ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Best National Parks to Visit in June
Let’s be honest: you or I could probably make a strong argument for almost any park to be one of the best United States national parks to visit in June. However, a few have special qualities that allow them to stand out from the (busy) crowds.
June ranks as the third busiest month across the National Park System. All parks remain open and accessible, as even May still has some closures to contend with. Wildflowers bloom, and wildlife roams once again.
The Pattiz Brothers and I have extensive experience visiting national parks in June and summer, as we all love the warm weather. We brought together our separate experiences for one exclusive list of the national parks to visit in June in the USA.
Our litmus test includes crowd size vs. number of amenities and attractions open, special June events at a park, and seizing the most out of a summer trip with minimal bugs and weather health risks. Even the night skies set some parks ahead of others. Take this list as a buffet, not a competition.
We’ve included National Parks to visit in June near California and our top pick for Alaska in June, too. Your feedback is always welcome in the comments below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Best National Parks to Visit in June (TAP TO EXPAND LIST)
Table of contents
- 15. Kenai Fjords National Park in June
- 14. Voyageurs National Park in June
- 13. White Sands National Park
- 12. Grand Canyon National Park in June
- 11. Channel Islands National Park in June
- 10. Petrified Forest National Park
- 9. Haleakala National Park and Video
- 8. Great Sand Dunes National Park in June
- 7. Isle Royale National Park in June
- 6. Sequoia and Kings Canyon in June
- 5. Mesa Verde National Park in June
- 4. Great Basin National Park in June
- 3. Yosemite National Park in June
- 2. Zion National Park in June
- 1. Acadia National Park in June
- Best Family Roadtrips in June
- List of National Parks to Visit in June
- Map of National Parks to Visit in June
- Helpful Related Links
15. Kenai Fjords National Park in June
- Location: Alaska
- Weather: Highs around 55°F to 65°F. Lows can get to around 40°F to 50°F.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise is 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM with sunset as late at 11:30 PM.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Things to Do | Facts | Harding Icefield Trail | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Park Conditions
The best national parks to visit in June also bring the longest daylight hours, and in Alaska, that means up to 17 hours of sun. While the peak Alaska cruise season starts in July, you can beat the crowds in June while still getting access to the amazing sights of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Time matters here because the glaciers are melting, and Exit Glacier is one of 200 that might be gone by the year 2100. June sits smack dab in the middle of whale-watching season, too.
Kenai Fjords National Park opens for the summer season in late May, making June ideal for you to be one of the first visitors of summer. All of the tours await your next adventure, from kayaking to boat cruises to Harding Icefield strenuous hikes or camping near one of the glaciers.
If you’re up for it, Denali National Park sits just six hours north of here, easily accessed by roads in summer.
14. Voyageurs National Park in June
- Location: Minnesota
- Weather: Highs are around 70°F to 75°F, and lows are between 50°F and 55°F.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise between 5:15 AM and 5:30 AM. Sunset is from 8:45 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Expert Guide | Facts | Camping Guide |
Voyageurs National Park in June offers mild temperatures perfect for boating, fishing, and hiking. Its interconnected waterways beckon adventurers to explore pristine lakes, teeming with wildlife like bald eagles and otters.
Anglers cast their lines for walleye and bass while hikers traverse scenic trails adorned with vibrant wildflowers. In addition, that wildflower season brings an abundance of 400 species that bloom between late spring and fall. You’ll also find mushrooms growing seasonally throughout the park.
As one of the best national parks to visit in June, you’ll also find it’s among the busiest months. However, this is one park that rarely feels crowded. May brings the busiest month at Voyageurs, yet lakes can still be ice-covered in the early part of that month. June allows for houseboats and campsite access via waterways.
13. White Sands National Park
- Location: New Mexico
- Weather: Highs around 95°F to 100°F with lows between 65°F and 70°F. Average rainfall is minimal, often less than 0.5 inches for the entire month.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise is 5:45 AM to 6:00 AM. Sunset is 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Things to Do | Facts | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Park Conditions
If you’re like me and love the heat of the summer but don’t want to overdo it, White Sands National Park can be a treasure check of activities in June. Of course, you’ll want to start the day when the park opens to avoid the potential for triple digits in the afternoon.
At the same time, you’ll likely want a midday nap because June brings sunset strolls, full-moon parties, and moonlit hikes. With the summer solstice in late June, you get more opportunities for these events – plus extended park hours- than any other month.
Even better is that the gypsum sand won’t get hot like the Great Sand Dunes National Park variety. Just don’t forget to lather on sunscreen before that bright white sand will reflect UV rays. You can also pay extra for an Early Entry pass to catch the sunrise.
12. Grand Canyon National Park in June
- Location: Arizona
- South Rim Weather: Highs between 80° and 90° and lows between 50°F to 60°F
- North Rim Weather: High temperatures are around 70°F to 80°F with lows near 40°F to 50°F.
- Canyon Bottom Weather: Highs can exceed 100°F with warm evenings near 70°F to 80°F.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise is around 5:15 AM to 5:30 AM, with sunset between 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM.
- Crowds: Medium to High
- Resources: Things to Do | Expert Guide | Best Views | Closest Cities | South Rim | North Rim | Facts | Best Hikes | Rim to Rim Hike | Bright Angel Trail
June brings the first full month of the year that all of the Grand Canyon is open. That includes the North Rim roads, trails and amenities.
In addition, the Grand Canyon Star Party kicks off annually in June, with events at both rims over eight days. This festival offers amazing changes to see the night skies with some of the top astronomy experts in the country.
While the bottom of the canyon will be in triple digits, you can enjoy warm, sunny days before the monsoon season kicks into full gear. If you descend in the early morning hours, you’ll escape the heat of the day.
Even with crowds above 500,000, the North Rim saw an average of 18,000 vehicles in June 2022. That’s compared to the 118,000 who came to the South Rim. Take the time to enjoy the ride to the North Rim, which is an ideal way to start the Rim to Rim Hike since it’s 1,000 feet higher.
11. Channel Islands National Park in June
- Location: California
- Weather: Highs are around 65°F to 75°F with lows between 50°F and 55°F.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sun’s up between 5:45 AM to 6:00 AM. Sunset happens around 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Facts | Things to Do | Guidebook | Where to Stay
Channel Islands National Park ranks as one of the best national parks to visit in June for whale watching alone, but so many other surprise await on these series of islands off the coast of California.
Blue and humpback whales migrate during the summer, while seal lions start tending to their newly born pups. Additionally, many bird species are nesting during this time, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities. June is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. The calm seas and clear waters make it a great time for exploring the coastal areas and underwater ecosystems.
June tends to be slightly less crowded compared to July and August, but keep in mind that many of the people who visit Channel Islands National Park don’t land on the islands. They either take a boat tour or stop by the visitor center in Santa Barbara or Ventura.
10. Petrified Forest National Park
- Location: Arizona
- Weather: Highs average around 90°F but can get into triple digits. Lows are 50°F to 60°F, on average.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Expect sunrise around 5:15 AM to 5:30 AM with sunset between 7:30 PM and 7:45 PM.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Things to Do | Facts | Where to Stay | Park Conditions
Petrified Forest National Park in June offers the best month of summer to skip the dangerous monsoons that sweep across the desert. While the official monsoon season begins in June, storms really take off in July.
We consider this one of the best national parks to visit in June because it’s easy to drive through but also includes plenty of stops along the way for scenic views or short hikes. Along those paths, you’ll see the sparkly insides of petrified trees once part of a lush forest. Plus, you’ll get a taste of the Painted Desert scenery at the north end of the park.
Petrified Forest’s backcountry routes don’t have traditional trails. You can wander at will and see unique rock formations, petrified wood, and artifacts.
The daytime temps usually make early morning hikes ideal to skip the scorching sun, but trails include shelters to cool off.
HEADS UP: Keep in mind that the park closes in the evening, usually around 5 or 6. Too much vandalism and theft of the petrified wood required this reduction of hours. You can get a permit to camp or see the night skies at the visitor’s center.
9. Haleakala National Park and Video
- Location: Hawaii
- Sea Level Weather: Highs are around 85°F to 90°F, with lows into the lower 70s.
- Summit Weather: Expect highs only in the lower 60s with lows into the 40s. Temperatures and weather conditions change quickly.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise at the summit happens around 5:40 AM to 5:50 AM. Sunset ranges between 7:10 PM and 7:20 PM.
- Crowds: High
- Resources: Things to Do | Expert Guide | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay
While Hawaii makes a great destination in June, it’s worth noting that it’s the busiest month at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. That’s a great reason to head to Maui and explore Haleakala National Park.
No trip to Haleakala is complete without a reservation to see the sunrise. From there, explore the Haleakala Crater on a strenuous hike through the surreal landscape. The cool weather up here brings a respite from the humidity down below.
At the same time, if you’re not acclimated to the elevation, spend a day or two in the tropical paradise jungles or at the stunning shoreline. We recommend the Pipwai Trail for tropical forest and waterfall views. Haleakala brings beauty below sea level all the way to 10,000 feet up.
VIDEO: Haleakala National Park Film
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park in June
- Location: Colorado
- Weather: Expect highs around 75°F to 85°F. Lows average near 40°F to 50°F. June is one of the drier months, with five or fewer days with measurable rain.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise is around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM. Sunset between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Things to Do | Facts | Map | Guidebook | Hotel
Great Sand Dunes National Park makes one of the best national parks to visit in June for the day and nighttime activities you can’t get most other months.
To start with, Medano Creek’s activity peaks in early June. Medano Creek is known for its distinctive “surge flow” phenomenon, where the water surges and recedes rhythmically in waves, creating small waves and ripples in the sandy bottom. The creek provides visitors with a chance to wade and play in the shallow waters using inflatable tubes to float along the currents.
Second, the Milky Way becomes visible in the night skies at this International Dark Sky Park. Time your trip to the New Moon to get the more vibrant starry skies.
Finally, the sledding on dunes is epic in June, but aim for early morning or late afternoon. The sand here soaks up the heat of the day with temperatures that can cause burns on bare skin at midday.
By June in Great Sands National Park, all or most of the snow is gone from the upper elevations. While June brings one of the busiest months to the park, weekends are busiest. Plan a mid-week trip for more room to splash and slide.
7. Isle Royale National Park in June
- Location: Michigan
- Weather: Highs around 60°F to 70°, with lows between 40°F to 50°F on average. About 2.5 inches of precipitation over 10 days.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise is around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM. Sunset happens between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.
- Crowds: Low
- Resources: Facts | Things to Do | Map | Guidebook | Park Conditions
Isle Royale National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in June for several reasons. First, despite the fact that the park opens in mid-April, most ferries, hotels, and campsites on the island only open in late May or early June. Without your own boat, getting there before June proves quite challenging.
Second, the first half of June brings more spring-like conditions to this outer island of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The bugs are least annoying in early June, offering more comfortable hikes and paddles through the park.
Even though Isle Royale is the least visited national park in the lower 48, ferries and seaplanes book quickly during the peak summer season. At the same time, this is the most re-visited national park, and people stay an average of more than two days.
Take some time to enjoy the wilderness forests, jagged coastline, and ample paddling waters before the black flies and bigger crowds come to this small island. Otherwise, wait until early fall to visit.
6. Sequoia and Kings Canyon in June
- Location: California
- Weather: Average high temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. Average low temperatures range from 40°F to 50°F. Average rainfall is minimal, with approximately 0.5 to 1 inch.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise generally occurs around 5:45 AM to 6:00 AM. Sunset typically happens around 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM
- Crowds: Kings Canyon is the highest of the year. Sequoia is one month pre-summer peak. Expect medium crowds at both.
- Sequoia Resources: Things to Do | Our Favorite Hikes | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Park Conditions
- Kings Canyon Resources: Things to Do | Map | Guidebook | Park Conditions
Not everyone realizes that Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks share management and are next-door neighbors. In fact, the $35 per vehicle entry fee gets you into both parks and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Monument.
Between the two parks, you’ll see the world’s largest tree and a canyon that John Muir himself stated was a rival of Yosemite. Expert paddlers love the Class IV conditions on the Kaweah River, and plenty of robust waterfalls are waiting on the trails.
By late May, all roads are opened (barring monstrous winter storms from the prior months). Planning a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon makes one of the best national park visit in June because you get two for one and access to all areas before the height of the summer travel season.
In fact, some people choose to take the Majestic Mountain Loop and explore Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite in one road trip – something that isn’t possible from late fall to late spring due to winter weather in the Sierras.
5. Mesa Verde National Park in June
- Location: Colorado
- Weather: Average high temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F with low temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F. Average rainfall is minimal, with approximately 0.5 to 1 inch.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise is around 5:45 AM to 6:00 AM. Sunset between 8:15 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Crowds:
- Resources: Things to Do | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Park Conditions | Facts
Visitors can delve into the rich culture of the ancestral Puebloan people, marveling at the well-preserved structures that date back centuries at Mesa Verde, one of the best national parks to visit in June.
It’s important to note that several of the most popular cliff dwellings are only available by guideded tours which don’t start until mid-May. By June in Mesa Verde National Park, those tours are in full swing, but you do need to make reservations up to 14 days in advance.
NOTE: For the 2024 season, no self-guided cliff dwelling tours will be possible due to a restabilization and safety project on both Spruce Tree JHouse and Wetherill Mesa. Those ranger-guided tours will sell out fast!
Mesa Verde National Park’s twisting access roads and the stunning scenic drive stay snow-free for the rest of the summer. Don’t miss the sunset on Knife Edge Trail, which sounds more dangerous than it really is. For the most challenging trail, head to Chapin Mesa.
4. Great Basin National Park in June
- Location: Nevada
- Weather: Highs stay around around 70°F to 80°F, and lows between 40°F to 50°. Average rainfall is minimal, with approximately 0.5 to 1 inch
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise occurs around 5:30 AM to 5:45 AM. Sunset typically happens around 8:15 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Things to Do | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Park Conditions
From ancient bristlecone pine forests to dramatic limestone formations inside Lehman Caves, each corner reveals a unique natural wonder at Great Basin National Park in June.
While June is one of the most visited months, crowds won’t feel suffocating. Great Basin National Park is the 10th least visited in the United States, though as a Nevadan, I can’t understand why – this park is spectacular.
With minimal rainfall and roads cleared from winter’s wrath, adventurers can immerse themselves fully in the rugged wilderness. Sunrise and sunset paint the sky with breathtaking hues. Those night skies paired with clear desert air lure you to stay up just a little bit longer. Various colors of wildflowers spread across the elevation throughout June.
Lehman Cave tours are guided, but you can also explore wild caving with a permit. Crawl and stem your way through more than half a dozen wild caves.
One last thing to consider – take the Park to Park in the Dark road trip between Death Valley and Great Basin.
3. Yosemite National Park in June
- Location: California
- Weather: Average highs range from 70°F to 80°F, and lows average between 40°F and 50°F. Expect around 1 to 2 days of rain and less than 1 inch
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise around 5:30 AM to 5:45 AM local time. Sunset around 8:30 PM to 8:45 PM local time.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Things to Do | Best Hikes | Our Suggested Itinerary | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Park Conditions
Yosemite National Park in June brings the best of every season, with warm but not too hot weather in the lower elevations and some snow lingering around in the upper elevations. That snowmelt brings the waterfalls to life, and they are down to trickles by August.
The cables are up at Half Dome, but I can’t recommend the Clouds Rest hike enough as it stands much taller than Half Dome, with even more stellar views. Wildflowers explode throughout Yosemite Valley and Wawona.
June in Yosemite brings backpacking adventures back from the winter challenges. On the other hand, a small chance exists that Tioga Road will remain closed in June. However, after researching the data, I found that in 17 of the past 23 years, Tioga Road was open in May or early June. The odds remain in your favor.
Another great reason to visit Yosemite National Park in June focuses on the dreaded (but necessary) timed entry. Through June, reservation requirements run on weekends only and the June 19 holiday.
2. Zion National Park in June
- Location: Utah
- Weather: Highs average around 90°F (32°C) while lows dip to 60°F (15°C). Expect minimal rainfall with around 2 to 3 days of rain and less than 1 inch (25 mm) of total precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise is around 5:30 AM to 5:45 AM, and sunset generally happens around 8:30 PM to 8:45 PM.
- Crowds: High
- Resources: Map | Guide | Where to Stay | Facts | Complete Fall Guide | Visitor’s Guide | Park Conditions
I debated longer than I probably should have about putting Zion National Park in June on this list of best parks to visit in the summer. Part of me wants to tell you to skip Zion in the summer since it’s being loved to death. The mama bear in me knows you’re likely going to go anyway, along with about 550,000 other people.
Southern Utah brings magic in summer. June makes the best warm weather month, while temperatures can still get into the mid-90s. You’re much better off, crowds be damned, picking June in Zion National Park instead of July or August. If you can’t swing it in June, wait until October.
Our advice when exploring Zion National Park in June comes from experience – head to Kolob Canyon or take the paths less traveled. Kolob Canyon will offer cooler temperatures and nearly empty trails, with stunning scenery too many people miss with their eye on Angels Landing or the Narrows.
Make a point of enjoying the night skies, which adds to the reason for making this one of the best national parks to visit in June. Explore the trails from the east entrance of Mt. Carmel Highway. Leave No Trace and skip the crowded trails for a less crowded month.
1. Acadia National Park in June
- Location: Maine
- Weather: Highs around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, lows approximately 45 to 55 degrees. On average, there are around 8 to 10 days of rain in June, with total precipitation averaging between 2 to 3 inches for the month
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Sunrise around 4:45 AM to 5:00 AM, Sunset around 8:15 PM to 8:30 PM
- Crowds: Medium/High
- Resources: Map | Guide | Epic Visitor’s Guide | Facts | Video Tour |Park Conditions
Acadia National Park in June offers an optimal time to experience the splendor of warmer weather at Acadia National Park. Maine doesn’t consider summer to start until after the 4th of July. You’ll get the lowest crowds of the traditional summer.
With milder temperatures, vibrant blooms, and boat tours back in action, June balances perfectly for outdoor exploration. The meadows burst with colorful wildflowers and lush foliage, creating picturesque scenery for hiking or biking those famed carriage roads. I’m not sure how much more idyllic the best national parks in June can get.
In addition, longer daylight hours at Acadia National Park in June provide ample time for adventures while wildlife sightings abound and puffin tours are plentiful.
As an added bonus, the closeness of Bar Harbor makes it ideal to schedule a puffin tour or take a ferry to the Schoodic Peninsula, a.k .a. the ‘Quiet Side of Acadia,’ or visit Isle au Haut, also under the supervision of the National Park Service.
The only con of visiting Acadia National Park in June rests in the cliff nests. This is peregrine falcon nesting season, and places like the Precipice Trail could be closed.
Best Family Roadtrips in June
I love road trips, and long before I wrote for the More Than Just Parks team, I used their guides to find amazing adventures across the country. Summer makes a great season for taking your time on the open road.
First, start with the 10 Best National Park Road Trips. This detailed all inclusive guide helps you plan a trip to any region, soup to nuts. Using my experience in the mountains of Colorado, I put together this ULTIMATE Colorado Road Trip with 26 Scenic Byways to choose from.
If you’re looking for national parks to visit in June in California, this collection of 16 California Road Trips is for you. Honestly, it’s worth expanding that trip to the Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. One tip on traveling California’s Route 1 – Big Sur has been a mess for several years now due to landslides. Check before you fall in love with that trip – here’s a link to help you out.
While Florida isn’t my thing in June due to the humidity and bugs, you might love the trek across the bridge from Miami to Key West. June comes early enough in the hurricane season that you likely won’t get evacuated or put in the path of a storm. Just in case, stay up to date with the National Hurricane Center.
List of National Parks to Visit in June
- Acadia National Park
- Zion National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Great Basin National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
- Isle Royale National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Channel Islands National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Voyageurs National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
Map of National Parks to Visit in June
Pin National Parks to Visit in June
Helpful Related Links
January: 10 Best National Parks To Visit in January
February: 15 BEST National Parks to Visit in February (From Snow to Tropical)
March: 15 BEST National Parks to Visit in March
April: 15 EPIC National Parks to Visit in April
May: 15 BEST US National Parks to Visit in MAY (+2 Parks to Avoid!) 2023
October: 15 BEST National Parks to Visit in October (+ 3 to Avoid)
November: 15 BEST National Parks to Visit in November (+Holiday Hours)
December: 15 Best National Parks to Visit in December (+2 to Avoid!)
Most Visited National Parks in 2023: 10 Most & Least Visited National Parks in 2023
Best National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED By Experts
List of National Monuments: Ultimate List of National Monuments (Alphabetical + By State)
Free Downloadable National Parks Map & List: LIST & MAP of National Parks By State (+ Printable Checklist)
Largest National Parks: 15 Largest National Parks in the United States (+ Full List)
Best National Monuments: All 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
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