Summer 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventures Near & Far

by Mandi Carozza

This blog is published in partnership with REI

 

Summer is finally here, hikers! That means longer days, golden hour hikes, lakeside picnics, and plenty of sun-soaked memories waiting to be made. Whether you’re hitting up your favorite local trail or packing the car for a week-long national park road trip, or traveling abroad this season is full of possibilities for adventure.

In our Summer Adventure Guide, we’re sharing inspiration for your outdoor plans from neighborhood parks to iconic national landmarks—and some timely tips for navigating the 2025 summer season, especially with ongoing changes in our national parks system.

Plus, we’ve got some trusted summer gear recs to keep you cool, comfy, and trail-ready. Time to start planning your adventures and gearing up for a summer outside or while traveling.

First, hear about how you can make the most of outdoor destinations close to home.

Nearby Nature: Summer Fun Close to Home

Not every adventure requires a packed car or vacation time. Some of the most soul-nourishing experiences are right outside your front door. Whether you’re solo or with friends and family, get ready to discover how you can explore locally.

  • Sunrise walks or sunset hikes at your nearest nature preserve.

  • Picnic in the park with friends or solo (don’t forget a journal, speaker, or a book!).

  • Kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming at a nearby lake or river.

  • Nature scavenger hunts with the kiddos or your hiking buddy.

  • Stargazing nights at your local open space preserve—no tent needed. (Make sure to check your park hours!)

Even a short one-mile walk through a tree-lined path can be a reset – plus it counts towards your 52 Hike Challenge. As you can see, your 52 hikes can include the small and mighty adventures too!

Now that you’ve explored your hometown, let’s venture out into the unknown.

Wander Further: Camping, Backpacking & Epic Hikes

If you’re ready to go bigger, summer is the season for overnight adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or hiking deep into alpine bliss, longer treks are a beautiful way to deepen your connection with the outdoors—and with yourself.

Adventure-Ready Summer Destinations:

These are just a few examples of where you can explore this summer from coast to coast.

  • Yosemite backcountry, CA – always jaw-dropping, but just be sure to secure permits early and be bear aware!

  • Utah’s Mighty Five – explore Arches or Capitol Reef under the starlit sky. (Make sure to check each park's entry requirements well in advance as you may need a reservation!)

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI – yes, there's a beach and great hiking!

  • Acadia National Park, ME – enjoy the Atlantic coastline with opportunities for sea kayaking and tons of scenic seaside hikes.

No matter where you go, plan beforehand to check fire restrictions, trail conditions, and pack smart. Remember that when you’re in the backcountry, you’re a visitor in the homes of wildlife large and small.

If national parks are on your radar this year, keep reading to hear how you can plan and prepare for your 2025 visit.

National Parks 2025: What You Should Know Before You Go

This summer, some national parks are facing staffing shortages due to recent federal budget constraints and layoffs across the NPS system. That means fewer rangers, closed visitor centers, and possibly less maintenance on popular trails.

Here’s how to prepare for your 2025 national park adventure:

  • Do your research ahead of time. Visit the park’s website or use the NPS app for the latest updates.

  • Bring your own hygiene essentials. Some restrooms may be closed or unmaintained.

  • Practice self-reliance. Don’t expect cell service. Pack maps, GPS, and know your route.

  • Leave No Trace is extra important this year. With fewer staff, every hiker counts in keeping our parks pristine.

  • Be kind. Visitor centers and rangers are under pressure—respect their time and effort.

Keep in mind: You’re not just a visitor. You’re a steward.

Pro tip: It’s also worth mentioning that there are other nationally designated parks like monuments, National Historic Parks, Historic Trails and more that see less visitors and are still incredible! You can find more information on the National Park Service Website. They even have an app now to help you navigate parks on the go.

Is a national park road trip on your agenda? 

You can purchase your 2025/2026 America the Beautiful National Parks Pass at REI. For only $80, you get an entire year of entry to as many national places as you want!

Traveling Outside The Country

Of course, you may also want to travel outside of the country! Did you know we have a podcast called Rise & Wader and this season is all about travel? 

Here’s what we are talking about: 

  • Traveling ideas, from camping to international travel

  • How to pick a location

  • Budgeting, planning and travel considerations

  • Minimalist approach to travel 

  • Gear list for beach adventures

  • How hiking internationally makes your 52 hikes that much more meaningful

  • And much more!

Now that you’ve got planning mode down, it’s time to gear up for your summer outdoor adventures. Keep reading to find out what we recommend.

Summer Hiking Gear Essentials (You Can Find Everything at REI)

Let’s talk gear! Summer adventures = heat, sun, sweat, bugs. The right gear makes the difference between a fun hike and a hot mess.

Here’s what we’re loving this summer:

  • Footwear: Katabatic LT Low GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes  – Women's / Men's

There’s a reason why Oboz is the only hiking footwear we wear at 52. Trail-tough, breathable, and built for durability and all-day comfort— these hiking shoes are great for local trails, alpine scrambles and more.

This pack is designed for versatility and comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s the ultimate day hiking pack, tried and tested by your hiking buddies at 52.

UPF 50+ with neck coverage and breathable fabric—ideal for high sun exposure days.

This lightweight and versatile filter is designed to remove 99.99999% of bacteria and 99.9999% of protozoa, ensuring safe drinking water from natural sources. It's easy to use, and its compact design makes it a favorite among backpackers and hikers alike.

Both are effective, cruelty-free, and safe for you and the environment.

After cooling off in the river or cold plunging in an alpine lake, use REI’s quick dry towel. It’s lightweight and packable for all your adventures.

  • Invest in a GPS Device: Garmin

The leader in GPS devices Garmin has got you covered when you’re outside. Download maps, navigate and send out a signal in case of an emergency and more.

Pro tip: Check out REI’s Used Gear section for sustainable savings or browse their summer clearance events—you might score a trail-ready steal.

One Last Thing, Hiking Community...

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Summer is a season of abundance. Abundant sunshine, abundant freedom, and abundant opportunities to say yes to yourself. Yes to movement. Yes to nature. Yes to that early alarm that gets you to the trailhead in time for a golden sunrise. 

Whether you're on hike #2 or hike #52, we’re all walking our own path, and every step counts. The very first step is simply getting out there – you won’t regret it.

Happy hiking & adventuring this summer!

P.S. Want to keep preparing, planning and getting excited for your summer adventures? Subscribe to season 3 of the Rise & Wander podcast and start listening now.

— Your Hiking Buddies at 52 Hike Challenge

 

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