Plan the Perfect July Getaway: Top National Parks to Visit This Summer

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Sarah McDonagh
Destinations, Travel
Steep granite cliffs of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison with the two dragons and the mysterious Gunnison River cutting through the rock in the valley, Colorado, USA.

The summer months, particularly July, can be some of the busiest and hottest months across all of the different parks, and it is for good reason! Typically, this month has the best weather, and facilities are operating in full. But that shouldn’t discourage you from visiting some of the most beautiful national parks in the entire United States this summer.

Are you unsure where to go on your summer vacation this year, but you can feel yourself itching to visit the country’s natural beauty? There are plenty of national park destinations to choose from, depending on your travel goals; plus, many national parks in the United States can also be visited on a budget! 

Let’s pack up the car and get on the road! We have some national parks to visit.

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota features a complex cave system with intricate passageways and unique formations. The cave consists of boxwork and frostwork formations, displaying shades of brown, beige, and white.
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With one of the world’s most complex cave systems, July is the perfect time for touring Wind Cave, giving you a break from the summer heat, with comfortable conditions underground and wildlife like bison and elk visible above ground.

It’s close to other wonderful state parks and national monuments, such as Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky features the historic entrance to Mammoth Cave with a long sidewalk ramp. The entrance consists of a large, dark cave.
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Another park where you can escape the heat, Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, has one of the world’s longest cave systems offering a cool escape from the summer heat. Take a tour of the extensive underground cave systems and learn about how these caves were discovered and how the park maintains these natural wonders.

Surface trails and river activities also offer plenty of outdoor fun.

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

An overlook at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia reveals the winding New River amid the Appalachian Mountains. The river snakes through the lush, forested landscape, flanked by steep.
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Known for its lush greenery and outdoor activities, July is perfect for white-water rafting as the water levels are ideal, especially around the area of New River Gorge National Park. There are a number of rafting companies that will take you and your group out on a wild ride on the New River Gorge, allowing you to see the beauty of the area in a whole new life.

The park also offers other fun outdoor activities if hitting the water isn’t your thing. Maybe spend some time exploring the excellent rock climbing and hiking opportunities.

Sequoia National Park

Vibrant Sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park, California, tower over the landscape with their immense trunks and rich red-brown bark.
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July in Sequoia National Park typically sees warm, pleasant daytime temperatures that are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Unlike lower altitudes in California, which can experience scorching heat during summer, the higher elevations at Sequoia maintain more moderate conditions.

Evenings are cool, providing a refreshing counterpoint after a warm day and ideal conditions for campfire activities and comfortable sleeping under the stars. Sequoia National Park is also home to one of the tallest U.S. waterfalls.

Biscayne National Park, Florida

Biscayne National Park in Florida features a stone lighthouse situated on an island. The lighthouse, constructed from light-colored stone, stands tall against the backdrop of the blue sky and ocean.
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While this park might not be on your radar all the time, this July might be a great time to set your sights on it. Early summer is a fantastic time to escape the Florida heat with water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and boating before the peak hurricane season starts.

The ocean is warm, and marine life is abundant at Biscayne National Park, so be ready to explore and learn your way through this tropical park.

Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska offers a stunning aerial view. Winding rivers weave through the landscape, forming intricate patterns. The terrain is a mix of green vegetation and sandy dunes, reflecting the park's diverse environment.
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This national park is off the beaten path but offers extraordinary sand dunes and caribou migrations. July’s endless daylight hours also give you endless time to explore this vast, wild landscape. 

It’s hard to get to for most travelers, but there’s a lot to see and explore throughout Alaska (just see our next entry).

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska features a landscape with hills and mountains flanking both sides. In the center, a winding river flows through the valley, surrounded by abundant greenery.
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Another one in Alaska, this remote park has no roads or trails and is best visited in July when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are accessible for backpacking and river expeditions. Just like with Kobuk, July offers almost 24 hours of daylight, making it easy to adventure any time of day you like! 

Again, while this park is quite hard to get to, the journey there is worth it!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

In the depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, the Gunnison River flows serenely, carving through rugged canyon walls.
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Known for its dramatic and steep canyon views, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers unique and challenging rock climbing and hiking opportunities. In July, the weather is ideal for exploring the deep canyon depths and enjoying panoramic vistas with fewer crowds than Rocky Mountain National Park.

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah features a natural amphitheater adorned with hoodoos, windows, canyons, spires, walls, and steep cliffs.
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Often overshadowed by nearby (and very popular) Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Cedar Breaks is stunning in July, with wildflower meadows in full bloom at over 10,000 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures and breathtaking views.

If you’re in the area to visit some of the other, more popular parks, make sure to take the time to visit Cedar Breaks as well!

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

In Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, this wide shot captures a sandstone arch standing against a clear blue sky. The color of the sandstone ranges from warm orange tones to subtle beige, typical of the rock formations found in the region.
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While you’re in the area, we have another park for you to swing by!

Nearby Capitol Reef National Park is often known for its fruit orchards within the park and is also less crowded than Utah’s aforementioned more famous parks. It offers stunning rock formations and canyon trails that are especially enjoyable to explore in early July before it gets too hot.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

In Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA, the image features a rocky mountain set against a clear blue sky with small clouds.
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Known for Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and its beautiful desert scenery, this park is fantastic in July. You can gain full access to its trails and campsites, and the hot but bearable temperatures are ideal for early-morning hikes. Just be sure to drink a ton of water on your hikes!

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park in Maine features a serene scene with a river in the foreground and rocky terrain nearby. Beyond, green hills rise in the background, adding depth to the landscape.
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Although a popular month for the park, July is the perfect time to explore Acadia‘s rugged coastline, granite peaks, and pristine lakes.

Drive the Park Loop Road, hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great option for those who want nice weather, but it’s far enough north that you won’t find the same heat as some of the desert parks out west.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

In this scene of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, a river flows in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery typical of the park's landscape. The background features majestic rocky mountains, their peaks dusted with snow, creating a picturesque contrast against the vibrant greenery.
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With its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

July offers ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives along Teton Park Road. The nearby town of Jackson Hole is also booming this time of year, and you should be able to catch a local rodeo depending on when you visit. 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Bear Lake in Estes Park, Colorado, within Rocky Mountain National Park, is showcased in the image. The foreground features the serene lake, reflecting the surrounding pine trees and the clear blue sky above. In the background, majestic mountains rise, creating a picturesque backdrop to the scene.
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July is prime time for hiking, wildlife watching, and wildflower viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are tons of great trails, like the Bear Lake Loop and the iconic Trail Ridge Road, and you should be able to see elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Just be aware of the altitude at this park!

Zion National Park, Utah

In Zion National Park, Utah, the image showcases the Deer Trap and Great White Throne mountains as viewed from Zion Canyon. The perspective is from a rock ledge positioned between the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools, offering a stunning vista of the rugged canyon landscape. The mountains stand majestic in the background, characterized by their towering heights and distinct geological formations.
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While I typically advise people to avoid desert parks in the summer because of the heat, Zion is the exception due to the park’s incredible canyons.

Hiking in the narrows, you can climb through miles of slot canyons and enjoy wading through cold water, which feels amazing this time of year and is a fun respite from the sun. It’s a bucket list item to explore this trail, and July is a great month to do so. Just be aware it is one of the most crowded times in the park!