5 National Park Hikes to Get You Into Summer Shape

It is quite natural for us to be more active during the summer months. Whether you just want to get out and enjoy the warmer weather or you are preparing for a longer hike later in the summer, we are going to suggest five national park hikes to get you into summer shape.

Our choices for these hikes are spread out throughout the country. So, hopefully, you will find a hike in a national park that is within a few hours of your home base.

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop, Maine 

• Location: Acadia National Park
• Mileage: 8 miles
• Hike Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate

For those of you living or traveling through the northeast this season, take an opportunity to swing into Acadia National Park. The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Loop Trail is a great full-day hike to get you into summer shape.

While it is technically labeled as a ‘loop’ trail, I’d say the term “lollipop” would be a more accurate description. It starts and finishes on the same stretch of trail, but does have a loop at the farther reaches.

There is a waterfall along the trail and dogs are permitted as long as they are kept on a leash for the duration of the hike. The best season for hiking this trail runs from May through October and it boasts a total elevation gain of 2,286 feet, which also makes it a popular choice for trail runners.

Grinnell Glacier Trail, Montana

• Location: Glacier National Park
• Mileage: 11.2 miles
• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Hard

From the far northeast reaches of the country, our next hike brings us west to the state of Montana. Glacier National Park is well known for rugged wilderness and plenty of open space for those of you seeking solitude.

The Grinnell Glacier Trail is best visited from June through October and requires an elevation gain of about 2,181 feet. Just under six miles in, the major attraction of this hike is the Grinnell Glacier. However, the first portion of the hike traces the edge of Lake Josephine, which can be a great stop for an afternoon swim on your way home.

While this trail is rated as hard, there is a way to make it a bit easier. Interested parties can hop on a boat at Many Glacier Hotel. The first boat will take you across Swiftcurrent Lake and the second takes you across Lake Josephine to hit the trail on the other side. This shortens the hike by about 3.5 miles round trip.

Shark Valley Trail, Florida 

• Location: Everglades National Park
• Mileage: 15.8 miles
• Hike Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy

Tracing down and back to the farthest southeastern part of the country, Everglades National Park is a popular year-round destination. Spring is one of the best times to enjoy hikes in the park before temperatures warm up too much during the summer months.

While it is the longest hike on our list in terms of length, the Shark Valley Trail only boasts 22 feet of elevation gain. This is a loop-style trail that is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the sights and smells of spring wildflower blooms.

A significant section of this trail is also paved, which makes it an option for road biking and jogging or walking with a stroller. Just be aware that this is a multi-use trail and be careful to practice good trail etiquette. Also, look out for many different species of migratory birds flying overhead when you are on this trail.

Lost Palms Oasis Trail, California

• Location: Joshua Tree National Park
• Mileage: 7.2 miles
• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

From the furthest southern reaches of Florida, we head out to the deserts of California. Before things really heat up in the deserts to the west of Los Angeles, head out to Joshua Tree National Park to check out the Lost Palms Oasis Trail.

True to its name, this trail takes you down into a beautiful grove of palm trees in a desert area that otherwise doesn’t boast many tall trees. Keep in mind that the 1,026 feet of elevation gain on this hike is mainly tackled on the way back from the oasis, so ration water and energy appropriately.

The best time to hike this trail is actually from late October through early May. From the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southern part of the park, the trail is only a few more miles south down the road. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t permitted on this trail, but it is a great preparation hike for anyone that plans to do other desert hikes later in the summer.

Twin Sisters Peak Trail, Colorado

• Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
• Mileage: 7.5 miles
• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Hard

We go back to the middle part of the country for our final hike. Rocky Mountain National Park is a bit cooler of a destination than the deserts of California, but the sun can still be powerful at the higher elevations on the Twin Sisters Peak Trail.

You will find plenty of hikers and horseback riders on this trail from May through October, but it is also occasionally used for snowshoe hikes during the winter months. The trail gains about 2,516 feet from the trailhead up to Twin Sisters Peak, where you will enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

The peak’s highest elevation is 11,427 feet, so you will need to be prepared for thinner air up there. That said, it is a great spring hike for anyone that is preparing to hike several of Colorado’s famed 14ers later in the summer.

Good Sam Parks Near National Parks

While you can always camp inside the national parks themselves, there are benefits to staying in a Good Sam park just outside park boundaries. So here are a few great Good Sam Parks near these national parks.

Boardwalk RV Resort

For those of you interested in heading south to hike or paddle in Everglades National Park, the Boardwalk RV Resort is one of the closest Good Sam Parks to the park entrance. It is a gated resort with 145 full hookup sites, a heated pool, a recreation room, and a laundry building.

 Indian Waters RV Resort & Cottages

For the Southern Californians interested in a basecamp outside of Joshua Tree National Park, check out the Indian Waters RV Resort & Cottages. This resort features two pools, a spa, and a fitness center. It also has excellent long-term rates for anyone looking to stay for a full season.

Narrows Too Camping Resort

Located in Trenton, Maine and situated just outside of the entrance to Acadia National Park, the Narrows Too Camping Resort offers 162 full hookup sites with Wi-Fi throughout the park. Other amenities include boat rentals, a heated pool, and onsite cabins for visiting friends and family.

Pick Your Trail

There is no shortage of national park hikes to get you into summer shape. We honestly could have included dozens more in our list. So if you have any other suggestions for spring hikes in your area, we would love to hear from you.

Leave us a comment below to let us know where you plan to hike this spring and which hikes you would recommend in your area!