Turn 15 PTO Days Into 47 Days Off in 2026
If you’re strategic with your paid time off, 2026 is an incredible year for National Park travel. By stacking federal holidays with weekends, you can turn just 15 PTO days into 47 total days off—enough time for multiple long weekends, road trips, and even one major adventure.
This guide breaks down exactly when to take time off and which National Parks actually make sense for each window, based on weather, access, and seasonal conditions.
How This PTO Strategy Works
This plan uses federal holidays in 2026 to extend time off while minimizing PTO use. Each section groups PTO blocks that share the same seasonal conditions, making it easier to plan similar types of trips throughout the year.
National Park seasonality matters more than popularity. Many parks are incredible—but only during the right window.
Winter Sun & Shoulder Season Parks (January–February)
PTO Dates Included
- January 1–5 (2 PTO Days)
- January 17–20 (1 PTO Day)
- February 14–17 (1 PTO Day)
Total PTO Used: 4 Days
Best For: Desert parks, tropical parks, and winter escapes
Best National Parks to Visit
Saguaro National Park
Winter is peak season in Saguaro, with cool temperatures perfect for hiking among towering saguaro cacti.
Joshua Tree National Park
Cool days and clear skies make winter ideal for hiking and photography.
Death Valley National Park
The most comfortable time of year to explore extreme desert landscapes.
Everglades → Biscayne → Dry Tortugas (Florida Road Trip)
Winter is the best time to visit South Florida’s national parks thanks to cooler temperatures, low humidity, and peak wildlife activity. Dry season conditions mean fewer mosquitoes in the Everglades, calmer seas for snorkeling and boating in Biscayne, and clear water with comfortable temperatures at Dry Tortugas.
Virgin Islands National Park
Peak conditions for beaches, snorkeling, and coastal hiking.
Haleakalā National Park
Clear skies and cooler temps make winter a prime time to visit.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Comfortable hiking conditions and active volcanic landscapes.
American Samoa National Park
Warm weather and fewer visitors in one of the least-visited parks.
Waterfalls, Shoulder Season & Early Summer Access (May–June)
PTO Dates Included
- May 23–26 (1 PTO Day)
- June 18–21 (1 PTO Day)
Total PTO Used: 2 Days
Best For: Waterfalls, early summer access, and lighter crowds
Best National Parks to Visit
Yosemite National Park
Peak waterfall season from spring snowmelt.
Kings Canyon National Park
Early access to deep canyon landscapes.
Sequoia National Park
Pleasant hiking weather among giant sequoias.
Olympic National Park
Access to rainforests, coastlines, and alpine zones.
Voyageurs National Park
Ice-free waterways open prime paddling season.
Isle Royale National Park
Early ferry access with active wildlife.
Acadia National Park
Cooler temps and fewer visitors before peak summer.
Peak Alpine Season & Big Hiking Windows (July–September)
PTO Dates Included
- July 3–6 (1 PTO Day)
- September 4–7 (1 PTO Day)
Total PTO Used: 2 Days
Best For: Alpine hiking and mountain scenery
Best National Parks to Visit
Glacier National Park
Full access to alpine roads and trails.
Rocky Mountain National Park
High-elevation hiking at its best.
Grand Teton National Park
Snow-free trails and dramatic mountain views.
Crater Lake National Park
Reliable access to the rim and deep blue lake.
North Cascades National Park
Short but stunning alpine season.
Mount Rainier National Park
Wildflowers and high-country hikes peak.
Alaska National Parks Road Trip
Summer is the only window to access Alaska’s vast parks. Denali offers prime wildlife viewing and road access; Kenai Fjords features glacier cruises and abundant coastal wildlife; Katmai is perfect for bear viewing during salmon runs; Glacier Bay has spectacular glacier views by boat; Wrangell–St. Elias provides vast wilderness exploration; Lake Clark allows remote access for hiking and wildlife; and Gates of the Arctic opens briefly for true backcountry adventures.
Fall Color & Mild Hiking Conditions (October)
PTO Dates Included
- October 9–12 (1 PTO Day)
Total PTO Used: 1 Day
Best National Parks to Visit
Shenandoah National Park
Peak fall foliage along Skyline Drive.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Forests and towpaths glow with fall color.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Vibrant foliage across multiple elevations.
New River Gorge National Park
Crisp fall weather for hiking and views.
Badlands National Park
Cooler temps make hiking comfortable.
The Biggest PTO Win of the Year (Thanksgiving Week)
PTO Dates Included
- November 21–29 (4 PTO Days)
Total PTO Used: 4 Days
Best For: Southwest road trips
Best National Parks to Visit
Utah National Parks Road Trip
November brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for a Southwest road trip. Arches offers comfortable hikes among iconic sandstone arches; Canyonlands provides spectacular canyon views; Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos are especially dramatic; Zion has perfect weather for longer hikes; and Capitol Reef delivers excellent canyon exploration conditions.
Grand Canyon National Park
Clear air and reliable South Rim access.
Big Bend National Park
Peak desert hiking season.
Warm-Weather Escapes & Winter-Only Experiences (December)
PTO Dates Included
- December 24–28 (2 PTO Days)
Total PTO Used: 2 Days
Best National Parks to Visit
Everglades, Biscayne & Dry Tortugas National Parks
Dry season conditions ideal for wildlife and boating.
Virgin Islands National Park
Warm, calm, and perfect for year-end travel.
Haleakalā & Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Parks
Reliable winter weather and diverse landscapes.
American Samoa National Park
Tropical scenery with fewer crowds.
Yellowstone National Park
A unique winter experience with snow and wildlife.
Total PTO Breakdown
- Total PTO Used: 15 Days
- Total Days Off: 47 Days
Final Thoughts
With thoughtful planning, 2026 offers one of the best opportunities in years to stretch limited PTO into meaningful National Park travel. Matching the right parks to the right season ensures better access, better hikes, and better experiences overall.