Kelsey is a freelance writer based in Southern Virginia. She enjoys traveling with her family to destinations from national parks to amusement parks and loves sharing tips and stories from along the way.
If you’re planning a trip to a national park this summer, it’s important to know which ones to avoid.
With record-breaking crowds at popular parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, enjoying the natural beauty without feeling overwhelmed can be challenging.
Fortunately, plenty of lesser-known parks offer stunning landscapes and fewer visitors. Here are six national parks to avoid this summer.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, but it can be overcrowded during the summer months.
While the park is known for its bison and wolf populations, hiking trails, and stunning geysers, the sheer number of visitors can make it difficult to enjoy these features.
If you decide to visit Yellowstone, avoid the busiest areas, such as Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a popular destination for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning overlooks.
However, the park can be incredibly crowded during the summer months, making it difficult to find parking and enjoy the scenery.
The busiest areas are Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point, so avoid these locations if you decide to visit.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for its stunning red rock formations and hiking trails. However, the park can be overcrowded during summer, making it difficult to park and enjoy the scenery.
If you decide to make a visit, avoid sections such as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Angels Landing Trail.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is known for its stunning views and hiking trails, but again, its popularity means it can be extremely crowded during summer.
If you decide to visit the park, avoid busy areas such as the South Rim and popular overlooks like Mather Point and Yavapai Point.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its black bear population, Civil War history, and stunning sights.
However, the park can be incredibly crowded during the summer months, making it difficult to find parking and enjoy the scenery.
If you decide to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, avoid Cades Cove and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its mountain goats, stunning views, and volcanoes. However, the summer crowds ruin the experience for many.
Avoiding areas such as Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road would be wise.
Overall, if you’re looking to avoid crowds this summer, it’s best to visit national parks that are less popular or less well-known. Remember always to follow park rules and regulations and respect the wildlife and public lands.
Alternative Summer Destinations
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore lesser-known national parks this summer, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are six alternative destinations that offer unique experiences and stunning natural beauty.
North Cascades National Park
Tucked away in the northern corner of Washington State, North Cascades National Park boasts rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country.
The park is home to over 300 glaciers, which feed the Skagit and Stehekin rivers and provide habitat for various wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, and bald eagles.
You can explore the park’s backcountry on foot or by boat or take a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway.
Capitol Reef National Park
Located in southern Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the area’s geological history.
The park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, colorful rock formations, and unique rock art. You can hike through narrow canyons, visit historic orchards, or take a scenic drive along the park’s scenic byways.
Be sure to stop by Bumpass Hell, a hydrothermal area that features steaming vents and bubbling mud pots.
Voyageurs National Park
If you’re looking for a water-based adventure, Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota is the perfect destination.
The park is dotted with over 500 islands and surrounded by boreal forests, making it a haven for boaters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
You can paddle through serene waterways, watch for moose and otters, or take a guided tour of the park’s historic fur-trading routes.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Located in northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geologist’s paradise. The park is home to four types of volcanoes, including the active Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915.
You can hike through fields of wildflowers, explore bubbling mud pots and fumaroles, or take a scenic drive along the park’s winding roads.
Be sure to visit Bumpass Hell, a hydrothermal area that features steaming vents and bubbling mud pots.
Isle Royale National Park
Located in the middle of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness that offers a glimpse into the area’s boreal forests and rocky coastline.
The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, making it a perfect destination for adventurous travelers.
You can hike through dense forests, watch for moose and wolves, or explore historic lighthouses and shipwrecks.
Joshua Tree National Park
If you’re looking for a desert adventure, Joshua Tree National Park in southern California is the perfect destination. The park is known for its otherworldly rock formations and unique plant life, including the iconic Joshua tree.
You can hike through hidden canyons, climb towering boulders, or stargaze under some of the clearest skies in the country. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as temperatures can soar in the summer months.
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