Over the past decade, I’ve traveled to every US national park solo, many of them multiple times. At several parks, I started planning a return trip before I even left.
However, I’ve had just as many realizations that I probably won’t be revisiting a park, either because it’s not for me, it’s too expensive, or it’s such a bucket-list experience that it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Here are the five parks I probably won’t return to despite having great experiences.
I loved Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, but it can be expensive and logistically difficult to visit.
In my opinion, Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful places on earth. That’s why some may find it surprising that I don’t see myself going back anytime soon.
Although I loved experiencing Glacier Bay on a Norwegian Bliss cruise, visiting can be both costly and logistically challenging.
The park is primarily made up of water, so most visitors enter on cruise ships, which, in some cases, can cost thousands of dollars.
Additionally, only two ships are permitted to enter the waters each day, making this park harder to visit than others.
In my opinion, Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park feels more like a national monument.
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a bit of a controversial designation in some communities of national park lovers. That’s because, unlike many other parks in the system, Hot Springs is made up of lots of man-made structures.
Although the park itself is rich in history, it definitely feels more like a national monument than a national park. Much of the park is within the city, and the hot springs are mostly developed from their natural state.
I would revisit if I were already in the area, but if not, I’d opt for a trip to the Buffalo National River or Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico just wasn’t for me.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is otherworldly. But the park, famed for its protection of more than 119 known caves and nightly bat flights in the summer months, just isn’t my style.
Personally, I just don’t enjoy exploring caves.
New Mexico has so much to offer, and I’d rather explore White Sands National Park, Bandelier National Monument, or Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu for outdoor beauty and hiking.
Visiting Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Although visiting Haleakalā National Park was one of my favorite experiences, I probably won’t return anytime soon.
Watching the sunset atop the summit of the Haleakalā volcano was one of the most memorable things I’ve done at a national park. But I’m OK leaving it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If I return to Hawaii, there are many other destinations I’d like to explore.
I found Indiana Dunes National Park to be too close to industrial areas.
The proximity of Indiana Dunes National Park, which is about an hour outside Chicago, is a huge plus for urban dwellers. However, I wouldn’t make a special trip to this park again.
The dunes and park are beautiful — and great for a beach day — but still have views of industrial areas and power plants. In my opinion, this takes away from the awe and wonder I aim to experience at a national park.
This story was originally published on March 4, 2024, and most recently updated on July 31, 2026.
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