I would argue that there is no bad time of year to visit the US national parks. But after visiting all 63 of them, I've found that some particularly shine in the summer months.
Although summer is peak vacation and road trip season — which can lead to crowding at some iconic landmarks within the national park system — there are plenty of reasons to explore the parks at this time of year, from better weather to more active wildlife.
Here are the five I always recommend.
Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is easier to explore in the summer.
In my opinion, Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking and dramatic scenery in the country.
However, if you're driving there, you'll only be able to enter through Exit Glacier Road, which typically closes from late-October to Mid-May due to snow. Better accessibility, combined with warmer weather and longer days, make summer the best time to travel to this bucket-list park.
Because most of Kenai Fjords is only accessible by water, I suggest taking a boat tour or kayaking with one of the many local vendors.
Montana's Glacier National Park is spectacular in the summer.
If you've ever seen a photo or video of a dramatic mountain road on social media, there is a high likelihood that it was the iconic Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
The roughly 50-mile road makes its way through some of the most photographed spots in the park. However, due to heavy snow, parts of the road are typically closed until at least late-June. So, for the best experience, I suggest visiting in the summer.
Plus, the warmer weather means the chance to take a dip in one of the beautiful mountain lakes, and longer days give visitors plenty of time to explore.
Isle Royale National Park in Michigan is only open seasonally.
Due to harsh weather conditions and its remote location in the middle of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is only open from April 16 through October 31 each year.
The park is also only accessible via seaplane or ferry, and service on the latter is sporadic after early September. That's why the summer months are the perfect time to visit the island.
While there, I recommend hiking to the Minong Ridge and Grace Creek Overlooks.
Summer is a great time to explore Denali National Park in Alaska.
There are many sights in the national parks that are considered bucket-list worthy, and in my opinion, seeing Mount McKinley firsthand is absolutely one of them.
The 20,310-foot peak is the highest in North America, and on a clear day, it can be seen from miles away.
Although the park is technically open year-round, some of the roads, visitor centers, campgrounds, and transportation services shut down after the summer months.
For the best experience, I recommend taking a summer bus tour on Denali Park Road for incredible views of the park and its wildlife.
Grand Teton in Wyoming is my favorite national park.
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is my favorite national park in any season, but I think summer is the best time to visit.
The park is known for its jagged peaks and ample lakes, which become perfect for hiking, boating, and even swimming in the warmer summer months.
I love taking a scenic boat ride on Jenny Lake, hiking the Taggart Lake trail (parts of which are currently under construction), and swimming or picnicking at Colter Bay Swim Beach.
Like others on this list, the park is open year-round, but the incredibly scenic Teton Park Road, which leads to many of the park's most well-known areas, is only open seasonally from May 1 to October 31.
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Emily is a content creator, writer, teacher, painter, yogi, and solo explorer based in Colorado. She has visited 59 major US National Parks and all 50 US states solo. You can follow Emily on Instagram @emilyventures.
