15 Best US National Parks to Visit in July
Long days, blue skies, and that summer energy you can’t find any other time–July is made for exploring the great outdoors.
If you’re dreaming of mountain lakes or epic coastlines, these parks are ready to fill your camera roll!
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1. Lake Clark National Park, AK
Lake Clark is Alaska’s wild side–think snow-capped peaks, glacier-topped volcanoes, and turquoise lakes.
July brings endless daylight and the best weather for hiking, kayaking, and spotting brown bears near salmon streams.
With hardly any crowds, you’ll get front-row seats to nature’s show, from wild rivers to tundra valleys.
Where to Stay: Lake Clark Lodge. This cozy lodge sits right on the lake with massive windows for mountain views and serves up gourmet Alaskan meals.
2. North Cascades National Park, WA
North Cascades in July means wildflower meadows, turquoise lakes, and snow-free trails. The weather is just right–warm days for hiking and cool nights for stargazing.
Paddle on Diablo Lake or hike up to jaw-dropping overlooks with barely any crowds. Just remember, the wild beauty comes with a side of possible rain.
Where to Stay: Stehekin Valley Ranch. This rustic ranch is only reachable by boat or shuttle and offers comfy cabins, hearty meals, and a real off-the-grid vibe that’s perfect for unplugging.
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3. Grand Teton National Park, WY
Grand Teton is pure mountain magic in July. The weather is cool and sunny, the wildflowers are out, and the lakes are perfect for kayaking or swimming.
Wildlife is everywhere–keep your eyes peeled for moose and elk. The Tetons make a dramatic backdrop for hikes, boat rides, or just chilling by the water’s edge.
Where to Stay: Signal Mountain Lodge. Right on Jackson Lake, this lodge has cabins, a general store, and unbeatable sunset views. Plus, you can rent kayaks or go for a swim without leaving the property.
4. Crater Lake National Park, OR
Crater Lake’s deep blue water is next-level in July, with warm days and clear skies.
Rim Drive is open for epic road trips around the crater, and the trails are perfect for hiking and wildflower spotting.
Stargazing here is unreal, and you can even dip your toes in the chilly lake if you’re brave enough.
Where to Stay: Crater Lake Lodge. This historic lodge sits right on the rim with sweeping lake views and a cozy vibe.
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5. Acadia National Park, ME
Acadia in July brings mild temps and long days for biking the carriage roads, hiking granite peaks, or paddling on crystal-clear lakes.
The mix of forests and sea makes every trail feel fresh, and Bar Harbor’s just a short hop for lobster rolls and ice cream.
Where to Stay: Bar Harbor Motel. Super close to the park and downtown, this motel is perfect for families or anyone who wants to be near the action.
6. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, AK
Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the U.S., and July is prime time to visit.
The days are long (almost 20 hours of daylight) so you can hike, raft, or check out glaciers without rushing.
Mild temps in the 60s and 70s make it easy to explore the wild backcountry or visit the historic Kennecott Mines.
Visitor centers and ranger stations are open all summer, so you’ll have plenty of help planning your adventure.
Where to Stay: Kennicott Glacier Lodge. This family-owned lodge sits near a real glacier and offers mountain views, hearty meals, and a front-row seat to Alaska’s wild side.
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7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
Great Smoky Mountains is buzzing in July with every trail, campground, and swimming hole open for business.
Warm days are perfect for tubing, biking Cades Cove, or hiking up to Clingmans Dome, where it rarely gets above 80 degrees.
Crowds are big, but the higher you go, the cooler and quieter it gets. Don’t miss a dip in a mountain stream after a sweaty hike.
Where to Stay: LeConte Lodge. Perched on a mountain, this rustic lodge offers simple rooms, big breakfasts, and unbeatable sunrise views right in the heart of the park.
8. Olympic National Park, WA
Olympic National Park is perfection in summer. July means all the trails are open and wildflowers are popping up everywhere.
Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest are busy, so go early or late for the best chance at spotting elk or catching a quiet moment by a mossy creek.
Where to Stay: Olympic Lodge. This comfy hotel in Port Angeles has huge windows, an outdoor heated pool, and is just a short drive from the park’s main entrance.
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9. Glacier National Park, MT
Glacier National Park is at its best in July, with Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open for jaw-dropping drives and epic hikes.
The weather is just right for spotting mountain goats or paddling on a glacier-fed lake. Wildflowers and waterfalls are everywhere.
Lodges fill up fast, so book early if you want to wake up to mountain views and be steps from the trails.
Where to Stay: Many Glacier Hotel. This Swiss-style lodge sits right on Swiftcurrent Lake and has balconies with views of the peaks. Plus, it’s the closest spot to some of the park’s best hikes.
10. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, CA
Sequoia & Kings Canyon are a double feature of giant trees and deep canyons. July is all about hiking among the world’s largest trees, exploring cool caves, and driving up to high mountain overlooks.
The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for camping or a picnic under the massive sequoias. Don’t skip the scenic drive along Generals Highway connecting both parks.
Where to Stay: Wuksachi Lodge. Nestled among the sequoias, this modern lodge has big windows, a cozy vibe, and easy access to the park’s top trails and sights.
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11. Yellowstone National Park, WY/MT/ID
Yellowstone in July is summer at its best: every road and trail is open, geysers are steaming, and wildlife is everywhere.
Expect warm, sunny days perfect for hiking to waterfalls, watching bison in Lamar Valley, or catching the bison rut’s wild action.
All park facilities are open, so you can check out Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in one epic road trip.
Where to Stay: Yellowstone Village Inn. This hotel is known for its mountain views, friendly staff, and a cozy vibe that makes it a favorite for families exploring the park.
12. Kobuk Valley National Park, AK
Kobuk Valley is a wild adventure in July, with endless daylight and temperatures that can swing from chilly to warm.
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes look straight out of a desert, and you might spot moose, wolves, or even swim in a pond between hikes.
It’s remote (no roads or trails), so you’ll feel like you have the Arctic all to yourself. Just be ready for real wilderness and pack for anything.
Where to Stay: Nullagvik Hotel. Located in Kotzebue, this hotel is a hub for Arctic explorers, offering comfy rooms, local cuisine, and stunning views just 26 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
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13. Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Mount Rainier in July is a stunner–think wildflower meadows, snowy peaks, and trails that wind through ancient forests.
The weather is cool and crisp, with long daylight hours for hiking Skyline Trail or catching panoramic views from Sunrise Point.
Don’t miss the chance to see glaciers up close or spot marmots sunning themselves on the rocks.
Where to Stay: Paradise Inn. This historic lodge sits right in the heart of the park, with rustic charm and unbeatable access to trails and wildflower fields.
14. Haleakalā National Park, HI
Haleakalā is a world of its own in July, with sunrise views above the clouds and crater hikes that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The summit is chilly, but the Kipahulu coast is warm and lush, perfect for hiking the Pipiwai Trail or swimming under waterfalls.
Where to Stay: Hana-Maui Resort. This laid-back resort is close to the park’s Kipahulu entrance and offers tropical gardens, ocean views, and a relaxing vibe.
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15. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park is summer at full throttle in July. Wildflowers cover the meadows, elk graze in the valleys, and every trail is open for exploring.
The weather is perfect for hiking to alpine lakes or driving Trail Ridge Road for sweeping mountain views.
Just start early–afternoon thunderstorms are common, and crowds build up fast.
Where to Stay: Wildwood Inn. This peaceful inn is right near the park entrance, with spacious balconies, hot tubs, and a summer camp feel that’s perfect for relaxing after a big day in the mountains.
