Pick the off season times. You’ll see more and enjoy it more. Walk the paths and it really thins out.
This is the top tip to enjoy the parks. Don't go Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day, especially. The second tip, there a whole lot of parks besides Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the South rim of the Grand canyon. About 50% of the land area of the United States is for wildlife/scenic areas. Spread out.
For instance, Arches National Park has the most natural arches of any area. It is a beautiful, if somewhat crowded park. If you don't like the crowds, the second highest number of natural arches is about 100 miles east, down a 13 mile four wheel drive road, with a hike of maybe ten miles. You might see another person or two if you go there.
“Pick the off season times. You’ll see more and enjoy it more. Walk the paths and it really thins out.”
Decades ago, my wife and I planned to get married in late August.
Several family members on both sides suggest getting married in the middle of September to early October. You have great weather, less crowds and lower prices at great places.
We got married in the latter part of September.
So for our anniversaries, we go to great places, with minimal tourists, lower prices and usually the best weather of the year.
We live near Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, it slows down after peak season, but not as much as it used to.
All of us white-beards with our $10 lifetime passes still go.