Krista's National Park Road Trips

Tellus Ambassador Krista Foerstch is a board certified health and wellness coach, nutritionist, functional exercise and strength specialist, in training ecotherapy practicioner and founder of Roots Wellness, LLC. She’s set the impressive goal of visiting all 64 National Parks before she turns 40. To date, her tally is 42 national parks and her dog, Yuuki has been to 24. Krista has been to 11 international national parks and Yuuki has been with her on 7 of those adventures. We asked Krista about her national park experiences and to share her wisdom. While tackling this incredible goal, we asked Krista to take our sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor clothing with her and put it to the test. In the picture on the right, Krista and Yuuki are in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and she is wearing the sustainable Poudre Trail Performance Quarter Zip and eco-friendly Trail Ridge Trek Pants.

How did you get started with this goal?

My National Park journey began in 2020 after a challenging adventure in the Redwoods during the height of COVID-19. My initial goal was to visit all the national parks before I was "older."  It wasn't until my most recent birthday (36) that I decided to hit every national park by the time I turned 40. That lit a major fire under my fanny!

It has been a challenging pursuit. The cost of travel is never easy, especially as a solo traveler. Planning and prep work and doing it all unassisted presents many difficulties and tremendous rewards simultaneously. My constant companion on these adventures is my dog Yuuki . She’s 14, blind and not fond of hiking so I carry her in a sling I crafted when I’m exploring national parks.

What do you suggest as a good national park road trip itinerary?

I'm a huge fan of the Pacific Northwest so here’s a great road trip plan that takes you on a loop through 18 National Parks. Using Colorado as a starting point, you can hit Rocky Mountain, Amache, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Then, head west to Utah where I recommend visiting Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion. Continuing west, dip into Nevada to experience the Great Basin. Take a turn north to see Crater Lake in Oregon. Continuing north into Washington, stop by Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades. Turn east and head to Montana to see Glacier. Then wrap up your trip in Wyoming with visits to Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons.

Krista in Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada wearing a recycled Horsetooth Hoodie.

What are some national park road trip routes you’d recommend?

On a recent road trip to the east, I covered 4,200 miles. I visited Indiana Dunes, Cuyahoga, Shenandoah, New River Gorge, Great Smoky Mtns, Congaree, Mammoth Caves and Gateway Arch (I don’t recommend) national parks. That one trip tallied 17 states and 8 national parks which I don’t recommend doing solo. It’s best to bring your favorite adventure buddy.

What tips do you have for national park visitors?

First and foremost, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all that a national park has to offer. Most national parks are vast — they are also very busy. Know in advance what you want to do and estimate the distance of the drive to and through the area. I recommend arranging lodging or camping permits well in advance. All national parks require camping reservations and if you want to backpack in, secure a backpacking permit ahead of time.

Krista and Yuuki in Durango, CO and she is wearing a Poudre Trail Performance Tank made of 84% recycled polyester.

How about traveling to national parks with dogs? What have been your experiences? Things people should know before going.

Unfortunately, traveling with a dog in national parks is tough. A lot of national parks don’t permit dogs on trails because of wildlife and ecosystem preservation. It’s important to keep any pet on a leash AT ALL TIMES and to respect wildlife and other visitors. I have a setup in my truck with a portable AC unit that allows me to leave Yuuki in my vehicle while I explore. I tend to get up early and head out on hikes at about 4 a.m. so that I’m back to Yuuki before there's any risk of temperature rise even with the AC unit.

What do you recommend when planning to visit a national park?

The most important aspect of visiting a park is knowing where you are going to stay and the best time of year to visit. Whether in the park camping, at a cabin, in a hotel or camping in nearby national forest land, have solid plans and arrangements set up before you go. Always keep weather in mind. Conditions in national parks can be tumultuous and change in an instant. Be prepared for adversity and things not going as planned. Nature has a mind of her own — proper respect and preparation can save your life.

Do you enjoy camping in national parks? Are the rules there different than other campgrounds?

No, I don't enjoy camping right in the parks because they are crowded and you end up right on top of your neighbor. However, I have done this multiple times as just a place to sleep so I can get up early and get going the next day. Again, planning ahead is the key — campsites within national parks fill up fast. I enjoy solitude and space, so I tend to backpack into parks or find camp spots in nearby national forest lands.

Krista fall hiking wearing a Foothills Recyceld Flannel.

Have you done much hiking in national parks?

I’ve hiked in every single national park I’ve visited. Some more than others, but each park had something unique to offer. The parks are protected and preserved for a reason so keep in mind preservation and care while hiking. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore the parks and find treasures outside of the main features that most people visit.

Are there any standard rules for national parks that you recommend?

Stay on the trails is the number one rule to follow. Show respect for wildlife and give them their space, you’re visiting their home. LEAVE NO TRACE. I cannot emphasize the last enough. I have witnessed the destruction human traffic has created in the parks over the years. It's disheartening when people leave their litter and go off the path destroying precious ecosystems. We are stewards of this planet and we have to protect, preserve, respect and care for these amazing, but fragile regions.

Is there national park etiquette you think people should know.

DO: acknowledge and honor the ancestoral lands you are visiting make reservations, know your limits, stay on trails, use shuttles when possible, carry enough water, wear proper attire — especially footwear, respect other visitors, respect the locals, pick up after your pet and yourself.

DON’T: go off trail, litter, let your dog run wild, take selfies next to cliffs, ledges and wildlife, feed wildlife and DON’T leave doggy poo bags behind.

Krista in the Saguaro National Park wearing eco-friendly Trail Ridge Trek Pants and Front Range Fleece made with bluesign® certified fabric.

What do you think are the best national parks to visit in the fall?

Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Acadia and  Mt Rainier.

What are the best national parks to visit out west?

That’s a tough one. Glacier and the Redwoods hold special places in my heart for sure. After visiting 42 national parks, those two are probably my favorites. North Cascades is also amazing. There are so many varying aspects to each park, that it's hard to say which parks are "best" to visit. I think each offers a unique experience. Just be receptive to receiving the beauty that nature gives us and the many health benefits you gain just by being in nature.

Is there anything you'd like to close with?

There is a quote by Annie Leibovitz that I really like, "Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy — your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself."  

Listen to Krista's conversation on Hikes and Mics podcast.

No reservations at these National Parks through the end of the year.