Growing up we always did the beach in the spring and headed to the mountains in the summer...a tradition I have kept for my own family. There's something magical about escaping the carpools, sports and hustle bustle of everyday life and immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the mountains. If you're like us and yearn for that perfect mountainous getaway, here are our top 10 places to hike in the US during the summer months.
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO The breathtaking lakes, waterfalls and wildlife made this a cherished spot for our family. Bear Lake Loop is accessible for families and magnificent! We also enjoyed the Alberta Falls hike to see the waterfalls. The park rangers had great programs for the kids, and we were in awe of the wildlife we spotted throughout our time.
Glacier National Park, MT We drove Going to the Sun Road and it was a great way to see the park with our three kids in tow. The blue lakes, rugged mountainside, waterfalls that seemed to come out of nowhere covered in mountain goats. Not to mention the pools to splash around in made this an unforgettable day.
Grand Tetons National Park, WY Our family all agrees this is one of our top spots. The serene lakes made for nice family friendly spots to stroll and skip rocks (even take a dip if you bring a towel). We took the ferry to Hidden Falls and hiked up to Inspiration Point for breathtaking views. We went for wildlife drives at sunrise and not only spotted a variety of animals, but the color of the mountains during that time of day will forever be etched in our memories.
Badlands National Park, SD Our whole time here felt like we were on a movie set filming something from another planet. Door Trail and Fossil Exhibit Trail were easy hikes for our family to enjoy. We filled up on Western gear and snacks at Wall Drug before enjoying the vibrant colors of the sunset from Pinnacles Overlook.
Banff/Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies Crossing the border into the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise captivated us with their turquoise lakes and majestic peaks. Take the gondola to try and spot wildlife and take in the mountain views from above. Downtown Banff has great shops, restaurants and ice cream!
Acadia National Park, ME This was the first mountain trip we took our kids on, so it is near and dear to our hearts. Hike around Great Head Trail and listen to the water boom at Thunder Hole. Enjoy popovers at Jordan Pond House. Also give your feet a rest and enjoy a horse drawn carriage around the Tri Lakes Loop.
Starved Rock, IL Closer to home, Starved Rock in Illinois offers a surprising escape into nature. The canyons and waterfalls along the St. Louis Canyon Trail make for a delightful family-friendly hike. It's a testament to the diverse beauty that can be found even in unexpected places.
Custer State Park, SD A must stop if you are headed to Mount Rushmore. The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a leisurely stroll around a stunning lake, surrounded by granite formations – a perfect day out for the whole family. Our kids loved bouldering on the rocks and exploring this streams around the lake.
Breckenridge, CO Not just a ski town, in the summer Breckenridge has so much to offer families. Find the hidden troll, SUP along Maggie's Pond, take the gondola and spend a day at the Epic Discovery Adventure Park. Take a break from the adventuring to enjoy all the restaurants and shops along Main Street.
Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone, with its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and diverse wildlife, is a natural wonderland. Hike the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for breathtaking waterfall views and stroll the Grand Prismatic trail to see nature at its finest. If time allows head over to West Yellowstone for a rodeo and touch of Western living.
These destinations have special memories for our family, each trail offering a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure. Whether it's the rugged peaks of the Rockies or the serene lakes of the Tetons, these places hold a piece of our family's story, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
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