WASHINGTON POST • June 9, 2024
Over the next few months, millions of visitors will flock to U.S. national parks to hike, climb, boat and explore. With a maximum cost of $35 per vehicle for entry, visiting a national park can be one of the cheapest, most rewarding vacations you can plan this summer. Solo hikers should be flexible enough to enter at off-hours and win last-minute lotteries. Hiking and spending time in nature alone has demonstrably proved to improve mental health.