August is a great time to visit national parks, especially those at higher elevations or in cooler climates, as many parks in desert and lower-elevation areas can be extremely hot. Here are some of the best national parks to visit in August.
10 Best National Parks to Visit in August
1. Glacier National Park (Montana)
- Why August? Most of the snow has melted, trails are fully open, and wildflowers are still blooming.
- Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife spotting (grizzly bears, mountain goats).
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, cool mornings and pleasant afternoons.
2. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
- Why August? Wildlife is still active, and it’s a great time for geyser watching and hiking.
- Activities: Geysers, hiking, wildlife spotting (bison, wolves, elk).
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, cooler at night.
3. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
- Why August? Great for outdoor adventures like hiking, boating, and photography.
- Activities: Hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, and camping.
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, low humidity.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
- Why August? Warm temperatures, peak hiking conditions, and alpine lakes are at their best.
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives (Trail Ridge Road), and wildlife spotting.
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, cooler at higher elevations.
5. Olympic National Park (Washington)
- Why August? The driest month, making it perfect for exploring rainforests, beaches, and mountains.
- Activities: Hiking, tidepooling, and rainforest exploration.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F, cool coastal breezes.
6. Acadia National Park (Maine)
- Why August? Ideal summer weather with ocean breezes and stunning coastal hikes.
- Activities: Hiking, biking, and sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F, comfortable summer temperatures.
7. Denali National Park (Alaska)
- Why August? The last good month before fall sets in, with abundant wildlife and fewer mosquitoes.
- Activities: Wildlife tours (moose, bears, caribou), hiking, and scenic flights.
- Weather: 40s-70s°F, cool and crisp.
8. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
- Why August? Prime time for wildflowers in Paradise Valley, with stunning mountain views.
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and photography.
- Weather: 40s-70s°F, comfortable summer conditions.
9. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
- Why August? Crystal-clear blue waters and fully accessible hiking trails.
- Activities: Boat tours, scenic drives, and hiking.
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, warm but not too hot.
10. North Cascades National Park (Washington)
- Why August? One of the least-visited national parks, making it great for solitude and alpine hikes.
- Activities: Hiking, photography, and scenic lake views.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F, cool at higher elevations.
Honorable Mentions:
- Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii) – Beautiful sunrises and mild summer temperatures.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina) – Lush green forests, but humid.
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California) – Cool high-elevation hikes among giant trees.
