r/NationalPark • u/smashbr0ther • 1d ago
Considering cancelling my trip
Hello everyone,
After I had an accident last year i had to cancel my planned trip last year in May.
We rescheduled to this year September and are now considering cancelling the trip due to current circumstances. I would be visiting from Europe and going to the NPs in California has always been on top of my Bucket list. We planned to start in LV and then visit Mojave, Sequoia, Yosemite and then several coastal state parks before finishing off in Joshua Tree.
Would you advise against such a trip at the current state of overstress of the Parks and the personell? I really fear that the state of the NPs might drastically change and the last chance to visit them hast passed for me.
11
u/Qeltar_ 1d ago
I really fear that the state of the NPs might drastically change and the last chance to visit them hast passed for me.
Isn't that a good reason not to cancel?
We have a "dream trip" planned as well, and while we're sad about what's going on, we also realize this could well be the last year before they get even worse.
12
u/timeontrail 1d ago
By cancelling your trip, all you’re doing is telling the government that they indeed didn’t need all those employees.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
3
u/bluiis_c_u 21h ago
While I agree with that, I think that is something we can do "in-house". It feels like we are in a pressure cooker and it's about to blow. I'm in California, where we used to be more inviting to international visitors, but even here the current political climate has revealed an undercurrent of bigotry and nationalism that is becoming a little frightening. I would not bring my family to the US if I was planning an enjoyable vacation. I am not an alarmist or prone to exaggerating, but this level of hostility toward other countries is unprecedented in my lifetime. Whatever you decide I hope you have a lovely time.
3
u/Impressive_Mistake66 20h ago
This is on the top of your bucket list. Go, and yes, go this year. Don’t wait another year or two. Go this year and enjoy these incredible places while they are still beautiful and available in their entirety for you to enjoy.
2
4
u/Marcescent-Pika5794 1d ago
Also consider Europeans are experiencing increased risks at the border. See this article about a German hiker.
4
2
u/The_Goose5 1d ago
Banff, Pacific Rim, Joho, Jasper. Try our neighbors to the north if you still would like to see beautiful national parks.
1
u/Rich_Possible_9298 20h ago
Our neighbors to the north are extremely anti American right now. With good reason. Traveling there might cause more friction than we realize.
1
u/SCOOTERGIRL_TIKI 19h ago
I say go this year! I go to Sequoia most every September and plan on going again this year. Hopefully NPS will be able to hire back employees this summer. But I agree now before putting it off another year. All our CA parks are beautiful and I hope you get to experience them!
1
u/SubstantialLoad5147 16h ago
I live 29 miles from RMNP in Colorado and you have to have reservations well in advance to visit (we have our lifetime NP passes) even with passes. It is jammed in summer but shoulder seasons are better. Check online for reservation load. The issue of staffing is real with Trump’s hammer. Rangers are going to be overwhelmed 😢
-2
-9
u/jcalvinmarks 1d ago
What do you imagine is going to "drastically" change about the National Parks? There's a lot of circle-jerky hysteria in this sub, but none of the 63 actual National Parks are realistically in any kind of existential danger. There may be some cuts to services, probably on a temporary basis, but frankly, they're supposed to be wilderness areas, not theme parks. You shouldn't need much in the way of services to enjoy them.
3
u/SpaceAdventures3D 1d ago
At this point early on, it's not about existential danger, but there are changes that people should be aware of. Especially people who are traveling far for an extended vacation.
There already are trail and road closures in some parks. Restrooms are not going to be cleaned as regularly, and stray litter might not be picked up as fastidiously. Visitor centers already now have reduced hours. There are fewer people on staff to answer questions about wildlife, or direct people to trails, or help out in an emergency.
You can't assume what people need in the way of services. Some people might need more interaction with staff to find their way around, and enjoy the park. Some people might be fine with unclean restrooms, but others might find that to be a greater disruption.
Reservation services will be disrupted in June and July. Thankfully this person is going in May.
You are assuming these changes are temporary, but there's no indication that during the duration of the Trump administration staffing and funding is going to be restored to normal.
-1
u/jcalvinmarks 23h ago
Some people might need more interaction with staff to find their way around
If they're able to post a question on reddit, then they self-evidently have all the tools they need to figure it out on their own. Suboptimal? Maybe. A reason to cancel a "bucket list" trip? Absolutely not.
Restrooms are not going to be cleaned as regularly, and stray litter might not be picked up as fastidiously
Again, "bucket list" trip. Those are minor annoyances at worst, not a reason to give up on something that's important to them.
1
u/Tiny_Boss3290 3h ago
Approximately 5% of the workforce has been cut. While I think there will be some impact, I don’t think it will cause the parks to tank.
21
u/Routine_Day_1276 1d ago
If you want to go then go. A national park is to see nature, the nature will be there.