National parks across the country are preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the year as visitors flood iconic landscapes to celebrate Independence Day. From the granite cliffs of Acadia to the alpine lakes of the Tetons and the red rocks of Zion, officials are urging travelers to plan ahead, recreate responsibly, and expect traffic, heat, and limited access in popular areas.
“Summer in national parks is spectacular—but it comes with responsibilities,” said Chip Jenkins, Superintendent of Grand Teton National Park. “Help us protect these extraordinary places by recreating with care and patience.”
Crowds and Traffic Expected Nationwide
Across the board, parks are expecting surges in visitation similar to Memorial Day weekend. At Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, more than 21,000 visitors passed through over Memorial Day, and similar numbers are anticipated this weekend.
Zion National Park is warning of long lines at shuttle stops and even temporary closures of entrance stations due to full parking lots. At Rocky Mountain National Park, timed-entry reservations are required during peak hours, and visitors are encouraged to check webcams to find shorter lines at east-side entrances.
Safety Incidents Underscore Risk
At Acadia National Park, a series of emergency incidents in late June—including a climbing fall, a fatal medical event on a trail, and a deadly boating crash—have served as a sobering reminder of the risks that come with outdoor recreation.
“Any fatality in the park is devastating,” said Acadia Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “Planning ahead and hiking within your limits can make a big difference.”
Grand Teton National Park is emphasizing river safety and storm awareness. Swift water, elevation, and summer thunderstorms pose ongoing hazards, and park staff recommend checking river conditions and weather forecasts before setting out.
At high elevations in the Rockies, even mild heat can trigger heat illness or altitude sickness, according to officials at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Heat, Fire, and Hydration
Zion National Park is bracing for triple-digit temperatures and high fire danger. Visitors are urged to hike early or late, carry plenty of water, and stay off strenuous trails during peak heat. Similar warnings are in place for Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon, all of which are under Stage 1 fire restrictions. In Zion, campfires are banned in most areas and smoking is restricted to paved surfaces or developed sites. Fireworks are prohibited in all national parks.
Wildlife Awareness and Environmental Protection
Wildlife safety is a major concern this time of year. Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon are all reminding visitors to maintain safe distances from animals, store food properly, and never approach bears. Even small food items or trash can attract wildlife and lead to dangerous human-animal conflicts.
Navigating Closures and Access Changes
Visitors should be prepared for detours and construction-related disruptions. At Grand Teton, the Jenny Lake canoe launch is temporarily closed, and a Leigh Lake trail reroute will begin July 7. In Sequoia and Kings Canyon, rivers are running high and dangerous—visitors are urged to stay well back from water edges, especially with children.
Timed-entry permits remain in effect at Rocky Mountain, and Zion continues to operate a mandatory shuttle system. When lots fill, vehicle entry may be suspended.
Tools for a Safe Visit
Officials recommend using the free National Park Service App, which offers offline trail maps, entrance updates, and accessibility information for over 400 parks. Visitors are also encouraged to download or screenshot reservation confirmations, as cell service is limited in many areas.
Quick Tips for a Safe Visit:
- Hydrate: Carry and drink more water than you think you need.
- Plan Ahead: Check for timed-entry rules, trail closures, and weather conditions.
- Respect Wildlife: Stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other animals.
- Park Smart: Use shuttles and park only in designated spots.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and use restrooms before hitting the trail.
Whether you’re hiking above the treeline, canoeing a mountain lake, or waiting in line to see giant sequoias, national park staff urge one simple thing this holiday weekend: Be prepared, be patient, and help protect the parks you love.
More information is available at www.nps.gov.
