Believe it or not, lodges inside the popular national parks are already starting to fill up for the summer. Here’s how you can still plan a great experience.
Many lodges inside major national parks like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Glacier National Park are run by concessioners such as Xanterra and DNC. When you can, book through these guys directly, not a third party, to avoid paying an extra booking fee.
That said, a package deal can work in your favor if a lodge seems to be sold out. For examples, Grand Canyon Railway blocks off hotel rooms so your package tour can include lodging. In fact, some tour operators blocks rooms up two years in advance. But if the rooms aren’t sold, they have to release them for resale 30 days out—which is when you jump.
And even if the iconic hotels are booked, you still have options.
In Yosemite, the Ahwahnee Hotel isn’t your only choice; there’s also Curry Village and several places outside the park. While the Old Faithful Inn may have been on your list for Yellowstone, there are plenty of other lodges throughout the 3,500-square-mile park.
For more information, visit our National Parks Archive.
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