Advice From a Ranger: The Insider’s Guide to National Parks
Exploring National Parks Responsibly
Thinking about exploring a national park this summer? We say: go for it! Whether you’ve been to a dozen or are dreaming about your first, there’s always something new to learn, see and experience. And if you're going with Road Scholar, you can count on thoughtful planning, local insights and meaningful education — even in parks facing staffing or service cutbacks.
Before you lace up your hiking boots or grab your sunhat, we’ve got a few tips from park rangers to help you explore responsibly and make the most of your time outdoors.
Yosemite National Park, CA
Keep Wildlife Wild
Ever hear the one about the hikers who tried to cook tuna on their car to attract a mountain lion? Rangers have stories — but most wildlife run-ins come from well-meaning folks who just aren’t sure where to draw the line.
At Road Scholar, protecting wildlife is one of our core sustainability values. The best thing we can do is keep our distance and let wildlife stay wild.
Leave No Trace
Two other Road Scholar core sustainability values are conserving natural environments and minimizing pollution. Stay on trails, carry out everything you brought in and take only photos of rocks and wildflowers.
With more than 300 million park visitors each year, small choices add up. Road Scholar programs follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect these spaces for future generations.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM
National Parks as Outdoor Classrooms
Every year, Road Scholar brings thousands of adult learners to explore national parks. We’ve been doing it for decades, building strong partnerships and gaining insider access. Need inspiration for your next adventure? Try one of these — or explore our full collection.
- The Best of Yosemite National Park: An American Icon includes a naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of the park. Their insights go beyond what you would typically experience — and your participation supports conservation efforts.
- Best of Color Country National Parks: Zion, Bryce & Grand Canyon and On the Road: Absolute Southwest — A Canyonlands Adventure feature expert naturalists and access to iconic parks. You’ll deepen your connection to the land and learn about the region’s Indigenous communities.
- Coastal Maine Portland to Bar Harbor includes a day in Acadia National Park — one of America’s oldest — explored by land and sea alongside a local naturalist.
- The Best of Alaska's National Parks From Denali to Kenai and Discover Alaska by Rail partner with the Denali Education Center to spotlight national parks and native heritage while supporting local education.
- Exploring Four Islands from Volcanoes to Pearl Harbor blends natural wonders with cultural history and supports local conservation. Participants learn about the volcano and the island, its natural history and human culture.
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
How Your Participation Creates Community Benefits
When you explore with Road Scholar, you’re actively supporting local communities. We engage local experts and organizations to create meaningful educational experiences, and many of these partners devote themselves to their communities full time. Your participation helps fund their work — it's a cycle of sustainable exploration that benefits people and places alike.
How do you like to adventure outdoors? Check out our Outdoors Club on Facebook and join the conversation!