July is peak season for many national parks, with warm weather and fully open trails, but it also means bigger crowds. To make the most of your trip, consider parks with higher elevations, coastal climates, or remote locations where the summer heat is more manageable. Here are some of the best national parks to visit in July:
10 Best National Parks to Visit in July
1. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Lake Josephine in Glacier National Park, East Glacier
- Why July? Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, and all hiking trails are accessible.
- Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife spotting (bears, mountain goats).
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, cool mornings and warm afternoons.
2. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
- Why July? The entire park is open, with abundant wildlife and geyser activity.
- Activities: Wildlife viewing (bison, bears, wolves), geyser watching, and hiking.
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, cooler at higher elevations.
3. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
- Why July? Lakes are warm enough for kayaking and swimming, and hiking trails are fully open.
- Activities: Boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, pleasant summer temperatures.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
- Why July? Wildflowers are in full bloom, and Trail Ridge Road offers stunning views.
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife spotting.
- Weather: 40s-80s°F, cooler at higher elevations.
5. Olympic National Park (Washington)
- Why July? One of the driest months, perfect for exploring rainforests, mountains, and beaches.
- Activities: Hiking, tidepooling, and rainforest walks.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F, coastal areas stay cooler.
6. Acadia National Park (Maine)
- Why July? Ideal summer weather, with cool ocean breezes and scenic coastal hikes.
- Activities: Hiking, biking, and sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F.
7. Denali National Park (Alaska)
- Why July? Long daylight hours and the best chance to see wildlife like grizzly bears and moose.
- Activities: Bus tours, hiking, and wildlife photography.
- Weather: 40s-70s°F, with occasional rain.
8. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
- Why July? The best time for wildflowers in Paradise Valley, with clear mountain views.
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and photography.
- Weather: 40s-70s°F, snow may linger at higher elevations.
9. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
- Why July? Roads and trails are fully open, and the deep blue lake is stunning in the summer sun.
- Activities: Hiking, boat tours, and scenic drives.
- Weather: 40s-80s°F.
10. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
- Why July? The giant sequoias provide shade, and high-elevation hikes offer cool relief.
- Activities: Hiking, camping, and visiting the General Sherman Tree.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F, but lower elevations can be hot.
Honorable Mentions:
- North Cascades National Park (Washington) – Great for avoiding crowds, with stunning alpine scenery.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina) – Lush greenery and waterfalls, though humid.
- Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii) – Incredible sunrises and comfortable summer temperatures.
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