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Top 5 National Parks To Escape the Summer Heat
(National Park Service Birthday - Aug 25)
Highlighting parks that have cooler temps during the summer
The summer months are the perfect time to spend outside. The temperatures are warm. The days are long. There’s plenty of time for all the outdoor activities. However, especially in Klymit’s home state of Utah, late summer gets HOT, and getting outside means braving uncomfortable temps. To celebrate the National Park Service’s birthday on August 25th, let’s take a look at some parks that have the ideal late summer temps for all your favorite outdoor activities.
Yellowstone National Park
The first national park on our list is the first established park in the United States: Yellowstone. Under 5 hours away from Klymit HQ, Yellowstone is nestled in the northwest corner of Wyoming and also spills over into Montana and Idaho.
Yellowstone is home to some of the most beautiful and unique geothermal features in the world, including the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. With plenty of natural attractions and a variety of activities available, Yellowstone is a “must-see” on your National Park bucket list.
Late summer is a great time to visit, as the average high temps are low to mid 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If camping overnight, the temperatures can dip down to the lower 40’s, so be prepared with warmer layers.
In June 2022, floods ravaged the park, but 93% of the paved roads have reopened to the public. For more park information and updates on current conditions, check out their website here.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Next up is Mammoth Cave National Park, which contains the longest known cave system on Earth. Located in Kentucky, this park has cave tours, hiking, fishing, kayaking, biking, stargazing and more.
The average high temperature for the park is 88 degrees Fahrenheit, but in the caves below the surface of the Earth, it stays in the low 50’s. With several tours throughout the day, heading to this subterranean cave system is a perfect way to escape the summer heat, while also exploring a fascinating ecosystem.
Observe historic sites, natural wonders, and cave wildlife while venturing through the caves. To schedule cave tours or to see more of what Mammoth Cave National park has to offer on their website.
Crater Lake National Park
We’ve got some extreme features on this list, and Crater Lake National Park is one of them. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and it is surrounded by stunning cliffs, towering pines, and plenty of high alpine views.
Formed after the eruption of Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago, Crater Lake is now the only national park located in the state of Oregon. Average August temperatures barely hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes this park ideal for a late summer vacation.
Take a scenic drive around the crater, hike to incredible views of the lake, or even take a dip in the cold waters (in designated areas). Check out the variety of hikes and plan your trip using their web page here.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Yellowstone isn’t the only geothermal national park on our list. Lassen Volcanic National Park has active vents, springs, and mudpots, which indicate that this land is over a volcanic center. The park houses all types of volcanoes including cinder cone, composite, shield, and plug dome to create a very unique landscape to explore.
Located at 6,700 feet elevation in Northern California, this volcanic park has mild temperatures in late summer. The average August high temp is 75 degrees, while nights can dip down into the 40’s.
The park also has over 200 alpine lakes, including Manzanita and Butte which are popular for non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing. However, make sure to observe warning signs for geothermal areas, where swimming is dangerous and prohibited due to the acidic nature of the pools. Learn more about the features at Lassen Volcanic National Park on their website.
Acadia National Park
For our last national park, we head to the other side of the country to Maine for the coastal and scenic views of Acadia National Park. Listed as one of the most visited national parks, Acadia has a wide array of different natural ecosystems, from shorelines to forests to wetlands and mountains.
Due to the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Acadia’s weather and climate are very accommodating for late summer visitors. Average high temperatures are in the mid 70’s range, while staying in the 50’s overnight.
Not only can you hike from sea level to high summits, you can also stroll through forests and trek to lakes and ponds on the 150+ miles of trails within the park. Plan your trip to Acadia National Park by visiting their website.
Which park is your top pick?
