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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!