#GOTG Visiting America’s National Parks in any Season

August 29, 2025

Here at MI OLA, we believe you should #GetOutThere in nature, whether that be the oceans or in the mountains. We love supporting our brand ambassadors and you mermaids. And we couldn't be happier to share local knowledge with our #GetOutThere Guides and Surf Guides.

This week we are excited to share with you the best insight on visiting America's National Parks in any season from MI OLA brand ambassador Becca @roamwildandfree! Read on!

Visiting America’s National Parks in any Season

Becca here from our home on wheels! America’s National Parks and the preservation of these incredible landscapes are so important to me. I grew up visiting Yellowstone National park every summer and learned from a young age how crucial nature is for our natural well-being.

The National Park system is one of the great things about the United States. 3.4% of America’s land is public land designated as a National Park meaning you can recreate, recharge, and rejuvenate your soul in an outdoor paradise not too far from home. To learn more about my favorite National Parks, read on!

When to Visit

Thanks to land and ecosystems being protected all across America, you could visit a National Park for every month of the year for years to come and never revisit a park twice. Each season has its pros and cons to visiting and are worth exploring any time of the year! I’ve categorized my favorite National Parks by season below to get you started on your National Park Adventure!

Winter:

Everglades National Park (Florida)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee)
Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Big Bend National Park (Texas)
Saguaro National park (Arizona)

Spring:

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Zion National Park (Utah)
Arches National Park (Utah)
Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)

Summer:

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
North Cascades National Park (Washington)
Glacier National Park (Wyoming)
Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Mt Rainier National Park (Washington)
Acadia National Park (Maine)

Fall:

Yosemite National Park (California)
Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

What to do:

Each National Park has hundreds of miles of trails, tons of recreation options, and many times more activity choices than you know what to do with! It’s sometimes overwhelming to explore the best of each park with limited vacation time. Below are my tips to best enjoy each National Park!

DO research before your visit. Have a “hit list” of sights or trails you want to see.
DO Practice Leave No Trace Principles. If you’re not familiar, follow these simple principles in the outdoors.

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

DON’T plan out your entire vacation. Stop at the Visitor Center and Ranger Station to ask for advice. Rangers LOVE to tell you their favorite spots and secrets. Chances are, you won’t read about their secrets online.
DO make hotel/lodging reservations. Many National Park lodges fill up months in advance.
DON’T be afraid to try a new activity. I rented a SUP board for the first time in Glacier National Park, went whitewater rafting for the first time outside Yellowstone National Park, visited my first National Park in winter, and went on my first backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park.
DO look for activities surrounding the National Park boundaries. Many times there are little towns on the outskirts of the entrance gates that offer great lodging, restaurants, and activities.
DO leave your pooch at home. National Parks are not dog friendly. Your dog is not allowed on 99.9% of the trails.

What to Bring:

If you’re going to be hiking, be sure to come prepared! Always carry at least 2 liters/person of water, snacks (sweet and salty), first aid kit and extra clothing layers. Enjoy your time but be prepared for the worst. It’s the backcountry!

Check out my specific National Park #GOTG to start planning your adventure!

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