National Parks in the USA

National Parks in the state and best time to travel!

Alaska 

• Denali National Park

• Gates of the Arctic National Park

• Glacier Bay National Park

• Katmai National Park

• Kenai Fjords National Park

• Kobuk Valley National Park

• Lake Clark National Park

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

When to go: The best time to visit is between mid-June and mid-September: 

Weather: Temperatures are in the 60s to low 70s, and there are 16–24 hours of daylight. 

Arizona

• Grand Canyon National Park

• Petrified Forest National Park 

• Saguaro National Park

When to go: The best time to visit depends on the park and what you want to do: 

• Spring: March through May is a good time to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, parks can fill up quickly during spring break. 

• Fall: September is less crowded, and the heat is less intense than in the summer. 

• Winter: Winter is another good time to visit without the crowds, but the weather will be cold and there's a risk of snow. 

• Saguaro National Park: Late May through early June is a good time to visit to see the Saguaro cactus flowers in bloom. The park is busiest from November through March. 

• Petrified Forest National Park: The busiest time for this park is in the summer months. 

• Grand Canyon National Park: Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees. The park gets packed in June, so try to avoid that time. The South Rim is the most popular area in the park, and can get busy during spring break, summer, and weekends during the fall. 

  
  

  

California

• Channel Islands National Park

• Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada

• Joshua Tree National Park

• Kings Canyon National Park

• Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Pinnacles National Park

• Redwood National Park

• Sequoia National Park

• Yosemite National Park

When to go: The best times to visit California national parks are spring and fall. These shoulder seasons offer smaller crowds, wildflowers, and cooler temperatures. If you're interested in swimming, camping, or chasing waterfalls, summertime provides the warmest and driest weather.

Colorado

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Mesa Verde National Park

• Rocky Mountain National Park

When to go: Best times to observe wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park are spring, summer, and fall. During spring, many large mammals such as elk, mule deer, and moose, can be spotted with their newborn calves as it is the birthing season for them.

Hawaii

• Haleakalā National Park

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

• Honouliuli National Historic Site

• Kalaupapa National Historical Park

• Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

• Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

When to go: Spring and fall are considered as quieter travel seasons and perfect periods to explore the park. During these times, hiking conditions are more pleasant due to the absence of the scorching summer temperatures, and you may also come across more attractive airfare deals and hotel rates at nearby accommodations.

Idaho

• Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

(see Montana)

Indiana

• Indiana Dunes National Park

When to go: The best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park depends on what you want to do: 

• Spring: Explore the Heron Rookery Trail and discover the beauty of wildflowers.

• Summer: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and witnessing stunning sunsets over Lake Michigan.

• Fall: Experience the vibrant fall colors on the Glenwood Dunes Trail, take a hike by the Chellberg Farm, and relish the Calumet and Porter Brickyard Bike Trails.

• Winter: Embrace cross-country skiing in the Glenwood Dunes and go snowshoeing.

To avoid the summer crowds, consider visiting during spring or fall, when there are typically fewer visitors, especially on weekdays.

Kentucky

• Mammoth Cave National Park

When to go: Anytime of the year. Inside the caves, the temperature remains fairly constant, ranging from the mid-50s to the low 60s. Summer is the busiest season, with many tours available. During other seasons, there are fewer tours, but they are less crowded.

Maine

• Acadia National Park

When to go: The best time to visit is Fall or Spring. Summer is very busy but is nice if you enjoy beach days. Fall is my favorite time, it is comfortable weather, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds. Fall colors peak in mid-October. Spring is my runner up, but can also be pretty busy!

Michigan

• Isle Royale National Park

When to go: Due to the harsh winter conditions... the park is open only from April 16th to October 31st annually. The busiest period on the island is from July to August, as the temperatures are higher; nevertheless, numerous residents of Keweenaw opt for visiting in June and the beginning of autumn to steer clear of the crowds.

Minnesota

• Voyageurs National Park

When to go: For those looking to enjoy warmer lake temperatures and fewer biting insects, I recommended to visit from the end of July through mid-August. In the fall, vibrant colors, crisp temperatures, and less traffic make autumn an excellent time to explore Voyageurs. While the Aurora Borealis can be seen year-round, the autumn and winter months usually offer the most Auroral activity and clearer, darker skies. For the best views, try to choose a moonless night around the equinoxes or solstices.

Missouri

• Gateway Arch National Park

When to go: June and July! Summer is the peak season at Gateway Arch National Park. Consider arriving early or late (evenings are less crowded) and be sure to reserve your tram ticket beforehand.

Montana

• Glacier National Park, 

• Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

When to go: Best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are late April to May and September through early October. These periods provide pleasant weather, fewer visitors, and minimal road closures.

Nevada

• Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada

• Great Basin National Park

When to go: After the oppressive heat diminishes in September. By October, the state's wooded valleys and mountain lakes burst into a vibrant display of colors, making it a perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and explore.

New Mexico

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

• White Sands National Park

When to go: I recommended to plan your trip during spring or fall, particularly from April to May or September to October. These months offer milder temperatures, which are ideal for enjoying the caves and the nearby attractions.

North Dakota

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park

When to go: The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of May/June or September/October when temperatures are cooler, crowds are smaller, and you might even spot baby bison in the spring. While summer is the busiest period like in many national parks, these off-peak times are usually more enjoyable.

North Carolina

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

When to go: Best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are during the summer (June, July, and August) and in the fall. July is the most crowded month in the summer, while October weekends attract visitors seeking autumn foliage.

Ohio

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park

When to go: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is conveniently located near Cleveland and Akron, making it easily accessible. While summer weekends may attract a large number of visitors, you generally won't feel overwhelmed. Late spring and mid-autumn are the optimal periods to explore the park.

Oregon

• Crater Lake National Park

When to go: Crater Lake National Park experiences two main seasons, winter and summer, with the transitional months of May, June, and October providing a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. In 2016, over 750,000 visitors explored Crater Lake National Park, with the majority arriving between July and mid-September.

South Carolina

• Congaree National Park

When to go: Due to its humid subtropical climate, the park has mild winters and very warm, wet summers. It is open year-round, but the ideal times to visit are during the spring and fall when temperatures are most pleasant and insects are usually not an issue.

South Dakota

• Badlands National Park

• Wind Cave National Park

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial

When to go: For the optimal experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April–May or September–October when the weather is pleasant and the park is less crowded. September, in particular, offers mild temperatures in the mid-70s and fewer visitors post-Labor Day. Winter is also a great time to explore the park, showcasing its striking beauty with fewer crowds present. 

Tennessee

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

(see North Carolina)

Texas

• Big Bend National Park

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park

When to go: During the period from late fall to early spring, it is widely thought to be the best time to visit due to the pleasant temperatures and beautiful days. The park is less busy during these months, and the hiking trails are not as crowded with tourists. October usually provides the most favorable weather, but sudden and extreme weather changes can occur at any moment. In winter and spring, powerful winds can descend from the mountain slopes at speeds of up to 100 mph, and thunderstorms can quickly form on hot summer days.

Utah

• Arches National Park

• Bryce Canyon National Park

• Canyonlands National Park

• Capitol Reef National Park

• Zion National Park

When to go: Because the parks are situated in various locations, March, April, and October are considered optimal times to visit, as they typically experience mild weather as shoulder seasons.

Virginia

• Shenandoah National Park

When to go: Shenandoah National Park is most beautiful during September through November and March through May, making these the ideal times to visit. The park showcases warm autumnal hues during fall, enhancing its already stunning panoramic views.

Washington

• Mount Rainier National Park

• North Cascades National Park

• Olympic National Park

When to go: For the optimal experience, plan your visit to the Washington national parks during the summer season, specifically from mid-July to late September. During this period, all roads in the three national parks are accessible. However, from late September to May/June, certain park roads in each park will be closed, restricting access to key attractions.

West Virginia

• New River Gorge National Park

When to go: Summer is the ideal period for nature lovers looking for excitement in the New River Gorge. With extended, sunny days and high temperatures, this time of year provides the perfect environment for engaging in whitewater rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the New River rapids.

Wyoming

• Grand Teton National Park

• Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

When to go: The peak months for visiting are May to September. In the bustling summer period, the majority of roads and amenities are accessible, and a wide variety of programs can be enjoyed.