13 U.S. National Parks That Should Be on Your Summer Bucket List
Looking for a summer escape that lets you connect with nature? National parks are a great option, offering a range of activities like hiking through towering mountains or relaxing by peaceful lakes. Summer is the perfect time to visit these parks, with favorable weather and a variety of outdoor options. From spotting local wildlife to soaking in breathtaking views, each park offers something unique. Here are some of the best national parks to explore this summer.
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Yellowstone National Park
Located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park is about a 4-hour drive from Jackson, Wyoming, and offers one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. Known for its geothermal features like Old Faithful and colorful hot springs, it is a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can hike, fish, and explore wildlife like bison, bears, and elk. With an average of over 3 million visitors in the summer, it is one of the most popular national parks.
Yellowstone is an ideal spot for those who want to experience diverse landscapes, from mountains to forests and lakes. The park offers opportunities for camping, sightseeing, and wildlife photography. It is also home to the Yellowstone River, which provides excellent rafting opportunities. With its rich biodiversity, it remains a top choice for summer adventures.
Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is about a 4.5-hour drive from Phoenix, making it easily accessible for a summer trip. Its immense size and stunning views make it a must-see destination for travelers. Visitors can hike the rim trails, raft the Colorado River, or simply marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Over 6 million people visit the Grand Canyon each summer, enjoying everything from scenic viewpoints to strenuous backcountry hikes.
The Grand Canyon is famous for its dramatic landscape of deep gorges and vibrant rock layers. It offers various activities, such as mule rides, star gazing, and photography. The park also hosts a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and numerous bird species. A visit to this incredible natural wonder offers both adventure and tranquility.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite, located in California’s Sierra Nevada, is approximately a 5-hour drive from San Francisco. Known for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias, Yosemite offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike up Half Dome, explore Yosemite Valley, and swim in the park’s many rivers. With over 4 million visitors each summer, it is a busy but rewarding destination.
This park is famous for its beautiful landscapes, including the iconic El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Visitors can enjoy rock climbing, cycling, and wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot black bears and mule deer. Yosemite also offers campgrounds for those who want to immerse themselves in nature overnight. It is a prime destination for those seeking both adventure and peaceful scenery.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains are about a 1.5-hour drive from Knoxville, Tennessee. This park is known for its mist-covered mountains, rich biodiversity, and historical sites. Visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail, explore waterfalls, or experience the unique mountain culture. It attracts over 11 million visitors annually, making it the most visited national park in the U.S.
The Great Smoky Mountains offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural history, with old-growth forests and preserved historic buildings. It is home to black bears, wild turkeys, and hundreds of plant species. Hiking, fishing, and camping are popular activities, and the park is a great spot for bird watching. The scenic mountain views and abundant wildlife make it a perfect summer getaway.
Zion National Park
Zion is located in southwestern Utah, about a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. This park is famous for its towering red sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and scenic vistas. Visitors can hike the famous Angels Landing or explore the Zion Narrows. Zion attracts over 4 million visitors during the summer months, with its stunning views and unique geology drawing outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
The park’s diverse landscape offers a mix of desert, forest, and canyon terrain, making it ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. Zion is home to desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and golden eagles. The dramatic canyons, rock formations, and waterfalls make it a dream destination for nature lovers. Zion’s accessible trails and remarkable scenery are perfect for a summer adventure.
Acadia National Park
Located in Maine, Acadia is about a 4.5-hour drive from Boston. This coastal park is known for its rugged shoreline, dense forests, and granite peaks. Visitors can drive along the Park Loop Road, hike Cadillac Mountain, or enjoy water activities like kayaking and bird watching. Acadia draws around 3 million visitors annually, with summer being its peak season.
Acadia offers a mix of mountain and coastal experiences, perfect for those seeking variety in their outdoor adventures. Visitors can see diverse wildlife, including moose, foxes, and seabirds. With scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and peaceful lakes, Acadia provides a perfect blend of nature and tranquility. It is a great place for a summer road trip with spectacular views and outdoor activities.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Denver. This park is known for its alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and towering mountain peaks. Visitors can hike to the top of Longs Peak, enjoy wildlife watching, or explore the scenic Trail Ridge Road. The park sees over 4.5 million visitors in the summer, with its stunning views attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
The park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from dense forests to high-altitude tundra. Popular activities include fishing, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to elk, moose, and black bears, providing ample wildlife watching opportunities. Its beautiful scenery and diverse activities make it a top summer destination for adventure lovers.
Olympic National Park
Located in Washington state, Olympic National Park is about a 2-hour drive from Seattle. Known for its diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to rugged coastline, Olympic is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can hike in the Hoh Rain Forest, explore the beaches of Rialto, or relax at Lake Crescent. With over 3 million annual visitors, the park offers a peaceful escape into nature.
Olympic National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, Roosevelt’s elk, and harbor seals. The park’s unique climate allows for diverse plant and animal life, making it a great place for bird watching and hiking. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, or wildlife spotting, there are plenty of activities to explore. Its diverse landscapes make it one of the most interesting parks to visit during summer.
Grand Teton National Park
Located in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a 5-hour drive from Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its stunning mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hike, fish, or take a scenic boat tour on Jenny Lake. Grand Teton attracts around 3.5 million visitors each summer, making it one of the most visited parks in Wyoming.
Grand Teton National Park is famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor activities like kayaking, wildlife watching, and rock climbing. Visitors can see moose, elk, and black bears, making it a great spot for wildlife photography. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs, perfect for all skill levels. Its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it an ideal summer destination.
Glacier National Park
Located in Montana, Glacier National Park is about a 5-hour drive from Missoula. The park is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can hike the Highline Trail, take a boat ride on Lake McDonald, or go wildlife watching. Glacier attracts over 2 million visitors annually, with summer being the busiest season.
Glacier National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and backpacking. It is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The park’s scenic views, including vast valleys and high peaks, offer stunning photo opportunities. With its untouched beauty, Glacier is a fantastic summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sequoia National Park
Located in California, Sequoia National Park is about a 4-hour drive from Los Angeles. Famous for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth, it offers plenty to explore. Visitors can hike the Crescent Meadow, visit Crystal Cave, or stargaze in this dark-sky park. With more than 1 million visitors each year, it is a popular summer getaway.
Sequoia National Park’s towering trees and scenic mountain views make it a remarkable destination for nature lovers. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife watching, as the park is home to black bears, mule deer, and various bird species. The park’s diverse terrain, from meadows to mountain peaks, offers something for everyone. Whether you are hiking, camping, or simply taking in the views, Sequoia offers a truly unique experience.
Joshua Tree National Park
Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree is about a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles. Known for its unique desert landscape, the park is home to striking Joshua trees and stunning rock formations. Visitors can hike, rock climb, or stargaze in this dark-sky park. It attracts around 2.5 million visitors annually, especially during the summer months.
Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for rock climbers and nature photographers, offering diverse terrain and iconic desert landscapes. It is also a great place to spot desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and numerous bird species. The park’s stunning sunsets and starry nights provide an unforgettable experience. It is a perfect summer destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Shenandoah National Park
Located in Virginia, Shenandoah is about a 2-hour drive from Washington, D.C. Known for its Blue Ridge Mountains and over 200,000 acres of protected land, it offers excellent hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore Skyline Drive, go birdwatching, or enjoy scenic waterfalls. With over 1 million visitors each summer, the park is a favorite for families and hikers.
Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of activities, including camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is home to white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, offering excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Its easy-to-access trails and breathtaking views make it a great destination for outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a leisurely hike or a more challenging trail, Shenandoah provides a beautiful summer escape.
Exploring a national park during the summer offers a chance to experience the beauty of nature at its finest. Each park provides unique landscapes, activities, and wildlife, making it an unforgettable adventure for all types of travelers. Whether you prefer hiking, wildlife photography, or simply relaxing outdoors, these parks offer something special. Start planning your next summer trip and discover the incredible natural wonders that await.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.