Want to get outside and enjoy some of nature’s high points for free?

For the kickoff of the annual National Park Week, set for April 19-27, the Park Service is offering free admission to all its properties April 19.

This can save you a $50 entry fee or even more, but here’s what to know.

You might be shocked to learn this, but these freebie days are really, really popular. For maximum enjoyment, I suggest getting there at sunrise, before everyone else is even out of bed. No crowds, you can find parking, and sunrise is really beautiful, right? C’mon. You can do it this once.

And here’s a tip about sunrise: In Yellowstone, the rivers send up huge clouds of steam before dawn because of underlying hot springs. This is remarkable to see, but the steam starts evaporating the minute the sun hits it. To see this remarkable phenomenon, get on the road just before the sun comes up. It’s worth the effort. Plus, all the parking lots will be empty.

You don’t need to sign up or register. But check if you need reservations, because April 19 is in the middle of Easter weekend. You’ll need to go to recreation.gov and search for the park you want and “timed entry” to find the reservation information. I didn’t find any reservation requirements for Yosemite.

Here are the national parks in California: Channel Islands (the boat ride won’t be free), Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Lassen, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. (Note that Yosemite’s still going to be snowy, and probably Lassen and Kings Canyon too.)

Personally, I suggest Joshua Tree, which is my favorite local place. We go at dawn and hike until the sluggards start arriving, usually around 11 a.m.; head to lunch; and then drive home or stop in Desert Hot Springs for a soak at a hot pool resort.

Note there are special events all week long, so take a look at nps.gov to see what’s available. And enjoy!