Table of contents
- Why Summer is Ideal for National Park Visits
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota
- North Cascades National Park, Washington
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
- Your Perfect Summer Base Camp Near South Dakota’s Best National Parks!
- Related Articles
Summer is the perfect time to explore the best national parks to visit in summer, offering extended daylight hours, fully accessible trails, and thriving wildlife. While some parks experience high visitor numbers, others provide unique seasonal experiences that make them ideal destinations. This guide will help you discover the best national parks to visit in the summer, from iconic locations to hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, exceptional hiking opportunities, or incredible wildlife encounters, these national parks to visit in summer offer unforgettable adventures.
Why Summer is Ideal for National Park Visits
Visiting the best national parks in summer comes with several advantages. Many parks have full access to high-elevation areas and remote sections that are snow-covered in other seasons. Additionally, visitor centers, campgrounds, and ranger programs operate at full capacity, offering enhanced experiences. Longer daylight hours allow for extended hiking and exploration, making summer the best time to visit many national parks.
However, some parks can be crowded during peak season. To make the most of your trip, visit on weekdays, start hikes early in the morning, and explore lesser-trafficked areas. Summer national park visits provide opportunities for seasonal activities such as boating, stargazing, and wildlife spotting that may not be available at other times of the year.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in summer due to its limited seasonal access. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering stunning mountain views, is only fully open from late June through mid-September. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore breathtaking alpine scenery, encounter mountain goats, and see vibrant wildflower meadows in full bloom.
Summer is also the best time to experience the park’s historic lodges, boat tours on pristine lakes, and ranger-led programs that enhance understanding of this stunning wilderness.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake’s deep blue waters are best viewed in summer when the entire Rim Drive is open, allowing visitors to experience panoramic views of the caldera. The park offers ranger-led boat tours to Wizard Island, providing a unique perspective on the lake’s formation.
Hiking trails like the trek to Plaikni Falls become accessible in summer, and the park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park makes it a prime location for stargazing. If you’re looking for the best national park to visit in summer, Crater Lake’s scenic beauty and seasonal activities make it an excellent choice.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is only fully accessible in summer, making it one of the best national parks to visit in the summer. From June to early September, visitors can explore the park’s vast wilderness with ease.
The midnight sun extends daylight hours, allowing for extended wildlife viewing of grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. The park’s shuttle system provides access to remote areas, and ranger-led hikes offer guided off-trail experiences. Wildflower displays peak in July, and backcountry camping provides an unforgettable adventure in Alaska’s rugged landscape.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
In early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, creating a natural beach perfect for cooling off after sandboarding or sledding. The cooler morning and evening temperatures make dune hiking more comfortable, and summer is the best season for stargazing in this International Dark Sky Park. Ranger programs help visitors understand the unique desert ecosystem, making this one of the most fascinating national parks to visit in summer.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Summer is the best time to visit Channel Islands National Park due to calmer seas, making boat travel easier. The park offers world-class snorkeling and diving in kelp forests, with peak visibility during summer months.
Blue whales migrate through the channel in summer, providing unparalleled marine wildlife viewing. Kayaking through sea caves is safest in summer’s calm waters, and the rare island fox can be spotted on hiking trails. These unique experiences make Channel Islands one of the best national parks in summer for nature enthusiasts.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
This prairie-based park is best visited in summer when its expansive landscapes are fully accessible and wildlife is most active. Scenic drive tours allow visitors to explore the park’s dramatic rock formations and grasslands, and excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities make it a paradise for nature lovers.
Bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs are commonly seen in summer, and visitors can explore unique geological features and fossil exhibits. The park’s visitor center provides interpretive programs and exhibits about the region’s natural history, offering a deep dive into the unique ecosystem and prehistoric past of the Badlands.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
The rugged landscape of North Cascades National Park is most accessible during summer when high-elevation trails are snow-free. Alpine wildflowers peak in July and August, creating stunning scenery along hiking routes.
The park’s glacier-fed turquoise lakes are perfect for summer exploration, and mountain goats are frequently spotted in the high country. The North Cascades Highway provides access to incredible viewpoints, and boat tours on Ross Lake offer a peaceful way to experience the park’s beauty.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park is fully open only from June through October, making summer the ideal time to visit. The park’s geothermal features, including bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, are best explored in warm weather.
Crystal-clear alpine lakes become warm enough for swimming, and hiking trails lead to unique sites like Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak. The park’s dark skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities, and ranger programs provide insights into its volcanic history.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Summer brings vibrant wildflowers and active wildlife to this underappreciated gem. The park’s scenic drives showcase stunning badlands landscapes, and bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs can be spotted throughout the park.
The Little Missouri River offers opportunities for canoeing and fishing, and ranger-led programs at Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin provide historical context. The park’s remote location ensures incredible stargazing opportunities, making it one of the best national parks to visit in summer for solitude seekers.
Tips for Summer National Park Visits
To make the most of your summer national park adventures, consider these tips:
- Plan ahead: Many parks require reservations for campsites and timed entry, so book early.
- Avoid crowds: Visit popular parks on weekdays and explore at sunrise or sunset.
- Stay cool: Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and schedule hikes for cooler times of the day.
- Check park conditions: Stay informed about fire restrictions, trail closures, and wildlife activity.
- Secure accommodations early: Whether camping or staying in lodges, summer availability fills quickly.
With proper planning, you can enjoy the best national parks in summer while avoiding common pitfalls. From Alaska to California, these best national parks to visit in the summer offer incredible landscapes, wildlife, and adventure, making them perfect for your next outdoor escape.
Your Perfect Summer Base Camp Near South Dakota’s Best National Parks!
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