According to a Gen X couple who have visited all 63 national parks in the US, not every park is ideal for a summer visit. Matt and Karen Smith, both 63, embarked on a journey in 2010 to visit every US national park after being inspired by their friends Bob and Sue. Since then, the couple has shared their experiences in several books and on social media channels with a large following.
The Smiths recommend avoiding parks like Death Valley in the summer due to extreme high temperatures. Instead, they suggest high alpine national parks as ideal summer destinations. The National Parks Service reported a 4% increase in visitors last year, with over 325 million people exploring at least one national park.
The couple has provided tips and recommendations on the best parks to visit in the summer based on their experiences. They have shared their insights on an Instagram page with over 247,000 followers as of 2024, as well as on their podcast, “Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast.” With the popularity of national parks on the rise, it’s essential to choose parks that offer a pleasant summer experience while avoiding those that may not be as enjoyable during the warmer months.