Visit U.S. National Parks Free on Juneteenth + 5 More Days

With several Fee-Free Days scheduled throughout 2025—including Juneteenth (June 19)—there’s never been a better time to explore the spectacular beauty of U.S. National Parks. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a family looking for a unique weekend getaway, these protected lands offer awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Among the hundreds of national parks across the country, three in particular stand out for their surreal scenery and one-of-a-kind natural features: Arches National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these gems a must-see—and why 2025 is the perfect year to visit.

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Arches National Park: A Red Rock Wonderland

Located in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches—more than anywhere else on Earth. The most iconic of them all is Delicate Arch, a freestanding geological marvel that graces Utah’s license plates and postcards alike.

Arches offers a surreal, almost alien terrain sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Towering fins, spires, and balanced rocks stretch across the desert, casting dramatic shadows at sunrise and sunset. Hikes range from short, family-friendly walks to longer, more challenging treks like the Devils Garden Trail, where visitors can encounter multiple arches in one outing.

If you plan to visit during a fee-free day like Juneteenth, be sure to arrive early. Parking lots at major trailheads such as Delicate Arch fill quickly, especially in peak summer months.

Pro Tip: Late spring and early fall offer the best weather for hiking. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and your camera—this landscape demands to be photographed.

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Petrified Forest National Park: A Portal to Prehistoric Times

Tucked away in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is unlike any other. Here, ancient trees—over 200 million years old—have turned to stone, creating a rainbow-hued desert landscape strewn with fossilized logs that shimmer in the sunlight.

But this park is more than just a collection of stone trees. Visitors can also explore the park’s colorful badlands, archaeological sites from ancient Puebloan cultures, and remnants of historic Route 66. Popular stops include Blue Mesa, where layered hills create an otherworldly scene, and Crystal Forest, where some of the park’s most beautiful petrified wood lies scattered along a paved walking trail.

One of the lesser-crowded parks, Petrified Forest is ideal for a quieter, more contemplative experience. On Fee-Free Days, it’s a great place to connect with both nature and deep history without the crowds of larger parks.

Pro Tip: Don’t take any petrified wood home—park regulations prohibit removing artifacts. Instead, visit the gift shop for legal souvenirs and support local artists.

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Joshua Tree National Park: Where Deserts Meet and Stars Shine Bright

Few places in America are as starkly beautiful as Joshua Tree National Park, located in southern California. This unique landscape sits at the junction of two deserts—the Mojave and the Colorado—creating a diverse environment filled with weird and wonderful vegetation.

The park’s namesake trees, which resemble something out of a Dr. Seuss book, give the area its character. But Joshua Tree is also famous for its boulder-strewn valleys, ideal for rock climbing and bouldering. Visitors flock to locations like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View—which offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.

Another highlight? The night skies. Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s one of the best places in the U.S. to stargaze. Bring a telescope or just lie back and enjoy the Milky Way stretching overhead.

Pro Tip: Because it’s located in the desert, temperatures can swing dramatically. Dress in layers and carry plenty of water. If you’re planning to camp, book your spot well in advance—campgrounds fill up fast, especially on fee-free dates.

Grand Canyon: Majestic, Deep, Colorful, Breathtaking, Ancient, and Rocky

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world, located in Arizona. Its gigantic scale, multi-layered rocks and unique color shades amaze the imagination at first sight. Here you will see the geological history of the planet, carved into the rocks over millions of years. The grandeur of the canyon makes you think about the scale of nature and at the same time gives peace of mind.

Why is it worth visiting? The Grand Canyon is an ideal place for hiking, photo tourism, camping and watching the sunset. The views from the South Rim are simply mesmerizing, and excursions to the bottom of the canyon are a real adventure. This is a great place for both family trips and solo trips in search of inspiration or silence.

Another big plus is accessibility. Park admission is just $35 per vehicle (for 7 days), or free during National Free Entry Days. There are also affordable campgrounds, shuttle buses between viewpoints, and many trails and overlooks are free. Traveling with a tent or RV can cut costs significantly.

The Grand Canyon is not just about the views. It’s a great way to experience America’s grandeur without breaking the bank and see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World for yourself.

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat, visit in the spring or fall. Better yet, plan your visit for a free day or Public Lands Day.

Planning Your Fee-Free Visit in 2025

In celebration of nature and accessibility, the National Park Service offers six Fee-Free Days in 2025:

• Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth
• Wednesday, July 16 – Bureau of Land Management’s Birthday
• Monday, August 4 – Great American Outdoors Day
• Saturday, September 27 – National Public Lands Day
• Sunday, October 12 – National Wildlife Refuge Week
• Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day

These days provide an excellent opportunity to explore parks that usually charge entry fees, such as Arches, Joshua Tree, and Petrified Forest. Keep in mind that other costs—like camping, tours, and special permits—may still apply.

To make the most of your visit:

Arrive Early: Especially on fee-free days, parks can get crowded quickly.

Check Conditions: Visit the National Park Service website for current weather alerts, closures, or trail updates.

Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks, sun protection, maps, and any essentials for hiking or camping.

Respect Nature: Stay on trails, follow Leave No Trace principles, and don’t disturb wildlife or artifacts.

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How to Save on Travel to U.S. National Parks

Planning a trip to the iconic U.S. national parks doesn’t have to be a big deal. Platforms like Groupon and Expedia can significantly reduce your travel costs. Groupon often offers discounts on tours, camping, bike rentals, guides, and other activities near the parks. For example, during the off-season, you can find deals with discounts of up to 40–60%, especially in the regions of Utah, Arizona, and California.

Expedia, in turn, allows you to save on last-minute travel deals and package tours: by booking a hotel, car rental, and airfare together, you will get a better price than if you booked them separately. In addition, with the help of the Expedia Rewards program, you can accumulate points and use them for future discounts. For parks such as Joshua Tree or Arches, which are located far from large cities, renting a car through Expedia at a discount is a very profitable solution.

It’s also worth checking the “Deals” or “Things to Do” sections on both sites – they often publish local discounts on safari tours, yoga sessions in the desert, or even glamping near parks.

A National Treasure Awaits

From the crimson arches of Utah to the fossilized forests of Arizona and the surreal desertscape of California, these parks offer not just scenery, but soul-stirring experiences. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over Delicate Arch, standing among ancient petrified logs, or stargazing under the desert sky, you’ll walk away with memories that last a lifetime.

So mark your calendar, pack your bags, and make 2025 the year you connect with America’s breathtaking natural heritage.