What national park should be on every road tripper’s list for the summer of 2021?
To help you make the ultimate national park bucket list, we asked business leaders this question for their best national park recommendations. From Yellowstone to Badlands, there are several must-see national parks that you must add to your road trip list for the summer of 2021
Here are ten national parks that should be on every road tripper’s list for the summer of 2021:
- Yellowstone National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Channel Islands National Park
- Mount Hood National Park
- Badlands National Park
Yellowstone National Park
I am sure this will come as no surprise, but Yellowstone National Park should be at the top of everyone’s list! It is truly one of the most diverse and beautiful places in America, full of waterfalls, geysers, vast forests, and calm lakes. There are tons of RV campgrounds near Yellowstone that allow you to camp in comfort without sacrificing those beautiful sunsets, so take advantage of it!
Sara Brown, Cruise America
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is definitely one of my favorite national parks. I grew up right in the foothills of Mount Rainier, so this national park and all of its beauty hold a special place in my heart. The views of the mountain are unlike any scenic views, and the crystal clear waterfalls you see just off the sides of the road add a refreshing level of enchantment. I recommend visiting in the spring or summer when all of the wildflowers have bloomed and all of the small critters are running around. Paradise is a great place for tourists to visit within the southwest region of the park if they are looking to do any hiking, animal spotting, flower frolicking, or waterfall chasing. Yes, it is actually called Paradise, and yes, it definitely lives up to its name! Just make sure you get there early in the morning to secure a limited parking spot and to enjoy the absolutely breathtaking sunrise!
Bailey Mills, Markitors
Glacier National Park
This is by far the prettiest place I’ve been with my family. There were lush evergreen-covered mountains with snow-capped tops and waterfalls throughout the park during the summer as the snow melts. Who wouldn’t love this? The park is also filled with hiking trails and campsites, bear spotting, charming mountain goats, and crystal clear lakes that are just perfect for picnicking. If you are planning to visit this park, they now require an entry pass to drive going to the sun road that transverses the park. But if you have a reservation for lodging or camping and horseback riding along going to the sun road, an entry pass is already included for the duration of that reservation. This procedure is in response to the current situation, which is understandable.
No matter the situation, this national park is a great experience for everyone and the entire family.
Sherry Morgan, Petsolino
Grand Teton National Park
Our family took a month-long RV trip last fall and completely fell in love with Grand Teton National Park. I definitely think it should be on every road tripper’s list for the summer of 2021!
With its close proximity to the perennial favorite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park often gets overlooked. But the hiking trails in Grand Teton offer breathtaking views of this unique mountain range and are well worth a stop. The crisp mountain air and the beautiful Jennie Lake are incredibly invigorating and picturesque.
Also, there are plenty of opportunities to encounter the same types of wildlife you’d see in Yellowstone (with fewer crowds!). On the day we were hiking, many people reported seeing several bears and bison deep in the valley.
Additionally, the nearby town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is absolutely charming and offers lots of great places to stay and dine.
Jennifer Bradley, Jen Bradley LLC
Shenandoah National Park
I’ve been to almost all national parks, and in my opinion, the absolute must-visit park on a road trip is Shenandoah National Park.
I have been camping in Shenandoah National Park for many years now. I absolutely love this place. It is a perfect place to camp for the weekend. The campsites are a great size, and the park is just the right size to be able to visit all of the great spots.
The park is located in Virginia, and the most popular spot in the park is Skyline Drive. This is a road that runs through the length of the park, and you can stop and walk around at any of the designated overlooks. There are so many great places to stop and take in the scenery, and the best part is that very few tourists get to stay in the park, so you will have the
place almost to yourself.
The park does have a lot of hiking trails, but the most popular is the hike up to Old Rag Mountain. This is a strenuous hike that can take all day, but you will be talking about it for years to come.
The park also has a scenic drive that is a great way to tour the place and see all of the best spots. You can just hop in the car and spend the day driving the park and stopping where you need to.
Maria Potehina, Call It Adventure
Yosemite National Park
For an avid hiker like myself, Yosemite National Park in California is the place to be for well-maintained hiking trails and breaking up the hike, camping at Sunrise Lake. The trail every hiker should add to their list is Cloud’s Rest. The views are phenomenal, and the gorgeous sunrise is nature showing off, but it is highly appreciated. Sunrise Lakes is a stunning
detour to spend a night under the stars before making your way to Cloud’s Rest. A helpful hint is to make sure you have your wilderness permits before making the trek.
Bertie Cowan, Effortless Outdoors
Lassen Volcanic National Park
This park offers a breathtaking and picturesque view. Furthermore, the temperature is very pleasant, making the experience even more fun. Another compelling reason to visit this place is that it is the only park in the United States that contains all four forms of volcanoes. In short, your experience will be unforgettable.
Fred Hoffman, IBC7 Outdoors
Channel Islands National Park
This island is located on the Southern California coast. The reason to visit this location is to beat the heat of summers with the fun water-related activities that are available there. This park offers a great mix of adventures like a one-of-a-kind experience of whale watching. Snorkeling and bird watching are two other enjoyable things that you can do at this park.
Eva Lerma, My Travel Tripod
Mount Hood National Park
Having hiked and camped through more than half the states in the course of pursuing my passion for outdoor adventurism, I can say that choosing just one is a toughie! But MOUNT HOOD NATIONAL FOREST in Oregon SHOULD be on your list!
First of all, it’s spectacular! The scenery is quite simply sublime. Some of the most impressive pieces of natural eye candy you will ever come across — lakes, forests, rivers, and THAT mountain, a permanently snowcapped supervolcano actually, towering over everything.
And that leads me to the second reason MOUNT HOOD should be on everyone’s list. Accessibility. The mountain is clearly visible from downtown Portland and reachable by road in less than a couple of hours.
The park is huge, offering a very wide variety of sites, amenities, activities, attractions, and adventures to suit all tastes and levels.
Brian Conghalie, My Open Country
Badlands National Park
The scenery in Badlands National Park is unmatched. Anyone who caught the Oscar-winning film “Nomadland” caught a glimpse of the stunning beauty of this national park. There’s something for everyone in Badlands National Park. You can see plenty of wildlife from
the comfort of your car on the scenic loop road that winds through the park. Or, ditch the car in one of the lots and set out on one of the many hiking trails. This national park should be #1 on every road tripper’s list for the summer of 2021.
Garth Adams, I Know the Pilot
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