June 2025 National Park Events Roundup
Your guide to the most magical month of the year in America’s most beloved wild places.
June is more than just the start of summer—it’s one of the most exciting times to explore the National Parks. From rare natural phenomena to stargazing festivals and trail celebrations, June brings longer days, warmer weather, and nature in full swing. Whether you're a road-tripper, hiker, or night-sky dreamer, there's no better time to reconnect with the wild.
Why June is So Special in the Parks?
Across the 63 official U.S. National Parks, June stands out for one major reason: accessibility. Snowmelt clears out high-country trails, wildflowers burst into bloom, wildlife emerges from winter dens, and campgrounds and backroads that have been closed all winter finally reopen. It’s the month where the parks go from dormant to dynamic—and that means unique experiences you won’t find any other time of year.
May 29 – June 5: Synchronous Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Each year in early summer, Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts one of the most magical natural events in the country: the synchronous firefly display in Elkmont. From May 29 to June 5, lucky visitors with vehicle reservations or Elkmont Campground bookings can witness Photinus carolinus fireflies flashing in perfect unison—a phenomenon found in only a few places on Earth.
Unfortunately, the lottery for 2025 has already closed, but this event is absolutely worth planning ahead for next year. It's an unforgettable experience that draws nature lovers, photographers, and curious travelers from all over. Pack warm layers, bring a red flashlight, and prepare for a night of wonder under the trees.
June 6-7: North Carolina Black Bear Festival
Okay, so it’s not technically inside a National Park—but we sure do love bears. Held in Plymouth, North Carolina, the Black Bear Festival celebrates one of the most iconic animals of the wild. This family-friendly event features live music, river tours, bear-themed educational exhibits, and even a black bear cub costume contest.
Eastern North Carolina is home to the highest black bear densities in the world, and this festival helps raise awareness about conservation and coexisting with wildlife. If you’re a fan of our furry bear-friends, this event is right up your alley.
June 7: National Trails Day
Photo: Woman resting at the top of a trail.
The first Saturday in June marks National Trails Day, a nationwide celebration of the trail systems that connect us to the outdoors. Led by the American Hiking Society, this day is about more than just hiking—it’s a call to explore, advocate for, and improve the trails that weave through our parks and public lands.
Hikers, bikers, birders, paddlers, and geocachers all participate, using the day to enjoy the land and leave it better than they found it. Want to get involved? You can find a trail cleanup or local event near you at americanhiking.org.
June 19: Fee-Free Day for Juneteenth
Photo: National Park Entrance Gate
In recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day, all National Parks will waive entrance fees on June 19. Whether you’re making a day trip or adding it to your summer travel loop, this is a great opportunity to explore the parks without the extra cost.
Take the time to learn about the stories that shaped the land—from Indigenous stewardship to Civil War legacies—many of which are honored and interpreted throughout the park system.
June 21 – 28: Grand Canyon Star Party
Photo: Telesope with Stars in the Background
The Grand Canyon Star Party transforms the canyon’s South and North Rims into world-class observatories. The event begins at sunset each evening, with the best viewing after 9 pm when the skies are darkest. Volunteer astronomers from across the country set up telescopes and lead free night sky programs open to the public.
Nightly guest speaker presentations take place at 8:00 pm on the South Rim, followed by telescope viewing behind the Visitor Center. Park rangers also offer constellation tours at 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 pm. Bring a red flashlight to help preserve night vision (you can make one with red cellophane or nail polish).
More info at nps.gov/grca.
June 26 – 28: Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival
There’s no place quite like Bryce Canyon by day—and no time quite like a new moon in June to experience it by night. From June 26 to 28, Bryce Canyon National Park hosts its annual Astronomy Festival, a celebration of the park’s famously dark skies.
This free event (with park admission) offers a mix of family-friendly daytime activities and incredible nighttime programming. Expect ranger-led presentations, telescope viewing, constellation tours, and astrophotography workshops. Some programs—like evening presentations—require same-day tickets available at the Visitor Center starting at 8 a.m., while others, like astrophotography workshops, can be reserved in advance.
Most programs, including telescope viewing on the rim, are open to the public with no reservation required. Learn more at nps.gov/brca.
What Else Peaks in June?
Even if you can’t make it to a scheduled event, June is packed with once-a-year natural highlights across the National Parks:
- Wildflowers: Peak blooms in high-altitude parks like Mount Rainier and the Smokies.
- Waterfalls: Yosemite’s waterfalls are at their most powerful due to snowmelt.
- Wildlife viewing: Great opportunities to see bison calves, elk, bears, and more in Yellowstone and Denali.
- Alpine hiking: High-country trails open up in Glacier, Sequoia, and Rocky Mountain National Parks.
- Rafting season: High flows in the Grand Canyon and other river parks make June ideal for whitewater trips.
Final Thoughts
June is when the parks are at their most alive—from blooming meadows to starlit skies, it’s the month where everything happens at once. Whether you're hiking on National Trails Day, laying back under the firefly-lit forests of the Smokies, or gazing at Saturn through a telescope at the canyon’s edge, you’re part of something special.
So pack the cooler, grab the boots, bring the camera—and don’t forget your red flashlight.
Perfect Tees for Your Next Adventure
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