Visiting US National Parks in June

We’ve put together a list of fantastic vacation ideas at US National Parks in June with tips to help you plan your national park vacation.

If you’re looking for US National Park vacation ideas in June, the weather is usually ideal to enjoy outdoor activities during the day, without being ‘too’ hot.

US National Parks in June

We collaborated with other travelers who share their experiences visiting various national parks in June to help you make a list of places to add to your bucket list.

Use our US National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for the activities you plan to do! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

National Parks packing list for spring summer fall and winter
This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

Visiting US National Parks in June

Check out our guide for finding the best National Parks to visit by month. During each season and month of the year, national parks will have different activities and services available.

Here’s a list of US National Park vacation ideas for the month of June.

Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park in June

One of the best places to visit in June is Acadia National Park. There are so many things to do in Acadia National Park. There are hikes, beaches, mountains, lighthouses, climbing, excellent seafood, and exceptional photography spots. June is one of the best times to visit this one of a kind national park due to its lovely weather and the fewer crowds that July and August bring.

During June, you can do some popular hikes like the Beehive Loop trail, and South Bubble Mountain. Or you soak in the sun on the Sand Beach that is located on the park loop road. Biking on the famous carriage roads is another option for enjoying the beautiful summer month of June.

A good sunset spot is, of course, the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Many people crowd this place to experience the colorful lights reflecting off the water. Another excellent photography spot is the famous Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. It is one of the best sunrise spots I have ever witnessed. Please note, it is a popular activity so expect many others to be there. However, the area has plenty of room for everyone to take pictures. Michelle – The Wandering Queen

Acadia National Park Lodging & Tours

Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon in June

Bryce Canyon is one of the most underrated National Parks in the United States. That may be because it is sandwiched between 2 famous neighbors: Zion and Arches, but Bryce Canyon is absolutely wonderful all on its own!

Bryce Canyon is home to hundreds of hoodoos scattered throughout the park. What is a hoodoo? Glad you asked! A hoodoo is a large column of rock that stands in an enormous pillar towering over the surrounding area. Nowhere else on earth are there as many hoodoos as there are at Bryce Canyon National Park, and nowhere else on earth are the hoodoos as beautiful.

On your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park in June, you must walk the Rim Trail. This is an easy, though stunning, hike alongside the rim of Bryce Canyon. The Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail is an epic trail that takes you into the canyon, and is a must for adventurers. An underrated trail into the canyon is Tower Bridge, which brings you to a rock formation that looks just like the Tower Bridge in London! The real treat on this trail, however, is all of the stunning rock formations along the trail. Bryce Canyon is truly a beautiful place to see and explore. Julie & Zach – Ruhls of the Road

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon

Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park in June

This park is amazing any time of year, but Capitol Reef in June is one of the best times to visit.  While it may already be heating up and a little busier than the spring or fall, there are plenty of ways to stay cool in the park away from the crowds on the more popular trails. 

One of the best Capitol Reef hikes to do in June is Sulphur Creek. It’s five miles of hiking, plus three back to the trailhead.  The hike starts out hot and in the sun, but soon enough you will be walking through Sulphur Creek and climbing down a few waterfalls before coming out by the visitor center, so there are plenty of chances to cool off.  

Some other great hikes are Cohab Canyon across from the Gifford Store and Surprise Canyon and Headquarters Canyon, two slot canyons in the Waterpocket Fold area of the park. It’s about a 1.5-2 hour drive there from the visitor center, but it’s great to escape the crowds of the park. 

If you’re looking for things to do at Capitol Reef if you don’t hike, make sure you get to the Gifford Store for pie, ice cream, and cinnamon rolls. The earlier you go for those, the better, just in case they run out.  You may even get lucky and see some of the fruit trees in the orchard blooming. Megan – Red Around the World

Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef

Check out this guide for visiting ALL FIVE Utah National Parks in June!!

waterfall at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley in June

While the Cuyahoga Valley National Park isn’t on many people’s radar as a place to visit in June, that is precisely why it is a great option! 

Of course, as a Clevelander myself, I love visiting CVNP any time of year (including as an option during the winter in Cleveland). But with fewer crowds throughout the year, June may be the perfect time if you want a great combination of beautiful scenery, fewer hikers on the trails, and nice weather.

By June, the northeast Ohio area is warm and the weather is much better, making it perfect for a trip to this lesser known national park. Plus, those visiting will enjoy beautiful lookouts over endless forests, gorgeous waterfalls, and even mysterious ledges to venture between. 

There are always events happening in the area this time of year as well! Enjoy some fun and competition during the Summer Sasquatch 50k, 20, and 10 miler run or the Muddy Paws run with dogs in June, or if you’d prefer to sit back and relax, then you’ll enjoy the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Train that goes through the park and has many events like Ales on Rails, Murder Mysteries, and more! 

Basically, if you want to get off the national park beaten path, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit in June! Kat – World Wide Honeymoon

Cuyahoga Valley NP Lodging

Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park in June

The Everglades National Park is the natural crown jewel of the southernmost state. It is a wide expanse of lush green separated by the blue marshes and swamps that a diverse number of animals call home. It is Florida’s only World Heritage Site, and it draws tourists from all over the world to revel in its beauty year-round! But with the summer sun setting over Florida, there is no better time to visit than June! 

Here’s why: While the summer is the ‘wet season’, and that isn’t ideal for a vacation spent outdoors, the increase in rainfall really makes this site pop! In Florida, although it rains often, it is typically usually later in the day. Around 2-3 p.m., it starts to get cloudy. But the mornings are bright, inviting, and exciting! That means if you’re planning on visiting, go early! Not only do you get all the luxuries of avoiding the crowds, but the morning is your best chance at seeing some wildlife. But June is best for that true Florida feel. You can adventure all morning, without having to fear the national park crowds. While there’s sure to be some adventurers on the path, you’ll have a much better chance at sweet serenity in June.  

However, there are some downfalls to visiting in June. June in Florida means not only is it hot, hot, hot, but humid to boot. And with humidity comes all the insects and mosquitoes that thrive in the summertime. June is also one of the most popular times to visit Florida (although not necessarily the park itself). But especially with the Everglades so close to Miami, flights and accommodations might be a little on the steeper side. If that’s the case, consider flying in somewhere else. Flights from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando only require a few hours drive until you’re in the beauty of the wetlands.

The Everglades National Park is something you’re going to want to see for yourself! And what better time than with that famous Florida summertime sunshine? Nikki – Attractions of America

Everglades National Park Travel Tips

Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park in June

Located in the northwestern corner of Montana, Glacier National Park has more than 1 million acres, 130 lakes and parts of two mountain ranges. It’s a hikers’ paradise, with more than 55 trails that take you through tunnels, by lakes, into valleys, through forests and alpine meadows. There are all levels of trails, ranging from easy and family-friendly to difficult ones with extreme elevation changes. The scenery is simply spectacular.

High season starts in July so you’ll find fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations in June. Lodging choices range from the historic Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge, which opened in the 1910s, to the new Cedar Creek Lodge.

While 10 miles of the Going to the Sun Road are open year-round, the majority of the 53-mile road is closed until late June so you may not be able to travel the entire road, which bisects the park. But there’s so much more to see you won’t be disappointed. Jan – The Travel 100

Glacier National Park Lodging & Tours

Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park in June

Located in the literal middle of nowhere Nevada, Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem! Most of the park is inaccessible in the winter, so summer is the best time to go, but June is particularly great. The weather is cooler and you might still get to hike in snow and see snow on the mountains.  The park gets less than 150,000 visitors a year, so it’s great for getting away from the crowds of the nearby parks.  

Some things you can’t miss on a visit to Great Basin in June are hiking to the alpine lakes, Stella and Teresa Lakes, see the only glacier in Nevada, climb the second highest peak in the state, admire the oldest living things on Earth, Bristlecone Trees, and go underground on a Lehman Cave tour. The town of Baker is just outside of the park and is tiny. They have a few hotels, but camping is great in the park. While you’re there, make sure to eat at Kerouacs. Megan – Red Around the World

Great Basin National Park Lodging

Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve
Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve

Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve

This is a “bonus” location that’s not a US National Park. The Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve is a fantastic place to visit, particularly in June. One of the main highlights of the reserve is the Manoa Falls trail hike. The rainforest trail is picturesque and beautiful. You walk through eucalyptus trees and a bamboo forest as you head towards a 150-foot tall waterfall.

The Manoa Falls trail hike is a short 0.8 mile hike one way to the waterfall, 1.6 miles return. The trail takes between one to two hours. It is a fairly easy dirt track, which makes it suitable for most fitness levels, including when you are travelling with baby and toddler. There are also intermediate to advanced trails in the Forest Reserve for more adventurous hikers.

June is one of the best times to visit Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve as it is one of the months with the least rainfall. This is handy as some of the trails (for example, Manoa Falls) can get muddy and slippery. The weather is also perfect in June. High temperatures are in the low to mid 80s F and low temperatures are in the low 70s F. Further, June is not quite peak season. The beginning of June has fewer crowds until school in the USA finishes up towards the end of June. Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve in June is a great time to visit. Clara – Petite Capsule

Honolulu Lodging & Tours

Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes in June

Indiana Dunes National Park in June is the perfect time for a visit. Most of the Midwest’s winter weather has moved on, yet it’s still cool enough to wear a sweatshirt most days. As one of the newer national parks, the dunes don’t have some of the crowds you might find elsewhere.

Be prepared there might be some rain during this time, but don’t let that deter you. Just keep an eye on the weather before heading out.

This park is the perfect combination of forests, dunes, prairie lands and Lake Michigan views, with trails winding through all of these habitats. Trails are well marked and offer everything from easy strolls to arduous hikes.

Consider visiting the national park for a multigenerational trip from Chicago or head out exploring on your own. You can’t go wrong either way. Kirsten – Multigenerational Vacations

Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park in June

One of the highlights of our Colorado road trip was visiting Mesa Verde National Park! It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fascinating history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. You’ll find their ancient dwellings carved into the cliffside.

Some of the most impressive ruins are the Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Balcony House. There are a number of great lookout’s just off of the main park road.

However, the best way to explore Mesa Verde National is on foot. So, June is a very pleasant time to visit since the temperatures hover between 44F to 73F. 

The park is absolutely massive and there are lots of trails geared toward the natural aspect of the park as well as the cultural significance. The Point Lookout Trail is known for its impressive views. It is 2.2 miles in total and moderately difficult. It reminds visitors of the isolation that the area must have afforded the Pueblo people when they used to call it home. Oksana & Max – Drink Tea & Travel

Mesa Verde Lodging

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia National Park and the juxtaposed Kings Canyon National Park are close enough for a weekend getaway from both Northern and Southern California. Known for their towering sequoia trees and miles of pristine wilderness trails, both national parks are great destinations for everyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature when driving across the USA.

While summer is definitely the busiest time of the year for both parks, June is the best time for hiking. You can access locations such as Giant Forest Museum, General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, Wuksachi Lodge, to name a few by hopping on Sequoia Shuttle that offers trips between the Sequoia National Park and the neighboring towns of Visalia and Three Rivers.

Of course, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Sequoia & Kings Canyon that will make you feel good. If you’ve only got a day to see both parks, the giant redwood trees are a must-see feature of the parks; be sure to stop by the General Sherman Tree, the largest living organism in the world, by taking a short walk from the paved trail while you’re there.

During the summer, you can drive down a narrow, winding road near the Sequoia gate off CA 198 to explore Mineral King, a small subalpine valley surrounded by steep valley walls and accessible by car. Besides, you’ll also see the Crystal Cave filled with icicle-like stalactites and mounds of stalagmites. Daily guided tours are only available in summer and early fall, so you can easily combine it with a hike to the summit of Mount Whitney – the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. Ivan – Mind the Travel

Sequoia & Kings Canyon Lodging

Mammoth Hot Springs at Yellowstone
Mammoth Hot Springs at Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park in June

Yellowstone National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in June! While there is still a risk of snow, snow chains are rarely required and sunny days are frequent. By this point in the year, many of the most popular trails have opened for hiking (check out the top ten Yellowstone hikes for families) and all the wildlife are lively as temperatures warm.

Crowds are significantly lighter than later in the summer, letting you see all the famous landmarks without hundreds of other people and making parking less of a battle. The ranger led programming is all starting around the beginning of the month, great opportunities to learn from an expert while hiking or stopping by one of the visitor’s centers.

One negative of visiting in June is that not all the lodging and dining options are open at the beginning of the month, and camping can be dicey because of the unpredictable nighttime temperatures. Stephanie – Explore More Clean Less

Check out our Yellowstone vacation tips to help you plan your vacation!

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone

CLICK TO SHOP FOR US NATIONAL PARK GUIDES & MAPS

national park guides and maps

Plan a US National Park Vacation in June

US National Park Travel Planner

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *