Summer is the perfect season to explore America’s breathtaking national parks. With long daylight hours, lush landscapes, and accessible hiking trails, these natural treasures offer unforgettable adventures for solo travelers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, this list of the best national parks for summer 2025 will help you find the perfect destination.
From towering mountains to coastal cliffs, here are the top U.S. national parks to visit this summer — each offering stunning views, seasonal beauty, and plenty of fresh air.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier is a summer dream. The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens by July, revealing alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and snow-dusted peaks. Ideal for hikers, photographers, and road-trippers.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Summer brings warm weather and flowing waterfalls to Yosemite. Hike through Yosemite Valley, marvel at El Capitan and Half Dome, or venture to Tuolumne Meadows for fewer crowds and high-altitude serenity.
3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Located just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton offers dramatic mountain views, glacier-fed lakes, and excellent wildlife spotting. Summer is ideal for kayaking on Jenny Lake, biking scenic trails, and spotting moose and elk.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia shines in summer with cool ocean breezes and rocky coastline hikes. Explore Cadillac Mountain at sunrise, walk along Sand Beach, or cycle the scenic carriage roads. It’s the perfect blend of sea and summit.
5. Olympic National Park, Washington
One park, three ecosystems: coastal beaches, temperate rainforests, and snow-capped mountains. In summer, all parts of Olympic are accessible, from Hurricane Ridge to the Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach. Wild, diverse, and unforgettable.
6. Zion National Park, Utah
Summer is popular in Zion, and for good reason. Iconic hikes like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are fully open. Get an early start to beat the heat and take advantage of shuttle access to the park’s main canyon.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
By July, Trail Ridge Road opens to reveal epic alpine views. Hike Bear Lake trails, spot marmots and bighorn sheep, and enjoy cool temperatures at higher elevations. Ideal for scenic drives and family-friendly hikes.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
America’s most visited national park offers misty views, blooming rhododendrons, and scenic drives. Visit Cades Cove for wildlife, hike Clingmans Dome, or simply relax by a mountain stream with a picnic.
9. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Home to the deepest lake in the U.S., Crater Lake is a stunning sapphire surrounded by cliffs. In summer, Rim Drive is fully open, offering incredible views. Stargazing here is unbeatable due to minimal light pollution.
10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Just a couple of hours from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah offers serene summer hikes along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive provides sweeping views, while trails like Old Rag attract adventurous hikers.
Travel Tips for Visiting National Parks in Summer
Reserve early: Campsites and entry permits fill up quickly, especially in high-demand parks.
Start your day early: Beat the crowds and avoid the afternoon heat.
Pack smart: Bring plenty of water, sun protection, layers, and a detailed map.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: Respect wildlife and preserve the beauty for others.
Best Time to Go
Most national parks are at their peak between late June and early September. To avoid crowds, consider visiting midweek or during the shoulder season — early June or late August — especially in high-traffic parks like Zion or Yosemite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving fresh air, scenic trails, and unforgettable landscapes, these best national parks for summer 2025 are calling. From alpine heights to coastal cliffs, each destination offers its own kind of magic — the kind only nature can provide.
So pack your hiking boots, charge your camera, and hit the road — your perfect national park adventure awaits.
