Exploring national parks is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer. These natural wonders offer breathtaking landscapes and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or simply soaking in stunning views, there’s a park for you. Let’s dive into the top national parks to visit this summer.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Highlights include El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Nearby attractions include Mariposa Grove and the charming town of Mariposa. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park offers breathtaking views of the vast canyon carved by the Colorado River. Must-see spots include the South Rim, Bright Angel Trail, and Havasu Falls. Nearby, you can explore the historic Grand Canyon Village. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Nearby, the town of West Yellowstone offers additional amenities. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for seven days.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is known for its towering red rock formations and scenic hiking trails. Angels Landing and The Narrows are must-visit spots. Nearby, Springdale provides lodging and dining options. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park features majestic mountain views, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake are popular attractions. Estes Park, located just outside the park, offers additional activities. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park boasts stunning glacial landscapes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Going-to-the-Sun Road and Lake McDonald are top spots to visit. Nearby, the town of Whitefish offers charming accommodations. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for seven days.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline, granite peaks, and scenic drives. Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond are key attractions. Bar Harbor, a nearby town, offers additional amenities. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their misty landscapes, diverse plant and animal life, and historic homesteads. Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove are must-see spots. Gatlinburg and Cherokee are nearby towns with plenty of amenities. Entrance to the park is free.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park features stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Popular spots include Jenny Lake and the Snake River. Nearby Jackson Hole offers a range of activities and lodging options. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for seven days.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park offers diverse ecosystems, from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests and alpine peaks. Highlights include Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, and Rialto Beach. Port Angeles is a convenient nearby town with amenities. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
These adjacent parks are home to towering giant sequoias, deep canyons, and rugged peaks. Must-see spots include General Sherman Tree and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Nearby Three Rivers offers additional services. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for seven days, covering both parks.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches. Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden are key attractions. Moab, located nearby, provides plenty of lodging and dining options. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park features unique desert landscapes and iconic Joshua trees. Popular spots include Hidden Valley and Keys View. Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree Village are nearby towns. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is known for its distinctive hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. Sunrise Point and the Rim Trail offer stunning views. Bryce Canyon City provides nearby accommodations. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for seven days.
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park is famous for its volcanic landscapes and stunning sunrises. The Haleakalā Crater and the Pipiwai Trail are must-visit spots. Nearby, the town of Hana offers lodging and dining. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for three days.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park features the iconic snow-capped Mount Rainier, lush meadows, and scenic hiking trails. Paradise and Sunrise are key attractions. Ashford and Packwood are nearby towns with amenities. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park offers scenic drives, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Skyline Drive and Old Rag Mountain are popular attractions. Nearby Luray offers additional services. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, and abundant wildlife. Highlights include the Denali Park Road and Wonder Lake. Healy and Talkeetna are nearby towns with accommodations. The entrance fee is $15 per person, valid for seven days.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park is known for its unique wetland ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Popular activities include airboat tours and visiting Shark Valley. Homestead and Florida City offer nearby services. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park features rolling hills, waterfalls, and scenic trails. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and Brandywine Falls are must-see spots. Nearby, the cities of Cleveland and Akron offer additional amenities. Entrance to the park is free.
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Death Valley National Park is known for its extreme heat, salt flats, and sand dunes. Badwater Basin and Dante’s View are popular attractions. Beatty and Furnace Creek provide nearby services. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park offers stunning glacial landscapes and abundant marine wildlife. Popular activities include boat tours and kayaking. Gustavus provides nearby accommodations. The entrance fee is $15 per person, valid for seven days.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal springs and historic bathhouses. The Grand Promenade and Bathhouse Row are key attractions. The city of Hot Springs offers plenty of services. Entrance to the park is free.
Pinnacles National Park, California
Pinnacles National Park features unique rock formations, caves, and a variety of wildlife. Popular activities include hiking the High Peaks Trail and exploring Bear Gulch Cave. Soledad provides nearby amenities. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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