Discover Parks & Wildlife contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
10 National Park Features That Are Now Opening Up For The 2025 Season
Summer – when the outdoors calls louder than an alarm clock you can’t snooze. And national parks are shaking off their sleepy off-season mode, prepping to open up some summer opportunities that’ll make your group chat jealous. Some of these features we are mentioning are seasonal, and some are re-opening after being shut for some time.
Think hidden trails and views that’ll have you questioning why you’ve been stuck indoors bingeing on oatmeal and podcasts for months. Who needs overpriced resorts when you can experience beauty that literally co-stars with the sun? And these newly unveiled features are the gift we all need after far too many generic indoor weekends.
Got a secret spot or hiking hack you swear by? Drop your wisdom in the comments – don’t gatekeep the good stuff!
Cedar Grove In Kings Canyon National Park
Cedar Grove is back in action, people! Starting Friday, April 25, at 7 a.m., you can stroll through this slice of paradise where granite cliffs flirt shamelessly with lush meadows. Situated in Kings Canyon National Park, it’s like nature decided to throw itself a housewarming party – complete with the roaring Kings River as the raucous DJ.
Did you know this place was once a hotspot for builders dreaming of dams? Thankfully, someone said, “How about we save the drama and keep it stunning instead?” And voila… majestic serenity with no concrete in sight.
North Rim Of The Grand Canyon
Wake up early and grab your coffee, because the North Rim is opening on May 15 at 6 a.m. sharp. If the South Rim is the social butterfly, hitting you with non-stop crowds, the North Rim is its introverted sibling, wrapped in rugged beauty and solitude.
Here’s the scoop – this area was first explored by those adventurous types we now call pioneers, who probably couldn’t believe their luck. Stargazing? Check. Echo-worthy canyons? Double-check. And honestly, isn’t a quieter Grand Canyon experience kind of priceless?
Bandelier National Monument Summer Shuttle
Bandelier’s free summer shuttle is up and running again starting May 14, 2025. If you’ve never soaked in Frijoles Canyon, it’s a blend of ancient cliff dwellings and scenery so gorgeous it might launch you into a midlife career as a painter.
Dating back to Pueblo ancestors, this place whispers history at every turn – though the shuttles are decidedly cutting-edge (sorry, no ox carts for authenticity). Picture whizzing through sun-kissed landscapes, then wandering amongst stone homes built hundreds of years ago. And if you think the air smells faintly of piñon trees and discovery… that’s because it does.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Consider Delaware Water Gap the outdoor equivalent of that low-key friend who can randomly belt out Broadway tunes – effortlessly underrated and always delivering. With rolling Appalachian mountains and rushing rivers, this spot has been captivating explorers since George Washington probably wished he had hiking boots.
Kayaking? Canoeing? Hiker-approved trails for aspiring nature influencers? Yes, yes, and yes. Plus, rumor has it, the sunsets here are so vivid they’d make even the hardest cynic believe in magic (or at least reconsider their color palette choices).
Crystal Cave In Sequoia National Park
Four years of waiting are over, Crystal Cave is finally ready to flaunt its underground bling again beginning May 23rd. This cool, dark wonderland is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that look suspiciously like an art deco fever dream.
First discovered in 1918, this cave has seen more intrigue than your favorite murder mystery, but fortunately with a lot more sparkle and zero crime scene tape. Between the echo of dripping water and the delicate shimmer of calcite, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into Earth’s hidden treasure vaults. Nature out here? Always fashionable.
Lava Flow Campground At Craters Of The Moon National Monument And Preserve
Lava Flow Campground isn’t just a place to pitch your tent – it’s where you get to camp on straight-up volcanic history. With its otherworldly terrain, this Idaho park looks like it was ripped straight from a sci-fi movie set.
Eruptions? Oh, just a casual spree of them, happening around 15,000 years ago. But today, the atmosphere is more “cozy night under the stars” and less “run for your life.” Bonus? The sweeping plains of black rock mean your nighttime fire contrasts like a Michelin-star meal on a paper plate. The stars might even applaud.
Select Entrances & Roads In Yellowstone National Park
Lace up those hiking boots, because on Friday, April 18, 2025, Yellowstone’s opening up select entrances and roads finally for the average traveler – no snowmobile required. It’s nature’s version of opening night, complete with geysers rehearsing their big performances.
Think about it – geothermal wonders, roaming bison, and the lingering scent of pine sap hanging in the crisp air. And Yellowstone isn’t just a park; it’s a time portal to Earth’s untamed past. Who’s ready to chase some scenic drama?
Olympic National Park Backcountry Permits
Backcountry permits for Olympic National Park will be available starting April 15, and trust me, this isn’t your average “just another park” experience – it’s an all-you-can-adventure buffet. Towering moss-draped trees, roaring rivers, and wildlife giving you their best side-eye as you stumble through their centuries-old living room.
And camping in Olympic backcountry is something you will never forget. The smells? Think rain-drenched cedar and the occasional waft of campfire chili. It’s modern wilderness at its finest… just don’t forget your sense of humor (and raincoat) when packing.
Boat Tours & Select Programs In Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is bringing its A-game with ranger-led boat tours and North Canoe Voyage programs, kicking off reservations on April 15, 2025. Because floating through these waters isn’t just paddling, it’s basically starring in your own aquatic epic.
Winding waterways, vivid sunsets, and the kind of silence that makes you question why you need playlists at all – it’s all here. The canoes? Oh, they’re less gear and more time machine, transporting you back to when fur traders ruled these parts. Don’t worry, though, thick mosquitoes aren’t a required accessory anymore.
Old Courthouse At Gateway Arch National Park
Mark your calendars for May 3, 2025, as the Old Courthouse at Gateway Arch National Park reopens after some glow-up-worthy renovations. This St. Louis landmark has seen it all – landmark trials, pivotal debates, and probably a ghost or two secretly judging your history knowledge.
Walking through those doors feels like stepping into a sepia-tone photograph with velvet-lined balconies to boot. Now polished up and ready for its close-up, the Courthouse isn’t just a stop; it’s a hands-on history lesson wrapped in neoclassical grandeur. If walls could talk, these would probably charge admission.
Like Our Content? Follow Us on MSN (or click the Follow Button above) for more from Discover Parks & Wildlife.
14 Towns Near U.S. National Parks Perfect For A Cozy Retreat
Dreaming of a cozy getaway? Explore charming towns near National Parks that’ll have you packing your favorite sweater or flip flops and hopping on a plane ASAP.
12 National Parks You Can Easily Explore Over A Weekend
Think you’re too busy to soak up some nature? Think again – these National Parks are perfect for a quick weekend escape.
12 Stunning National Treasures That Welcome Cyclists
Feeling the need to pedal your way through some breathtaking scenery? Check out these stunning spots that roll out the red carpet for cyclists. Who needs a gym when you’ve got National Parks?
