10 National Parks to Visit During the Summer
Warmer weather, longer hours of sunshine, and blue skies all make summer a fine time to travel almost anywhere. With countless options, Winetraveler narrowed down its selection of national parks to add to your summer bucket list — and we’ve refreshed this guide for 2026 with the road closures, reservation rules, and seasonal access notes you’ll actually need to plan around.
You can view current flight deals here and hotel options here for any of the destinations we mention below.
Summer National Parks at a Glance
Here are all ten parks at a glance — what each is best for in summer, and the single most important thing to know before you go in 2026.
| Park | State | Best for in summer | 2026 heads-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denali | Alaska | Wildlife, tundra, Mt. Denali views | Park Road closed at Mile 43 — buses run only half-way |
| Glacier Bay | Alaska | Tidewater glaciers by boat or cruise | Boat & lodge season ~late May–early Sept |
| Gates of the Arctic | Alaska | Roadless Arctic wilderness | Fly-in only; fully self-sufficient trip |
| Crater Lake | Oregon | Deep-blue caldera & Rim Drive | No lakeshore access or boat tours (2026–2028) |
| Mount Rainier | Washington | Wildflower meadows, alpine hikes | No timed-entry in 2026 — but lots fill by ~9am |
| Mount St. Helens | Washington | Volcano views & eruption history | Johnston Ridge closed — use Silver Lake & Coldwater |
| Redwood | California | Towering old-growth redwoods | Fern Canyon & Tall Trees need free reservations |
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon | California | The world’s largest trees | Free Giant Forest shuttle; parking fills early |
| Isle Royale | Michigan | Remote island hiking & diving | Ferry/seaplane only; open Apr 16–Oct 31 |
| Great Basin | Nevada | Dark skies, caves & Wheeler Peak | Reserve Lehman Caves tickets on Recreation.gov |
⚠️ Before You Go: Key 2026 Access Changes
- Denali (AK): The Park Road is closed at Mile 43 (the Pretty Rocks landslide); buses reach only the East Fork Bridge, so Eielson and Wonder Lake are off-limits this summer. Full reopening is targeted for 2027.
- Crater Lake (OR): The Cleetwood Cove Trail — the only legal route down to the water — is closed 2026 through 2028, which means no lakeshore access, no swimming, and no Wizard Island boat tours during those years. (Rumors that the park is “closing in 2026” are false — it’s open.)
- Mount St. Helens (WA): Johnston Ridge Observatory and the upper Spirit Lake Highway (SR-504) are closed for 2026; visit the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake and the Coldwater area instead.
- Mount Rainier (WA): Good news — the timed-entry vehicle reservation has been cancelled for 2026. No reservation needed; just arrive early (Paradise lots fill by ~9am, Sunrise by ~10am).
- Redwood (CA): Fern Canyon (May 15–Sept 15) and the Tall Trees Grove (year-round) now require free advance reservations through the NPS.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park in Alaska spans 6 million acres of unsettled wilderness. Denali is home to abundant roaming wildlife and, of course, Mount Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America’s tallest mountain at 20,310 ft. Summer offers pleasant weather, long days of sunlight, wildflowers in June and July, and the best chances to see wildlife. Many lodges reopen for the summer starting in June.
The park, created in 1917 to protect wildlife and expanded three-fold in 1980, has few marked trails by design — instead it permits “trail-less wilderness” hiking and backpacking. Wildlife you may encounter include moose, grizzly bears, black bears, caribou, and Dall’s sheep, along with many types of birds.
Important 2026 update: The Denali Park Road is closed at Mile 43 due to the ongoing Pretty Rocks landslide, and it will stay closed for the 2026 summer season while a new bridge is built (full reopening is targeted for 2027). Park buses — still the best way to spot wildlife, since a trained driver navigates and the elevated seats improve viewing — now run only as far as the East Fork Bridge at Mile 43, about half the 92-mile road. That means the classic deep-park stops (Eielson Visitor Center, Wonder Lake, Kantishna) are not reachable this year. You’ll still have a strong chance of seeing grizzlies, moose and caribou along the accessible stretch; reserve your bus at reservedenali.com. Note that Denali itself is famously shy — it’s often shrouded in clouds, so consider any clear-day view a bonus.
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Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Feel the power and majesty of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska, a remote wilderness sanctuary. As described by the NPS, this park spans “3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords” — a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage and part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site. The glaciers, rivers of ice, flow right into the sea. Most travelers arrive via cruise ship as part of a longer trip, while kayaking, rafting, mountaineering and backpacking draw the more adventurous.
Plan around the season: the Glacier Bay Lodge and the day-tour boat out of Bartlett Cove operate roughly from late May (Memorial Day) through early September. Outside that window you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient. Visitors arriving by cruise or tour boat need no permit; private vessels require a permit from June 1 to August 31.
Gates of the Arctic, Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park is a premier wilderness encompassing 8.4 million acres of impressive mountains and wild rivers slicing through glacier valleys. The lack of roads and established trails is precisely the point — this is one of the least-visited parks in the entire system. There are no entrance stations, no fees and no reservations; access is by bush plane from Fairbanks, Bettles or Coldfoot, or by hiking in from the Dalton Highway. Explore by paddling one of the six designated Wild Rivers, or backpack for experienced hikers who can read topographic maps. Guides and outfitters can be booked for the less experienced, and ranger stations in Fairbanks, Coldfoot and Bettles help with trip planning.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
With patches of snow common even in July, late summer is the ideal time to visit Crater Lake in Oregon. Crater Lake is a collapsed volcano that became the deepest lake in the United States — centuries of rain and snow filled the basin with startlingly pure water, characterized by majestic deep-blue color and sheer cliff walls. Drive the incredibly scenic 33-mile Rim Drive that circles the lake and admire it from every angle; allot at least two hours to stop at the many viewpoints.
Important 2026 update: the park is fully open, but it’s in the middle of a major multi-year rehabilitation. Most significantly, the Cleetwood Cove Trail — the only legal access to the lakeshore — is closed for all of 2026, 2027, and 2028. That means there is no swimming access and no boat tours (including to Wizard Island) during these years, and the popular “Ride the Rim” cycling event is cancelled for 2026. Expect construction-related delays and segment closures along the East Rim Drive as well. (To be clear: despite viral rumors, Crater Lake is not closing.) Come for the caldera views and rim-side hikes rather than lakeshore access. Check current conditions here before you go.
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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier, an iconic symbol of the Washington landscape, is an active volcano with a glaciated peak. Reaching 14,410 ft., it is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Rainier is at its best in July and August, when blooming wildflowers transform the subalpine meadows and the weather is pleasant for hiking. There are miles and miles of maintained trails at Mount Rainier National Park to explore, and if you’re experienced and plan ahead, you can even attempt to summit.
Plan to visit the Paradise area, famous for its seasonal wildflower meadows and Reflection Lakes. For truly phenomenal views, embark on the ~5.6-mile round-trip Mount Fremont Lookout Trail out of Sunrise — narrow in places, and often snow-covered even in July, but worth every step. (The Sunrise Road typically opens in late June or early July, once the snow clears.)
Good news for 2026: Mount Rainier has cancelled the timed-entry vehicle reservation system it piloted in 2024–2025, so no reservation is required to enter this year. Entry is first-come, first-served — but the catch is parking. On summer weekends, the Paradise lots fill by roughly 9am and Sunrise by about 10am, so arrive early or plan a mid-week visit.
Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, while technically a national volcanic monument rather than a park, earns a place here as a natural extension for anyone visiting Mount Rainier — these two “ring of fire” volcanoes are about 2 hours and 20 minutes apart. Mount St. Helens became world-famous after its deadly eruption in May 1980, and approaching it is a humbling experience: decades later, life has returned, but the remnants of the blast remain visible across the landscape.
Important 2026 update: the marquee Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed, and the upper Spirit Lake Highway (SR-504) is severed by a 2023 landslide near milepost 45 — so the classic close-up crater viewpoint is not reachable in 2026 (bridge repairs mean it’s unlikely to reopen before 2027). Instead, base your visit at the excellent Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake (near Castle Rock), which has the timeline exhibits, a large volcano model and a theater program, and drive the lower highway to the Coldwater Lake and Science & Learning Center area (around milepost 43–45) for views and family-friendly trails. Always check the monument’s conditions page first.
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Redwood National Park, California
Wander through over 130,000 acres of awe-inspiring old growth at Redwood National and State Parks, home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. The magnificent soaring redwoods tower high above as you drive the winding forest roads — the nearby 31-mile Avenue of the Giants through Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a classic add-on. Be on the lookout for elk crossing the road. There are campgrounds, picnic areas and endless trails, and summer’s warm temperatures and low rainfall make it a prime time to visit.
Important 2026 update: two of the park’s most popular spots now require free advance reservations through the NPS — the Fern Canyon / Gold Bluffs Beach day-use area (May 15–Sept 15) and the Tall Trees Grove trailhead (year-round). Book these online before you arrive, as walk-up access isn’t guaranteed.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are best known as home to the world’s largest trees, but they also hold sunny foothills, dramatic mountains, deep canyons, huge elevation changes (from 1,370 ft. to 14,494 ft.), and caverns. These two adjacent parks are managed as one. Hike among giants at the Giant Forest, walk the glaciated valley of Cedar Grove, or drive the winding road to 7,800 ft. at Mineral King for trails through pine forests and around alpine lakes.
Summer is prime time here — freezing temperatures and road closures dominate the cooler months. Planning notes for 2026: buy your entrance pass online ahead of time to skip the entry line, and use the free, fare-free Giant Forest shuttle in summer, since the General Sherman Tree and Giant Forest Museum lots fill early. Note that Mineral King Road construction is planned for late summer 2026, so expect delays on that route.
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Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Pursue adventure on an isolated island in Lake Superior at Isle Royale National Park — one of the least-visited yet most-revisited parks in the country. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating and scuba diving keep visitors engaged, and a real highlight is the world below the surface: the consistently cold water preserves a variety of shipwrecks for experienced divers (drysuits recommended).
Because of extreme winter weather, the park is strictly seasonal — open April 16 through October 31, 2026, and fully closed in winter. There are no roads; access is by ferry or seaplane only, and seats book up, so reserve well ahead (Rock Harbor Lodge opens in early June). Whether you’re day-tripping or backpacking overnight, plan your ferries or seaplane and hiking trails here.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
At Great Basin National Park, the towering Wheeler Peak (over 13,000 ft.) is contrasted by the underworld of Lehman Caves. Hiking opportunities are everywhere — to Wheeler Peak’s summit, to Lexington Arch, around alpine lakes, through juniper forest, or along ancient bristlecone-pine trails. At night the park truly comes alive: designated an International Dark Sky Park, its high elevation, low humidity and minimal light pollution create some of the darkest skies in the country. In summer, join a “dark ranger” for a full-moon hike.
Planning notes for 2026: there’s no entrance fee, but Lehman Caves tours require tickets via Recreation.gov and regularly sell out — book in advance rather than counting on walk-ups (the caves reopened after a lighting/infrastructure renovation completing in late summer 2026). The upper section of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is snow-dependent and typically open June through September or October.
Did you know? You can plan or book a trip to these national parks on the Winetraveler App.
National Parks in Summer: FAQs
Which national park is best to visit in summer?
It depends on what you’re after. For wildlife and long Arctic daylight, choose Denali; for alpine wildflower meadows, Mount Rainier; for the world’s biggest trees, Sequoia & Kings Canyon; and for dark-sky stargazing, Great Basin. Summer is also the only practical window for the remote Alaska and island parks (Glacier Bay, Gates of the Arctic, Isle Royale), which are effectively inaccessible the rest of the year.
Do any of these parks require reservations in 2026?
Several do. Redwood requires free reservations for Fern Canyon (May 15–Sept 15) and the Tall Trees Grove (year-round); Great Basin requires Lehman Caves tour tickets via Recreation.gov; Denali requires a bus ticket to travel the park road; and Sequoia & Kings Canyon requires camping reservations. Notably, Mount Rainier has cancelled its timed-entry reservation for 2026 — no reservation needed, but arrive early before lots fill.
Which parks have closures or access issues in summer 2026?
Three to plan around. At Denali, the Park Road is closed at Mile 43, so buses reach only the halfway point. At Crater Lake, the Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed 2026–2028, ending lakeshore access, swimming and Wizard Island boat tours. At Mount St. Helens, Johnston Ridge Observatory and the upper SR-504 are closed, so the close-up crater viewpoint is unreachable — use the Silver Lake and Coldwater areas instead.
When in summer is the best time to visit?
Mid-July through August is the sweet spot for the high-elevation parks — snow has usually melted from the high roads and trails (Crater Lake’s Rim Drive, Rainier’s Sunrise Road, Great Basin’s Wheeler Peak Drive), and subalpine wildflowers peak. June is excellent for Alaska’s long daylight and early wildflowers. Always check each park’s road-status page before you go, as snowmelt varies year to year.
Are these parks good for families with kids?
Many are. Mount St. Helens (Silver Lake and Coldwater areas), Redwood, Great Basin (the Lehman Caves tour is a hit with kids), and Crater Lake‘s rim viewpoints all offer easy, high-reward trails and short walks suitable for young children. The remote Alaska and island parks are better suited to older, more experienced travelers.
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