Top 11 Summer National Parks

Lonely Planet

Krimml Waterfalls

When summer hits, there’s no better way to enjoy the sunshine and nature than by exploring the United States’ most iconic national parks. These parks offer various activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and photography. Whether you’re looking for cool mountain air or vibrant forests, national parks provide the perfect escape. Here are the 11 best national parks to visit in the summer.

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Why Visit in Summer:
Yellowstone is a classic summer destination, famous for geysers like Old Faithful and wildlife including bison, bears, and elk. During the summer months, roads are fully accessible, and the weather is pleasant for hiking and camping.

Don’t Miss:

Grand Prismatic SprBlog 30- Inside Image ing
Yellowstone Lake
Hayden Valley

Yosemite National Park (California)

Why Visit in Summer:
Yosemite’s waterfalls flow strongest in early summer, and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome are stunning against the clear blue skies. With full trail access, it’s the best time for backpacking.

Don’t Miss:

Yosemite Falls
Glacier Point
Mist Trail

Glacier National Park (Montana)

Why Visit in Summer:
Known for its crystal-clear lakes and rugged mountains, Glacier is perfect for adventurers. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road only opens in summer, offering some of the most scenic drives in the country.

Don’t Miss:

Logan Pass
Lake McDonald
Grinnell Glacier

Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Why Visit in Summer:
Grand Teton is a hiker’s paradise with sharp peaks, alpine lakes, and fields of wildflowers. The weather in summer is ideal for long hikes and kayaking on Jenny Lake.

Don’t Miss:

Jenny Lake Loop
Signal Mountain
Snake River Overlook

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Why Visit in Summer:
Acadia offers a unique coastal landscape with rocky beaches and dense forests. Summer is perfect for biking the historic carriage roads and catching sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.

Don’t Miss:

Sand Beach
Jordan Pond
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

State of Washington Tourism

Olympic National Park

Zion National Park (Utah)

Why Visit in Summer:
Zion is a desert beauty with red rock canyons and stunning vistas. While summer is hot, morning hikes and river trails like The Narrows offer refreshing experiences.

Don’t Miss:

Angels Landing
The Narrows
Emerald Pools

Olympic National Park (Washington)

Why Visit in Summer:
Olympic features diverse landscapes—from mountain ranges to rainforests to beaches. Summer has the driest weather, ideal for exploring its many ecosystems.

Don’t Miss:

Hurricane Ridge
Hoh Rainforest
Rialto Beach

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Why Visit in Summer:
With its high elevation, summer is the only time to fully explore the park without snow. The trails, wildlife, and breathtaking alpine lakes make it a must-visit.

Don’t Miss:

Trail Ridge Road
Bear Lake
Emerald Lake Trail

Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

Why Visit in Summer:
This iconic mountain is often snow-covered well into spring. Summer brings wildflowers, accessible trails, and clear skies to view the glacier-capped peak.

Don’t Miss:

Paradise Wildflower Meadows
Skyline Trail
Reflection Lake

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

Why Visit in Summer:
Lush greenery, waterfalls, and historic cabins make this the most visited national park in the U.S. Summer is alive with wildflowers and plenty of wildlife.

Don’t Miss:

Clingmans Dome
Cades Cove
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Why Visit in Summer:
Crater Lake’s intense blue color is best appreciated under the bright summer sun. Snow often makes access difficult in other seasons, but summer reveals its full beauty.

Don’t Miss:

Rim Drive
Cleetwood Cove Trail
Wizard Island

Final Thoughts: Where Will Your Summer Adventure Begin?

Whether you’re looking to hike majestic peaks, relax by a lake, or photograph dramatic landscapes, there’s a national park that fits the bill. Summer is the prime season to immerse yourself in nature, recharge, and create unforgettable memories. So grab your backpack, plan your road trip, and set out to explore one (or more) of these incredible destinations.

From the geysers of Yellowstone to the cliffs of Yosemite, every national park on this list promises a unique experience. Remember to book campsites early, check weather conditions, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.

Happy exploring!