The warmth of June is brushing our memories, reminding us that summer is just around the corner. With schools letting out, June is an ideal month to pack up the car and visit many of the national parks in the United States, thanks to the warm summer weather that makes it an excellent time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Unfortunately, the reasons to venture to the national parks also make it one of the more crowded months to visit. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared; I recommend booking in advance if you plan to camp or reserve lodging near or within the parks at this time.
However, there needs to be some planning in advance, and I’m here to offer you some ideas on which national parks you should visit this summer.
Glacier National Park, Montana
One of the most popular destinations in Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, usually opens in June, providing access to the full majesty of the park’s alpine scenery and its many trails as the snow begins to melt.
The temperatures in the park are also milder than those in some desert climate parks, making for a more comfortable stay and perfect weather for hiking and exploring.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Melting snow is a trend for this month across a lot of the national parks on this list! Grand Teton is no different, with melting snow filling the rivers and lakes at this time, making it a beautiful time for photography and water-based activities.
Wildlife, including moose and bears, are often seen in the meadows and you will also be able to explore one of my favorite places — the nearby town of Jackson Hole — without needing snowboots!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Similar to these other mountainous parks, the high trails of the Rockies become accessible for hiking in June, and the wildflowers begin to bloom, painting the meadows with bright colors. It will also be much easier to access the park without battling the winter storms!
Please note that a timed reservation will be required anytime after May 22 if you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, especially the popular Bear Lake Road, which has special rules for its timed reservations.
Olympic National Park, Washington
From the coast to the mountains, the diverse environments of Olympic are fully accessible at this time of the year, and the temperate rainforests are especially lush in early summer from the winter and spring rainfall.
It’s my personal favorite time of year to visit Olympic National Park because you’ll get to experience plenty of sunshine, when other months don’t really do the beautiful scenery justice when the weather is overcast.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
While we’re on the Pacific North West, you have to add the North Cascades to the list for June as well! Snowmelt increases the beauty and intensity of the park’s numerous waterfalls and makes the lush greenery of the hiking trails more accessible.
If you have the time, combine the two parks for an epic road trip with a pit stop in Seattle during one of the best months to visit the rainy city during its rare sunny season.
Denali National Park, Alaska
This should be on everyone’s bucket list, and it was one of my favorite trips I have ever taken! While Alaska may not be at the top of your list due to its remote location, I can assure you that it’s well worth the visit.
June offers nearly 24 hours of daylight in the park at this time, providing endless opportunities to explore Denali’s vast wilderness and increasing the chances of viewing wildlife and the majestic peaks. It’s a surreal experience to watch the sun set and then rise over the park just moments later!
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Cooler than the blistering summer months to come, June is a great time to explore Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona, where you can admire the colorful petrified wood and the painted desert landscapes of this park without the extreme heat.
While many travelers don’t consider Petrified Forest National Park a “must-see,” it is truly a wonderful location to spend some time. You can visit for the day and still explore other nearby cities, such as Flagstaff or Sedona.
Channel Islands National Park, California
June is a great time to visit Channel Islands National Park for kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching as the ocean water begins to warm up. The islands are teeming with life, both marine and terrestrial, which are more active and visible.
Just be aware there are limited accommodations on the islands so if you are looking to camp or stay in the town of Avalon you should definitely book ahead!
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
The weather in Haleakalā National Park is mild and the visibility is often better in June, making it an excellent time for hiking the volcanic landscapes and watching the sunrise or sunset from the summit of this spectacular park.
If you’ve planned a full week in Hawaii or even Maui, you can enjoy guided bike tours down the mountain. You’ll ride in a van up the mountainside, then bike on down, letting gravity do most of the work. It’s an incredible experience for any nature lover!
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
June brings warm but not oppressive temperatures ideal for hiking and fossil hunting in the Badlands National Park. The park’s layered rock formations are striking under the summer sun and you’ll find this park to be less crowded than some of the others.
During the month of June, you’ll miss some of the crowds that tend to make their way in May, once school gets out. July and August are the busiest months of the year, so visiting in June will help you miss some of the crowds.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Located in southern Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is often overlooked compared to its neighbors Arches and Zion, but Capitol Reef is a great park to be your anchor to the other national parks in the area..
Many of the canyons are layered with golden colored sandstone, which is a visual spectacle. Some of the most popular sights in the park are the Hickman Bridge arch, and the Chimney Rock Pillar.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Add another Alaska state park to your itinerary! This is the largest national park in the U.S., and June offers clearer paths and more accessible routes.
It’s an excellent time for mountaineering, hiking, and witnessing the midnight sun. Given its size, you should be able to escape the crowds pretty easily throughout this park.
Dry Tortuga National Park, Florida
The weather is perfect for snorkeling and exploring the coral reefs and shipwrecks of this epic park in June. It’s also an excellent time for bird watching and generally the last month to visit before the hurricane season really picks up.
You can add this national park to your Florida Keys itinerary. You’ll be able to visit the national park, while spending time during the rest of your trip soaking up the sun at one of the top beaches in Florida while you visit the Florida Keys.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
One more Alaska park to add to my list. This might be one of my favorite parks I’ve ever visited, and if you make it all the way up here you absolutely must book a kayak tour to see the glaciers up close.
With the snow melting, June offers increased access to the park’s rugged fjords and the opportunity to spot wildlife, including whales, seals, and seabirds, against the backdrop of spectacular glaciers. It’s an incredible experience and unlike any other park in the United States.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Early summer is a comfortable time to explore the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, with pleasant temperatures and full access to all park services and tours.
It’s most famous for the massive Cliff Palace. There are exhibits to explore that delve into Native American culture, as well as several archaeological sites and overlooks offering stunning canyon views.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The towering peak of Mount Rainier is an iconic sight. In June, the lower and mid-elevations are awash in wildflowers, and the weather is often clear, providing excellent hiking and climbing conditions before the snow completely melts at higher elevations.