Cool off in a national park this summer
Looking to cool off this summer? National parks offer more than epic views—they’re also great places to beat the heat. Whether you’re splashing in a lake, hiking in the high country, or exploring a shaded cave, these parks let you enjoy the season while staying refreshed.
Spend a day on the water
Want to swim, paddle, or relax by the shore? These national parks and recreation areas are perfect for summer adventures on the water.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area sits just outside Las Vegas and delivers all the classic lake fun—boating, fishing, swimming, and scenic drives. With two vast reservoirs and plenty of lakeside campsites, you’ll find no shortage of ways to make a splash. Be mindful that this desert park gets hot in summer, which can make the lake all the more refreshing. Start hikes early, use plenty of sun protection, bring more water than you think you need—and always finish your activities well before you run out.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
In Northern California, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers four beaches, waterfalls, and calm waters for paddling. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or paddleboat—or join a ranger-led tour to explore with a guide. When you’re ready to go higher, Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen are both nearby for those looking to summit a peak.
Padre Island National Seashore
If the ocean’s calling, Padre Island National Seashore is a summer dream located near Corpus Christi, Texas. With nearly 70 miles of white sand beaches, this park invites you to swim, camp, fish, or even cruise the coast in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Time your visit right and you might catch a rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchling release. This is one of the only places in the world where this endangered species nests—reach out to the park to learn how to reserve your spot.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Prefer mountain lakes? Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado is a freshwater favorite. Blue Mesa Reservoir offers beaches, campgrounds, and ideal swim spots. Backcountry paddlers can explore the more remote Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs. Anglers will love casting a line in the Gunnison River for trout, salmon, and perch. Pair your visit with a trip to nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, or head into Colorado’s high country for breathtaking trails.
Photos from the parks
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Cool off in a cave
Underground temperatures stay consistent year-round, making caves perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Whether you’re in it for the geology, the quiet, or the thrill of discovery, these parks offer naturally air-conditioned adventures.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Timpanogos Cave National Monument, just outside Salt Lake City in Utah’s American Fork Canyon, protects a wonderland of colorful and delicate cave formations. Summer is the only time to visit, and ranger-led tours are the only way in—so be sure to reserve tickets in advance. With a constant temperature around 45°F inside the cave, you’ll want to bring a jacket.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico invites you to explore one of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in the world. You can descend into the main cavern via a winding natural entrance or take the elevator down—either way, you’ll find yourself in a cathedral of stone. Evening bat flight programs offer another unforgettable summer experience.
Lava tube
El Malpais National Monument
In western New Mexico, El Malpais National Monument features lava tubes and other fascinating volcanic formations. Some of the caves here are accessible to visitors with a free caving permit, and guided programs may be available during the summer. These caves are fun to explore, but remember: lava tubes are rugged and require sturdy footwear, gloves, and headlamps.
Support your parks
Your national parks need your support more than ever. Since 1938, WNP has been a proud nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. With your support, we serve 72 national park sites across 12 Western states, helping visitors connect more deeply with nature, history, and each other. Your gift helps provide the essential programs, tools, and people that bring parks to life.
Head for the hills
High-elevation parks offer cooler temperatures and crisp mountain air—a perfect summer escape. These parks also offer peak hiking conditions in summer, when snow has melted and trails are more accessible. Just remember to acclimate, hydrate, and protect yourself from the sun at altitude.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness offers both cooler temps and rich cultural history. Follow a trail to ancient cliff dwellings built by the Southern Ancestral Pueblo people, soak in nearby hot springs, and enjoy the dark skies from your campsite. Extend your stay by exploring the surrounding national forests and wilderness.
Pecos National Historical Park
Closer to Santa Fe, Pecos National Historical Park invites you to experience a mountain landscape shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Walk to the Pecos Pueblo, visit a Spanish mission church, explore a Civil War battlefield, or fish in the Pecos River. Want more? The nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains are packed with scenic hiking trails.
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument, also near Santa Fe, combines natural beauty with deep cultural roots. Set in the Jemez Mountains, this park offers shaded canyons, forested trails, and ancient homes carved into volcanic rock. The main loop trail is partially shaded and includes ladders you can climb to explore ancestral homes. With elevations over 6,000 feet, Bandelier is a great place to hike, learn, and stay cool.
Great Basin National Park
For a truly wild escape, head to Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Wander through groves of ancient bristlecone pines, hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, or descend into the surreal underground beauty of Lehman Caves. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Great Basin also offers stunning stargazing and astronomy programs.
Visit responsibly
These are just a few ways to stay cool and inspired in national parks this summer. Ready to plan your trip? Discover your favorite park, browse our itineraries, or check out the park event calendar to craft your perfect getaway. As always, make sure you visit responsibly: visit the National Park Service website or call the individual parks for the most current updates, leave no trace of your visit, and respect the cultures and stories of the peoples who have lived on and stewarded these lands for generations.
