Preparing to explore the parks can be almost as important as the trip itself. The largest single reason for disappointing travel experiences is the failure to plan properly. Some people set forth without the foggiest notion of available overnight accommodations. Others are determined to visit a dozen national parks in the course of a week, little realizing the distances between them. If you must travel in summer try to go early or late to avoid the midseason peak. More national parks are open throughout the year than most people realize. Fall is superb. The leaves turn color, skies are clear, the sun is bright. Campgrounds may be chilly in September and October, but you can easily find place. Even in the northern parks, roads and some overnight lodgings are open until late October. Best of all, the scene is natural. The animals are relatively undisturbed, the way all visitors hope to see them.