5 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Visit to the National Parks of the West this Fall

With school back in session and temperatures cooling off, fall is the perfect time to enjoy an uncrowded trip to one of the national parks of the West. To simplify the planning process and lighten your load on your fall trip to the parks, Fodor’s Travel has just published four e-books covering the major national parks of the West. These easy-to-navigate guides are packed with all of the essential, up-to-date details you expect from a Fodor’s guide, from the best dining and lodging in the area to must-see hikes and scenic drives.

Just by paying your entrance fee, you're supporting the park system and helping to preserve it for future visitors. Here are five tips to make your visit greener.

1. Leave your car and ride the park shuttles.
Letting someone else drive means you’ll see more of the scenery and won’t have to worry about parking. Shuttles are a great option for one-way hikes and can travel to parts of some parks that are closed to private vehicles at certain times of the year.

2. Re-use your water bottle.
You’re used to recycling at home, but when you're traveling you might be tempted to let your green guard down. Focus on reusable water bottles: they’re cheaper and better for the environment.

3. Check out the visitor center.
We all want to get straight to the trails and viewpoints, but don't skip the visitor center's valuable informational displays, which provide ecological context and teach you how to protect the park.

4. Watch the wildlife.
Focus on filling your memory card or just enjoy the show, but resist the urge to feed animals—even the cute ones. We all know that feeding bears can be dangerous, but did you know that feeding chipmunks can be deadly for them? You’ll do them a favor by not teaching them that humans are sources of food, and they'll be better able to fend for themselves.

5. Read a Fodor’s e-book on your Kindle.
Need we say more? Check out Fodor’s e-books today!

Bonus Savings Tip. Gain free admission to the parks on September 25 (Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day), through the National Park Service’s Free Entrance Day program.