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Press Kit: Safe National Park Summer Trips

Three hikers looking out over the rocky landscape from the Overlook Trail in Zion.
Hikers enjoying the view along the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park, Utah.

NPS

Whether you’re visiting a historic urban neighborhood or exploring scenic landscapes, when visiting a national park, it’s important to think safety and act safely. Below you'll find links to safety information on a variety of topics, images for media use, and other useful information related to safety and trip planning in national parks.

Media interview or other questions regarding story content or images: e-mail us

About the National Park Service

  • The National Park Service includes more than 400 parks covering more than 85 million acres in every state, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These areas include national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House.

  • Find more quick facts about the National Park Service.

Trip Planning Resources

Safety Messaging

National parks provide the opportunity to experience some of the most extraordinary natural and cultural resources in the world! National park environments are very dynamic and it’s important to plan and be aware of potential safety issues before embarking on your trip or activity. A fulfilling and safe trip begins at home!

Follow park regulations to keep yourself and other visitors safe. Check park websites, the NPS App, and park social media, or talk with park rangers for any information on closures, hazards, or expected weather changes.

Maintain a safe distance between yourself and any wildlife. Give animals room to move— many parks require a minimum distance between visitors and wildlife— and observe from a distance.

Find resources below on a variety of safety topics, including heat and water safety, and watching wildlife from a safe distance.

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Images and Video

  • Summer Safety Press Kit: A collection of images and infographics highlighting various safety initiatives, activities, and safe practices in national parks for use by media.

Illustration featuring mountains, trees, and a bison and person in close contact with the text, “Don’t pet the fluffy cows,” and “think safety, act safely.” NPS
“Don’t pet the fluffy cows” and “think safety, act safely.”

NPS Graphic

Social Media

The National Park Service uses social media to promote a deeper understanding of parks by providing accurate, engaging, and timely content, as well as sharing important news and events from more than 400 parks and programs. In addition to the National Park Service flagship accounts, individual parks, and programs maintain a social media presence that are invaluable resources for news and media looking for information relevant to the local audience.

Resources and Materials from the May 21, 2024, Media Availability

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Duration:
1 hour, 4 minutes, 19 seconds

On May 21, 2024, the National Park Service hosted a recorded media availability is to provide a wide variety of reporters, freelancers, and outlets with reporting resources on how visitors can plan a vacation and recreate safely ahead of the summer season.

Contacts

For media interviews or other questions regarding story content or images contact: e-mail us.

Park contacts:

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Leesa Brandon, Blue Ridge Parkway Spokesperson, leesa_brandon@nps.gov or e-mail us, 828.348.3420
  • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Ann Honious, Superintendent, e-mail us
  • Death Valley National Park: Abby Wines, Death Valley Spokesperson, e-mail us, 760.786.3221
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Kathleen Sandt, Delaware Water Gap NRA Spokesperson, e-mail us
  • Grand Canyon National Park: Joelle Baird, Grand Canyon National Park Public Affairs Officer, e-mail us, 928-606-3154
  • Grand Teton National Park: Jeremy Barnum, Grand Teton National Park Chief of Staff, e-mail us
  • Lake Mead National Recreation Area: John Haynes, Lake Mead NRA Spokesperson, e-mail us, 702-293-8691

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Last updated: May 22, 2024