Welcome to the ultimate list that will transform your summer into an unforgettable outdoor adventure! If you’ve always wondered what lies beyond the beaten path of the USA’s national parks, we’re about to demystify it for you.
Packed with thrilling activities, each of which could be its own story, our summer bucket list guarantees you’ll experience nature like never before.
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12 National Park Activities You Must Try This Summer
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Table of Contents
1. Stargazing at Bryce Canyon National Park
If you think stars twinkle beautifully in fairy tales, wait until you experience a night in Bryce Canyon. Dubbed as one of the world’s best stargazing spots, it provides a celestial display that brings the phrase ‘starry night’ to life.
Lay back and prepare to count stars, not sheep, amidst mesmerizing hoodoos that tower like ancient guardians of time. It’s cosmic theater at its finest!
➡️ BUY: Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary (1-2 days)
2. Wildlife Safari in Yellowstone National Park
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, offers safaris like no other. With bison herds, grazing elk, and possibly a bear sighting, each drive is a fresh chapter in a book that never gets old.
Swap your Netflix series for this real-world documentary, where the characters are wild and the landscapes are untamed. Just remember, a camera is your best friend here!
➡️ BUY: Yellowstone National Park Itinerary (1-4 days)
➡️ READ: Guide To Lamar Valley Scenic Drive
3. Hiking Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier National Park
Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park is like wandering through a mountain dreamscape. The Skyline Trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, and up-close views of alpine meadows covered in wildflowers.
This is one of those trails where every step leaves you more enchanted, proving nature’s wonders never cease to awe.
➡️ READ: Skyline Trail Guide
➡️ BUY: Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary (1-3 days)
4. Rafting the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park
Imagine the thrill of rafting through the majestic Grand Canyon on the Colorado River, surrounded by towering rock formations telling tales of eons past.
This white-water adventure isn’t just spirited; it’s a splash into a world where the wild reigns supreme and every turn promises a fresh surprise.
➡️ READ: Grand Canyon Rapids Guide
➡️ BUY: Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary (1-3 days)
➡️ BUY: Grand Canyon North Rim Itinerary (1-2 days)
5. Mountain Biking in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park thrills mountain bikers with its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas on the White Rim Road.
Pedal your way through a landscape that feels untouched by time, where every turn makes you feel like the hero in your very own Wild West movie.
➡️ BUY: Canyonlands Itinerary (1-2 days)
6. Hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park offers the Mist Trail, a hiker’s paradise draped in roaring waterfalls and lush greenery. Get ready to be misted by Vernal and Nevada Falls—nature’s way of showering its blessings!
It’s one of those rare hikes where the reward isn’t just the destination, but the journey itself, with every turn offering a postcard-worthy view. Remember to pack your camera and maybe an extra towel for those waterfall mists!
➡️ READ: Yosemite Guide
7. Horseback Riding in Rocky Mountain National Park
Saddle up for a classic western experience in Rocky Mountain National Park. Horseback riding through meadows, past aspen groves, and along alpine lakes paints a picturesque day.
It’s a perfect fusion of relaxation and adventure, where you breathe in the mountain air and feel that cowboy spirit!
➡️ READ: Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
8. Exploring the Sea Caves at Channel Islands National Park
Venture off the coast of California to the wild, remote landscape of Channel Islands. Here, kayaking into sea caves becomes a voyage into a world few get to explore. Each cave reveals its own secret with echoing surges and brilliant play of light.
These marine adventures promise a summer tale filled with echoes of the sea and whispers of the wind.
➡️ READ: Channel Islands Guide
9. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Elevate your adventure with a hot air balloon ride over Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As you drift above a patchwork of forests, rivers, and trails, the view is a breathtaking topper to a summer of memories.
This serene float offers a peaceful escape, showing you the world from a bird’s-eye view as the perfect ending to an exhilarating bucket list.
➡️ BOOK: Balloon Ride Over Cuyahoga Valley
10. Canoeing in the Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park isn’t just a swamp, it’s a sprawling wetland teeming with life. Grab a canoe and paddle through its intricate waterways, where you’re likely to encounter alligators basking in the sun and birds that are building their own summer bucket lists.
This iconic adventure is more than a paddle; it’s a memorable glide through one of the world’s most versatile ecosystems.
11. Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park invites you below the surface to a snorkeling adventure among vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life.
Experiencing this underwater world feels like diving into a painting where the strokes bring to life an incredible ecosystem bustling with marine biodiversity.
12. Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
For the climbing enthusiasts, Joshua Tree National Park is nothing short of a vertical playground. The rock formations here, sculpted by millennia, offer routes for both the seasoned climber and the bold beginner.
Feeling brave? Tackling one of these giants will not only boost your adrenaline; it will also give you bragging rights at every climbing club meeting!
➡️ READ: Joshua Tree Guide
Do you have any other summer bucket list activities? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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12 National Park Activities You Must Try This Summer
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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