20 Parks to Visit in 2020 (& when to go)

For me, 2019 has been a year of contentment. I took a road trip around Croatia and Italy, exploring many fantastic outdoor spaces. I also found places close to home that captured my interest and revisited some old American favorites. Despite my wanderlust, the past 12 months have been packed with a overall sense of happiness and well-being, whether I was on the other side of the Pond or just relishing the newness of each day.

The year 2020 promises to be just as rich and fulfilling as its predecessor. I’m already looking into summer travel plans (#nospoilers) yet am eager to keep my eyes wide open for any opportunity to discover outdoor phenomena. For those of you who are considering future vacations in the new year, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite national parks. I’ve also included some never-before-seen photos from the 47 Parks trip I took in 2016/2017. Hopefully you’ll be inspired and eager to get outside and experience our beautiful natural world.

Ready, set… go.

January

(1) Death Valley National Park – California

This is the perfect place to go in January. The temperatures will be absolutely lovely. When I visited in the spring, there was an awful windstorm that slightly derailed my plans.

February

(2) Big Bend National Park – Texas

You’ll get to experience a couple of climates depending on your elevation. All in all, Big Bend will knock your socks off with its beauty and wildness.

March

(3) Joshua Tree National Park – California

March can be a windy month, but Joshua Tree has lots of fun boulders that can shelter you from any extra-breezy days. It’s also extremely fun to scramble on said rocks, or simply hike around and admire the foliage.

(4) Also consider Saguaro National Park in Arizona!

April

(5) Channel Islands – California

One of my all-time favorites, Channel Islands is a gorgeous paradise that will melt your heart. The red foxes are adorable; the sense of isolation is mind-blowing.

(6) Also consider Dry Tortugas in Florida, another island-based park.

May

(7) Yosemite National Park – California

The spring snow melt will make the waterfalls extra special. Hike as much as you can, both within the valley and on the surrounding peaks.

(8) Also consider Zion National Park in Utah.

June

(9) Acadia National Park – Maine

I absolutely loved visiting Acadia in June! The weather was great, and everything was so much alive. Pro tip: go earlier in the month to avoid the out-of-school kiddos.

(10) Also consider Isle Royale National Park in Michigan.

July

(11) Glacier National Park – Montana

Without a doubt, Glacier is one of the most spectacular parks. Goodness gracious, the vistas are incredible! I visited in the spring and the main road wasn’t open all the way through. Apparently June is the best time to visit to truly maximize your experience.

(12) Also consider Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. The higher elevation will keep you feeling nice and cool.

August

(13) Olympic National Park – Washington

This park is special. It has beaches, mountains, rainforests, and a host of other spectacular nature-based experiences. In August, everything will be open and ready for you to explore.

(14) Also consider any cave park (Mammoth Caves, Wind Cave, Carlsbad Caverns), since the underground temperatures hover around 55 degrees.

September

(15) Grand Tetons National Park – Wyoming

I visited this park in mid-September and loved it. The weather was quite crisp, and the fall foliage was absolutely spectacular.

(16) Also consider Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. If you go after Labor Day, you’ll beat the crowds.

October

(17) Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee/North Carolina

Autumn. Leaves. Colors. ‘Nuf said.

(18) Also consider Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It might be a bit chilly in places, but it’s worth it.

November

(19) Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

It’s less busy during this time and just as beautiful.

December

(20) Everglades National Park – Florida

A fantastic way to end the year! I erroneously visited the Everglades in July when it was ridiculously hot, humid, and mosquito-ridden. I’ve heard that December in the park is an excellent time to fully appreciate everything this wetland has to offer.

So there you have it, friends. Get planning, get moving, and get outside in 2020!