For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there is no better way to spend the summer than by exploring the natural beauty of America’s National Parks. With 63 National Parks covering over 84 million acres across the country, there is no shortage of scenic landscapes, breathtaking trails, and unique wildlife to discover.
If you’re planning a summer getaway, below are some of our favorite National Parks you’ll want to consider. We’ll also include some pro tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Yellowstone National Park
First on our list is the famous Yellowstone National Park. Located primarily in Wyoming, this park is known for its stunning natural features such as geysers, hot springs, and mud-pots. Including the most famous geyser – Old Faithful. The park is also home to a variety of animals, including bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears.
Yellowstone is one of the most visited National Parks in the country, so it’s important to plan ahead. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, so consider visiting in the shoulder season in late May or early June, or later in September when the crowds have dwindled, and the weather is still pleasant. If you want stay inside the park, booking early is essential since accommodations are limited and sell out quickly.
Pro Tips:
Reserve a guided tour for your best chance of seeing wildlife, and don’t forget to bring good walking shoes or hiking boots. Yellowstone is a huge park with a lot of ground to cover. For a side trip idea, consider also visiting Grand Teton’s National Park since they are close by. You could do a stay in Jackson, WY to access both Yellowstone and Grand Teton conveniently in one trip.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States and is a must see. The canyon, carved by the Colorado River, stretches for 277 miles, and visitors can enjoy stunning views from designated lookout points, hike one of the 20 trails, or take a rafting trip down the river.
You can drive around the Grand Canyon, but once inside the park, it’s best to use the shuttle bus system. This reduces traffic and makes it easier to get around. The weather can also be unpredictable and change rapidly, so it’s important to check the forecast and be prepared for varying conditions.
Pro Tips:
Make sure to wear sunscreen, bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike, and bring a jacket as the evenings tend to get cool. Check out the ranger-led programs for an educational and memorable experience. This can also be a side trip idea from Las Vegas. There are several tours you can book that take you from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, that also include a stop at the Hoover Dam, or you could road trip it on your own if you’re adventurous.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, located in central California, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its soaring mountains, pristine lakes, and impressive waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls, which drops 2,425 feet. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and rock climbing.
The best time to visit Yosemite is during the spring and summer months (April – September) when the weather is mild and the waterfalls are at their peak due to snowmelt.
Pro Tips:
Take the park shuttle for convenient transportation around the park, but make sure to bring cash for the fares. Yosemite’s weather can also be unpredictable and can change quickly, so it’s recommended to check the forecast before heading out and to bring appropriate clothing and gear for varying conditions.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located on the coast of Maine, and is one of the most popular parks in the country. This National Park is spread across 49,000 acres and offers stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, with rocky beaches and dense forests, while also including the tallest mountain on the US Atlantic coast – Cadillac Mountain. Visitors can partake in hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, rock-climbing, stargazing, and birdwatching.
Acadia National Park is also known for its rich history, including the presence of Native American settlements and a historic carriage road system that was built in the late 19th century. Summers in Acadia are mild and comfortable, making it a perfect summer getaway spot for those who want to escape the heat.
Pro Tips:
Take a drive along the scenic Park Loop Road for spectacular views or rent a bike to explore one of the park’s many trails. The park offers free admission on certain days, so check the schedule ahead of time. Be sure to book accommodations well in advance to ensure you get the best options because it can fill up quickly.
Glacier National Park
One of the many gems of the US National Park System is the stunning Glacier National Park located in Montana. Glacier National Park offers a wide range of activities to cater to every kind of visitor, including hiking, camping, fishing, and even water sports. Many of the trails lead to crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, and the chance to see the various wildlife, including bears, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and more.
Glacier National Park’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-do experience. However, it’s important to note that the road can be crowded, and parking can be challenging in the peak season. You can also take advantage of the shuttle system that is available throughout the park for an easier way to get around.
Visitors can either choose to stay in the park or explore the nearby communities outside of the park. The neighboring town of Whitefish is an option to consider if you miss out on getting accommodations inside the park.
Pro Tips:
If you want to go hiking, be sure to check out some of the most iconic hiking trails in the park including: Highline Trail, Grinnel Glacier Trail, and the Hidden Lake Trail. Since Glacier National Park is so close to Canada, you could also add on some adventuring into Alberta and see places such as Lake Louise and Banff.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is the most-visited national park in the country, with over 11 million visitors each year! The park offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, miles of hiking trails, and wildlife such as black bears, deer, raccoons, and elk.
The good news is that are no entry fees to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but some attractions within the park may require a separate entrance fee, such as Clingmans Dome and you’ll also need to pay a parking fee. Summer and fall are the most popular times to visit, so try to visit in the months of April, May, or September for fewer crowds, but still experience pleasant temperatures.
Pro Tips:
Take a drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, explore the park with a ranger-led tour, or visit the historic buildings in Cades Cove. The park has visitor centers, campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants for visitors to take advantage of.
Below is a list of some of our other favorite National Parks you could consider for your next trip:
- Arches National Park – Utah
- Redwoods National Park – California
- Volcanoes National Park – Big Island, Hawaii
- Kenai Fjords National Park – Alaska
- Crater Lake National Park – Oregon
- Everglades National Park – Florida
- Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
- Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado
While we understand that this blog only touches on a few of our favorites, and we have so many more National Parks that we love, there just isn’t enough room to talk about them all. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can find any park your heart desires at the National Parks System’s website. There you can also find more information about the parks, entry fees, or any possible closures.
Visiting America’s National Parks
National Parks across the US offer endless opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. When planning your trip, consider booking your accommodations and activities well in advance since these destinations are very popular for many travelers, especially during the summer months.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want to visit on your own in your own car or a rental car, or if you want to book with a guided group tour. Visiting a National Park on your own versus going with a guided tour can have both advantages and disadvantages.
Going on Your Own
Going on your own can provide more flexibility and freedom to explore the park on your own terms. You can take as much time as you want in each location, design your itinerary, and adjust plans based on weather, interests, or fitness levels.
Doing a Guided Tour
Guided tours provide benefits such as knowledgable tour guide to answer questions, access to hidden areas, and learning about the history and wildlife from one of park experts. With guided tours, there is no need to worry about logistics such as transportation or lodging, and your itinerary is already planned based on your interests. Additionally, traveling with a group can provide a sense of camaraderie and create new friendships.
Ultimately, the choice between going on your own or with a guided tour depends on personal preferences, availability, and budget. No matter which option you choose, visiting a National Park is bound to be an unforgettable experience and we can help. If you’ve been thinking about doing a trip to one of America’s National Parks, contact Wanderland Escapes and let’s start planning! Rebecca has been to a lot of America’s National Parks and has first hand experience to help you make your trip amazing.
