The Smiths’ Guide to National Parks: Which Summer Destinations Offer the Best Experience for Gen X Travelers

Matt and Karen Smith, both 63, embarked on a journey in 2010 to visit every US national park after being inspired by their friends Bob and Sue. Since then, the couple has shared their experiences in several books and on social media channels with a large following. According to the Smiths, not every park is ideal for a summer visit. They recommend avoiding parks like Death Valley in the summer due to extreme high temperatures. Instead, they suggest high alpine national parks as ideal summer destinations.

The National Parks Service reported a 4% increase in visitors last year, with over 325 million people exploring at least one national park. The Smiths have provided tips and recommendations on the best parks to visit in the summer based on their experiences. They have shared their insights on an Instagram page with over 247,000 followers as of 2024, as well as on their podcast, “Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast.” With the popularity of national parks on the rise, it’s essential to choose parks that offer a pleasant summer experience while avoiding those that may not be as enjoyable during the warmer months.

Matt and Karen Smith are members of Gen X who have visited all 63 national parks in the US. Their journey began in 2010 after being inspired by their friends Bob and Sue. Since then, they have shared their experiences through several books and social media channels with a large following.

The Smiths recommend avoiding certain national parks during summer due to extreme high temperatures. Instead, they suggest visiting high alpine national parks as ideal summer destinations.

Last year saw an increase of visitors by 4% with over 325 million people exploring at least one national park.

The couple has provided valuable insights about which parks are best suited for summer visits based on their personal experiences. They share this information through their Instagram page with over 247 thousand followers and also through their podcast “Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast.” As more people discover the beauty of national parks it is important to choose those that offer a pleasant summer experience while avoiding those that may not be enjoyable during warmer months.