If you are planning on taking a trip I would consider the following steps while you are planning:

1. Plan far in advance.  When we backpacked the Grand Canyon, we applied for our permit 5 months in advance.  While, sometimes you can show up and see if there are any openings, I would not take the gamble.

2. When you are planning your trip, decide if you want to go to one or two places close together or if you want to make your adventure into a road trip with several stops along the way.

3. If you do decide to take a road trip, buy an atlas and make sure you aren’t missing any exciting/interesting stops.

4. Don’t be afraid to break your plans if the mood strikes you.  Being outdoors is liberating partially because you don’t have to follow the rules of everyday life.

Available at Amazon for $13.57