Summer is in full swing, and for many military veterans and their families, it’s the perfect time to pack up the car, hit the road, and explore the natural beauty of the country you served to protect. Whether you are checking off items on “The Ultimate Military Family Summer Bucket List” or just looking for a weekend escape, there is no better destination than America’s National Parks National Parks with Veteran Discounts.
The National Park Service offers a free, lifetime Military Pass for US veterans and Gold Star Families. This pass provides free access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, meaning you can skip the entrance fees and go straight to the adventure. Here are 10 of the best national parks to visit this summer.
1. Yellowstone National Park
(Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yellowstone sits atop a dormant supervolcano and is home to more than half of the world’s active geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful. Beyond the geothermal features, it’s a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Keep an eye out for free-roaming herds of bison, majestic elk, and even grizzly bears.
2. Yosemite National Park
(California)
Famous for its plunging waterfalls and massive granite monoliths like El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is a rock climber’s paradise. Even if you aren’t interested in scaling the cliffs, the views of the valley floor and the ancient giant sequoias are legendary.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
(Arizona)
Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. The dramatic red and orange rock layers reveal billions of years of the Earth’s geological history. It’s a breathtaking sight that photos simply cannot do justice.
4. Zion National Park
(Utah)
Zion is known for its steep red cliffs and thrilling hikes. “The Narrows”—a world-famous hike that requires wading through the waters of the Virgin River inside a towering slot canyon—is one of the most unique and refreshing summer adventures you can find anywhere.
5. Acadia National Park
(Maine)
Nestled along the rocky coast of Maine, Acadia offers incredible ocean views, dense woodlands, and rocky beaches. If you are an early riser, hiking to the top of Cadillac Mountain is a must; it is famously known as one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park
(Colorado)
Take a scenic drive on the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, which peaks at over 12,000 feet. You’ll experience stunning alpine tundras, crystal-clear lakes, and have a very high chance of spotting bighorn sheep.
7. Glacier National Park
(Montana)
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier is famous for its rugged mountains and the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park features over 700 miles of hiking trails and, as the name suggests, ancient, slow-moving glaciers that shaped the stunning landscape.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Tennessee/North Carolina)
As the most visited national park in the country, the Smokies are famous for the blue mist that hovers over the peaks. It’s renowned for its incredible diversity of plant and animal life, synchronous fireflies in the early summer, and rich Southern Appalachian culture.
9. Everglades National Park
(Florida)
This massive “River of Grass” is a completely unique wetland ecosystem. Take an airboat tour through the marshes and you might spot manatees, elusive Florida panthers, and a variety of birds. It is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild.
10. Grand Teton National Park
(Wyoming)
Unlike most mountain ranges, the Grand Tetons lack foothills, meaning the jagged, dramatic peaks rise straight out of the valley floor. It provides an unforgettable, towering backdrop whether you are kayaking across Jenny Lake or hiking the backcountry trails.
Plan Your Next Mission
After a long day of hiking or sightseeing, downtime at the campground is a great time to relax and casually plan for your post-summer goals. Whether you are scrolling through High-Paying Jobs Veterans Can Land Without a Four-Year Degree by the campfire or registering for an upcoming Virtual Job Fair from the comfort of your RV, you can keep your career transition moving forward without ever sacrificing your summer vacation.