Ready to make 2026 your best year of exploration yet? Let’s get real: a year of unforgettable adventures doesn’t just happen. It’s planned. We’ve created the ultimate cheat sheet to guide your travels—one park for every month of the year. Think of it as your personal roadmap to America’s greatest treasures.
🗓️ Your 2026 National Park Calendar
January: Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
Why January? The scorching summer heat gives way to perfectly mild, sunny days.
What to Do: Walk Badwater Basin, sunrise at Zabriskie Point, drive Artist’s Palette.
February: Everglades National Park, Florida
Why February? Dry season = fewer mosquitoes and peak wildlife activity.
What to Do: Kayak mangroves, Anhinga Trail, ranger-led slough slog.
March: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Why March? Early spring blooms, roaring waterfalls, fewer crowds.
What to Do: Appalachian Trail, Roaring Fork, Cades Cove cabins.
April: Zion National Park, Utah
Why April? Perfect temps, flowing Virgin River, green cottonwoods.
What to Do: Pa’rus Trail, Emerald Pools, The Narrows (permit).
May: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Why May? Lush greenery and ideal hiking weather.
What to Do: Skyline Drive, Stony Man, Dark Hollow Falls.
June: Glacier National Park, Montana
Why June? Going-to-the-Sun Road opens, wildlife active.
What to Do: Avalanche Lake, Logan Pass, scenic drives.
July: Rocky Mountain NP, Colorado
Why July? Wildflowers and full trail access.
What to Do: Trail Ridge Road, Emerald Lake, elk spotting.
August: North Cascades NP, Washington
Why August? Snow-free alpine lakes and peaks.
What to Do: Maple Pass Loop, Diablo Lake, scenic highway.
September: Acadia National Park, Maine
Why September? Crisp air, fewer crowds, early fall color.
What to Do: Cadillac Mountain sunrise, carriage roads.
October: Zion National Park, Utah
Why October? Golden cottonwoods and cooler temps.
What to Do: The Watchman, Pa’rus Trail.
November: Joshua Tree NP, California
Why November? Cool desert days, perfect stargazing.
What to Do: Cholla Garden, Jumbo Rocks, Keys View.
December: Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Why December? Magical desert light and mild temps.
What to Do: Valley View Overlook, Bajada Loop Drive.
Final Thoughts
Don’t forget your America the Beautiful Pass. One pass, endless adventures.
So, which month are you claiming?
