, Hot Springs is made up of many man-made structures.
Although the park itself has a rich history, it definitely feels more like a national monument than a national park. Most of the park is located within the city, and the hot springs are mostly developed naturally.
If you’ve already been to the area, you’ll probably revisit it, but if not, opt for a trip to Buffalo National River or Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas.
It turns out that Indiana Dunes National Park is too close to an industrial area.
During our visit to Indiana Dunes National Park, we were able to see industrial areas and power plants. emily hart
Proximity to Indiana Dunes National Park, about an hour outside of Chicago, is a big plus for city dwellers. However, I have no intention of going to this park again specifically.
While the dunes and park are beautiful and perfect for a day at the beach, the views of industrial areas and power plants still take away from the awe you want to experience in a national park.
Return to Yellowstone National Park only during non-peak visiting hours.
Visiting Yellowstone can be overwhelming when it’s crowded. emily hart
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever had the good fortune to visit, and I’ll definitely go back, but not in the summer or on holiday weekends.
The country’s first official national park, there’s a good reason why this place should be on your bucket list. However, if you visit during the summer or holiday weekends, you may encounter heavy crowds.
I once sat in my car for over an hour waiting to get into the park and couldn’t find a parking spot. When something like this happens, instead of being excited and filled with joy, I get frustrated.
Instead, I spent the weekend in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and returned to Yellowstone early on a weekday.
