From deserts to northern lakes - where strict seasonal bans apply in US parks
Many of America’s most popular national parks have regular seasonal restrictions that drastically change the way visitors experience the area. With the exception of most year-round resorts, Isle Royale National Park in Michigan closes completely from November 1 to April 15 each year due to the harsh winter, and is accessible only by ferry or seaplane.
In the mountain parks, snowpack is the main obstacle. In Alaska's Denali, only the first three miles of a single 92-mile road are accessible to private vehicles in the winter, while public transportation runs exclusively in the summer. In Grand Teton and Yosemite, passes and scenic highways, including the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Drive, are closed from November to late spring. During this period, the vast majority of campgrounds, museums, and visitor centers in the reserves are closed.
In California's Joshua Tree National Park, the situation is the opposite: restrictions are imposed in the summer due to extreme heat and fire danger. From June to September, the 49 Palms Oasis Trail and five areas for tent campers are closed, some campsites are temporarily closed, and any open fires are strictly prohibited.
Source: The National Parks With Significant Seasonal Closures - WorldAtlas
Context
Isle Royale National Park, covering about 850 square miles, remains the only national park in the U.S. that completely closes for a set period each year. There is a complete ban on visiting with pets, and some campgrounds are closed even in season to avoid unwanted human contact with wildlife, including wolves and moose.