The Fall is one of the most captivating times to visit America’s national parks. As temperatures drop and crowds thin out, the landscapes come alive with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.
Cooler weather creates perfect conditions for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting, offering travelers a peaceful way to experience nature’s seasonal transformation.
From scenic drives to quiet trails, fall in the national parks reveals a side of the great outdoors that’s both breathtaking and serene.
Let’s dive into the best that the U.S. National Parks have to offer this fall:
8. Yosemite National Park
Thankfully, in the fall, the overwhelming crowds of summer have dissipated so that the park can be seen and enjoyed. Yosemite should be on your itinerary this fall if you’re looking for a place with a surprising amount of fall color and consistently pleasant weather.
During this season, Yosemite’s iconic landscapes take on a new character—golden aspen trees shimmer against the granite cliffs, and the crisp mountain air enhances the park’s natural beauty. Hiking trails such as the Mist Trail and Yosemite Valley Loop are less congested, allowing for peaceful exploration and uninterrupted photo opportunities.
7. Zion National Park
In the summer, this southwestern gem is notorious for its crowds, but in the fall, the crowds thin out, and you’re left with a more beautiful and serene park to explore.
It’s a good thing that fall comes late to Zion because the leaves often don’t start turning colors until late October, giving you more time to wait for the crowds to clear. The scattered maple trees in the park turn deep red, while the cottonwoods turn bright yellow.
6. Glacier National Park
Other park overlooks pale in comparison to the breathtaking views in this mountain park. In the Fall, the park is bathed in brilliant shades of yellow and gold thanks to the aspen and larch-covered forests.
As the season changes, Glacier transforms into a photographer’s dream, with crisp air, snow-dusted peaks, and mirrored reflections on its pristine alpine lakes. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road offers unparalleled vistas with far fewer vehicles, making it one of the best times to experience its full grandeur. Wildlife such as elk, mountain goats, and bears are more active in the cooler temperatures, adding an extra…
Read full article: 8 Best National Parks in the U.S. to Explore This Fall 2025
The post “8 Best National Parks in the U.S. to Explore This Fall 2025” by Luka Trcek was published on 10/14/2025 by www.travelinglifestyle.net