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National Park out west trip this summer
Posted on 6/29/26 at 7:04 pm
Posted on 6/29/26 at 7:04 pm
We’re an older couple in our early 60s and are planning a week trip out west maybe to some national parks. Maybe catch a train ride in the mountains. We’re not much on hiking and camping but would like to do one or two excursions. Would any of y’all have any recommendations? We’ve both done the Grand Canyon. Trying to get away from the south Louisiana heat. Thanks.
10
Posted on 6/29/26 at 9:48 pm to threeputt23
Arches and Canyonlands in Utah have nice views from the car, with many short, easy hikes to viewpoints. During the summer, it is hot though, but without the humidity of the south. Most NPs in the west are hot during the summer.
Posted on 6/29/26 at 10:11 pm to threeputt23
This summer is significantly impacted by fires/smoke thus far - consider that.
Posted on 6/29/26 at 10:11 pm to threeputt23
quote:
Trying to get away from the south Louisiana heat
Don't go in the summer then. Or go up north like glacier maybe?
Posted on 6/29/26 at 10:15 pm to threeputt23
Close to Yosemite in the California gold country is Railtown. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are pleased to welcome guests aboard the historic Sierra Railway. Ride behind a historic diesel locomotive on a train trip through the heart of California’s scenic Gold Country. Your 6-mile, 45-minute roundtrip train ride will take you past the water tower from Petticoat Junction and transport you from the backyards of Jamestown to the rugged hillsides of California’s Mother Lode country. After your ride, explore the historic grounds, have a picnic, and spend the day in the beauty of California’s Gold Country.
Railtown
Railtown
Posted on 6/29/26 at 11:16 pm to threeputt23
Just got back from Olympic and Mt. Ranier yesterday. Both are beautiful with plenty to see if you can’t hike for miles. And the weather was cool, well under 70° every day. Might get rained on, but it’s usually a light drizzle.
Posted on 6/30/26 at 12:23 pm to threeputt23
The Utah parks are all great. Bryce Canyon is the most spectacular IMO.
But would recommend doing those in late October
During summer would look at Glacier or Rocky Mountain
But would recommend doing those in late October
During summer would look at Glacier or Rocky Mountain
Posted on 6/30/26 at 12:30 pm to threeputt23
quote:
Maybe catch a train ride in the mountains.
Have you done the Durango Silverton train in Colorado?
Then head north to the Rockie's
Posted on 6/30/26 at 3:21 pm to Shexter
Lots of fires in area now I think
Posted on 6/30/26 at 3:51 pm to GC Guy
quote:
Lots of fires in area now I think
Looks like the nearest fire is 10 miles north of Ouray. About an hour north of Silverton, so smoke shouldn't be bad.
https://fire.airnow.gov/#8.3/37.891/-107.653
quote:
Around this PurpleAir Air Sensor
This PM2.5 PurpleAir Air Sensor is indicating Good air quality.
There are no nearby measurements in proximity to this PurpleAir Air Sensor for comparison.
Posted on 7/1/26 at 12:47 am to Shexter
Definitely do not go to southern Utah in summer, but as one poster mentioned, mid to late October is perfect for that. I’ve done all 5 in October and it was ideal. Have also done Zion and Bryce in early April and that was very nice. We hiked in some remaining snow at Bryce.
Your best bet for anything cooler in Summer would be Glacier or potentially something in Washington - Cascades or Olympic. Sequoia/Kings Canyon might be an option but it can get pretty hot at lower elevations in summer. Possibly Tetons. Maybe Banff in Canada too, which is on my list.
I know you said you’re not into hiking but I’d encourage you to at least get on some easier trails. It would be a shame to go to these incredible landscapes and not actually get off the road and into them for a bit. I’ve had some of the best hikes of my life in our national parks.
Your best bet for anything cooler in Summer would be Glacier or potentially something in Washington - Cascades or Olympic. Sequoia/Kings Canyon might be an option but it can get pretty hot at lower elevations in summer. Possibly Tetons. Maybe Banff in Canada too, which is on my list.
I know you said you’re not into hiking but I’d encourage you to at least get on some easier trails. It would be a shame to go to these incredible landscapes and not actually get off the road and into them for a bit. I’ve had some of the best hikes of my life in our national parks.
Posted on 7/1/26 at 11:32 am to Shexter
quote:
Have you done the Durango Silverton train in Colorado?
This is a great recommendation. You have Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks in the area too.
For an older couple at Mesa Verde, the 700 year tour would be great. It's a lot more expensive than the rec.gov tours, but the tour operators do a good job of taking you to a lot of sites that are normally self-guided and guaranteed a Cliff Palace tour.
Black Canyon is a great visit as well, that place is a different kind of impressive if you have seen Grand Canyon. The overlooks are all just off the road or short hikes, easy for an older couple.
That area is just a great area to explore and escape the heat with the Million Dollar Highway and two incredible towns of Ouray and Silverton.
This post was edited on 7/1/26 at 11:35 am
Posted on 7/1/26 at 11:14 pm to threeputt23
Verse Canyon railroad in AZ is nice for a scenic train ride
Posted on 7/2/26 at 7:26 am to threeputt23
quote:
Trying to get away from the south Louisiana heat. Thanks.
Glacier or Acadia
Posted on 7/2/26 at 7:49 am to threeputt23
quote:
Trying to get away from the south Louisiana heat. Thanks.
Then you need to go to Wyoming/ Montana or possibly the Pacific Northwest.
The "west" generally speaking of Utah, Arizona, NM, Colorado, etc are going to be hot in July and August also.
Also, you are super late planning this. National Park planning really needs to be done 4-6 months away if not closer to 12 months as their hotels, passes, etc are limited. Still doable but your options will be much more limited.
Personally, I'd suggest looking at the Northeast since you are this late. Go to Maine and Canada. Still busy, still going to be sold out. But likely won't be AS hot.
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