15 Incredible National Parks to Visit This July

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

Not sure where to go? There are plenty of National Park destinations to choose from, depending on your travel goals. Many National parks in the United States can also be visited on a budget! Here are some of my favorite to visit this time of year!

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.

With one of the world’s most complex cave systems, July is perfect for touring Wind Cave as a break from the summer heat, with comfortable conditions underground and wildlife like bison and elk visible above ground.

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.

Another park where you can escape the heat, Mammoth has one of the world’s longest cave systems offering a cool escape from the summer heat. 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.

Known for its lush greenery and outdoor activities, July is perfect for white-water rafting as the water levels are ideal. The park also offers 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.

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 taller US 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.

Early summer is a fantastic time to escape the heat with water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and boating before the peak hurricane season starts. The ocean is warm and the marine life is abundant in this Florida 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.

This park is off the beaten path but offers extraordinary sand dunes and caribou migrations. July’s endless daylight hours also give you endless time for exploring this vast, wild landscape.

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.

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! 

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.

Known for its dramatic and steep canyon views, this park 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 less crowds than the Rockies. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

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.

Often overshadowed by nearby Zion and Bryce, Cedar Breaks is stunning in July with wildflower meadows in full bloom at over 10,000 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures and breathtaking views.

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.

Nearby Capitol Reef National Park is 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.

Known for Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and it’s beautiful desert scenery this park is fantastic in July when you can gain full access to its trails and campsites, with hot but bearable temperatures ideal for early morning 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.

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 that want nice weather, but it’s far enough north that you won’t find the same heat as some of the desert Parks.

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.

With its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and July offers ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives along the 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.

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, 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, but with the elevation comes great temperatures! 

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.

While I typcially advise people to avoid the desert Parks in the summer because of the heat, Zion is the one expection to that due to the parks 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!