School is almost out for summer, and you know what that means! Summer vacation has arrived. What will you do with your summer in 2024?
The National Park Service works hard to keep America's outdoor environment beautiful for travelers just like you! Summer is the perfect time to plan an RV road trip to a national park with your family or friends. But what are the best national parks to visit in the summer? In this article, we’ll share 14 national parks that are ideal destinations for summer break.
Keep reading to find out more about each of these popular national parks and what makes them ideal for summer vacations.
The 14 Best National Parks to Visit in Summer
While there are hundreds of national parks in the United States, there are a handful of parks that stand out as top picks for summertime visits. Most national parks are great to visit in the warmer months, but these 14 are some of the most visited national parks during summer.
Denali National Park is home to North America's tallest peak, Denali, standing at 20,310 feet. In the summer, the park's vast wilderness comes alive with wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, and moose. Visitors can take bus tours into the park's interior, hike through tundra landscapes, or embark on backcountry camping adventures. The summer months offer long daylight hours, providing ample time to explore the park's stunning scenery and experience the untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Mount Rainier, an iconic volcanic peak, dominates the skyline of this national park. In the summer, the park's meadows burst into bloom with vibrant wildflowers, creating a stunning contrast against the snow-capped mountain. Visitors can hike to alpine lakes, explore glaciers, and marvel at the towering old-growth forests. Whether you're seeking challenging hikes or scenic drives, Mount Rainier National Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and breathtaking views during a summer visit.
Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, is the centerpiece of this stunning national park. Formed by the collapse of a volcanic caldera over 7,000 years ago, the lake's intense blue waters captivate visitors year-round. In the summer, visitors can hike along the rim of the crater for panoramic views, take boat tours to Wizard Island, or simply relax on the shore and soak in the natural beauty. With its unique geological features and pristine wilderness, Crater Lake National Park is a must-visit destination for summer travelers seeking awe-inspiring landscapes and outdoor adventure.
Known as the "American Alps," North Cascades National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking rugged mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. In the summer, the park offers opportunities for hiking along the extensive trail system, camping in secluded wilderness areas, and boating on the turquoise waters of Ross Lake. Visitors can also marvel at the park's numerous glaciers and cascading waterfalls, making it a perfect summer destination for those seeking adventure and solitude amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Yellowstone National Park, America's first national park, is a vast and diverse wilderness teeming with geothermal wonders, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. In the summer, the park's geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, erupt with impressive displays, captivating visitors from around the world. Yellowstone's expansive network of hiking trails offers opportunities to explore its pristine forests, meadows, and alpine lakes. As for wildlife viewing, you can spot bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves roaming freely in their natural habitats. With its unparalleled natural beauty and endless outdoor adventures, Yellowstone is a must-visit destination for summer travelers.
Yosemite National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful landscape of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. In the summer, the park's iconic landmarks, such as Half Dome and El Capitan, beckon adventurers to explore their majestic heights. Visitors can hike to stunning viewpoints like Glacier Point, swim in the refreshing waters of the Merced River, or marvel at the beauty of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. With its diverse ecosystems and iconic landmarks, Yosemite offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and unforgettable experiences.
Grand Teton National Park is a dramatic landscape of rugged mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and meandering rivers. In the summer, the park's snow-capped summits reflect in the crystal-clear waters of Jackson Lake, creating picture-perfect vistas at every turn. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike along scenic trails, go boating or fishing on the park's lakes and rivers, or simply relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the Tetons. With its stunning alpine scenery and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Acadia National Park is a coastal gem with rugged shorelines, towering granite cliffs, and lush forests. In the early summer, the park's rocky coastline comes alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers and the soothing sounds of crashing waves. Visitors can explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails, bike along the scenic carriage roads, or take a leisurely drive along the Park Loop Road. Acadia's diverse landscapes offer something for everyone, whether it's swimming at Sand Beach, rock climbing on the Precipice Trail, or watching the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Glacier National Park is a wilderness paradise with rugged mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. In the summer, the park's iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road opens up, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. Visitors can embark on scenic drives, take boat tours on the park's glacial lakes, or hike to remote backcountry campsites. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Glacier National Park is a summer playground for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and solitude amidst nature. Visit Glacier National Park for a memorable summer vacation.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a lush and vibrant landscape of misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests. In the summer, the park's dense foliage comes alive with the songs of birds and the buzzing of insects, creating a symphony of sounds in the wilderness. Visitors can hike to scenic overlooks, explore historic homesteads and grist mills, or take scenic drives along the park's winding mountain roads. With its diverse ecosystems and rich cultural history, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Zion National Park is a land of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush river valleys. In the summer, the park's red rock landscapes glow in the golden light, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can hike to iconic landmarks like Angel's Landing and The Narrows, go canyoneering in remote slot canyons, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. With its dramatic landscapes and thrilling adventures, Zion National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking excitement and natural beauty.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a playground for outdoor adventurers, with its dramatic mountain scenery, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. In the summer, the park's wildflower-filled meadows burst into bloom, creating a kaleidoscope of colors against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Visitors can hike to stunning alpine lakes, spot elk and bighorn sheep grazing in the meadows, or drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in North America. With its endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and breathtaking vistas, Rocky Mountain National Park is a summer paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel, with its vast chasms, towering cliffs, and mesmerizing colors. In the summer, the canyon's depths shimmer in the heat, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring landscape. Visitors can hike into the canyon on trails like the South Kaibab and Bright Angel, take scenic helicopter tours over the rim, or simply marvel at the views from the park's numerous overlooks. With its breathtaking vistas and unparalleled natural beauty, the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination for summer travelers seeking adventure and wonder.
Olympic National Park is a diverse and stunningly beautiful landscape, with rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and towering mountain peaks. In the summer, the park's lush forests come alive with the sounds of wildlife and the trickle of streams, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can hike through old-growth forests, relax on the sandy beaches of the Pacific coast, or soak in the natural hot springs at Sol Duc. With its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery, Olympic National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure in the great outdoors.
Runner-ups for this list include Sequoia National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. We hope you find this list helpful in your search for the best national park for your summer trip.
Visit National Parks with Cruise America
Reserve an RV rental, pack your bags, and head on the road for an unforgettable outdoor adventure at one of these top national parks. With Cruise America, you can ensure comfort and convenience for everyone during your vacation.
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