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12 Wild And Wonderful National Parks Made For July Adventures
July. That glorious time of year when the sun blazes, the mosquitoes thrive, and we all collectively decide that sweating is worth it as long as the view is good. And national parks are where the magic happens, offering the perfect mix of jaw-dropping scenery, adventure, and just enough fresh air to make you ask yourself why you don’t do this more often.
There’s just something about wandering wide open spaces (or clinging to a hiking trail for dear life) that makes July the ideal month to explore.
So stick around, because we’ve rounded up some parks that are practically begging for a mid-summer visit.
And hey, after you’re done reading, drop a comment on MSN, because what’s better than swapping stories about our “totally planned” wildlife encounters?
American Samoa National Park, American Samoa
Behold American Samoa National Park – the park that decided to go island-style. Located in the South Pacific, it’s the only U.S. national park south of the equator. How’s that for exclusive club membership?
With its lava-carved cliffs and tropical rainforest, this place is a paradise for both history buffs and beach bums. You can snorkel with vibrant coral reefs or hike through lush greenery, feeling like the protagonist in an adventure movie. It’s also home to Samoan culture, where you’ll literally get schooled on traditions that predate hashtags and TikTok dances.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park is like stepping into Alaska’s epic highlights reel. Covering over 600,000 acres, this place boasts an insane mix of majestic fjords, glaciers, and wildlife galore. Kayaking through the chilly waters, visitors can spot humpback whales breaching like they’ve got something to prove and bald eagles soaring overhead like they’re on patrol.
Fancy a trek? The Harding Icefield Trail gives you a stairway to glacier heaven, with 40 glaciers waiting to freeze-frame your awed expression. It’s nature’s playground, and in the summer, you don’t even need to bring a parka (at least we hope).
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, where driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is more exhilarating than your morning coffee. This park in Montana flaunts over 1 million acres of wilderness, with rugged peaks, pristine forests, and breathtaking alpine meadows.
Did you know it’s home to over 700 lakes? That’s right… you can take a dip in a different one every day of the year and still have a list of must-swims left over. But keep an eye out for grizzlies; they like to crash the picnic party uninvited. And the wildflowers? They’re a botanical fashion show in summer.
Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Lake Clark National Park is the Alaskan wild’s best-kept secret (probably because it’s tucked away where even Google Maps has to squint to find it). But don’t let the remote location fool you; this park is a jaw-dropper with its volcanoes, glaciers, and salmon-rich rivers.
Feeling sporty? You can kayak on turquoise waters with fish darting underneath you that puts any screensaver to shame. And speaking of fish, here’s a fact for you: Lake Clark is a crucial spawning ground for the sockeye salmon. You can practically feel the bears’ excitement as they get their sushi fix.
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Biscayne National Park is what happens when nature and Bob Ross decide to collaborate. Situated off the coast of Miami, this aquatic wonderland is 95% water… talk about embracing the beach life! Paddle through serene mangroves or snorkel above vibrant coral reefs that make Finding Nemo look tame.
Did you know it houses the longest stretch of mangrove forest on Florida’s east coast? And for you history fans, the park’s underwater Maritime Heritage Trail offers shipwrecks dating back centuries. So, whether you’re casing it out by kayak or pretending to be Jacques Cousteau underwater, Biscayne offers a slice of paradise.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Found in the great state of Nevada, Great Basin National Park is a land of rugged beauty and extreme contrasts. It’s here that you can explore the Lehman Caves with their bizarre and intricate formations that look like something out of a gothic fairytale. Or climb Wheeler Peak, which stands at a whopping 13,063 feet.
The park is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth, the bristlecone pines, which have been around for nearly 5,000 years. And between the incredible night skies and the vast, serene landscapes, it’s clear this park didn’t come to play – it came to impress.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands National Park is California’s version of Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs, but with the same “wow” factor). Encompassing five different islands, the park is a hub of endemic species. We are talking about plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else.
Kayaking the sea caves or hiking to Inspiration Point will make you feel like an explorer without the dangers of prehistoric beasts lurking around. And did you know the Island Scrub Jay only lives here? Yup, this bird’s got dibs on exclusive island residency. The islands are pristine, so remember: leave nothing but footprints.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s crown jewel, where altitude meets attitude. Boasting over 300 miles of hiking trails, this park is a playground for the adventurous at heart. Between dizzying peaks and serene alpine lakes, you’ll catch some unbelievable sights. Moose and elk are practically the park’s unofficial mascots, so keep your eyes on a swivel.
By the way, Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet. And it takes your breath away… literally. So whether you’re scaling mountains or snapping pics, this park’s got enough “wow” to make your jaw drop and your legs ache.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is the land where rugged meets breathtaking. And it’s home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, towering at 20,310 feet. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a wildlife safari, this Alaskan spot delivers the goods. Think grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou, all casually living their best life.
Try your hand at summer dog sledding (on wheels!) because why not make friends with some enthusiastic huskies while you’re at it? You’ll leave with a memory card filled with epic landscape shots and maybe a renewed respect for what it truly means to be out in the wild.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Having volcano vibes next to lush forests and wildflower meadows is just another day at Mount Rainier National Park. With over 260 miles of maintained trails, it’s a playground for hikers (just don’t ask the mountain to tone down its majestic views).
Did you know Mount Rainier is actually an active stratovolcano? That means it’s not just sitting pretty; it’s keeping things interesting geologically. And when you’re done climbing those peaks, treat yourself to the jaw-dropping sight of glaciers hugging the mountain. Glaciers. In the summer. Now, who wouldn’t want to brag about that kind of hike?
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves exploring underground caves. With over 117 known caves, this park offers a unique experience to visitors who are brave enough to venture deep into the earth. And let’s be real here, there’s nothing quite like exploring dark, damp, and creepy caves filled with bats and mysterious rock formations.
But don’t worry, you won’t have to spelunk your way through these caves (unless that’s your thing). The park offers well-lit walkways and guided tours for those looking for a more comfortable cave-exploring experience. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch the bat flight program, where thousands of bats emerge from the caves at dusk.
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure with a side of jaw-dropping views? It’s time to explore New River Gorge National Park, where gravity is more of a friendly suggestion than a rule. This park is a paradise for thrill-seekers, offering some of the best white-water rafting on its namesake river.
Not a fan of getting drenched while being aggressively hurled downstream? No worries. The park also boasts world-class rock climbing opportunities for those brave enough to scale its towering sandstone cliffs. And by “brave,” we mean “completely okay with dangling hundreds of feet above ground.” Don’t worry, there is also hiking, waterfalls, and a cool bridge.
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