I visit 5 national parks a year – make the most of this weekend’s free entry day and the best times to take great photos

INSTAWORTHY photos are best captured at two key times of the day when visiting national parks, according to an expert.

Spencer Clinton revealed little-known tricks to make the most of this weekend’s free admission day.

3

More than 120 national parks that normally charge an entry fee will offer free entry on August 4th.

Among them are Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park.

US Sun Associate Photo Editor Spencer Clinton has taken jaw-dropping photos on his trips to more than two dozen national parks over the past few years.

Before the National Park Service waved off admission fees, he shared his tips for making the most of visits.

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIMES

Clinton recommended taking photos at sunrise and sunset, as the “golden hour” gives photos a beautiful glow.

“This will also help avoid the heat of the day and most of the crowds,” he said.

“Although don’t underestimate the crowds for a popular sunset spot.

“Plan to arrive well before sunrise or sunset to secure your spot. This also makes a great time for a picnic while you wait.”

THINGS TO DO

Popular spots can get crowded, especially on free admission days, but Clinton said parks always have a reason to visit.

“Every park has ‘the thing,’ as I like to call it – that is, the main reason someone would choose to visit it,” he said.

“For Yellowstone, this would be Old Faithful Geyser.

“For Yosemite, it’s seeing Half Dome at the end of Tunnel View on Highway 41.”

He recommended doing a quick Google search for the “top 3 things to do” before visiting the park.

He said most of these activities usually take no more than a day or two.

“These important things tend to get crowded with like-minded visitors,” he said.

“So if you want to get off the beaten path, speak to a ranger at the visitor center, they are an invaluable resource for finding hidden gems in overcrowded parks.”

3

WHAT TO BRING

Clinton warned that ample supplies are needed if you plan to hike or camp in a national park.

“Stories of rescues due to dehydration in places like Death Valley and hypothermia on Denali are very common, don’t be next,” he said.

“Take appropriate clothing and food, as well as portable chargers, a first aid kit, and flashlights or headlamps for nighttime activities.

“Depending on the park, you may also need bear-proof containers for your food.”

Clinton previously revealed that visitors to national parks often forget to bring firewood or firelighters.

He said this would make it cold and dark when the sun went down.