Allergy-Proofing Your Vacation

Ultimate Allergy Guide for All 63 US National Parks: Enjoy Nature Without Worry

Our comprehensive allergy guide for the 63 US national parks is designed to help travelers with allergic rhinitis confidently plan and enjoy their outdoor adventures. Discover essential tips and information to make the most of your national park visits.

Vishvas Garg

May 9, 2023 • 51 min read

Allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis, affect millions of people worldwide. This can make planning a trip to the great outdoors a challenge for allergy sufferers.

Fortunately, we've got you covered with the ultimate allergy guide for the 63 US national parks.

In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the allergy profiles for each national park, helping you make informed decisions for your next adventure. Say goodbye to sneezing and itching, and hello to breathtaking sights and unforgettable memories.

General Allergy Tips for National Park Visits

Before we dive into the specific allergy profiles for each of the 63 US national parks, let's explore some general tips to help you manage your allergies and make the most of your visit:

Monitor Pollen Counts

Keep an eye on the pollen count in the area you plan to visit. Many national parks offer pollen count monitoring, which can help you plan your trip during lower pollen count periods.

Plan Your Trip

Whenever possible, try to plan your visit during seasons when allergen levels are lower. This can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and enjoyment.

Pack Wisely

Bring along essential allergy supplies such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy-friendly sunscreen. Don't forget to pack extra medications, just in case.

Allergy-Friendly Lodging

When booking accommodations, look for allergy-sensitive lodging options that offer hypoallergenic bedding and air purifiers.

Consult with Your Doctor

Before embarking on your trip, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss any necessary precautions or medications you should take to manage your allergies effectively.

Educate Your Travel Companions

Inform your friends and family members about your allergies and how to assist you in case of an allergy emergency.

With these general tips in mind, let's dive into the comprehensive allergy profiles and management of allergic rhinitis for each of the following 63 US national parks:

Acadia National Park (Maine)
Arches National Park (Utah)
Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Big Bend National Park (Texas)
Biscayne National Park (Florida)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)
Channel Islands National Park (California)
Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)
Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)
Everglades National Park (Florida)
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)
Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)
Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)
Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)
Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Katmai National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Kenai Fjords National Park (Alaska)
Kings Canyon National Park (California)
Kobuk Valley National Park (Alaska)
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)
Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa)
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (West Virginia)
North Cascades National Park (Washington)
Olympic National Park (Washington)
Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
Pinnacles National Park (California)
Redwood National and State Parks (California)
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
Sequoia National Park (California)
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)
Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)
White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yosemite National Park (California)
Zion National Park (Utah)

Acadia National Park

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Acadia National Park
Location	Maine
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (birch, oak, maple), grass pollen, ragweed
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	May to June (tree pollen), late June to July (grass pollen), August to September (ragweed)
Predominant Vegetation	Deciduous and coniferous forests, coastal wetlands
Allergy-Prone Areas	Forested areas, meadows, grassy fields
Low-Allergen Areas	Coastal areas, rocky summits
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Mount Desert Island Hospital
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Ocean drives, beach visits, guided boat tours
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Acadia for more information about Acadia National Park

Badlands National Park

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Badlands National Park
Location	South Dakota
Common Allergens	Grass pollen, weed pollen (ragweed, sagebrush)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	May to June (grass pollen), August to September (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Mixed-grass prairie, sagebrush
Allergy-Prone Areas	Grassy areas, near sagebrush
Low-Allergen Areas	Badlands formations, rocky terrain
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Scenic drives, overlooks, photography
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Badlands for more information about Badlands National Park

Big Bend National Park (Texas)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Big Bend National Park
Location	Texas
Common Allergens	Grass pollen, weed pollen (ragweed), juniper pollen
Pollen Season	Spring and fall
Pollen Count Peaks	April to May (grass pollen), September to November (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Desert grasses, juniper, ocotillo, yucca, and various cacti
Allergy-Prone Areas	Grassy areas, areas with abundant juniper trees
Low-Allergen Areas	Desert areas with sparse vegetation
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Big Bend Regional Medical Center
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Scenic drives, stargazing, photography
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Big Bend for more information about Big Bend National Park

Biscayne National Park (Florida)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Biscayne National Park
Location	Florida
Common Allergens	Grass pollen, tree pollen (Australian pine, melaleuca), weed pollen (ragweed)
Pollen Season	Spring and fall
Pollen Count Peaks	February to April (tree pollen), September to November (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Australian pine, melaleuca, mangroves, sawgrass, and various grasses
Allergy-Prone Areas	Grassy areas, areas with abundant Australian pines or melaleuca trees
Low-Allergen Areas	Mangrove forests, offshore areas
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Homestead Hospital
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Boating, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Biscayne for more information about Biscayne National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Location	Colorado
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (cottonwood, aspen), grass pollen, weed pollen (sagebrush, ragweed)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	May to June (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), August to September (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Pinyon pine, juniper, cottonwood, aspen, sagebrush, various grasses
Allergy-Prone Areas	Grassy areas, areas with dense tree and shrub populations
Low-Allergen Areas	Exposed rock areas, canyon overlooks
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Montrose Memorial Hospital
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Hiking, scenic drives, stargazing
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Black Canyon of the Gunnison for more information about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Please note that the information provided in the table is limited by my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.

Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Bryce Canyon National Park
Location	Utah
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (pinyon pine, juniper), grass pollen, weed pollen (sagebrush, ragweed)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	April to June (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), August to September (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Pinyon pine, juniper, ponderosa pine, spruce, fir, aspen, sagebrush, various grasses
Allergy-Prone Areas	Grassy meadows, areas with dense tree and shrub populations
Low-Allergen Areas	Exposed rock areas, canyon overlooks
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Garfield Memorial Hospital
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Hiking, scenic drives, stargazing, horseback riding
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Bryce Canyon for more information about Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Canyonlands National Park
Location	Utah
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (cottonwood, juniper), grass pollen, weed pollen (sagebrush, rabbitbrush)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	April to June (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), August to September (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Cottonwood trees, juniper, pinyon pine, sagebrush, rabbitbrush, various grasses
Allergy-Prone Areas	River corridors, areas with dense tree and shrub populations
Low-Allergen Areas	Exposed rock areas, mesa tops, canyon overlooks
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Moab Regional Hospital
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Hiking, scenic drives, stargazing, mountain biking, river trips
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Canyonlands for more information about Canyonlands National Park

Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Capitol Reef National Park
Location	Utah
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (juniper, pinyon pine), grass pollen, weed pollen (sagebrush, rabbitbrush)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	April to June (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), August to September (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Juniper, pinyon pine, cottonwood, sagebrush, rabbitbrush, various grasses
Allergy-Prone Areas	River corridors, orchards, areas with dense tree and shrub populations
Low-Allergen Areas	Exposed rock areas, mesa tops, canyon overlooks
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Sevier Valley Hospital
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Hiking, scenic drives, stargazing, picnicking, horseback riding
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Capitol Reef for more information about Capitol Reef National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Location	New Mexico
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (juniper, pinyon pine), grass pollen, weed pollen (sagebrush, rabbitbrush)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	April to June (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), August to September (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Juniper, pinyon pine, sagebrush, rabbitbrush, various grasses
Allergy-Prone Areas	Entrance areas with higher vegetation density, Rattlesnake Springs picnic area
Low-Allergen Areas	Underground caverns, exposed rock areas
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Carlsbad Medical Center
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Exploring underground caverns, ranger-led programs, scenic drives
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Carlsbad Caverns for more information about Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Channel Islands National Park (California)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Channel Islands National Park
Location	California
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (oak, pine), grass pollen, weed pollen (ragweed, sagebrush)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	February to May (tree pollen), May to August (grass pollen), August to October (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Oak trees, pines, grasses, sagebrush, ragweed
Allergy-Prone Areas	Areas with higher vegetation density, such as Anacapa Island or Santa Cruz Island
Low-Allergen Areas	Coastal cliffs, beaches, offshore water activities
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (mainland)
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Ocean kayaking, tidepool exploration, wildlife watching, beach activities
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Channel Islands for more information about Channel Islands National Park

Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Congaree National Park
Location	South Carolina
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (oak, elm, pine), grass pollen, weed pollen (ragweed)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	February to May (tree pollen), May to August (grass pollen), August to October (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Bald cypress, tupelo, oak, elm, pine, grasses, ragweed
Allergy-Prone Areas	Areas with dense vegetation, such as the boardwalk loop and low-lying areas near water
Low-Allergen Areas	Elevated trails, open spaces, and visitor center areas
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Prisma Health Richland Hospital (Columbia, SC)
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Congaree for more information about Congaree National Park

Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Crater Lake National Park
Location	Oregon
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (pine, fir, cedar, alder), grass pollen, weed pollen (ragweed, sagebrush)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	April to June (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), August to October (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, white fir, mountain hemlock, alder, grasses, ragweed, sagebrush
Allergy-Prone Areas	Dense forest areas, meadows, and areas near water
Low-Allergen Areas	Visitor center areas, paved paths, and viewpoints
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (Medford, OR)
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Scenic drives, picnicking, photography, star gazing
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Crater Lake for more information about Crater Lake National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location	Ohio
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (oak, elm, maple, ash), grass pollen, weed pollen (ragweed, goldenrod)
Pollen Season	Spring and summer
Pollen Count Peaks	April to June (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), August to October (weed pollen)
Predominant Vegetation	Oak, elm, maple, ash, tall grasses, ragweed, goldenrod
Allergy-Prone Areas	Wooded areas, meadows, and grassy fields
Low-Allergen Areas	Visitor centers, paved paths, and scenic overlooks
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Scenic drives, picnicking, photography, visiting historic sites
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Cuyahoga Valley for more information about Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Death Valley National Park
Location	California, Nevada
Common Allergens	Minimal due to the arid climate and sparse vegetation, but some desert plants may produce pollen
Pollen Season	Varies depending on plant species and rainfall
Pollen Count Peaks	N/A
Predominant Vegetation	Creosote bush, mesquite, saltbush, and some wildflowers during spring blooms
Allergy-Prone Areas	Oasis areas with more vegetation, such as Furnace Creek and Mesquite Spring
Low-Allergen Areas	Most of the park due to its arid climate and sparse vegetation
Pollen Count Monitoring	Pollen.com
Nearby Medical Facilities	Pahrump Valley Hospital (Nevada)
Allergy Management Tips	Stay informed about local pollen levels, pack allergy medications, and consider visiting during off-peak pollen seasons if possible
Allergy-Friendly Activities	Scenic drives, hiking, photography, stargazing, visiting historic sites
Nearby Allergy-Friendly Lodging	Research and contact hotels or campgrounds near the park to inquire about allergy-friendly accommodations and services
Tips for Allergy Sufferers	Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower; wear a mask if possible; carry a portable air purifier in your hotel room or car; wash clothing after coming from outside if possible
More Information	Visit National Park Service Death Valley for more information about Death Valley National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Attribute	Information
National Park Name	Denali National Park and Preserve
Location	Alaska
Common Allergens	Tree pollen (birch, willow, alder), grass pollen, and some wildflower pollen
Pollen Season	Spring and summer, particularly May and June
Pollen Count Peaks	May and June