16 Incredible National Parks to Visit This June
Looking for an unforgettable national park adventure this June? Travel enthusiast Sarah McDonagh has curated a list of 16 must-visit National Parks that are perfect for your summer exploration!
Last updated: June 9, 2024
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June is a fantastic month to visit many national parks in the United States as it typically marks the beginning of warm summer weather, making it an ideal time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Unfortunately due to this it tends to be one of the more crowded months to visit, so I recommend trying to book in advance if you are trying to camp or reserve lodging near or inside of the parks at this time. Here are some of my favorite parks to visit in this beautiful summer month!
Glacier National Park, Montana
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Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Wildlife Observers, Hikers, Photographers
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The Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens in June, providing access to the full majesty of the park’s alpine scenery and its many trails as the snow begins to melt. The temperatures here are also more mild than some of the desert climate parks making for a more comfortable stay and perfect weather for hiking and exploring.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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Nature Enthusiasts, Wildlife Lovers, Hikers, Photographers, Outdoor Adventurers
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Melting snow is a trend for this month! Grand Teton is no different, with melting snow filling the rivers and lakes at this time, making it a beautiful time for photography and water-based activities.
Wildlife, including moose and bears, are often seen in the meadows and you will also be able to explore one of my favorite places – the nearby town of Jackson Hole – without needing snowboots!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
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Nature Lovers, Wildlife Enthusiasts, Outdoor Adventurers, Hiking and Camping Enthusiasts
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Similar to these other mountainous parks, the high trails of the Rockies start to become accessible for hiking during June, and the wildflowers begin to bloom, painting the meadows in bright colors. It will also be much easier to access the park without battling the winter storms!
Olympic National Park, Washington
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Nature Lovers, Hiking Enthusiasts, Wildlife Observers, Photography Aficionados
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From the coast to the mountains, the diverse environments of Olympic are fully accessible at this time, and the temperate rainforests are especially lush in early summer from the winter and spring rainfall.
It’s my personal favorite time of year to visit Olympic National Park because you’ll get to experience plenty of sunshine, when other months don’t really do the beautiful scenery justice when the weather is overcast.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
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Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Hiking and Camping Enthusiasts, Wildlife Observers
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While we’re on the Pacific North West, you have to add the North Cascades to the list for June as well! Snowmelt increases the beauty and intensity of the park’s numerous waterfalls and makes the lush greenery of the hiking trails more accessible.
If you have the time, combine the two parks for an epic road trip with a pit stop in Seattle during one of the best months to visit the rainy city during its rare sunny season.
Denali National Park, Alaska
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Wildlife Enthusiasts, Outdoor Adventurers, Nature Lovers, Photography Aficionados, Hikers
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This should be on everyone’s bucket list, and it was one of my favorite trips I have ever taken! While Alaska may not be first on your list to visit due to ease of location, I can assure you that it’s well worth the visit.
June provides nearly 24 hours of daylight in the park at this time, giving you endless time to explore Denali’s vast wilderness, and increasing the chances to view wildlife and the majestic peaks. It’s a surreal experience to watch the sun set and then rise over the park just moments later!
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
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Geology Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Explorers, Hikers, Photographers
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Cooler than the blistering summer months to come, June is a good time to explore the colorful petrified wood and the painted desert landscapes of this park without the extreme heat.
While many travelers don’t think of the Petrified National Forest as a “must see,” it truly is a wonderful location to spend some time. You can visit for the day, and still visit other nearby cities like Flagstaff or Sedona.
Channel Islands National Park, California
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Nature Enthusiasts, Wildlife Lovers, Outdoor Adventurers, Hikers, Birdwatchers, Photographers
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June is a great time for kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching as the ocean water begins to warm up. The islands are teeming with life, both marine and terrestrial, which are more active and visible. Just be aware there are limited accommodations on the islands so if you are looking to camp or stay in the town of Avalon you should definitely book ahead!
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
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Nature Lovers, Hiking Enthusiasts, Astronomy Enthusiasts, Wildlife Observers
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The weather is mild and the visibility is often better in June, making it an excellent time for hiking the volcanic landscapes and watching the sunrise or sunset from the summit of this spectacular park.
If you’ve planned a full week in Hawaii or even Maui, you can enjoy guided bike tours down the mountain. You’ll ride in a van up the mountainside, then bike on down, letting gravity do most of the work. It’s an incredible experience for any nature lover!
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
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Hikers, Wildlife Enthusiasts, Photographers, Geology Lovers, Outdoor Adventurers
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June brings warm but not oppressive temperatures ideal for hiking and fossil hunting. The park’s layered rock formations are striking under the summer sun and you’ll find this park to be less crowded than some of the others.
During the month of June, you’ll miss some of the crowds that tend to make their way in May, once school gets out. July and August are the busiest months of the year, so visiting in June will help you miss some of the crowds.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
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Nature Enthusiasts, Outdoor Adventurers, Geology Lovers, Hiking Enthusiasts
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June brings warm but not oppressive temperatures ideal for hiking and fossil hunting. The park’s layered rock formations are striking under the summer sun and there are also many other parks nearby making it an ideal launching point for a longer trip.
Many of the canyons are layered with golden colored sandstone, which is a visual spectacle. Some of the most popular sights in the park are the Hickman Bridge arch, and the Chimney Rock Pillar.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
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Wildlife Enthusiasts, Outdoor Adventurers, Nature Lovers, Photography Aficionados
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Add another Alaska state park to your itinerary! This is the largest national park in the U.S., and June offers clearer paths and more accessible routes.
It’s an excellent time for mountaineering, hiking, and witnessing the midnight sun and given how large it is you should be able to escape the crowds.
Dry Tortuga National Park, Florida
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Nature Enthusiasts, Birdwatchers, Snorkelers, Scuba Divers, History Buffs, Beachgoers
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The weather is perfect for snorkeling and exploring the coral reefs and shipwrecks of this epic park in June. It’s also a great time for bird watching and generally the last month to visit before the hurricane season starts.
You can add this national park to your Florida Keys itinerary. You’ll be able to visit the national park, while spending time during the rest of your trip soaking up the sun at one of the top beaches in Florida while you visit the Florida Keys.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
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Wildlife Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Adventurers, Photography Aficionados
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This might be one of my favorite parks I’ve ever visited, and if you make it all the way up here you absolutely must book a kayak tour to see the glaciers up close.
With the snow melting, June offers increased access to the park’s rugged fjords and the chance to see wildlife such as whales, seals, and seabirds against the backdrop of spectacular glaciers. It’s an incredible experience and unlike any other park in the US.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
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History Buffs, Archaeology Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Adventurers, Cultural Explorers
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Early summer is a comfortable time to explore the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, with pleasant temperatures and full access to all park services and tours.
It’s most famous for the huge Cliff Palace. There are exhibits you can explore that dive into Native American culture, as well as several archaeological sites and overlooks that have beautiful canyon views.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
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Nature Lovers, Hiking Enthusiasts, Wildlife Observers, Photography Aficionados
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The towering peak of Mount Rainier is an iconic sight. In June, the lower and mid-elevations are awash in wildflowers, and the weather is often clear, providing excellent hiking and climbing conditions before the snow completely melts at higher elevations.
