15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors

My husband and I are passionate about spending time outdoors, and hiking is our favorite way to connect with nature. Over the years, we’ve explored some of the most iconic and popular destinations, including Yosemite National Park (California), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina & Tennessee), Sedona (Arizona), and Shenandoah National Park (Virginia).

Like many outdoor enthusiasts, we’ve had our fair share of crowded trails, and yes, it can feel overwhelming at times. But we’ve also experienced the magic of hiking to secluded waterfalls, reaching mountain summits with breathtaking views all to ourselves, and witnessing stunning sunrises with no one else in sight. Sometimes it’s pure luck, but more often than not, it’s the result of a few strategic choices.

In this post, I’m excited to share the 15 tips and tricks we use to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful, rewarding outdoor experience. I hope these insights will inspire you and make your next adventure even more memorable!

1. Start Early (Sunrise)

My husband and I love watching the sunrise! It’s our favorite way to experience the outdoors in peaceful solitude. There’s something truly special about being out there before most people are awake, having the entire place to ourselves. It’s one of the best strategies we’ve found for avoiding crowds!

I know it can be tough to drag yourself out of bed at an ungodly hour, but trust me, it’s worth it. Watching the sunrise, a daily miracle we often take for granted, is an incredible experience. It’s even better when you’re not surrounded by loads of people. 😉

If the idea of hiking in the dark sounds… scary, find a buddy to join you! Also, find a popular sunrise spot so you won’t be alone.

Sometimes, certain trails may be popular for sunrise, but the crowds will likely be more manageable compared to later in the day. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature in a quieter, more peaceful way.

2. Stay Late (Sunset)

If waking up at the crack of dawn isn’t your thing, consider hitting the trails later in the afternoon. My husband and I also love hiking to catch a sunset. By the time the late afternoon rolls around, most people are heading back down the trail and wrapping up their day, usually between 3 PM and 5 PM.

Watching sunset is usually more appealing to people rather than watching sunrise, so you still might run into some people. If reaching the sunset spot requires a decent amount of effort, such as hiking 3+ miles, expect to see fewer people.

3. Stay Close but Stay Remote

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, steer clear of popular touristy hotels, lodges, and campgrounds, especially those within national parks or busy towns. Instead, find places close to the area you want to explore, but away from popular accommodations to avoid congestion.

Opting for a more remote location means fewer people, less traffic, and often more affordable places to stay. For an even more adventurous experience, consider camping on nearby public lands (usually for free). If you’ve got a truck camper, van, RV, or an overlanding vehicle, this could be the perfect option, especially if you’re only staying for a few days.

4. Avoid Popular Places… duh

Okay, this one might seem like a no-brainer but hear me out! There are so many incredible national parks out there beyond the big names like Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, etc. If more people spread out and explored the lesser-known parks, it could make a huge difference in easing overcrowding issues at the more popular spots.

It’s understandable why the popular parks are so popular. They offer well-maintained, easy trails for all fitness levels, top-notch lodging, nice restrooms, and plenty of parking. If you want to avoid crowds, avoid the national parks with all those fancy amenities!

Here is a list of the least popular national parks. They are all unique and worth checking out in our opinion!

• Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada
• Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
• North Cascades National Park, Washington
• Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
• National Park of American Samoa
• All the national parks in Alaska

5. The More Challenging, the Fewer People

While this isn’t true for every trail – think Half Dome, Angel’s Landing, and Old Rag – there’s a silver lining: these iconic hikes now require permits. The permit system helps manage the crowds, so even though you’ll still encounter people on the trail, especially during peak hours (10 AM to 3 PM), it’s nowhere near as crowded as it used to be.

In general, the more strenuous and technically challenging hikes tend to have fewer visitors. If the hike is both long and tough, you’ll likely find more solitude on the trail. This brings us to the next tip!

6. Go on a Nice Loooooong Hike

Most people stick to the shorter, easier hikes (3 miles or less). But if you push beyond 5 miles, you’ll start to see fewer people. Once you hit the 10-mile mark, the crowds really thin out, and by the time you’re deep in the backcountry, you’re much more likely to have the whole place to yourself!

Of course, there are exceptions, like popular backpacking routes. Take the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, for example, where the crowds can be pretty heavy. But as you venture further along the trail, you’ll find that the number of hikers steadily decreases, giving you a much more peaceful experience as you go.

7. Avoid Peak Season & Major Holidays

Warm weather, sunny days, longer daylight hours, school’s out, and everyone seems to be in vacation mode – summer is the ultimate time to get away. But with that comes one major downside: crowds. Big, overwhelming crowds.

With that being said, avoid planning outdoor adventures and trips during peak season! Also, avoid major holidays, especially at popular touristy destinations. The stress of sitting in traffic, hunting for a parking spot, and dealing with overcrowded trails (if hiking is on the agenda) just isn’t worth it.

If you can, try planning your trips during the “offseason” when fewer people are traveling, typically from late fall through winter and into early spring. Also, the weather isn’t as favorable for outdoor activities during this time.

Some popular winter spots, such as ski resorts, will likely be crowded. Also, when the trees start popping fall colors, lots of “leaf peepers” will come from around the world to see their beauty. Don’t think you will completely avoid crowds in the offseason anywhere you go. Some places are popular because of winter activities or fall-time hiking.

If taking a trip during the summer is the only time you have. Go for it! If you want to go snowboarding at an awesome yet popular ski resort. Go for it! If you want to see the beautiful fall colors in the mountains of Vermont. Go for it! Be sure to use the other tips in this article to help avoid crowds.

8. Visit Popular Spots on a Weekday

Weekends, especially during the summer when kids are out of school, tend to be the busiest times for outdoor adventures. While summer weekends are generally packed, weekdays are usually the best time to avoid crowds. Even during summer, you’ll find fewer people on a weekday compared to a weekend. If you can swing it, try to plan your adventures for a weekday.

9. Icky Weather is Your Best Friend to Avoid Crowds

If you want to avoid crowds, consider hiking in less-than-ideal weather – think light rain, fog, cooler temps, or even a dusting of snow. It’s incredible how a little drizzle or a bit of chill can keep most people indoors. These conditions are your chance to embrace the elements and enjoy the outdoors with a lot more solitude!

⚠️ Do not go on any outdoor adventures in dangerous weather!! Use your brain and be smart.

10. Plan Your Trip in Advance

A little strategic planning can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding crowds. The key is to visit the most popular spots early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and focus on the quieter, less-visited areas during peak midday hours.

Have multiple back up options in case the place you wanted to visit is too crowded. It’s better to leave if the parking lot is full than to stress about finding a spot. There is always another option nearby! Be creative and flexible.

Do your homework! There’s an abundance of information online, so take the time to research the place you’ll be visiting inside and out. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be. Like I mentioned above, always have a backup plan ready! Things don’t always go as expected, but having alternatives will help you stay flexible and still make the most of your adventure.

Social media can be a good resource. However, don’t trust everyone who makes a reel or picture post. It’s easy to misconstrue things to seem more appealing. Everyone and their momma (including us lol) are making reels like “top 3 hikes to do in [insert national park]”. They will typically be about the most popular hikes which means… crowds!

However, if you find a solid content creator who posts informative and real content, then it could be beneficial. I always do further research if I find something on social media just to be sure I have a good understanding of the location and things to do there.

11. Explore the Surrounding Area of Popular National Parks & State Parks

Have you ever considered the adventures that lie beyond national parks and state parks? There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be discovered if you think outside the box! Explore hiking trails and outdoor activities in national forests, state forests, lesser-known state parks, wilderness areas, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. These public lands often offer stunning landscapes and a lot more solitude than the more crowded, well-known parks.

12. Go Off the Beaten Path with a 4×4

My husband and I haven’t had the chance to try this yet, but it’s definitely on our list! Going off the beaten path in a 4×4 vehicle is one of the best ways to find beautiful places without the crowds. Not everyone has a vehicle that can withstand unmaintained and untamed dirt roads.

Be careful and have a good understanding of not only the driving route, but the hiking route (if that’s something you plan to do). Typically trails in the middle of nowhere, with no civilization for miles, are not well maintained and not marked. Always carry a map (both physical and digital) and a compass!

13. Ask Locals about “Hidden Gems”

We’ve all heard the term “hidden gems” all over social media. They’re usually lesser-known beautiful places which means no crowds. Of course, due to social media giving away all these hidden gems (yes, we are guilty but have learned our lesson), those lesser-known places are becoming more known therefore more crowded.

If you want to find a true hidden gem, ask a local who has lived in the area for years. And if you do end up finding a true local spot, don’t geotag or put the exact coordinates on the internet. Keep it lowkey!

For us, we have learned not to put a true hidden gem’s location on social media. If there are already blog posts and articles about a spot, I’ll create a blog post for educational purposes. I assume people who actually take the time to research a spot will more likely respect that area.

But on social media, nah. We’re not putting exact coordinates to a real hidden gem on social media. In conclusion, do your research and ask around for “secret” places!

You can also use a handy dandy old-fashioned guidebook. They may have some great information about hidden gems!

14. Have Patience and Kindness

This has nothing to do with how to avoid crowds. However, it is important to show patience and kindness if you end up in a very crowded spot. It can be frustrating having to share beautiful places with a bunch of screaming kids or inconsiderate people who don’t understand personal space. Some people are completely oblivious to their surroundings.

But at the same time, everyone visiting these beautiful places are there because, I’m assuming, they think nature is pretty awesome and want to see it for themselves. That’s why you’re there, right!?

Sharing is caring. Be courteous to others. Share the space. People are there to make memories with their families, look at jaw-dropping scenery, and just be outside and away from their day jobs. National parks, state parks, and other popular outdoor places are amazing, and everyone has a right to visit those places.

15. Please, Leave No Trace

While this doesn’t directly relate to avoiding crowds, it’s something that’s deeply on my mind: the impact of over-tourism on our natural spaces. It’s heartbreaking to see how popular destinations are taking a toll – not just from the sheer number of visitors, but from a lack of respect for nature. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed vandalism and littering in some of the most beautiful places, and it’s truly sad to see these spots being treated so poorly.

Then there are those who, when the parking lot is full, park in areas where they’re not supposed to, damaging sensitive vegetation. If that’s the case, have a plan B and C, and move on! It’s not the end of the world if you can’t hike that one trail and see that one thing. There’s always something else nearby to explore, and you can always try again later when the crowds have thinned out.

If there is a sign that specifically says stay on the main trail, please do. I know social trails exist, especially in the southwest USA, and bushwacking to a spot is a thing in certain places. But when an ecosystem is at risk, there will often be signs or even barriers set up to prevent people from walking in that area. Let’s listen to those signs. Also, common sense goes a long way – if there’s a barrier, it’s there for a reason.

One of my biggest pet peeves is littering! It infuriates me so much. If you are the type of person to purposely litter, you deserve a long life in jail. It’s honestly not funny how people trash beautiful, natural places. It ruins the experience for everyone else to see used tissue paper, candy wrappers, and plastic water bottles everywhere. It’s SO EASY to pack out your trash. Just stuff it in your backpack or in your pockets or carry it. Just don’t throw it on the ground. And if you see a trash can overflowing, don’t use that trashcan. Find another one. It’s not that hard! Some people are just lazy and have no respect. Please don’t be that person.

I could continue to rant about how people do not understand trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles, but I might save that for another blog post. And the problem isn’t that new outdoorsy people don’t know the proper trail etiquette or Leave No Trace principles, it’s that most of it is common sense yet people still do stupid things like throw trash on the ground and feed wild animals. Before you go outdoors, please educate yourself.