If possible find other people who have gone to the area.
This can provide you with a great first look into where to go and what to see.
Speak with Rangers or Guides who are familiar with the area.
Find out more on the conditions, recommended sites, and the terrain.
It is highly encouraged that you ask rangers for the best parts of the area. They know the park better than anyone else and can provide worthwhile sites to see.
Route selection considerations
Amount of time you plan to spend on the trail
The number of nights on the trail.
Start and end point
Loop
§ Start and end at the same point
o Point to point
§ Start and end at different points
§ Be sure to work in the logistics for this ahead of time.
Terrain and Distance
Be sure to understand the terrain and know how to navigate through it.
Comprehend the distance and the terrain together.
§ Walking 12 miles on level ground versus walking 5 miles up a 2000 foot elevation gain.
§ Bushwacking versus trails
Bushwacking can be significantly more difficult and slower than trails, depending on the conditions (due to shrubs, grasses, scree, marshes, etc.).
Personal conditioning
Determine the amount of conditioning you will do/need to execute your trip or tailor the route to your expected fitness level.
NOTE: If you try to do a trip that is beyond your fitness level, the result can be:
§ Less time to enjoy the scenery
§ An overall decrease in the enjoyment.
Evacuation
Emergency Exit strategy
§ Plan your route with built in exit routes that can quickly get you back to civilization and safety.
o Evacuation services
§ If a member of your group is in a position that does not allow them to be moved (due to illness, injury, etc.), it is important to identify methods of evacuation.
§ Determine a method of contacting the appropriate services
what we've learned 
