No Reservation? No Problem: The Subversive Guide to Outdoor Travel

There are two types of people: planners and those who go where the wind takes them. The internet made life easier for planners—nitpicky types who schedule everything from hikes and campsites to restaurant reservations. Search “best places to visit,” and you’ll end up in the same algorithm-driven “hidden gems” as everyone else, elbowing for photo ops and wondering why your nature escape feels anything but wild.

Then there’s the rest of us—people who see a long weekend and a full tank of gas as divine intervention. Unfortunately, many parks—especially the big-name national ones—are so overcrowded during high season they now require reservations just to get in. But don’t panic; there’s always a back door. We’re not talking about breaking the law, but rather outwitting the bot-driven over-planners. You can still have a great adventure without worrying about timed entry or sardine-packed viewpoints. You just have to know where to look--open-use BLM terrain, state parks, and national forests, wildlife refuges, and monuments often provide the same jaw-dropping scenery without the red-tape. Most national parks are surrounded by other public lands, with nearly identical terrain, minus the bureaucracy.

• Waiting Until the Last Minute isn’t a Trip Killer
  Cancellations are constant, so anytime there is a reservation needed, check Recreation.gov like you’re trolling for concert tickets. Even if the national park you’re visiting has a reservation system, if you've got an in-park lodge or campground, you're set—no timed-entry needed. And, guided trips also bypass the reservation system entirely, so consider joining a hike, raft, or wildlife tour with a permitted outfitter.
• Pick the Road, or Trail Less Followed
  Drive in early or late from a remote entrance or park your car outside the entry gate and enter by foot or bike. If you’re backpacking, look for hike-in access points—just grab a map and let curiosity lead the way. Get an official USGS topo map of the area you’re visiting. If you walk into a national park, you’ll still have to follow the rules and regs, but you save the hassle of traffic jams.
• Sleep Easy
  Yellowstone may have the ‘always full’ reputation," says Todd Walton, Director of Marketing & Sales at Yellowstone National Park Lodges, "but cancellations happen all the time. Be flexible with where you stay—you might miss out on your favorite room at Old Faithful if you book too late, but camping is always an option." If the park is booked, consider staying just outside in a “gateway” town, where you’ll find everything from cheap motels to yurts. You can also scout nearby BLM or Forest Service land for dispersed or car camping. It takes a bit more prep and know-how than a managed campground—but that’s part of the adventure.
• Consider Shoulder and Off-Season Travel
  "Shoulder seasons are perfect for visiting popular parks like the Grand Canyon," says Mike Knetemann, Corporate Director of Digital Marketing for Xanterra Travel Collection. "With fewer crowds, you’ll have a shot at premium lodging—like El Tovar—and get to enjoy the solitude of nature. Fall, winter, and early spring are especially magical when the masses clear out." And in some parks, off-season doesn't mean off-limits. "For a place like Death Valley," he adds, "there’s no better time to experience the largest Dark Sky National Park in the country than summer.” The nights are cool and tranquil—even if the days are scorching.
• Get Out of Your Car: Develop Backcountry Skills and Explore
  Even in the most crowded parks, stepping off the main drag can lead to privacy and real solitude. “Every park offers these chances for authentic wilderness experiences,” says an NPS superintendent. “But like anything worthwhile, they require exploration and curiosity. Venturing into areas that aren't completely laid out for visitors means developing the knowledge to navigate safely—without getting lost or stepping on a rattlesnake. The most rewarding experiences often come to those willing to do a bit more research and preparation.” And always follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

Vehicle reservation required for Cadillac Summit Road only, May – October. Nearly 4 million people flock to Acadia National Park every year. Many set their sights on Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point on the Eastern Seaboard. The views of Somes Sound, with its water-filled glacially carved valleys are terrific, but there are other places nearby that are equally as impressive.
Best Alternatives:

• Camden Hills State Park, Maine
  
  Sweeping views of Penobscot Bay from Mt. Battie—cliffs, forests, beaches, and briny Atlantic air. This Maine treasure serves up Acadia vibes without the soul-crushing traffic jams. And the lobster rolls cost less. You can stay in the historic town of Camden or camp in the park—it has hot showers and real toilets—and gorge on hiking, biking or, in the fall, spectacular leaf peeping.
• Bold Coast (Cutler Coast Public Lands), Maine
  
  Dramatic sea cliffs and 10+ miles of trail, all crowd-free. The 3–5-mile loop offers one of the best coastal hikes in New England. Sunrise here rivals Cadillac without the Instagram hordes.

Timed-entry required April 1 – July 6 & Aug 28 – Oct 31, 2025, between 7 AM–4 PM. Reservations open six months in advance in monthly blocks. Arches National Park gets about 1.5 million visitors per year. The labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, stone spires, and massive arches is spectacular, but if you don’t want to brave the crowds you can find very similar scenery elsewhere. Pro tip: Most national parks are open 24/7. If you must go see Delicate Arch, consider a night hike with a headlamp, or better yet, a full moon.
Best Alternatives:

• Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
  
  Bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops that rival anything in Arches, plus petroglyphs and slot canyons. Signature feature: The Fire Wave—like a psychedelic cousin of The Wave in Arizona. It’s only an hour from Las Vegas and still not overrun.
• Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
  
  Fewer arches, but larger natural bridges—formed by water, not wind—deep canyons, stargazing mecca. The Big 3: Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo Bridges. Excellent short hikes and a 9-mile loop drive, plus: no crowds.

Timed entry is required for cave tours year-round, and reservations are strongly recommended, available 30 days in advance. A tour into the Caverns is nothing short of astounding, but it is 750 feet below the surface so bring your jacket. You'll marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites, and experience The Big Room—a massive, natural cathedral adorned with stalactite chandeliers. From May to October, you can also witness the sky fill with hundreds of thousands of Brazilian bats. But be prepared to jostle for space with the nearly half-million other visitors; since it's a cave, there’s really no off season.
Best Alternatives:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
  
  It’s a visit to El Cap, without Yosemite crowds. Inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park, is a 1,000-foot limestone cliff face that towers above the Chihuahuan Desert. You won’t find tons of climbers, but the hiking in the park is epic. You can explore the remains of a 265-million fossil reef, lush canyons, and even sand dunes. And no reservations needed for that sunrise hike.
• Caverns of Sonora, Texas
  
  Private cave tour option about three hours away. Insane calcite crystal formations, fewer crowds. We love the tag line "Its beauty cannot be exaggerated even by Texans." And these Caverns are about 20 degrees warmer than Carlsbad.
• Luray Caverns, Virginia
  
  Giant cathedral-like chambers, mirror pools, and the Great Stalacpipe Organ. Privately run, very accessible, open year-round.

Vehicle reservation required June 13 – Sept 28, 2025, between 7 AM–3 PM. Available 120 days in advance; a portion released the day before. Glacier National Park attracts nearly 3 million visitors each year. The Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses 51 miles over the Continental Divide and takes you past some of Mother Nature’s most remarkable landscapes. You can drive it yourself or take a 1930’s Red Bus tour—highly recommended. There are quiet spots in the park if you’re willing to hike, but the main roads and trails can be mosh-pit insane.
Best Alternatives:

• Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
  
  It's literally the northern half of the same ecosystem with towering cliffs, turquoise lakes, and red rock canyons. It’s less crowded than Glacier, even in peak season. The hiking is fabulous, as is the fishing. Bring your passport, obviously.
• North Fork Flathead, Montana
  
  Just west of Glacier, this area lies within a national forest and is blissfully undeveloped. It’s outside the park boundary, with mountain views, the wild North Fork of the Flathead River, and big-time solitude. Great destinations are Polebridge, Bowman Lake, and Kintla Lake—reachable via dirt roads, no park pass required.

Sunrise viewing permit required year-round, 3 AM–7 AM. Available up to 60 days in advance; limited number released 48 hours out. The devastating wildfires of Maui spared Haleakalā National Park, and visiting the park is a great way to help support the island’s population. The park gets around 800,000 visitors per year. You’ll find a Mars-like landscape up high in the crater, and thick rainforests, tumbling waterfalls and freshwater pools. But there are some great alternatives for a less managed experience.
Best Alternatives:

• Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui
  
  Located on the western slopes of Haleakalā, Polipoli sits at 6,200 feet—nearly as high as the crater rim—with alpine meadows, redwoods, and panoramic views of both coasts. Go early in the morning for sunrise views without the crowds. No permit needed, just drive up the twisty road with your snacks and layers.
• Waihee Ridge Trail, Maui
  
  Think "Jurassic Park" without the CGI and dinasaurs. This steep trail climbs a ridge with misty rainforest, sweeping views of central Maui, and deep valleys. No timed entry or reservation required, but parking fills fast.

Timed-entry permit for Paradise and Sunrise Corridors, Paradise Corridor: May 24 – June 30, 2025; Sunrise Corridor: July 4 – September 2, 2025, 7 AM – 3 PM. You can’t blame the more than 1.6 million visitors for flocking to this spectacular park. And, with 25 named peaks in addition to the big one, there are some incredible peak-bagging opportunities. It’s a great place to experience some of the biggest glaciers in the Lower 48, as well as lush forests of Douglas fir, western hemlock and red cedar. Pack up and head out into the backcountry.
Best Alternatives:

• North Cascades National Park, Washington
  
  Glacier-clad peaks, turquoise lakes, zero crowds. It's like Rainier's scrappy little sibling, less known and wildly beautiful. Check out the Maple Pass Loop, Cascade Pass, and Sahale Arm hikes.
• Goat Rocks Wilderness, Washington
  
  Between Mount Adams and Rainier, this rugged zone feels like a lost world. It also borders several national forests, giving you expansive options for multi-day trekking or backcountry skiing in winter. This wilderness feels remote and untamed, with views of multiple Cascade volcanoes. Snowgrass Flats to Goat Lake is wildflower heaven. Free self-issue wilderness permits, no timed reservation required.

Timed-entry required May 23 – Oct 13, Bear Lake Corridor: 5 AM–6 PM. Rest of park: 9 AM–3 PM. Reservations open the 1st of each month for the following month. With its proximity to the megalopolis of Denver, it’s no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park sees more than 4 million visitors per year. The good news is that most prefer drive-through sightseeing. There are plenty of backcountry trails, and great ice and rock climbing, hiking, fishing and peak bagging. But the timed-entry system is a drag if you’re into spontaneity.
Best Alternatives:

• Indian Peaks Wilderness, south of Rocky Mountain National Park
  
  Same Continental Divide, same tundra, lakes, and peaks—just without the timed entry. Top hits are Brainard Lake, Lone Eagle Peak, Lake Isabelle, and Crater Lake. Go on a weekday or snag a permit for overnight camping deep in the backcountry.
• San Juan Mountains, SW Colorado
  
  Jagged peaks, alpine meadows, ghost towns, hot springs and via ferrata. What’s not to love? The towns of Ouray, Silverton, Lake City, and Telluride are fun, and there are plenty of dirt and gravel roads to explore. Or lace up your boots and foot it to Ice Lakes Basin or the Blue Lakes Trail for great views of Mount Sneffels and Dallas and Gilpin Peaks.

Day-use permit required for Old Rag Mountain hike only, March 1 – Nov 30, 2025. Half released 30 days out: rest five days in advance. With more than 1.5 million visitors each year, this park is a great place to see hardwood forests, rocky outcrops of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, and nearly 200 species of birds. About 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the park. It’s a great place to get a taste of thru hiking.
Best Alternatives:

• George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
  
  It’s a doppelgänger with Blue Ridge views, vast trail network, and dispersed camping. No entrance fees, no reservations. Consider hikes to Elliott Knob, Ramsey's Draft Wilderness, and the North Mountain Trail. It’s wild, rugged, and way less traffic than Shenandoah. Load up your pack with essential gear and explore.
• Massanutten Mountain, Lee Ranger District
  
  This ridge runs parallel to Shenandoah. It's part of the George Washington National Forest and offers dramatic ridge-line trails with fewer people. Highlights are the Massanutten Ridge Trail or Signal Knob Loop, and there’s great trail running.

Day-use reservation required June 15 – Aug 15, 2025 + Memorial Day & Labor Day weekends, from 6 AM–2 PM. Reservations open May 6 at 8 AM PST. Yosemite is gorgeous, with its granite domes, U-shaped valleys, and dramatic elevation change. The valley floor is about 4,000 feet, and the walls of El Cap tower above at 7,596 feet. And while you can still find out of the way trails if you know where to look, the park is packed with people. Tuolumne Meadows is still a relatively quiet area of the park and hosts a 25-mile of the Pacific Crest Trail, a great 2–3-day hike.
Best Alternatives:

• Hetch Hetchy—within Yosemite—but shhh….
  
  Same epic granite cliffs and waterfalls as Yosemite Valley, minus the tourists—because it's been turned into a reservoir. Great hikes include Wapama Falls, Rancheria Falls, and some seriously wild routes into Lake Vernon.
• Kings Canyon National Park, California
  
  Nearly as spectacular as Yosemite, with its own set of massive granite cliffs, alpine lakes, and the insane Kings River. Top hiking hits include Rae Lakes, the John Muir Trail (before it gets to Yosemite) and the incredible views from the Cedar Grove area. It’s less crowded than its big brother Yosemite, but just as jaw-dropping.

Permit required for Angels Landing hike, year-round. $6 application fee; $3/person if selected. Seasonal lottery two months in advance; next-day permits released daily. Zion gets nearly 4.7 million visitors a year, most from April to September. We don’t understand the mass attraction of the Angel’s Landing hike—there are plenty of great hikes in the park with equally as spectacular drop offs, and endless places on BLM lands where you can walk along narrow sandstone jetties with big air on both sides.
Best Alternatives:

• Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
  
  This mini-Zion has red rock canyons, lava flows, and slot canyons with a fraction of the crowds. Top trails are Petrified Dunes, Johnson Canyon, and Hidden Pinyon. You can actually park at trailheads—at Zion, you take buses.
• Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Utah
  
  Slot canyons, waterfalls, hoodoos, and arches galore, and it's still wildly under-visited. Recommended hikes are Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Gulch, Coyote Gulch, Calf Creek Falls. Permit-free backpacking utopia. Head out for a weekend and get lost in beauty.

• Shoshone Geyser Basin, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho
  Remote geysers, waterfalls, and backcountry hot springs—without the tour buses or boardwalk gridlock. Hike in via the Bechler Ranger Station. Best tackled in late summer or early fall, when stream crossings mellow out.

• Mojave National Preserve, Southern California
  Iconic Joshua tree forests, sweeping desert views, Kelso Dunes, and lava tube caves—plus solitude. Dispersed camping is excellent, but bring your own water, GPS, and grit. Enter via I-15 or I-40. A high-clearance vehicle is handy for backcountry roads. Signage is sparse, so bring Michael Dejarnett’s guidebook to avoid wandering into Nevada by accident.

• Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah
  Towering red-rock buttes, cinematic desert vistas, and golden hour light that’ll clog your camera roll. Less arch-chasing, more spiritual sweep of space and zero timed-entry apps required. The 17-mile Scenic Drive doesn’t require a permit (just a Tribal Park fee). Book a Navajo-guided tour to access sites you’d never find on your own.

• Colorado National Monument
  Sandstone monoliths, red-rock mesas, and endless canyons—without the crowd control or shuttle buses. Rim Rock Drive offers jaw-dropping views without the parking lot chaos. Enter via Fruita (west) or Grand Junction (east). Pro tip: Fruita is quickly becoming the mountain biking, hiking, foodie, brewery capital of the west.