13 Best National Parks to Visit in the US This Summer

5. Glacier National Park, Montana: Alpine Wilderness and Pristine Lakes

Glacier National Park represents the crown jewel of America's northern Rockies, where summer visitors can experience over one million acres of pristine alpine wilderness featuring dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and the remnants of ancient glacial activity that shaped this spectacular landscape. The park houses 26 named glaciers, though climate change has reduced their number from 150 in the late 1800s, making summer visits increasingly important for witnessing these disappearing ice formations before they vanish entirely. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that bisects the park, typically opens fully by late June or early July, providing access to Logan Pass and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America, including views of the Continental Divide and opportunities to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. Summer hiking opportunities abound with over 700 miles of trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging backcountry adventures, including the popular Highline Trail, which follows the Continental Divide and offers stunning views of glacial valleys and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. The park's pristine lakes, including Lake McDonald, Bowman Lake, and the stunning Iceberg Lake, provide opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and photography, while their crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks in perfect mirror images. Glacier's diverse ecosystems support over 70 mammal species and 270 bird species, making it one of the most intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states, where visitors might encounter everything from black bears and mountain lions to wolverines and lynx. The park's backcountry camping opportunities allow adventurous visitors to experience true wilderness solitude, while historic lodges like the Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge provide comfortable accommodations with rustic charm and spectacular views.