national parks to visit in america

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Best u.s. national parks for 2024.

For more than 100 years, the National Park Service has managed millions of acres solely for the "enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations." Today, 63 designated national parks in the United States draw millions of visitors a year to witness jaw-dropping natural wonders and unforgettable terrains. To determine the best U.S. national parks, U.S. News considered scenic beauty, range of activities and the opinions of both travel experts and recent park visitors. Do you have a favorite park? Cast your vote below to help us determine next year's ranking. (Note: Some of the below destinations require reservations for timed entry. Plan ahead to ensure you can visit on your preferred date.)

Glacier National Park

Yellowstone national park, yosemite national park, grand canyon national park, grand teton national park, zion national park, denali national park and preserve, kenai fjords national park, bryce canyon national park, redwood national and state parks, arches national park, sequoia national park, olympic national park, hawai'i volcanoes national park, mount rainier national park, rocky mountain national park.

Considered one of the world's best places to visit , Glacier National Park spans two mountain ranges and includes more than 700 lakes across Montana. Take advantage of the park's expansive hiking trails, and be sure to hit traveler favorites like the Trail of the Cedars and Iceberg Lake Trail. Other activities include a ride along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road and a trip to the unique Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Canadian border. What's more, Glacier National Park hosts plenty of free ranger-led activities like guided hikes and stargazing events ideal for visitors of all ages.

Even if Yellowstone didn't hold the incredible distinction of being the world's first national park, the 2.2 million-acre park, which stretches across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, could easily stand on its own for its unique natural attractions and magnificent landscapes . Here, travelers can get lost in the splendor of Yellowstone's many lakes, mountains, bison-filled valleys and, of course, its unmatched hot springs and active geysers (of which the park boasts more than half of the world's supply). To avoid the crowds that often plague Yellowstone while also ensuring excellent weather, plan to visit in April, May or October.

One of California's most-visited national parks, Yosemite National Park stands out for its bevy of impressive waterfalls, such as Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall, as well as its unique granite rock formations like Half Dome and El Capitan. There are also ample scenic hiking and camping opportunities; just keep in mind that campsites sell out quickly after becoming available for booking, so make your reservations in advance. Whatever your itinerary may be, make sure to stop by the Tunnel View overlook, which offers showstopping panoramas of Yosemite Valley. What's more, the picturesque lookout spot is relatively easy to access (no hiking is required).

The Grand Canyon is so magnificent that even the highest quality photos don't do the Arizona park's vast beauty justice – you just have to see it in person. The 18-by-277-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site offers endless hiking opportunities with trails of various lengths and degrees of difficulty, as well as the chance to raft the Colorado River. For a slight break from the tourist crowds, head to the less-congested North Rim. And if you're looking for a different vantage point, consider a helicopter tour to learn more about Grand Canyon National Park and see it in all its glory from above.

Jackson Hole's backcountry is a wild wonderland begging to be explored. Once home to ranchers and fur trappers, this Wyoming park now offers more than 250 miles of trails that weave past forests, lakes and the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Grand Teton mountain range. The Cascade Canyon Trail – which takes travelers past waterfalls, glacier-carved canyons and more – shows off the best of Grand Teton National Park's stunning topography. Don't forget to stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center to stock up on maps, check out its informational exhibits and watch the interesting documentary film about the park.

Utah's Zion National Park is a paradise for thrill-seekers. Hike Angels Landing, which brings you up through a nearly 1,500-foot natural staircase (permits are required to hike this popular trail and are awarded through an online lottery system). You can also trek The Narrows, a roughly 10-mile hike through the thinnest section of Zion Canyon, which requires hikers to travel upstream through the Virgin River. For a less strenuous exploration of the park, join a shuttle bus tour to traverse the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which takes you past many of the park's most famous landmarks.

Spanning six million acres of unspoiled Alaskan wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve is as vast as it is fascinating. One-sixth of the park is covered in glaciers, and the tallest mountain in North America, Denali, stands within its bounds, towering at 20,310 feet high. The park appeals to true explorers as there isn't an abundance of marked trails. However, free ranger-led trail hikes are available seasonally. Visitors can also watch a sled dog demonstration, go snowmobiling or take a narrated bus tour of the 92-mile Denali Park Road to see scenic landmarks like Savage River and Wonder Lake.

Comprised of glaciers, coastal fjords and icefields, Kenai Fjords National Park transports guests to an age where ice covered large parts of the earth. The Harding Icefield – which was created more than 23,000 years ago – is one of this Alaska park's main features, extending for 700 square miles and viewable via the 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail. Visitors can also embark on the Glacier Overlook Trail and Glacier View Loop Trail to catch vistas of Exit Glacier, which flows from the famed icefield. Or, take a kayak or a boat tour to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes from the water.

Hoodoos are odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from forces of erosion, and Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the most extensive collection of hoodoos in the world. Located in southern Utah, the nearly 36,000-acre park offers an array of hiking opportunities. All trails offer a glimpse of the impressive red rock formations; visitors can also sign up for guided horseback riding tours. While Bryce Canyon is most popular in summer, the park's stark white snow-covered landscape juxtaposed with the orange-red rocks is an unforgettable sight. Winter is also a prime time for activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

As the name suggests, Redwood National and State Parks are best known for their sky-high redwood trees, which typically soar more than 300 feet tall. Along with exploring the old-growth redwood groves, travelers can hike past rivers, through prairies and along 40 miles of Pacific Coast shoreline, spotting wildlife like elk, sea lions and various species of birds as they go. If you can't stay long, scenic drives like Howland Hill Road and Enderts Beach Road showcase park highlights. But for those wanting to sleep under the stars and rise with the sun, there are four developed campgrounds.

Established in 1929 and awarded national park status in 1971, Arches National Park covers nearly 77,000 acres in eastern Utah. Oddly shaped sandstone monuments occupy every view, and the formations make the park an excellent place for backpackers, rock climbers and hikers, not to mention photographers. Visitors will find a whopping 2,000-plus arches in the park – the world's densest concentration of these natural structures. The most popular to see are Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch and Double Arch. Plus, travelers will want to check out the visitor center, which features a wealth of information and exhibits outlining Arches National Park's history, geology and more.

Sequoia National Park is defined by its beautiful, towering sequoia trees – the largest trees in the world. Travelers can hike through this unique California national park to admire its trees, rivers, meadows and wildlife. A visit here is not complete without seeing the Giant Forest's General Sherman Tree, which measures nearly 275 feet tall and more than 36 feet in diameter, making it the world's largest tree by volume. After you ogle the truly impressive evergreens, try some other adventurous activities like rock climbing, horseback riding or fishing.

Among the nearly 1 million acres that make up Olympic National Park, visitors can wander through the enchanting Hoh Rainforest, trek to stunning overlooks and relax on more than 70 miles of Pacific Northwest coastline. One of North America's top hiking destinations , this Washington state gem features top trails like Mount Storm King and the Hall of Mosses. However, you will also want to save time for trying out one of Olympic National Park's other popular activities, which range from canoeing on Lake Crescent to birdwatching on Kalaloch and Ruby Beach.

Visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for a chance to get up close and personal with two of the world's most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The latter almost continually erupts, which visitors can witness from multiple points in the park, including Crater Rim Drive and the famous Chain of Craters Road (although eruption sightings are never guaranteed). While driving along Chain of Craters Road, set aside time to stop at the Kealakomo Overlook. The scenic lookout offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the ancient village of Kealakomo.

At 14,410 feet tall, Mount Rainer is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and the tallest volcano in the contiguous United States. Though thousands of travelers tackle the ambitious hike to the mountain's summit each year, it's far more popular to drive to Sunrise, the highest point accessible by vehicle, to soak in 360-degree views of the Cascade Range and Emmons Glacier. Numerous shorter hikes are also available at Mount Rainier National Park, so visitors can explore the temperate rainforests of Carbon River, admire the picturesque wildflower meadows at Paradise or search for the waterfalls in the old-growth forests at Ohanapecosh.

The Rockies earn plenty of points for their convenience. Sitting about 70 miles northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park makes for an easy daytrip. However, you could also spend days exploring this Colorado park. The Rockies' magnificent landscape is one for the books, featuring more than 350 miles of scenic trails, plenty of lakes and numerous mountain peaks taller than 10,000 feet. If you're short on time, Emerald Lake Trail is a popular trek that's less than 5 miles round trip and promises spectacular alpine views. If you'd rather skip the hiking, opt instead for an auto tour of Trail Ridge Road.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Acadia National Park

Crater Lake National Park

Voyageurs National Park

Shenandoah National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

Haleakala National Park

Canyonlands National Park

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Best National Parks in the World for 2024

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The 25 Best National Parks in the US, From Acadia to Yellowstone

By Josh Laskin

These days, most of us are on a mission to visit the best national parks in the US. The past few years have heightened Americans' interest in spending time outdoors—and travelers continue to flock to these protected areas in record numbers. In fact, the National Park Service’s annual visitation numbers in 2022 exceeded those of 2021 by 5 million, indicating a continuation of the steady increase experienced since the park service’s inception.

For travelers, this means popular parks will be busier than ever, so it’s a good idea to visit during quieter seasons like late fall, winter , and early spring —and try to avoid weekends. For those who are willing to take a trip to the most popular parks outside of the peak season, there’s a good chance you’ll find fewer people and especially serene landscapes (possibly blanketed in snow).

But with 63 national parks nationwide , there are plenty of opportunities to explore the country's diverse landscapes without having to compete with the crowds of headlining acts like the Grand Canyon , regardless of when you visit.

Below, we round up 25 of the very best national parks in the US, focusing on a combination of deservedly iconic classics like Yellowstone and some of the most seldom-visited, like The Gates of the Arctic, for those in search of solitude. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

When President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law on March 1, 1872, he put the wheels in motion to establish the entire park system. Today, America’s first national park, known for herds of bison and elk, glacier-carved valleys, and steaming geysers and hot springs, continues to be one of the most visited.

While the Old Faithful geyser is a rite of passage for all first-time visitors, Yellowstone has over 10,000 hydrothermal features—approximately half of the world’s active geysers—spread across 2.2 million acres, so it’s possible to skip the crowds. Lone Star Geyser is one of the many features that require visitors to leave the worn boardwalks and paved parking areas, but solitude and hot water spouting 45 feet into the air are the reward.

Although the hot springs and geysers are what Yellowstone is best known for, they barely scratch the surface of what the park has to offer. Shaped over the last 150 million years by various geological activities, Yellowstone is home to alpine tundras, canyons, mountains, and one of the largest barely-touched temperate-zone ecosystems in the world. These unique landscapes can be explored via the park’s network of over 900 miles of hiking trails.

Spend the night at the Canyon Lodge , a classic hotel in the park that was renovated in 2016. Another option, just 18 miles from the northwest border of the park in Big Sky, Montana, is the Lone Mountain Ranch , which offers several guided wilderness experiences and has 30 unique cabins to choose from.

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

For remote wilderness experiences and mountain-based adventure, it's hard to match Denali National Park and Preserve . Home to the tallest summit in North America, from which the park got its name, this 6 million-acre park has only one road traversing it.

In the spring and early summer, wildflower-filled valleys frame the high alpine, glacier-capped skyline, uninhibited by man for miles. In the winter, the park becomes a snow-covered playground for serious skiers and mountaineers, though it’s also the perfect time for travelers who want to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

While many who visit the park are in search of a remote wilderness adventure, you don’t have to spend days hunting your food and whittling spears out of sticks to enjoy the park. There are several worthy day hikes in Denali, like the eight-mile round trip Savage Alpine Trail , and there is even a luxury lodge within the park boundaries. Hiking off-trail is also encouraged, since there are only 35 miles of trail in the entire park—just make sure you’re prepared with the proper gear , knowledge, and a plan, before embarking.

Like in many national parks, those with the skills necessary to head into the backcountry will be immersed in the most serene, spectacular scenery in the world. Backpackers confident enough to travel through remote landscapes will be able to take full advantage of the park’s main purpose, which, according to their website is “to provide visitors with the means of self-reliance and self-discovery; to encourage hikers to find what appeals to them rather than following specific routes.”

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

It often comes as a surprise to many that Colorado, largely known for its tall alpine peaks and ski slopes, is also home to vast sand dunes, including two of the tallest in North America. As you approach the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the golden orange dunes rise in front of a backdrop of snow-capped alpine summits—the former more reminiscent of the Moroccan desert than North America. While the dunes are the main draw, there are a number of diverse ecosystems within the park's boundaries, including alpine tundra, subalpine forests, and meadows, to name a few. This spot is perfect for sandboarding—similar to snowboarding, but on sand—with board and sled rentals available at the Great Sand Dunes Oasis just outside the park. Visit in July or August to see the park’s wildflowers in bloom .

It’s possible to explore the dunes by foot, although it can be extremely easy to get turned around since there are no trails. It’s also important to consider that thunderstorms are common during the afternoons in summer, and when you’re in the dunes, there are no places to take shelter. The Park Service recommends using closed-toe shoes to hike the dunes, especially during the summer months, when the sand can get extremely hot.

Great Sand Dunes is relatively undeveloped and doesn’t have any lodging (aside from campsites) inside the park. The Great Sand Dunes Lodge , which lies against a backdrop of the dunes and the 14,000-foot peaks just beyond them, is the hotel closest to the park entrance.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is a veritable alpine wonderland, with rugged and remote peaks capped by more than 300 glaciers—all that, and it's just over a two-hour drive from the city of Seattle . The park is divided into two separate ecosystems: a temperate rainforest on the western side and a dryer ponderosa pine ecosystem on the eastern side.

While there are plenty of day hikes off of the North Cascades Scenic Highway, consider a backpacking trip on the nearly 400 miles of trails, easily the best way to experience this pristine landscape. The 34.2-mile Beaver Loop is one of the easier routes, as it avoids higher elevations and mid-summer snow crossings. At 33.5 miles, the Copper Ridge Loop is slightly shorter, but requires an extra day or two due to its arduous nature. The ascent to the top of the ridge is extremely steep on both sides and often requires the use of a mountaineering axe until July, so it’s best to do it during late summer and have a backup plan in case conditions are poor (or all of the tent sites are full).

If soaking in the jacuzzi tub or sipping a cocktail by the fireplace is more your speed after a day in the mountains, stay at the luxurious Sun Mountain Lodge , located in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains.

The best time to visit the park is between July and September, after much of the lower-elevation snow has melted and rainy days are less frequent.

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Yosemite National Park, California

For decades, rock climbers have made the migration to Yosemite National Park , undeniably the most iconic of the nine national parks in California , to test their skills and push the boundaries of the sport. And with the skyscraper-like granite monoliths that dominate the landscape—the tallest being El Capitan at over 3,000 vertical feet—it only makes sense that Yosemite continues to be a premiere destination for climbers worldwide. Hiking one of the most iconic features in the park, Half Dome , is an adventure for experienced hikers that requires a 4,800 foot ascent over the course of a 14-mile round trip hike. The strenuous and exposed nature of the trek, which requires the use of cables near the summit, make this one of the most difficult hikes in any national park. To curb crowds, daily visits are limited to 300 through a permitting system.

But the spectacular rock faces and the valleys they rise from can be appreciated by non-climbers, too. With over 94 percent of the park’s 1,200 square miles being designated wilderness, there is plenty to explore. Shorter day hikes like the half-mile Bridalveil Fall Trail or the five-mile Mirror Lake Loop are easier alternatives. Stay a couple of days, minimum, and spend the night at the Evergreen Lodge , which has 88 cabins on its 20-acre property, or consider some of the park’s other nearby options , like spending the night glamping in an airstream camper or relaxing in a luxurious private estate .

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park in southern Utah is best known for its unique landscape of pink Navajo sandstone cliffs and orange slot canyons. Within the park’s 230 square miles, rivers as narrow as 20 feet meander between thousand-foot-tall sandstone cliffs, and juniper trees dot the desert hillsides.

With elevations ranging from 3,700 to 8,700 feet, the park is also home to diverse fauna, the most common being bighorn sheep, mule deer, and gray fox. This range in elevation also lends itself to diverse ecosystems, like desert, riparian, and conifer woodlands.

There are plenty of hiking trails for exploring the park, with The Narrows and Angels Landing being two of the more popular ones. But there are several lesser-traveled trails to consider as well, such as the Taylor Creek Trail , which is located in the Kolob Canyons Wilderness. For those comfortable spending time in the backcountry, setting off on a multi-day backpacking trip is a great way to experience the solitude of the desert, becoming immersed in a unique landscape, and falling asleep under a spectacularly dark night sky. The West Rim Trail, which is a point-to-point hike approximately 15 miles long (meaning you’ll have to arrange a shuttle at the end), is a popular overnight hikes in the park with sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and cliffs.

While the dated Zion Lodge is the only lodging within the park’s boundaries, comfier digs can be found at SpringHill Suites by Marriott , located just beyond the south entrance in Springdale. There are also a number of great Airbnbs, lodges, and glamping options , like the Zion Wildflower Resort , near the park.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Located just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park sees fewer visitors every year despite its dramatic mountainous skyline. The Tetons reach over 7,000 vertical feet into the air, a stark contrast against the surrounding flat plains. The 2.7-billion-year-old gneiss is some of the oldest rock in North America, drawing climbers and mountaineers from all around the world looking to scale one of many classic routes to the Grand Teton’s summit, from which the park got its name.

All that said, you don’t have to be a skilled mountaineer to enjoy the spectacular scenery, which is laced with over 250 miles of hiking trails within park bounds. Hikes like the Phelps Lake Overlook, Taggart Lake, and the Woodland Trail Loop are relatively easy and require a minimal time commitment, but still afford hikers a slice of the park outside of roadside pull-offs.

If hiking isn’t your thing, the Snake River, which flows through the park, is home to world-class trout fishing and paddling—visit during the spring for a float trip down the river, or in September to see bull elk rutting, and the first traces of snow on the higher peaks. The Cloudveil , a Marriott Autograph Collection property, is a convenient stay in Jackson’s historic town square. The central Mountain Modern —formerly known as The Jackson Hole Lodge—recently underwent a major expansion which was completed in fall of 2022.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Known for its red sandstone cliffs, high alpine peaks, lush valleys, and unique geologic formations, Utah is home to five national parks —and Canyonlands may arguably be the most stunning of them all.

Each of Utah’s national parks has its own allure, but Canyonlands , at nearly 338,000 acres, is the state’s largest, making it easy to get away from the crowds and into the vast landscape. Split by the Colorado and Green Rivers into four distinct districts—Islands in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves—the park is filled with vibrant mesas, arches, canyons, and other geologic formations prime for exploring.

There are a number of roadside hiking trails and attractions, like the park’s famed Mesa Arch , but to really get a sense of the expansiveness and remoteness of the desert, it’s worth packing a tent and heading into the backcountry for a night or two (just make sure you have the skills and know-how before doing so, or book a trip with a group). The Needles district is known to have well-traveled hiking trails, like the nearly nine-mile Lost Canyon Loop , which brings hikers through a narrow, vegetated canyon. Experienced backpackers should consider heading into the more remote Maze district, where you can spend days on end without seeing another person.

The nearby town of Moab is a great home base, with many restaurants, breweries, shops, and lodging to choose from. For glamping, consider spending a few nights at Under Canvas Moab , just north of the town.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake , which is the deepest and clearest lake in the US, lies inside the collapsed summit of a volcano. Its dark blue waters reach an impressive depth of 1,943 feet and are fed only by run-off from melting snow, resulting in some of the purest water in the world.

Within the park’s 183,224 acres, mountainous terrain around the lake’s rim yields spectacular views of the steep hillsides that drop into the water, the result of the volcanic eruption and subsequent collapse just 7,700 years ago.

The lake is the focal point of the park, but there are 90 miles of hiking trails that meander through old-growth coniferous forests and over bare summits with panoramic views, and through dry, sub-alpine meadows.

Rim Drive circumnavigates the rim around the lake and has plenty of viewpoints and pull-offs along the way. But to really experience the park, exploring by foot is a must. While it’s only 3.5 miles out and back, the Garfield Peak hike does ascend over 1,000 vertical feet, making it a fairly arduous climb. But the 360-degree views at the top are well worth the effort. Given the bang you get for your buck, it tends to get crowded, so hiking during the off-season or starting early in the morning is a good idea.

There are two places to stay within the park that aren’t camping—the Crater Lake Lodge and the Cabins at Mazama Village —but they tend to book up far in advance, especially during peak times. Luckily, there are plenty of additional options within 35 miles of the park’s entrance, like the Union Creek Resort , which is a rustic lodge just outside of the park’s boundaries.

Acadia National Park, Maine

As the only national park in the Northeast, Acadia National Park perfectly embodies New England with craggy coastlines, bustling harbors, and picturesque fishing villages. The park itself is home to the tallest coastal mountains on the eastern seaboard, reminiscent of the seaside cliffs of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest . During the mid-19th century, Acadia drew renowned artists like Thomas Cole and Sanford Robinson, who would paint and sketch this majestic and largely unknown landscape. As people saw this area depicted through art, tourism began to grow, drawing wealthy vacationers like the Rockefellers, Fords, and Carnegies. When John D. Rockefeller arrived in Acadia in the early 20th century, he was so captivated by the park’s beauty that he envisioned and set in motion a network of car-free carriage roads—one of the park’s signifying features to this day.

Today, the popular Precipice and Beehive hiking trails, among others, ascend sheer granite rock faces with the help of iron rungs and rails, affording visitors unimpeded views of the Gulf of Maine. Those with a fear of heights may want to stick to flatter trails like the Bubbles or Jordan Pond (stop at the Jordan Pond House for a popover afterward), which still boast spectacular views.

Nearby Bar Harbor has plenty of lodging, like the Inn on Mount Desert , or The Salt Cottages , which were renovated during the summer of 2022 and began offering hotel rooms in 2023 that overlook Frenchman Bay and are located just minutes from Bar Harbor’s center. For a unique glamping experience just a half-hour from the park, check out Under Canvas Acadia .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this 522,427-acre national park is the most visited in the United States. Known for the morning fog that engulfs miles of ridgelines, sometimes only revealing the peaks of the taller summits, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses the south’s natural beauty and Southern Appalachian history.

The park is home to 850 miles of hiking trails that meander through one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, over and between peaks that have been shaped over 1.2 billion years. And with more than 19,000 documented species in the park (scientists believe this might be less than a quarter of what exists), it’s the most biodiverse park in the entire national park system. In fact, this biodiversity led it to be designated as both a United Nations World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.

After hiking Clingmans Dome (it’s the highest point in the park, and rewards early risers with a spectacular sunrise), take an auto tour of more than 90 historic structures, many of which can be found at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Visit between mid-October and early November to see vibrant foliage transform the Appalachian Mountains. Spend the night at The Swag , which is a rustic, yet luxurious, mountain retreat perched nearly a mile above sea level, affording visitors sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Like Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, one of Joshua Tree’s biggest attractions is the dark night sky . At night, the Milky Way puts on a show high above the twisted branches of the Joshua trees and rock formations, some of which resemble wax dripping down the side of a candle. The park, which straddles the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems, is a unique destination for hikers , campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and especially artists, who come to paint, photograph, and draw the featured landscape contained within the park’s boundaries. Rock climbers also flock to Joshua Tree to scale the boulders and rock formations scattered throughout the high desert (test your hand by booking a guide for a climbing excursion).

Wandering along stretches of the park’s 300 miles of hiking trails is a great way to experience the distinct landscape. Mastodon Peak is a 3-mile loop hike with an optional rock scramble that takes you to the granite summit, affording hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

Rest your head at campsites within the park, or nearby spots, like the Castle House Estate , an elevated camping experience just seven miles from the park entrance. If you are hoping to take advantage of the stargazing, plan to visit as close to a new moon as possible and stick to the east side of the park, which is less affected by light pollution than the west.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Located in western Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the 192,000-acre Shenandoah National Park showcases some of the most spectacular scenery on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The park’s famed Skyline Drive traverses 105 miles along a ridge through the park, boasting many vistas and access to 500 miles of hiking trails along the way.

Of all the hikes in the park, Old Rag Mountain may be one of the most popular, and rightfully so. This 9.4-mile loop leads hikers over (and through) semi-technical rock scrambles and past rocky outcroppings with panoramic views to the nearly 3,300-foot summit, which overlooks the valley below. The hike is fairly challenging and gets crowded, so going during the week and allowing extra time, especially during summer, is recommended. Although the road that traverses the park makes much of it accessible, it also makes it slightly more difficult to get away from it all. But there are still plenty of trails, like the Big Run Loop, that descend from the ridge into the valley, affording hikers excellent fishing opportunities and plenty of solitude.

While there are a number of inns and hotels throughout the Shenandoah Valley, few are as luxurious as the Hotel Laurance , located in the small town of Luray. The town’s location, just minutes from the park—plus several shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby—makes it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the park.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Located in northern Minnesota just south of the Canadian border, over a third of Voyageurs National Park is made up of water. Of the park’s 218,000 acres, 84,000 are waterways that provide access to 655 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline and over 500 islands. Because of its inaccessibility, Voyageurs is one of the least-visited national parks in the lower 48. In 2019, the park saw only 233,000 visits; a modest number compared to the 12.5 million people who visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the same year.

The fact that Voyageurs is inaccessible and largely untouched when compared to parks like Yellowstone is what makes it special. While there are plenty of hiking trails that can be reached by car, there are just as many, like the Locator Lake and Mukooda Trails, that can only be reached by boat, making the journey there just as special as the hike. Not everyone can tow their own boat to the park. But luckily, there are several guide companies and water taxi services, like Border Guide Service , that can help get you there.

Visit during the winter to explore by cross-country skis or snowmobile and have a chance at seeing the northern lights . Visitors during the warmer months can rent a canoe and camp at one of the boat-access tent sites on the Lake Kabetogama peninsula. For a unique lodging experience, stay at the Kettle Falls Hotel , accessible only by a 13-mile boat ride offered almost daily during the summer months.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Due to its location in eastern Nevada far from any major cities, one of Great Basin National Park’s biggest attractions can only be seen at night: the sky. As one of the 27 national parks designated as an International Dark Sky Park , spending a night sleeping under the stars can be a monumental experience. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see before the sun goes down.

This 77,000-acre park is home to diverse landscapes ranging from desert valleys to high alpine snow-covered peaks. The 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is a great way to see the park with minimal effort, but for those willing and able to lace up their hiking boots, exploring by foot is always one of the best ways to truly experience a national park.

During the day, head for a walk on the Glacier Trail, admiring the Bristlecone pines (which are thought to be the oldest trees not just in the country, but on the planet) before reaching Nevada’s only glacier, just below Wheeler Peak. After your hike, take a tour of Lehman Caves , which, at two miles, is the longest of the 40 caves in the park. The Stargazer Inn in Baker is a great option for your home base due to its convenient location just outside of the park entrance. There are also five developed campgrounds, with Lower Lehman Creek Campground the only one that’s open year-round.

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Established as the United States’s newest national park in 2020, West Virginia’s New River Gorge is by no means a new destination. Kayakers and climbers have been making the journey to “The New” for decades, paddling world-class rapids along the 53-mile stretch of river that cuts through the gorge, and pushing their limits on climbing routes in the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi. The re-designation of the park may help further an ongoing local shift from a coal- to adventure-based economy.

The New River Gorge has been shaped over 500 million years, the river cutting into the weathered Appalachian Mountains as deep as 1,500 feet in some places. A network of hiking trails traverses the ridges overlooking the gorge, with some leading hikers down to the river and through two old-growth forests, untouched during the industrialization of the late 19th century.

If you’re not an experienced whitewater paddler but want to get off the trails and experience the river itself, book an outfitter for a rafting trip on the most rugged water in the East. Those looking for a slower-paced adventure may want to consider a float fishing trip , chasing one of the many species of warm-water fish that call this area home.

There are several lodging options around the park, like The Greenbrier —an iconic resort and National Historic Landmark that's less than 45 minutes from the park entrance.

Gates of the Arctic, Alaska

With no roads to disturb the glacier-carved valleys and pristine rivers, Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park remains one of the few places in the world largely unchanged by humans. Because of its inaccessibility (only reachable by air taxi from Bettles or Coldfoot; or by foot from the Dalton Highway or village of Anaktuvuk Pass), it’s no wonder Gates of the Arctic is one of the least visited national parks, seeing just 10,518 visitors in 2019.

Unsurprisingly, this isn’t exactly an intro-to-the-outdoors type of park; visitors should be comfortable navigating rugged, trail-less terrain, and spending time in extreme conditions. But those who visit will be rewarded with solitude in its truest form, enjoying an intimate experience with nature as the native Inupiaq and Athabascan people have for thousands of years. June through August is the best time to visit when the days are the longest, but travelers should still be prepared for the sub-freezing temperatures that can occur year-round in the Arctic Circle. For those who want to visit the park but aren’t prepared to embark on a self-guided expedition, consider hiring a local outfitter .

Due to its remote nature, there aren’t many lodging options near the park—most people embrace the full wilderness experience that the park offers, opting for cool nights under the stars. However, there are a few options to consider if roughing it isn’t your thing, like the Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge , which is a fly-in luxury wilderness lodge on the park’s northern edge.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon, at a dizzying 6,000 feet at its deepest and 600 feet at its narrowest, is one of the most impressive geological features in the world. Its yellow and orange walls descend sharply towards the banks of the raging Colorado River, its exposed layers telling a story nearly two billion years old.

The land encompassing the Grand Canyon has significant importance to 11 Native American tribes from the region, having influenced their cultures through the years. In fact, in 2023, the Biden administration even designated one million acres of the greater Grand Canyon Landscape as the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, ensuring the protection of this sacred ancestral land for generations to come. The park hosts frequent Desert View Cultural Demonstration Programs , perfect for learning more about the vibrant native cultures of the region.

While Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most visited parks in North America, few of its visitors leave the roads, viewpoints, and short walking trails along the rims, which means hitting one of the park’s hiking trails will get you away from the crowds. The 14.5-mile Rim-to-Rim hike is a grueling hike that many choose to do in two days, allowing visitors to descend into the canyon from one side and out the other. This requires staging a car, so it might be worth hiring a local guide service like OARS , who can help with logistics and obtaining permits.

There are seven lodges within the park’s boundaries—six along the south rim and one on the north rim. The El Tovar Hotel is one of the more high-end accommodations and offers sweeping views of the canyon below.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

With 60 summits exceeding 12,000 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest parks in the country, and is home to some of the most impressive alpine landscapes in the lower 48.

Carved by millions of years of glacial activity, the park’s diverse ecosystems can resemble the remote mountains of Alaska at times, or the plains surrounding Denver at others. Alpine lakes are perched high above meadows, surrounded by craggy mountain peaks and ridges. At just an hour-and-a-half from the state’s urban center, it’s also extremely accessible. The park’s 355 miles of hiking trails range from easy strolls along the banks of serene lakes to rugged, multi-day hikes that traverse alpine peaks. The 6.2-mile round trip hike to Loch Lake, which is an alpine lake surrounded by glacier-capped peaks on the Continental Divide, is a great option for a day hike while in the park. At 45 rugged miles, the Continental Divide Loop traverses 20 miles of the Continental Divide, crossing alpine meadows and yielding panoramic views along the way. Of course, self-sufficiency is mandatory before embarking on a backcountry adventure, but for those with the know-how, it can be extremely rewarding.

For relaxed evenings, book a room at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa , a year-round retreat just 40 minutes from the park’s entrance. There are also five campsites in the park.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Nearly 70 miles west of Key West on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas is accessible only by boat or seaplane.

The Tortugas, which comprise seven keys, have been strategically important to the U.S. over the years due to their location along a busy shipping route between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. In 1846, construction on Fort Jefferson—one of the park's major highlights—began in an attempt to protect this position. While it was never finished, visitors today can tour the fort to learn about its historical and architectural significance.

Considered the southernmost part of the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park doesn’t offer much for hiking. Instead, visitors spend their time exploring the fort, kayaking and paddleboarding, watching wildlife, and fishing.

Much of the park’s wildlife is found underwater here, with rich sea life living among 30 different species of coral. Make sure to spend a day exploring these vibrant ecosystems with fins and a snorkel . There are also a few places in the park where fishing is allowed, and several Key West-based companies offer day trips to fish around the park. Heads up: There are no hotels or restaurants on any of the keys, so make sure you bring all of the food and supplies you’ll need during your stay. There is also no cell service, so make sure to send out all of your work-related emails ahead of time. Primitive tent sites are available on Garden Key.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison , located in western Colorado, is often overshadowed by the state’s more popular Rocky Mountain National Park . But at over 2,700 feet at its deepest point and 40 feet wide at its narrowest, the canyon is an overwhelmingly impressive feature, making this hands down one of the best national parks in the US.

When compared to the geological formations in the Appalachians, the Black Canyon is quite new, which results in it being one of the most dramatic canyons in the country. Craggy spires dot the landscape, cut by the raging Gunnison River below.

Home to some of the steepest rock in North America, it’s a popular spot for rock climbers, though only the most adventurous climbers dare scale its towering, nearly two million-year-old cliffs. If hiking down the Gunnison Route to the depths of the canyon is still too intimidating (it is for most), the Rim Rock Nature Trail is a less demanding alternative with spectacular views of the crevice and raging Gunnison River below. There are also several hiking trails leading into the canyon, but those adventurous enough to venture into its depths should be comfortable on exposed, technical terrain and with backcountry travel.

At the South Rim, which is open year-round, the best accommodations are about 30 minutes away in Montrose . The quaint Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast is located within walking distance of many of the town’s restaurants and shops, making it a great place to relax after a long day in the park.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Like the name suggests, Glacier National Park ’s glacier-capped peaks soar above shimmering alpine lakes and sub-alpine valleys, making it one of the only places in the lower 48 to see some of the planet’s rapidly receding glaciers. Over 700 miles of hiking trails in Glacier serve as a gateway into the park’s depths, allowing visitors to seek solitude.

Upon arrival at the park, take a drive across Going-to-the-Sun Road , which connects the park’s eastern and western ends, providing access to a number of trailheads and viewpoints along the way. Lacing up your hiking boots and leaving the car behind is one of the best ways to experience the park, with Avalanche Lake and the Hidden Lake Overlook being two hikes with a big reward for minimal effort. Visit between early July and mid-October for the best chances of the road being fully open—and don’t forget to stop at Park Café for anything made with huckleberry.

The sleepy ski town of Whitefish, Montana, which is located about 40 minutes from the western park entrance, is a great homebase for those who want to explore streets lined with shops, cafes, breweries, and restaurants after a day in the park. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake offers luxury vacation rentals in addition to traditional hotel rooms. (Get more tips on where to stay in Glacier National Park in our complete guide, or read up on camping in Glacier .)

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Due to its location on an isolated island in Lake Superior , Isle Royale is another hard-to-reach—and thus seldom-visited—national park. Only accessible by water or air, the park features a 206-acre main island surrounded by over 450 smaller islands.

While it might not have the rugged peaks of the Tetons or the golden sandstone canyons of Zion, the solitude that can be found in Isle Royale is something many never get the chance to experience. In fact, in 2023, only 29,000 people visited the park—a far cry from the millions that visit the likes of Great Smoky Mountain and Yellowstone. Home to the largest freshwater lake in the world, it is also known for its gray wolf population, believed by scientists to have descended from a single female in the 1940s. While your chances of seeing one are small, hiking along lakeshores and open areas may allow visitors to spot one.

There are multiple ferries that transport visitors to the island from ports around Michigan and Minnesota between May and September. To get a real grasp on the destination, spend a few days on the main island. Consider a backpacking trip along the 43-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail, which traverses a crest running the entire length of the island. Or, if paddling around the rugged coast is more your speed, canoe and kayak rentals are available on the island at Windigo and Rock Harbor Lodge. (The latter is also the best-located stay for making the most out of your time in the park.)

Haleakalā National Park, Hawai’i

The Haleakalā crater, perched high above the surrounding landscape, is the park’s crown jewel and has been a place of cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians for over a thousand years. Known to natives as the “House of the Sun,” the crater from which the park got its name towers over 10,000 feet above sea level in southeast Maui. Ancient priests, or Kahuna Po‘o, have practiced meditation on the summit and searched for spiritual wisdom there for over ten centuries. Today, visitors to the park search for their own spiritual journeys and experiences, driving to the summit to watch the sunrise over the rugged landscape below (although an advance reservation is required).

The park is separated into two distinct districts: the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts. The Summit District boasts spectacular views and even has several trails into the crater, like the 11-mile Keonehe‘ehe‘e (Sliding Sands) hike, which traverses from one side to the other. This is a point-to-point journey and there are no shuttles offered by the park, but there is a “hiker pick up” area. The park service recommends parking your vehicle at Halemau'u and hitchhiking up to Keonehe'ehe'e to start the hike, but this is easiest to do during the busy season. The Kīpahulu District is at a lower elevation along the coast, and has plenty of trails along the craggy coastline and past spectacular waterfalls. The Pīpīwai Trail is one of the most popular in this part of the park, and leads to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls during the 3.5-mile round-trip hike.

There are no hotels or lodges within the park boundaries, but there are several drive-up camping options. There are also upscale lodging options, like the North Shore Lookout , which is just a 45 minute drive from the summit.

Olympic National Forest, Washington

Located just west of Seattle between the Puget Sound and Washington’s coast , Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse in the country. With three different ecosystems—glacier-capped mountains, Pacific coast, and old-growth temperate rainforest—visitors to the park can walk along dramatic, remote shorelines one day, and ascend through a rainforest to the top of alpine peaks the next.

There are several spectacular viewpoints and short day hikes, like Lake Crescent and Rialto Beach, that are located near park roads, but Olympic National Park is so vast and undeveloped that it’s best explored by foot. The Grand Ridge Trail, which is 7.5 miles point-to-point or 15 miles out-and-back, affords hikers 360-degree views of the highest peaks, the Cascades, and even into Canada. The hike traverses an alpine ridge connecting Deer Park and Obstruction Point, so a car can be shuttled or it can be done as an out-and-back overnight hike.

For something more accessible, head to Hole in the Wall during low tide, which is located 1.5 miles north of the Rialto beach trailhead, to explore some of the park’s tide pools; or, pop up to Hurricane Ridge for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. In-park lodging is limited to rustic spots like the Kalaloch Lodge and the 91-room Lake Quinault Lodge , which is located on the shores of Lake Quinault on the park’s southern side. If you’re willing to drive a couple hours, there are many fantastic rentals in the greater Seattle area—the park is a manageable day trip.

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Go wild: these are the best U.S. national parks to suit every taste

There’s an American national park to suit every taste, whether you want to see wildlife, dark skies or bubbling geothermal pools. From Yellowstone to Yosemite, these are the best places to go wild.

The world's first national park was born in the USA, and today there are 63 across the country, ranging from the frosted peaks of Denali in Alaska to the swamps and 'gators of Florida's Everglades, via the rock arches of Zion in Utah and the waterfalls of Tennessee's Great Smokies. Lovers of the outdoors are spoilt for choice here — and the hardest decision for many visitors to the US usually involves choosing where to go first. With options for hiking, natural wonders, wildlife and more, these are the best parks for every type of traveller.    

1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho

Best for: geothermal wonders Few wild places capture the imagination like Yellowstone — famed for its kaleidoscopic hot pools and simmering mud pots. Its geothermal wonders even inspired the creation of a global network of national parks after it became the world’s first in 1872, and today, the attraction — split between the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho — attracts millions of visitors each year.  

At its heart lies Grand Prismatic Spring, a deep aquamarine pool that reaches out beneath the boardwalks framing its perimeter with flame-orange tendrils. To the north lies Mammoth Hot Springs, its thick travertine slabs arranged like bone-white rice terraces, while due south is the park’s most explosive attraction: Old Faithful, a cone geyser that regularly spits water over 100ft into the air during eruptions so reliable you can almost set your watch by them.  

Alongside its many geothermal pin-ups, Yellowstone is home to lesser-known, less-crowded draws for those willing to step a little off the beaten track. In the far south west, the Bechler region is practically silent, except for the gushing of its many waterfalls, which have earned this area the nickname Cascade Corner. The West Thumb Geyser Basin, on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, flies largely under the radar, too. Here, contrary to its name, Black Pool glows in shades of cyan through the steam.

Landscapes aside, Yellowstone is also known for its wildlife. On its northern edge, the Lamar Valley is dubbed ‘America’s Serengeti’ thanks to its bison, bears and wolves — the latter reintroduced in 1995 in what’s come to be regarded as one of the US’s greatest conservation success stories. Overhead, it’s possible to see ospreys and bald eagles wheeling through the air.

While the park is crowded during the summer months, visitors are few and far between in winter. It is, however, one of the best times to go, particularly for those keen to spot wildlife amid the contrasting spectacle of ice and billowing fumaroles. Navigating landscapes swathed in a thick layer of snow, travellers can explore by snowmobile and scoot down hushed trails that are also used by bison and elk, while cross-country skiers can make tracks in fresh powder.  

Or try Lassen Volcanic National Park, California:   The Golden State has more national parks than any other and this one flies largely under the radar. Explore it to see steaming pots and the hulking dome of the Lassen Peak volcano.

2. Everglades National Park, Florida

Best for: aquatic adventures Water, water everywhere — this liquid tapestry of swamps, lakes and freshwater marshes seeps across southern Florida. Mangroves line the narrow waterways, their gnarled branches jutting out like claws, and alligators and crocodiles cruise amid swathes of sawgrass (this is the only place on the planet where both species coexist).

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the popular Anhinga Trail, a self-guided boardwalk route that offers the potential to spot basking turtles, as well as herons and egrets scanning the shallows for prey. You can, of course, take to the water yourself. Paddling trails for watercraft are laced through the park, with chickees (raised wooden platforms) offering a place to camp overnight. You can also rent houseboats in the park’s southern Flamingo area.  

Alternatively, strike out into the wooded areas. In slightly higher elevations, shady trails slink through thick tangles of mahogany, red maple and live oak, and towering swathes of skinny pine. Popular walking routes include the Snake Bight Trail, in Flamingo, and the boardwalk-threaded Mahogany Hammock Trail.  

Or try New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia:   America’s newest national park is one of the world’s finest river-rafting destinations. The site protects a slice of the New River, one of the oldest in the world, as well as the 876ft-tall New River Gorge Bridge.

3. Zion National Park, Utah

Best for: hiking Mother Nature is a spectacular sculptor, and she did some of her finest work in the rocky wonderland of southern Utah, where you can find twisted ravines, teetering hoodoos, rust-red cliffs and deep slot canyons that swallow beams of sunshine. This is a playground for adventure seekers, with hiking trails that undulate across sky-scraping peaks, and enough burnt-orange rock faces and gullies to satisfy even the most ardent climber.  

Of all the park’s blockbuster sights, the most fabled is Angels Landing, a jagged bluff that acquired its name after Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher visited the park in 1916, proclaiming that only an angel could land on such a mighty sandstone cliff. Fast forward over a century, and plenty of mere mortals make the trek up the mountain — so many, in fact, that a reservation system was introduced for the hike in 2022. Secure a permit, and you’ll follow a 5.4-mile trail that rises 454 metres as it arrows towards the rocky summit. The hike culminates at a narrow mountain ridge fitted with safety chains that offers epic views over Zion Canyon rippling out in front of you.  

The Narrows is Zion’s other star attraction. The narrowest stretch of Zion Canyon, it’s a series of lean, rocky passageways with walls that soar to almost 1,000 feet tall. The hike involves wading through the Virgin River — striking out from a sandstone amphitheatre named the Temple of Sinawava before beating a path upstream.  

Another, lesser-known option is the Kolob Canyons area, which has the same pink and russet peaks and wiggly gorges as Zion Canyon. Here, the mile-long Timber Creek Overlook Trail edges along a mountain ridge offering sweeping views — on a clear day, you might even see as far as the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, some 150 miles to the south.

The longer Taylor Creek Trail snakes for over five miles, guiding hikers down into the canyon and zigzagging over its namesake waterway. Alternatively, if your legs need a rest after tackling other trails, there’s a five-mile, lookout-studded scenic drive that affords equally spectacular canyon vistas.  

Or try Canyonlands National Park, Utah:   Canyonlands is less visited than the majority of Utah’s other national parks, but it still packs a mighty punch with its stooping ravines, natural arches and towering, needle-like pinnacles.  

4. Acadia National Park, Maine

Best for: coastal views The West Coast has the lion’s share of US national parks, but this eastern beauty should be top of the list for fans of blustery seaside wanders. It swoops across a rugged stretch of the New England shoreline, taking in craggy capes, historic lighthouses and mountains.

Situated on a forested headland, the area around Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the park’s poster child. But it’s also one of the busiest sites, so if you want to escape the crowds, head to the west side of Mount Desert Island. Here, Seal Cove Pond — a huge, reed-fringed pool — is just as beautiful and much quieter. The Wonderland Trail is another highlight: the 1.4-mile loop is heavy on coastal views and popular for rockpooling and birdwatching.  

Or try Channel Islands National Park, California: This Golden State park is home to a string of five wild islands that are popular for snorkelling, kayaking and diving. Abundant hiking trails reveal views across the shimmering North Pacific.  

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina

Best for: waterfalls Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park sprawls out for more than 781sq miles, protecting a subrange of the misty Appalachian Mountains. It’s home to endless waterfalls, from delicate cascades gently lapping mossy rocks to thundering giants crashing down over 100 feet.  

Laurel Falls is the most popular in the park, but those who venture east to Mouse Creek Falls are richly rewarded with a stirring, 45ft-tall cascade that drops into hushed forest. The four-mile trail you’ll take to reach it passes along a disused railroad — keep watch for Smokies wildlife such as black bears and elk.  

Or try Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio:   Wonders such as Brandywine Falls — which tumbles 60 feet over terraced rock — makes this underrated Ohio park worth a detour.  

6. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Best for: a winter escape If you’d visited Crater Lake around 8,000 years ago, you’d have stood in the foothills of a mammoth volcano. Mount Mazama rose to an eye-watering 3,658 metres, a snow-crowned juggernaut held sacred by the region’s Indigenous peoples. But a calamitous eruption eventually caused it to collapse, and the gaping caldera left behind is now filled by Crater Lake. At no time of year does the sapphire-hued lake — the deepest in the US — look better than when its banks are plastered in snow. Winter activities abound in the park from November right up until May: you can sled, snowshoe, ski and snowboard through the tree-studded backcountry. Snowshoeing the challenging Raven Trail is a strenuous yet spectacular way to reach the rim of the crater (travelling with a guide is recommended).

Or try Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota:   This national park is one of the few places in the US where the Northern Lights can occasionally be glimpsed. If you’re not lucky enough to catch this natural spectacle, there are still miles of hiking trails and paddling routes to keep you occupied.  

7. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona  

Best for: Indigenous heritage Eleven Indigenous tribes have links to Grand Canyon National Park — a Mars-like realm of rust-red rocks eroded into elegant chasms by the Colorado River. Learn more at the Desert View Amphitheater, where tribe members share tales of their heritage and culture. Later, buy handcrafted jewellery at the nearby Desert View Trading Post.

It’s worth timing a summer visit with North Rim’s Heritage Days (which take place in one of the less-visited parts of the park) to see Indigenous peoples offering everything from talks on Native American mythologies to dance performances. Just outside the park boundaries, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is also worth visiting for its turquoise pools and thundering waterfalls — the most spectacular of which is Havasu Falls (permit required).

Or try Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado:   Safeguarding over 700 years of human history, this park protects surviving vestiges of Ancestral Pueblo culture. These industrious prehistoric Native American people built wonders such as the Cliff Palace, a sprawling dwelling that can be visited on guided tours.  

8. Denali National Park, Alaska

Best for: wildlife More than six times the size of Rhode Island, with its 9,375sq miles spreading out in a swathe of untouched wilderness dotted with spruce trees and titanic peaks, Denali is the best choice for those keen to leave all traces of modern life behind. And with just one 92-mile road, which visitors can only drive a small part of, the park is also a haven for wildlife.

Grizzlies galumph across the tundra here, while moose graze the birch and Arctic willow trees, and horned Dall sheep trot across the mountains. Look carefully and you might spot a spiny possum skittering through the undergrowth or, if you’re really lucky, a wolf pack on the prowl, their mottled grey coats contrasted against a green or snow-white backdrop.

The mountains are Denali’s other calling card, particularly Mount Denali, a colossal peak that towers head and shoulders above the rest at 6,190 metres. It’s notoriously elusive to see, though, as it’s often playing peekaboo behind a thick curtain of cloud, which is formed by the mountain’s temperamental weather system. Keep an eye out for the mountain as you drive the Denali Park Road.

Or try Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska:   One of the least-visited parks in the system (mainly due to its remote location), Katmai is home to epic wildlife, including brown bears and grey wolves on land and humpback whales off the coast.  

9. Yosemite National Park, California

Best for: climbing The only way is up in this Californian park, a granite hinterland that rises dramatically to meet the sky. Scaling Half Dome, which looms 2,694 metres over Yosemite Valley, is the stuff of legend. And it’s not a hike that should be taken lightly: the finale sees trekkers grappling with metal cables to haul themselves up the sheer rock face to the summit.  

For serious rock climbers, this is only the beginning. Pros should organise a wilderness climbing permit to scale mighty hunks of rock like Swan Slab, a boulder-encircled climbing area that rises up from the Yosemite Valley.  

Or try Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado:   Another high-drama rocky playground, this national park parcels up soaring cliffs that are best left to the pros.  

10. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Best for: stargazing Big Bend could be at the very end of the Earth — its peaks rise like cathedrals amid sweeping grasslands where coyotes stalk and snakes slither. Perfect for stargazing, it’s a stretch of unbridled wilderness whose sheer size means pockets of solitude aren’t hard to find. Far from man-made light sources, the site is so remote that it offers some of America’s most awe-inspiring night skies, when the galaxies are plastered like a Pollock painting across a canvas of inky black. Rangers offer a packed programme of talks, guided walks, demonstrations and special events.

Or try Great Basin National Park, Nevada:   Occupying a remote swathe of eastern Nevada, Great Basin is another stargazing hotspot — its dramatic night skies providing ample fodder for the park’s annual astronomy festival.  

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• STATE PARKS
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

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From Acadia to Zion: A complete guide to all 63 national parks in the United States

Mar 4, 2022 • 26 min read

Yosemite National Park might just be the crown jewel of all 61 US national parks © Daniel Gonzalez / Getty Images

For almost a hundred and fifty years, the United States' national parks have been inspiring visitors.

Comprising a collection of stunningly diverse landscapes, from active volcanoes spewing lava to  crystalline glaciers creeping down snow-covered peaks to eerie deserts that look like someone pulled the bathtub stopper on an ancient ocean, US national parks have captured the imagination of millions of park-goers.

Full of history – both geologic, Indigenous  and more recent – and featuring trails that range from ADA-accessible boardwalks to challenging treks that test the hardiest of outdoor athletes, America's national parks are at once culturally significant, approachable and wild.

Want to learn more about national parks in the United States? Here’s a quick look at each one, with links where you can learn more about these incredibly diverse landscapes.

Just looking for the best of the best? Check out our roundup of top experiences in America's national parks .

1. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park  is the only national park in New England encompasses an unspoiled wilderness of undulating coastal mountains, towering sea cliffs, surf-pounding beaches and quiet ponds.

State: Maine Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Beaches, Cycling, Walking Read more:  Acadia National Park is introducing a timed reservation system for visitors Buy the guide:  Maine & Acadia National Park

2. Arches National Park

Giant sweeping arcs of sandstone frame snowy peaks and desert landscapes; explore the park’s namesake formations in a red-rock wonderland.

State: Utah Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Family Travel, Photo Op, Walking Read more:  17 top adventures in and around mighty Moab Buy the guide:  Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks

3. Badlands National Park

It's easy to understand why the Lakota named this place  mako   sica  (badland) when you look over the rainbow-hued canyons and buttes that sit like an ocean boiled dry.

State: South Dakota Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Scenery, Wildlife, Cycling Read more:  South Dakota's best scenic drives Buy the guide:  Western USA travel guidebook

4. Big Bend National Park

From the moment you enter the national park, there's spectacular scenery everywhere you look. Head to the Chisos Basin for the most dramatic landscape, but any visit should also include time in the  Chihuahuan Desert , home to curious creatures and adaptable plants and down along the  Rio Grande , the watery dividing line between the US and Mexico .

State: Texas Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Wildlife, Walking, Scenery Read more:  Welcome to the West: discovering Texas' best national parks and reserves Buy the guide:  Texas travel guide

5. Biscayne National Park

A portion of the world’s third-largest reef sits here off the coast of Florida, along with mangrove forests and the northernmost Florida Keys. This is some of the best reef viewing and snorkeling you’ll find in the USA, outside Hawaii and nearby Key Largo .

State: Florida Entrance Fee: Free Great for: Family Travel, Wildlife, Scenery Read more:  Aquatic thrills in coastal Florida Buy the guide:  Florida travel guide

6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Here a dark, narrow gash above the Gunnison River leads down a 2000ft chasm as eerie as it is spectacular. In just 48 canyon miles, the Gunnison River loses more elevation than the entire 1500-mile Mississippi. No other canyon in America combines the narrow openings, sheer walls and dizzying depths of the Black Canyon.

State: Colorado Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Family Travel, Scenery, Walking Read more:  Where to find the USA's 12 newest national parks Buy the guide:  Colorado travel guide

7. Bryce Canyon National Park

Famous for its otherworldly sunset-colored spires punctuated by tracts of evergreen forest, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the planet's most exquisite geological wonders. Repeated freezes and thaws have eroded the small park's soft sandstone and limestone into sandcastle-like pinnacles known as hoodoos, jutted fins and huge amphitheaters filled with thousands of pastel daggers.

State: Utah Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Wildlife, Photo Op, Scenery Read more:  Utah's best national parks Buy the guide:  Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks

8. Canyonlands National Park

A forbidding and beautiful maze of red-rock fins, bridges, needles, spires, craters, mesas and buttes, Canyonlands is a crumbling, decaying beauty – a vision of ancient earth.

State: Utah Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Cycling, Scenery, Walking Read more:  How to get around Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Buy the guide:  Southwest USA travel guide

9. Capitol Reef National Park

Giant slabs of chocolate-red rock and sweeping yellow sandstone domes dominate the landscape of Capitol Reef , which Indigenous Freemont people called the ‘Land of the Sleeping Rainbow.’

State: Utah Entrance Fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $20 Great for: Walking, Photo Op, Scenery Read more:  Best outdoor activities in southern Utah Buy the guide:  Southwest USA's Best Trips

10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Scores of wondrous caves hide under the hills at this unique national park. The cavern formations are an ethereal wonderland of stalactites and fantastical geological features.

State: New Mexico Entrance Fee: 3-day pass per adult/child, $15/free Great for: Family Travel, Photo Op, Scenery  Read more:   See the Southwest USA's most iconic landscapes on this epic road trip Buy the guide:  Southwest USA travel guide

11. Channel Islands National Park

Tossed like lost pearls off the coast, the Channel Islands are California’s last outpost of civilization; the islands have earned themselves the nickname ‘California’s Galápagos ’.

State: California Entrance Fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, Beaches Read more:  A quick guide to California's Channel Islands Buy the guide:  Coastal California travel guide

12. Congaree National Park

Encompassing nearly 27,000 acres, Congaree National Park is the largest expanse of old-growth, bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern US. The lush trees growing here are some of the tallest in the eastern USA, forming one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies left in the world.

State: South Carolina Entrance Fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Family Travel, Walking  Read more:  Coastal leaving: the inland water adventures of South Carolina Buy the guide:  Georgia & the Carolinas travel guide

13. Crater Lake National Park

Despite the name,  Crater Lake  was formed not by an impact from outer space, but from a volcanic eruption so big it blew the top off this mountain almost 8000 years ago. The caldera has since filled with rain and snowmelt, creating a stunningly blue, pure lake – the deepest in the United States at 1943ft to the bottom.

State: Oregon Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle, $20 in the winter, $30 in the summer Great for: Family Travel, Photo Op, Scenery  Read more:  The 25 best hikes in Oregon past mountains, waterfalls and dunes Buy the guide:  Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest travel guide

14. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Like a great, cold snake, the Cuyahoga River worms over a forested valley, earning its Native American name of 'crooked river' (or possibly 'place of the jawbone'). Either name is evocative and hints at the mystical beauty that Ohio's only national park.

State: Ohio Entrance fee: Free Great for: Cycling, Family Travel, Walking  Read more:  Where to find the USA's 12 newest national parks Buy the guide:  E astern USA Travel Guide

15. Death Valley National Park

In  Death Valley , nature is putting on a truly spectacular show: singing sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons, boulders moving across the desert floor, extinct volcanic craters, palm-shaded oases, stark mountains rising to 11,000ft and plenty of endemic wildlife. This is a land of superlatives, holding the US records for hottest temperature (134°F/57°C), lowest point ( Badwater , 282ft below sea level) and largest national park outside Alaska (more than 5000 sq miles).

State: California Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Scenery, Walking, Wildlife  Read more: Stay in a luxury 'oasis' in California's Death Valley Buy the guide:  Los Angeles, San Diego & Southern California travel guide

16. Denali National Park

Denali , once known as Mt McKinley and to native Athabascans as the Great One, is North America’s highest peak, rightly celebrated as an icon of all that is awesome and wild in a state where those adjectives are ubiquitous. Here, you can peer at a grizzly bear, moose, caribou or even wolves, or trek into 6 million acres of tundra, boreal forest and ice-capped mountains – a space larger than Massachusetts .

State: Alaska Entrance fee: 7-day pass per adult/child; $15/free Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, Walking  Read more:  The last wild west: Alaska's Denali National Park Buy the guide:  Alaska travel guide

17. Dry Tortugas National Park

Ponce de León named them Las Tortugas (The Turtles) for the sea turtles that roamed here. A lack of freshwater led sailors to add a ‘dry.’ Today the  Dry Tortugas  are a national park accessible only by boat or plane. The sparkling waters offer excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Stargazing is mind-blowing any time of the year.

State: Florida Entrance fee: 7-day pass per person $15 Great for: History, Photo Op, Scenery, Diving  Read more:  Land the perfect outdoor adventure in The Florida Keys Buy the guide:  Florida travel guide

18. Everglades National Park

Called the ‘River of Grass’ by Native American inhabitants, this is not just a wetland, or a swamp, or a lake, or a river, or a prairie, or a grassland – it is all of those, twisted together into a series of soft horizons, long vistas, sunsets that stretch across your entire field of vision and the toothy grins of a healthy population of dinosaur-era reptiles.

State: Florida Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Family Travel, Wildlife, Winter Travel  Read more:  Three sustainable ways to experience the Everglades Buy the guide:  Florida travel guide

19. Gates of the Arctic National Park

Unchanged in four millennia, this massive preserved space protects a contiguous wilderness that stretches for over 27,000 sq miles – the equivalent of nearly two Switzerlands – harboring no roads, no cell-phone coverage and a population of precisely zero.

State: Alaska Entrance fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Photo Op, Scenery  Read more:  Top 8 road trips in Alaska Buy the guide:  Alaska travel guide

20. Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch may be one of the smallest national parks in the US (and one of the only urban parks), but its main attraction, the Gateway Arch, is the largest manmade monument in the US. It stands 630ft high and symbolizes St Louis' historical role as 'Gateway to the West.'

State: Missouri Entrance fee: to enter the monument, adult/child, $3/free; tramp to the top adult/child, from $11/$15 Great for: History, Family Travel, Photo Op  Read more:  Museums and more in Missouri: art, history and culture in St Louis and beyond Buy the guide:  USA travel guide

21. Glacier Bay National Park

Seven tidewater glaciers spill out of the mountains and fill the sea with icebergs of all shapes, sizes and shades of blue, making Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve an icy wilderness renowned worldwide.

State: Alaska Entrance fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Photo Op, Scenery  Read more:  Introducing Alaska’s national parks Buy the guide:  Alaska travel guide

22. Glacier National Park

The glacially carved remnants of an ancient thrust fault have left us a brilliant landscape of towering snowcapped pinnacles laced with plunging waterfalls and glassy turquoise lakes. The mountains are surrounded by dense forests, which host a virtually intact pre-Columbian ecosystem where grizzly bears still roam in abundance.

State: Montana Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, Walking  Read more:  Why you should take the train to Glacier National Park Buy the guide:  Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks

23. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon embodies the scale and splendor of the American West, captured in dramatic vistas, dusty trails and stories of exploration, preservation and exploitation. Ancestral Puebloans lived in and near the Grand Canyon for centuries, and their stories echo in the reds, rusts and oranges of the canyon walls and the park's spires and buttes.

State: Arizona Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Scenery, Family Travel, Walking  Read more:  Grand Canyon National Park is geological and human history writ large Buy the guide:  Grand Canyon National Park guidebook

24. Grand Teton National Park

Some 12 imposing glacier-carved summits frame the singular Grand Teton (13,775ft). And while the view is breathtaking from the valley floor, it only gets more impressive on the trail. This wilderness is home to bear, moose and elk in number and played a fundamental role in the history of American alpine climbing.

State: Wyoming Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, Winter Travel  Read more:  5 US ski towns you can enjoy without hitting the slopes Buy the guide: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks guidebook

25. Great Basin National Park

Rising abruptly from the desert, and dominating Great Basin National Park , 13,063ft Wheeler Peak creates an awesome range of life zones and landscapes, including the richly decorated  Lehman Caves , glacial lakes and ancient bristlecone pines.

State: Nevada Entrance fee: Free Great for: Photo Op, Scenery, Walking  Read more:  What it's like to hike among 5000-year-old trees Buy the guide: Southwest USA travel guide

26. Great Sand Dunes National Park

For all of Colorado’s striking natural sights, the surreal  Great Sand Dunes National Park , a veritable sea of sand bounded by jagged peaks and scrubby plains, is a place of stirring optical illusions where nature’s magic is on full display.

State: Colorado Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $25 Great for: Cycling, Family Travel, Walking  Read more:  Introducing Colorado's National Parks Buy the guide:  Colorado travel guide

27. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The sun-dappled forests of the Great Smoky Mountains are a four-season wonderland, from spring's wildflowers to summer's flame azaleas to autumn's quilted hues of orange, burgundy and saffron blanketing the mountain slopes and winter's ice-fringed cascades. This mesmerizing backdrop is also a Unesco World Heritage Site, harboring more biodiversity than any other national park in America.

State: North Carolina & Tennessee Entrance fee: Free Great for: History, Wildlife, Walking  Read more: First-timer's guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Buy the guide:  Great Smoky Mountains National Park guidebook

28. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a Texas high spot, both literally and figuratively. At 8749ft, Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in the Lone Star State. More than half the park is a designated wilderness area, and the park service has curbed development to keep it wild. With no paved roads within the park proper, you're going to have to hike to see its high-country splendor.

State: Texas Entrance fee: 7-day pass per adult/child, $10/free Great for: Scenery, Walking, History  Read more:  See the Southwest USA's most iconic landscapes on this epic road trip Buy the guide:  Texas travel guide

29. Haleakalā National Park

To fully experience Maui – or at least peer into its soul – make your way to the summit of Haleakalā . Like a yawning mouth, the huge crater opens beneath you, in all its raw volcanic glory, caressed by mist and, in the experience of a lifetime, bathed in the early light of sunrise.

State: Hawaii Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, Walking  Read more:  Top 10 Maui travel experiences Buy the guide:  M aui travel guide

30. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

From the often-snowy summit of Mauna Loa , the world's most massive volcano, to the boiling coast where lava pours into the sea, is a micro-continent of thriving rainforests, volcano-induced deserts, high-mountain meadows, coastal plains and plenty of geological marvels in between.

State: Hawaii Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Family Travel, Photo Op, Scenery  Read more:  Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is still a hot destination Buy the guide:  Hawai'i the Big Island guidebook

31. Hot Springs National Park

The healing waters the town is named for have been attracting everyone from Native Americans – for centuries – and early-20th-century health nuts, to a good chunk of the nation's organized-crime leadership. Today the appeal of Hot Springs is less the actual springs than the elaborate, restored Bathhouse Row, which sits behind swaths of shady magnolias.

State: Arkansas Entrance fee: Free Great for: Family Travel, History, Scenery  Read more:  This US national park is full of hot springs - and it's turning 100 years old Buy the guide: Eastern USA guidebook

32. Indiana Dunes National Park

In addition to being home to America's newest national park, sunny beaches, rustling grasses and woodsy campgrounds are the Indiana Dunes’ claim to fame. In addition to its beaches, the area is noted for its biodiversity, hosting over 2000 species of plants and birds.

State: Indiana Entrance fee: West Beach $6.00 per vehicle per day; Dunewood Campground $25 per night Great for: Beaches, Wildlife, Scenery  Read more:  Where to find the USA's 12 newest national parks Buy the guide: Eastern USA guidebook

33. Isle Royale National Park

The island is laced with 165 miles of hiking trails that connect dozens of campgrounds along Superior and inland lakes. Totally free of vehicles and roads, Isle Royale National Park gets fewer visitors in a year than Yellowstone National Park gets in a day, which means the 2000 moose roaming through the forest are all yours.

State: Michigan Entrance fee: 1-day pass per person $7 Great for: Scenery, Wildlife, Walking Read more:  Experience the Great Lakes on one epic road trip Buy the guide:  Eastern USA guidebook

34. Joshua Tree National Park

This 794,000-acre  park  at the transition zone of two deserts: the low and dry Colorado and the higher, moister and slightly cooler Mojave. Rock climbers know ‘ JT ’ as the best place to climb in California; hikers seek out hidden, shady, desert-fan-palm oases fed by natural springs and small streams; and mountain bikers are hypnotized by the desert vistas.

State: California Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Cycling, Scenery, Wildlife  Read more:  Getting to know Joshua Tree National Park Buy the guide:  Los Angeles, San Diego & Southern California travel guide

35. Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park & Preserve  is famous for its wildlife, epic sport-fishing potential and unusual volcanic landscapes. Unconnected to the main Alaskan road network and covering an area the size of Wales , a visit here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a chance to stand spine-tinglingly close to formidable 1000lb brown bears pawing giant salmon out of the river.

State: Alaska Entrance fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Photo Op, Scenery  Read more:  National Parks: The best free things to do in the US parks Buy the guide:  Alaska travel guide

36. Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park  was created in 1980 to protect 587,000 acres of Alaska’s most awesome, impenetrable wilderness. Crowning the park is the massive Harding Ice Field ; from it, countless tidewater glaciers pour down, carving the coast into dizzying fjords.

State: Alaska Entrance fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Photo Op, Scenery  Read more: Experiencing Alaska's glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park Buy the guide:  Alaska travel guide

37. Kings Canyon National Park

With a dramatic cleft deeper than the Grand Canyon , rugged Kings Canyon offers true adventure to those who crave seemingly endless verdant trails, rushing streams and gargantuan rock formations. Here you'll find General Grant , the second-largest tree in the world, as well as peaks over 14,000 feet high and some of the most dramatic scenery in California.

State: California Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Family Travel, Wildlife, Walking  Read more:  The best of California's amazing hikes Buy the guide:  Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

38. Kobuk Valley National Parks

Kobuk Valley National Park has a desolate, severe beauty and is best known for its Arctic sand dunes – like a Saharan desert in the midst of the tundra – and migrating caribou.

State: Alaska Entrance fee: Free Great for: Backcountry hiking and camping, boating, flightseeing Read more:  Introducing Alaska’s national parks Buy the guide:  Alaska travel guide

39. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve  has an awesome array of tundra-covered hills, mountains, glaciers, coastline, the largest lakes in the state and two active volcanoes.

State: Alaska Entrance fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Walking, Scenery  Read more:  Introducing Alaska’s national parks Buy the guide:  Alaska travel guide

40. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Anchoring the southernmost link in the Cascades’ chain of volcanoes, this alien landscape bubbles over with roiling mud pots, noxious sulfur vents, steamy fumaroles, colorful cinder cones and crater lakes.

State: California Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 ($10 in winter) Great for: Photo Op, Scenery, Walking  Read more:  Four scenic trips on four wheels in Northern California Buy the guide:  Northern California travel guide

41. Mammoth Cave National Park

Home to the longest cave system on earth, Mammoth Cave National Park has more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways. Mammoth is at least three times longer than any other known cave, with vast interior cathedrals, bottomless pits and strange, undulating rock formations. Guided tours delve into the spookily beautiful underworld.

State: Kentucky Entrance fee: Free; cave tours $6-60 Great for: Walking, Family Travel, Scenery  Read more:  The complete guide to Mammoth Cave National Park Buy the guide:  Eastern USA guidebook

42. Mesa Verde National Park

More than 700 years after its inhabitants disappeared, Mesa Verde retains an air of mystery. No one knows for sure why the Ancestral Puebloans left their elaborate cliff dwellings in the 1300s. What remains is a wonderland for adventurers of all sizes, who can clamber up ladders to carved-out dwellings, see rock art and delve into the mysteries of ancient America.

State: Colorado Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $20-30 Great for: History, Winter Travel, Scenery  Read more:  Gaze at the stars in Colorado's incredible new dark sky park Buy the guide:  Colorado travel guide

43. Mount Rainier National Park

The Native Americans called the mountain Tahoma or Tacoma, meaning the 'mother of waters;' George Vancouver named it Rainier in honor of his colleague and friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. As an active stratovolcano that recorded its last eruptive activity as recently as 1854, Rainier harnesses untold destructive powers in addition to reigning as the contiguous USA's fifth-highest peak.

State: Washington Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Wildlife, Photo Op, Walking  Read more:  Introducing Washington's national parks Buy the guide:  Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest travel guide

44. National Park of American Samoa

Created in 1988, the territory’s sole national park protects huge swathes of pristine volcanic and marine landscapes across the three Tutuila, Ta'ū and Ofu islands and 4000 acres of ocean. Here you'll find coral reefs, wildlife like fruit bats and king fishers and the rich fa'asamoa –  the sacred and ancient culture of the Samoan people.

Location: American Samoa Entrance fee: Free Great for: Snorkeling, Wildlife, Culture Read more:  American Samoa: an unsung South Pacific paradise Buy the guide:  South Pacific travel guide

45. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The New River is the United States' newest national park but is actually one of the oldest waterways in the world, and the primeval forest gorge it runs through is one of the most breathtaking in the Appalachians. The region is an adventure mecca, with world-class white-water runs and challenging single-track trails. Rim and gorge hiking trails offer beautiful views.

State: West Virginia Entrance fee: Free Great for: Hiking, paddling, extreme sports Read more:  New vs Gauley: find your river in West Virginia Buy the guide:  Eastern USA guidebook

46. North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park  feels like Alaska transplanted into the lower 48, a thousand square miles of dramatic, daunting wild country strafed with mountains furnished with names like Mt Terror, Mt Fury, Mt Despair and Forbidden Peak, lakes, glaciers (over 300 of them) and plenty of wildlife, but only one road.

State: Washington Entrance fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, Walking  Read more:  Top 11 US national parks that are total hidden gems Buy the guide:  Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest travel guide

47. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park shelters a unique rainforest, copious glaciated mountain peaks and a 57-mile strip of Pacific coastal wilderness relatively untouched by human habitation, with 1000-year-old cedar trees juxtaposed with pristine alpine meadows, clear glacial lakes and a largely roadless interior.

State: Washington Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Family Travel, Wildlife, Scenery  Read more:  8 US national parks where you can scuba dive Buy the guide:  Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest travel guide

48. Petrified Forest National Park

The 'trees' of Petrified Forest National Park are fossilized logs scattered over a vast area of semidesert grassland, buried beneath silica-rich volcanic ash before they could decompose. Up to 6ft in diameter, they're strikingly beautiful, with extravagantly patterned cross-sections of wood glinting in ethereal pinks, blues and greens.

State: Arizona Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $25 Great for: Walking, Wildlife, Scenery  Read more: Explore Arizona's natural beauty beyond the Grand Canyon on this epic road trip Buy the guide:  Southwest USA travel guide

49. Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is named for the towering rock spires that rise abruptly out of the chaparral-covered hills east of Salinas Valley. Its famous formations are the eroded remnants of an long-extinct volcano that originated in present-day southern California before getting sheared in two and moved nearly 200 miles north along the San Andreas Fault.

State: California Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Wildlife, Photo Op, Walking Read more:  Where to find the USA's 12 newest national parks Buy the guide:  USA's National Parks

50. Redwood National Park

Hidden away in the upper reaches of California’s northwestern Pacific coast, Redwood National Park encompasses some of the world’s tallest and most ancient trees, along with a luxuriantly verdant mix of coastal, riverine and prairie wildlands. 

State: California Entrance fee: Free Great for: Family Travel, Walking, Wildlife Read more:  Majestic California condors to be reintroduced to Redwood National Park Buy the guide:   USA's National Parks

51. Rocky Mountain National Park

The crown jewel of Colorado's national parks,  Rocky Mountain National Park  encompasses 415 sq miles of granite mountaintops, alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, hiking trails and star-filled nights, not to mention moose, elk, bighorn sheep, black bear and more.

State: Colorado Entrance fee: 1-day pass per vehicle $25 Great for: Wildlife, Walking, Winter Travel Read more:  Rocky Mountain National Park’s best hikes Buy the guide:   Colorado travel guide

52. Saguaro National Park

Saguaros (sah- wah -ros) are icons of the American Southwest, and an entire cactus army of these majestic, ribbed sentinels is protected in this desert playground. Or more precisely, playgrounds: Saguaro National Park  is divided into east and west units, separated by 30 miles and the city of Tucson itself. 

State: Arizona Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $25 Great for: Cycling, Wildlife, Walking Read more:  Under the radar USA: Tucson is more than its cactus  Buy the guide:   Southwest USA travel guide

53. Sequoia National Park

With trees as high as 20-story buildings, Sequoia National Park is an extraordinary park with soul-sustaining forests and vibrant wildflower meadows.

State: California Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Family Travel, Scenery, Walking  Read more: Visit all of California's national parks on this legendary road trip​ ​​​​​​ Buy the guide:   Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

54. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah  is like a new smile from nature: in spring and summer, the wildflowers explode, in fall the leaves burn bright red and orange, and in winter a cold, starkly beautiful hibernation period sets in. With the famous 105-mile Skyline Drive and more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail , there is plenty to do and see.

State: Virginia Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, Walking  Read more:  Outdoor adventure awaits in Washington, DC Buy the guide:   Eastern USA travel guide

55. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Wildlife abounds in these surreal mounds of striated earth in Theodore Roosevelt National Park ; sunset is particularly evocative as shadows dance across the lonely buttes.

State: North Dakota Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $30 Great for: Walking, Wildlife, Scenery  Read more:  National Parks: The best free things to do in the US parks Buy the guide:   USA's National Parks

56. Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park covers two-thirds of St John, plus 5650 acres underwater. It’s a tremendous resource, offering miles of shoreline, pristine reefs and 26 hiking trails. Green iguanas, geckos, hawksbill turtles and wild donkeys roam the landscape.

Location: US Virgin Islands Entrance fee: Individual Day Pass $5.00, Annual Individual Pass $20.00 Great for: Walking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Read more:  Surprise! Everyone can explore a more accessible Caribbean Buy the guide:   USA's National Parks

57. Voyageurs National Park

Northern Voyageurs National Park, which marks the border between the USA and Canada, is a wet wilderness of some 218,000 acres. It's almost 40% water and only accessible by hiking or motorboat – the waters are mostly too wide and too rough for canoeing. In addition to offering waterborne fun, the park is filled with wildlife, including large populations of deer, moose, black bear and white pelicans.

State: Minnesota Entrance fee: Free Great for: Scenery, Walking, Winter Travel  Read more:  Gaze at stunning stars in Minnesota's first International Dark Sky Park Buy the guide:   USA's National Parks

58. White Sands National Park

Undulating through the Tularosa Basin like something out of a dream, these ethereal dunes are a highlight of any trip to New Mexico, and a must on every landscape photographer's itinerary. Try to time a visit to White Sands with sunrise or sunset (or both), when the dazzlingly white sea of sand is at its most magical.

State: New Mexico Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per adult Great for: Scenery, Walking, Photography Read more:  See the Southwest USA's most iconic landscapes on this epic road trip Buy the guide:   USA's National Parks

59. Wind Cave National Park

The cave's foremost feature is its 'boxwork' calcite formations (95% of all that are known exist here), which look like honeycomb and date back 60 to 100 million years. The strong wind gusts, which are felt at the entrance, but not inside, give the cave its name. Inside, there are 148 miles of mapped passages. Outside, there are 44 sq miles of grassland and forest to hike.

State: South Dakota Entrance fee: Free Great for: Scenery, Walking, Wildlife  Read more:  South Dakota's best scenic drives Buy the guide:  USA's National Parks

60. Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Comprising more than 20,000 sq miles of brawny ice-encrusted mountains, this is the second-largest national park in the world.

State: Alaska Entrance fee: Free Great for: Wildlife, Scenery, History  Read more:  Introducing Alaska’s national parks Buy the guide:   Alaska travel guide

61. Yellowstone National Park

The real showstoppers at the first national park in the United States  are the geysers and hot springs, but at every turn this land of fire and brimstone breathes, belches and bubbles like a giant kettle on the boil. Winter is prime time for safari-grade wildlife sightings. 

State: Wyoming Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Family Travel, Wildlife, Photo Op  Read more:  The complete guide to Yellowstone National Park Buy the guide:   Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks guidebook

62. Yosemite National Park

It’s hard to believe so much natural beauty can exist in the one place. The jaw-dropping head-turner of USA national parks, Yosemite garners the devotion of all who enter.

State: California Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Family Travel, Scenery, Walking Read more: How to spend your first visit to Yosemite National Park Buy the guide:   Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

63. Zion National Park

From secret oases of trickling water to the hot-pink blooms of a prickly pear cactus, Zion’s treasures turn up in the most unexpected places.

State: Utah Entrance fee: 7-day pass per vehicle $35 Great for: Scenery, Walking, Family Travel Read more:  Utah's best national parks Buy the guide:   Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks guidebook

This article was first published Aug 23, 2019 and updated Mar 4, 2022.

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The best national parks in the USA to visit for 2024

Coast to coast and in all seasons—whether you hike, bike or camp—these are the best national parks to visit this year.

America, the Beautiful. Or so the famous 1893 poem goes. There's nowhere that declaration rings more true than in America's national parks. These protected lands, from coast to coast, safeguard and showcase untamed wilderness with awe-inspiring beauty and diverse wildlife ecosystems.

Today, there are more than 400 sites in the National Park Service, including 63 major parks—from America's first national park ( Yellowstone ) to dramatic landscapes carved by ancient forces. When adventure calls, turn to this list of some of the country's best national parks. (Pro tip: Grab an America the Beautiful pass, which gets you year-round access to all the parks. You'll be glad you did as you hike beneath towering redwoods, camp out under a blanket of stars, and witness the unspoiled natural beauty. 

RECOMMENDED:  The best national forests in the U.S.

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Best national parks in the USA

1.  Yosemite National Park | CA

Millions of people come to Yosemite National Park  each year to see jagged peaks, glaciers, lush meadows and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Spanning 1,200 square miles, Yosemite offers activities ranging from child-friendly to extreme. Massive granite slopes like Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape, taunting rock climbers. Paddlers dip into lakes and rivers, drivers cruise the dramatic Tioga Road, and day hikers walk by sequoias and canyons. Backpackers take to the rugged John Muir trail, named for the writer who helped create the park in 1890.

2.  Grand Canyon National Park | AZ

The Grand Canyon , a natural wonder that cradles two billion years of geologic history, is comprised of 40 layers of rock shaped into buttes, spires and cliffs. Carved by the Colorado River, the 277-mile gorge is magisterial from any perspective, but it’s thrilling to venture below the rim. The safest place to start is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which follows an ancient route past sculpted sandstone to a cottonwood oasis. Look for elk, mountain lions and condors along the way, plus the 1,000 species of plants that survive in this semi-arid desert.  RECOMMENDED:  The best places to stay in Grand Canyon

3.  Yellowstone National Park | WY

Fun fact: Yellowstone , America’s first national park is bigger than Rhode Island and has been a jewel in the NPS's crown since 1872. Critters are everywhere in Yellowstone; geysers spurt regularly; sulfurous lakes bubble and boil; and massive waterfalls glint in the sun. Plus, don’t be surprised if you spot buffalo wandering right down the center divider of the two-lane road that connects the park. With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are awesomely plentiful. And if you need somewhere to rest your head? Check out our list of the best places to stay in Yellowstone .

4.  Voyageurs National Park | MN

Located in northern Minnesota, just south of the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park is the definition of a 'hidden gem' because of its relative inaccessibility, it's also one of the least-visited national parks in the country. Incredibly, over a third of the park is made up of water; 84,000 out of 218,000 acres are waterways. These provide access to 655 miles of pristine, unspoiled shoreline and more than 500 islands. Rent a canoe and spend a night under the stars at one of the boat-access tent sites on the Lake Kabetogama peninsula – you might even catch the aurora borealis. 

5.  Zion National Park | UT

You've seen Utah's wild landscape in almost every John Wayne western, but now it's time to see it for yourself. The incredible thing about Zion National Park is that it hasn't changed an iota over the years—you'll see the same massive sandstone formations, twisty caves and dark skies bursting with stars that Wayne himself walked through and people have been admiring for thousands of years. Mosey to spectacular overlooks, hike to Emerald Pools, walk to Weeping Rock, or stroll on Riverside Walk and you'll get a sense of the grandeur of this spectacular national park. 

RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in Zion National Park

6.  Grand Teton National Park | WY

Towering 7,000 feet above the valley floor, the Teton Range welcomes more than two million people a year. In the winter, they come to snowshoe or cross-country ski through fir-lined backcountry trails. In the summer, hikers explore 200 miles of trails and scale rugged granite peaks. The Snake River is a magnet for amateur rafters, pelican watchers and fishermen, who cast lines for trout. Nestled within the mountains are glaciers, alpine lakes and fields of larkspur and lupines. 

7.  Arches National Park | UT

Located north of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is so named for the 2,000 wind-sculpted sandstone arches gracing the area—the largest such concentration in the world. The most famous of these is the iconic 52ft-tall Delicate Arch, whose image can be seen on Utah license plates, but Arches will amaze you with its sheer range of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. Arches is also one of the few national parks where many of the top formations can be seen from the comfort of your car—perfect for those who want the sights without the sweat. 

8.  Rocky Mountain National Park | CO

Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses 415 square miles of breathtaking, protected mountain wilderness.  With more than 300 miles of trails, panoramic vistas of snowcapped peaks, picturesque meadows, valleys, and meandering rivers, and Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the United States, hitting 12,183ft in elevation), the choose-your-own-adventure options are endless. Hike it, bike it, fish it, climb it, drive it, camp it, photograph it…or all of the above.

9.  New River Gorge National Park | WV

Hidden in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, America's newest national park attracted over one million visitors last year so clearly, the secret is out. New River Gorge National Park  already been called the Grand Canyon of the East and this park's most prominent feature is a wide, fast-flowing whitewater river that snakes through the gorge. Inside, you can hike on any number of different trails, traverse the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, the third-highest bridge in the U.S., or indulge in a full-on class five whitewater raft trip along the 53 miles of accessible river. Just bring some dry clothes.

10.  Death Valley National Park | CA

Death Valley is the hottest, lowest and driest place in the United States, with temperatures topping an insane 130 degrees. It's home to Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America. That being said, the park is home to a diversity of colorful canyons, desolate badlands, shifting sand dunes and sprawling mountains, as well as more than 1,000 species of plants, plus salt flats, historic mines and hot and cold spring oases. Want to seek  out a few spooky relics? Death Valley is also home to ghost towns just waiting to be explored. 

11.  Olympic National Park | WA

Encompassing nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. You'd need more than a week to see everything this park has to offer, but don't miss attractions like Hurricane Ridge (for panoramic views of Mount Olympus), Lake Crescent (rent kayaks), the Hoh Rainforest, and the seasonal sight of salmon cascading along the Sol Duc River in the fall. Oh, and one more thing: you will get wet. It's Washington and rain is inevitable. 

12.  Bryce Canyon National Park | UT

Red rocks, pink cliffs and endless vistas await at this Insta-famous national park in Utah. People travel to Bryce Canyon from around the world to see the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) in the world, but the park's high elevation also makes it a great place for star gazing. One of the country's more compact national parks, you don't need a ton of time to hit the highlights like Thor's Hammer, Inspiration Point, and the Queens Garden Trail. 

13.  Kings Canyon National Park | CA

Between them, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain some of the oldest trees on the planet...and just standing in their presence is a humbling experience. Many of these ancient wooden giants have been on Earth for 3,000 years and there are even a couple of trees where you can actually drive your car through. There are some gorgeous hiking trails here in addition to a small number of campsites. If you're on a road trip, try to allocate a reasonable amount of time to explore these wonderful parks.

14.  Badlands National Park | SD

This bizarre moonscape was created millions of years ago when ash deposits and erosion sculpted sedimentary rock into rippled peaks. Fossils show that rhinos and camels once roamed in the land that is now Badlands National Park , but today, these 244,000 acres are home to bison, bobcats and bighorn sheep. As long as they stay hydrated, the park’s 800,000 annual visitors find the Badlands fascinating to explore. Hikers scale the rocks to take in otherworldly views of the White River Valley and cyclists coast by colorful buttes and grass prairie. At night, the pitch-black sky reveals 7,500 stars and a clear view of the Milky Way; telescopes provide close-ups of moons and planets.

15.  White Sands National Park | NM

White Sands  takes up 275 square miles of breathtaking landscape in New Mexico. Its most noticeable feature: miles of undulating dunes made of blindingly white gypsum crystals which were formed 10,000 years when shallow sea that had existed for millions of years dried up, leaving the gypsum behind. Though long a National Monument, White Sands was elevated to park status in December 2019. Four marked trails allow hiking, and since gypsum, unlike sand, reflects the sun’s heat, the dunes are easy on your feet. And if you’re so inclined, you can rent plastic sleds to slide down them.

16.  Capitol Reef National Park | UT

You'll probably notice that Utah features quite prominently in this list and there's good reason—its natural geology and geography make it arguably the most exciting state to visit if you're the outdoors type. Capitol Reef National Park  is not one of the Beehive State's most well-known, but that's precisely why it's on our list. As you'd expect there's plenty to offer here, including 15 hiking trails to explore, along with four-wheel-drive road tours, mountain biking and rock climbing. Or you could just marvel at the colors, canyons and rock formations and even harvest fruit from orchards in the Fruita Historic District in the summertime.

17.  Great Smoky Mountains | TN

The most visited national park in the country, Great Smoky Mountains is also home to the highest number of animal species—1,778 species of animals, including notable populations of black bears and elk, and more than 2,600 different plant species call this national park home. But you might be most familiar with the parks' famous fireflies. Every year, the synchronous fireflies, Photinus carolinus or Elkmont fireflies put on a synchronous light display in order to find a mate. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns.

18.  Mammoth Cave National Park | KY

The world’s most extensive known cave system is hidden beneath the Green River valley of central Kentucky. Limestone caverns, dripping stalactites and gypsum formations span 400 miles and are home to 130 species of wildlife. Only about 10 miles of Mammoth Cave are open for tours, which range from easy to arduous. Aboveground, 84 miles of hiking trails wind through old-growth forests, sandstone ridges, salamander-filled wetlands and hemlock ravines. Paddlers drift past islands and springs on the Green and Nolin Rivers, while fishermen await bass and catfish.

19.  Joshua Tree National Park | CA

Despite the millions that flock here every year, many don't realize that Joshua Tree National Park is actually made up of two different deserts; the southern tip of the Mojave Desert makes up its western edge and the Colorado Desert covers its eastern and southern areas. And as such, The Joshua trees for which the park is named are more prevalent in the higher elevations on the Mojave side, but here's the funny thing, they're not actually trees. The plants are a member of the Yucca genus and they can grow up to 70 feet tall, though they can take up to 50 years to reach their full size.

20.  Volcanoes National Park | HI

Encompassing two of the world’s most active volcanoes, this Big Island treasure is constantly changing. Erupting Kilauea churns up plumes of gas and its lava glows in the night sky. Hikers who brave the rim of its crater encounter steam vents and wide ocean views, while others find gentler trails through the rainforest, with giant ferns and blooming ohi’a trees. Volcanoes National Park  is also a biosphere reserve that rivals the Galapagos for its wealth of rare native species, such as Hawaiian honeycreepers and hawksbill sea turtles. As if that’s not enough, it also packs in petroglyphs and 13th-century ruins.

21.  Acadia National Park | ME

Acadia spans 47,000 acres of rugged Atlantic coast, where fog rolls across granite boulders and spruce-fir forests catch the first rays of sun. Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island, which it shares with several charming towns, but it also extends to the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. It offers moments of serenity, like an early-morning swim in Echo Lake, as well as adventure, like hanging off cliffs on the Beehive Trail. For a genteel take on mountain biking, cycle the 45 miles of carriage roads, which hug hillsides and reveal majestic sea views.

22.  Glacier Bay National Park | AK

With the glaciers fast retreating, now is the time to see this 3.3-million-acre arctic paradise. Most visitors experience Glacier Bay ’s fjords and ice rivers from a cruise ship, but those who go by kayak or skiff discover sheltered coves and hear the trills of ruby-crowned kinglets. Boaters often spot humpback whales, sea otters, puffins or bald eagles perched on icebergs. On land, beaches reveal wolf tracks and trails wind through spruce-hemlock rainforest, crossing paths with black bears or moose. With so much to absorb, you’ll want to take a ranger-led walk or boat tour, held daily in the summer.

23.  Crater Lake National Park | OR

Situated within the Cascade Range in Southwest Oregon, Crater Lake National Park  formed more than   7,700 years ago after the eruption of Mount Mazama, a 12,000-foot volcano. The volcano's eruption left  a massive hole that is now  the deepest lake in the US. Thousands of visitors arrive to see its crystal clear blue waters and enjoy views from the 33-mile road around the lake. 

24.  Canyonlands National Park | UT

Most travelers pay more attention to Arches National Park, but nearby Canyonlands  should be on any adventurer's itinerary in Utah. Divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers into three districts—the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze—this park offers panoramic views of its bright red rocks that you can take in from the car or out on a hike (don’t miss the Mesa Arch). If you want more action, you'll also have the option of taking a whitewater raft or boat trip down one of the rivers that run through the park. 

25.  Big Bend National Park | TX

Situated directly on the U.S.-Mexico border, Big Bend National Park is ultra-remote and one of America's more difficult-to-reach national parks. That’s one reason the park remains among the most underrated and overlooked. But Big Bend is worth a visit, with more than 150 miles of trails, a beautiful desert landscape with blooming cacti and one of the darkest skies in the country, making it perfect for stargazing. Take scene drives, hit up some hot springs, and stay the night at one of the campgrounds at this Southwest Texas gem.  

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12 Most Stunning National Parks in the U.S.

From the Great Smoky Mountains to Yellowstone, explore the best of America's natural wonders.

Peter Jiang/Getty Images

The breathtaking views and brilliant landscapes of America’s national parks are enough to leave you captivated and awestruck well after you've left their boundaries. Every year, according to the National Park Service , millions of visitors drive, hike, camp, and bike through the 63 national parks in the U.S., and this magnetic draw to the wilderness is only increasing over time. Each park boasts a variety of unique landmarks, scenic lookouts, and wildlife, so you're sure to find something to pique your interest no matter which one you visit.

From cascading waterfalls to snowcapped mountains to dense forests, these naturally occurring wonders cause visitors to stop in their tracks year-round. Their beauty is inarguably apparent, thanks to the diversity of the protected lands and efforts made to keep them in pristine condition. Visits to these recreational havens provide the ideal escape for anyone seeking more peaceful surroundings.

Here are 12 of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.

Sequoia National Park, California

Quan Yuan/Getty Images

Home to the world’s largest tree, the 275-foot General Sherman tree, Sequoia National Park is teeming with sequoia groves on the western side of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The towering sequoia trees that comprise its Giant Forest stand hundreds of feet tall and are a mighty sight to behold. The splendor of this park shines through the extraordinary views from the many hiking trails and granite domes, including Moro Rock. Be sure to visit neighboring Kings Canyon National Park — both parks are operated in tandem and connected by the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

John Hudson Photography/Getty Images

As the most-visited national park in the U.S. , Great Smoky Mountains National Park , named for the ubiquitous fog covering its mountains, spans across North Carolina and Tennessee. The majesty of its miles of rivers and streams is only amplified by its lush forests and plentiful wildlife. This verdant park is open year-round, but is at its colorful peak come October, when fall transforms the leaves to the brightest hues of red, orange, and yellow. Visit Cataloochee Valley during dawn or dusk for a chance to catch elk roaming the area, and drive through Cades Cove to scope out black bears, waterfalls, and historic cabins.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Alaska’s Denali National Park consists of an enormous 6.1 million acres and is named after North America’s tallest mountain, Denali. Although it's one of only three Alaskan national parks that are reachable by car, some visitors opt instead to take the National Park Service’s bus tours to traverse deeper into the park with a trusted guide. Bursting at the seams with impressive wildlife, sparkling rivers and lakes, and distinctive tundra vegetation, Denali National Park’s rugged terrain is best appreciated in the summertime .

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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Across approximately 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado encompasses everything from flowering meadows to breathtaking mountains to alpine lakes, in addition to more than 300 miles of hiking trails. The park is also home to a vast array of wildlife — including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears — and forested areas. Spend some time fishing in one of the many designated lakes, like Sprague Lake, or simply take in the magnificence of a sunrise at Bear Lake.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Josh Metheny/Getty Images

Situated in Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is named for the Cascade Range’s tallest volcano. With 25 named glaciers, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. This national park is an enchanting place with more than 275 miles of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, lakes, and wildflower meadows. Take in the panoramic views of Mount Rainier at Sunrise, the highest point in the park that's accessible by car.

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

Westend61/Getty Images

No list of stunning national parks would be complete without Hawaii’s Haleakalā National Park . This tropical paradise consists of a massive shield volcano, which covers a great portion of the island of Maui, and also includes abundant waterfalls and rain forests. Drive to the summit of the Haleakalā crater for the most picturesque sunrise above the clouds. Remember to make a reservation in advance, as spaces are limited, and plan to stick around after the sunrise to spend time exploring some of the dozens of hiking trails.

Yosemite National Park, California

Andy Kennelly/Getty Images

Best known for its multitude of waterfalls and famous granite formations, Yosemite National Park in California is one of America’s oldest and most beloved national parks. Prepare to be mesmerized by Yosemite’s renowned landmarks — El Capitan and Half Dome — as well as Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Many visitors plan their stay around camping in Yosemite Valley , which is the best way to experience all of the natural beauty this park has to offer.

Arches National Park, Utah

Steele Burrow/Getty Images

Whether you prefer to hike moderate trails or enjoy a scenic drive, Arches National Park will leave you breathless while you take in the vast red rock landforms and natural arches. With its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, this park is mostly known for its Windows Section and Delicate Arch viewing points. Plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a less crowded environment, and stick around after sunset for the ultimate stargazing under crystal-clear night skies.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

The soaring Teton Range of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is just one of the astonishing features that make this park so widely frequented. Located in Jackson Hole, this serene landscape is home to glistening lakes, jagged terrain, and beautiful moose, mule deer, bison, and elk. Spend your time here climbing or hiking in the Teton Range, fishing for trout, and cruising around the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Daniel A. Leifheit/Getty Images

Located on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park covers more than 600,000 acres of glacial paradise. This remote park is known predominantly for the grandiose Harding Icefield — the largest in the U.S. — as well as the many coastal fjords. Follow the Exit Glacier View Loop trail for a closer look at the glacier and Harding Icefield. Check out the tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife by taking a boat tour from nearby Seward, or spend the day fishing on a charter boat as you explore the park’s waters.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Laurie Ambrose/Getty Images

As America’s first established national park , Yellowstone stretches across more than 2.2 million acres and is known for its iconic geysers and hot springs, most notably Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Seeking to preserve the grandeur of its wilderness, Yellowstone ensures its visitors maintain their viewing distance from the native animals, including bison, black bears, elk, and moose. Not to worry — if you spend time driving through the park, hiking the many trails, and sightseeing at Yellowstone Lake and Lamar Valley, you're sure to catch an array of wildlife safely from a distance.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Shawn Dechant/Getty Images

With its gorgeous mountains, pristine lakes, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails, Glacier National Park in Montana is affectionately known as the "Crown of the Continent," and for good reason. As a favorite park for adventurous travelers, there is no end to the amount of outdoor recreational excursions available: hiking, camping, biking, fishing, and boating, to name a few. For the quintessential Glacier National Park visit, take the Going-to-the-Sun Road for 50 miles of stunning vistas, bisecting the east and west sides of the park.

Related Articles

27 Best National Parks in the USA To Visit in 2024

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: April 5, 2024

We have had the good fortune of visiting the best national parks in the USA from the south of the Equator (See #7) to the Arctic Circle. We haven’t been to them all, but we have seen a lot of the best national parks in America. There are 63 national parks in the United States and we’re rounding up the best and most beautiful that you should add to your bucket list. From the most visited national park to the most famous national parks, you’ll be armed with a list of beautiful places to visit in the United States for your summer holidays.

Table of Contents

The Best National Parks in the USA

Besides the 63 specifically designated national parks in the USA, there are a total of 423 National Parks Sites. This designation includes places like national historic sites, national memorials, national historic parks, national battlefields, or a national historic landmark. A list of 423 places would make for a very long read, so today, we are going to focus on the best-protected areas of land that are officially dedicated as National Parks in America.

We can thank early settlers of the United States for having the foresight to protect these beautiful lands. The first National Park in the world was in the United States. Yellowstone National Park was dedicated by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. It was the birthplace of the national park system and after that, many countries and states followed suit.

The Best National Parks in America

The above Mesa Verde National Park is one of the coolest national parks in America that is famous for its ancient ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and protected archaeological sights. Located in Colorado , this is one of the best places to visit in Colorado .

We have spent a lot of time in America visiting its national parks. Be it on an Alaskan cruise , going to Everglades in Florida, or popping into Smoky Mountains National Park on our way to Florida. It’s not hard to see a national park in the US, the national parks system covers 84.6 million acres of land. So chances are, no matter where you may be, you’ll be close to a protected area.

So, let’s get on with our list of the most beautiful and best national parks in the USA.

1. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park was made for tourists. It’s no wonder Yellowstone was the first national park in the world. With the greatest concentration of geysers on earth, mud pools, waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife, you’ll fall in love with Yellowstone. With herds of bison roaming free, this national park is one of the best national parks in America for wildlife spotting.

There is a reason it was named the first on earth and the designation of Yellowstone National Park also sparked the creation of the National Park Service in 1916. Today, the National Park Service oversees 84 million acres of America’s national parks and Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks of them all. Check out Best Hikes in Yellowstone

Things to do in Yellowstone

Most of the attractions of Yellowstone National Park are located directly off Grand Loop Road with the stars being the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Upper Geyser Basin featuring Old Faithful and Morning Glory Pool. Make your way to the visitor center to find out when Old Faithful is going to erupt and then once you’ve seen the spectacle, take a hike to see all the geysers of the upper geyser basin. Read our guide to visiting Grand Prismatic Spring: The Essential Guide to Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone

Many springs and geysers are accessible and easy to walk to but there are several hiking trails throughout the park. There is spectacular wildlife viewing in Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley and there are glorious lookouts throughout the park. Read more: Things to do in Yellowstone

Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone national park attracts nearly 5 million visitors each year making it one of the most visited of America’s national parks so to really take it all in, we suggest spending 3 days at Yellowstone.

There are several lodges within Yellowstone National Park and in the surrounding communities of Cody , West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cook City, and Big Sky. Our picks to get you started are:

• Canyon Village
• Old Faithful Inn
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge
• Read our full article at Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park – Guide to the Best Hotels

2. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is the most famous of all the national parks in the USA, and it lives up to the hype. I didn’t expect it to take my breath away but the Grand Canyon truly did. Standing at the south rim overlooking the Colorado River felt like we were staring into a huge photograph.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 1,218,375 acres and the Grand Canyon is 6000 feet deep at its deepest point. It is massive. With the Colorado River cut through the landscape millions of years ago creating one of the largest canyons on earth. Read more: Facts about the Grand Canyon

Things to do in the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon national park is a mecca for whitewater rafting down the Colorado River But there is also hiking, horseback riding, and waterfalls. Only the north and south rim are in the actual national park, but of course you will visit more of the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is not technically a national park attraction but it is still an excellent site to go to if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon to see panoramic views. Read another great trip at this Pheonix to Sedona Road Trip.

The Grand Canyon visitor center is located on the south rim and park rangers are on hand to answer any questions. There are three main sections of the South Rim to explore, The Rim Trail, Hermit Road, and Desert View Drive. They are all easily accessible for taking scenic drives and shuttle busses are on hand to transport visitors from the Visitor Center to the trailheads. Read more about Grand Canyon National Park The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon

Where to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

Even though one can get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon’s beauty in one day, staying there for a few days lets you make the most out of your trip by allowing you the time to experience its beautiful sunrises, its hiking trails, and extraordinary viewpoints.

Grand Canyon National Park is divided into two areas: The South Rim and North Rim but Grand Canyon has other major areas such as Grand Canyon East and Grand Canyon West. Each area is unique and provides its guests with diverse experiences so it is good to stay in one of these areas or the nearby villages of Valles, Williams, and Tusayan. Read our complete article Where to Stay At The Grand Canyon: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget

• Best Luxury Hotel:  El Tovar Hotel
• Best Mid-Range Hotel:   Squire Resort at The Grand Canyon
• Best Budget Hotel:  Bright Angel Lodge

3. Yosemite National Park – California

Oh Yosemite National Park, what can say about this mother of all US national parks? Yosemite was first put on our radar in college when we bought an Ansel Adams print and said “I want to go there one day.” His black and white images of Yosemite Valley and Sequoia Tress inspired Dave’s photography and when we finally did visit, Dave recreated many of his favorite scenes by Ansel Adams.

Things to do in Yosemite

With iconic rock faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, impressive waterfalls, backcountry hikes, and gorgeous lookouts, Yosemite national park is one of the best national parks to visit in America. One of the most iconic scenes in Yosemite is the view from Tunnel View Lookout which showcases the famous panoramic view of Yosemite Valley. It is worth spending a few days hiking and exploring this beauty. Read more: Things to do in Yosemite

Location 3 hours east of San Francisco, Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous parks in the united states and is known as a rock climber’s mecca.

Where to stay near Yosemite National Park

Yosemite national park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA. With 1,200 square miles of heaven on earth you’ll need some time to really enjoy its beauty so make sure to select a hotel nearby so you can easily explore all of the corners of one of the best national parks in the USA.

• Curry Village has a range of canvas tents and wooden cabins plus hotel rooms.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge   is a great location to make a base in Yosemite. There’s free parking, free Internet and a pool.
• Read more: Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

4. Zion National Park – Utah

Zion National Park is the star of Utah’s National Parks. It was the first of Utah’s national parks and one of the most beautiful national parks in America thanks to its incredible rock formations. It’s no wonder it is the second most visited national park in the USA.

There are five national parks in the state known as the Mighty Five and we are going to cover a few more in this post. The others are Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

Things to do in Zion

If you only have a short time in Zion National Park, take the free shuttle bus to stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. But this is a national park that requires time. From canyoneering to rock climbing and horseback riding to hiking, Zion National Park has plenty to keep the adventurous busy so we suggest staying overnight nearby.

Some of the main attractions to see in Zion National Park are the Weeping Rock and the Lower Emerald Pools. Be sure to take a scenic drive along the hair-raising Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Read more: 12 Best Hikes in Zion National Park, Utah

Where to Stay in Zion National Park

There are a lot of areas to choose from that cater to different styles and needs, and there are plenty of hotels for every type of budget level. Here’s a breakdown of where to stay in Zion National Park.  Zion National Park Lodge is the closest lodge to Zion National Park and you can also stay at the nearby communities of Springdale, Hildale, Hurricane, St. George or Cedar City. Read our complete guide to where to stay in Zion National Park: Where to Stay in Zion National Park – The Complete Guide

• Luxury: Zion Villa
• Mid-range: Under Canvas Zion
• Budget: Bumbleberry Inn
• VRBO: Gorgeous 8-Bedroom Mansion With Pool

5. Denali National Park – Alaska

Alaska is the final frontier of the United States and the place to really be able to experience Alaska with ease is in Denali National Park. This is one national park for the bucket list. We have had the luxury of visiting Denali National Park three times and each time it surprises us with something new.

From incredible grizzly bear spottings to Denali sheep looking on from high mountains and taking a scenic flight over Mount Denali to see the mammoth 6190 meter high (20,310 feet) mountain from above.

With a whopping 6 million acres of preserved wilderness, Denali National Park houses the highest peak in the Americas. Believe it or not, Denali isn’t the largest park in the entire National Park System, that trophy goes to another Alaskan national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.

You can stay right in the national park and take day trips and organized tours to see its beauty. We visited Denali as part of a land tour on our Alaskan Cruises . Read more Things to do in Alaska

6. Glacier Bay National Park – Alaska

Glacier Bay is a spectacular national park spanning 3.3 million acres of untamed wilderness, massive glaciers, and temperate rainforest. Seeing this beauty by ship is something everyone should add to their bucket list. With an abundance of wildlife, whale and bald eagle spotting is a daily occurrence.

And being surrounded by fjords and mountains as grizzly bears walk along the shore is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read more: The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Through Glacier Country

Best Way to See Glacier Bay

If you want to even go more remote in Alaska, you can visit the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. It is the least visited national park in the USA and for good reason. It’s located way up in Northern Alaska and the only way in is by flying. We haven’t visited this yet, but we’ve come close at Innuvik National Park in Canada.

The only way to see this spectacular park is on a cruise. We have visited this bay on three different occasions with a Princess Cruise, Holland America Cruise, and a small ship cruise with UnCruise. Each time we see it, it never disappoints.

7. American Samoa National Park – American Samoa

Well, American Samoa may not be in the United States proper, but we must include it in our round up because we have been there and it is the second least visited national park in America. It is the exact opposite location of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. Located way down in the South Pacific on the American territory of American Samoa, we had the chance to visit this national park while on a South Pacific Cruise.

Here’s a cool fact, it is the only American national park service site located south of the equator. If you have the chance to visit this national park do it! Read more: What to Expect on a South Pacific Cruise

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina

Going from the least visited of US National Parks, it is fitting to go to the most visited national park in the US. One would think that Yellowstone National Park would be the most visited National Park in the USA, but surprisingly the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. It seems that Yosemite or even Grand Canyon National Park would have more visitors, but when you think about it, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes sense.

In fact, it was the first national park in America that I ever visited. Many a snowbird makes their way to Florida crossing through the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina . It was during our annual pilgrimage from Canada to Florida that my family stopped to see Great Smoky Mountain National Park and millions of others have done the same.

9. Isle Royale National Park – Michigan

Before we move on to more traditional US national parks, I have one more of the least visited national parks in the USA to share with you. Isle Royal is located way up north near Canada in the middle of Lake Superior. Dave and I have had a lot of chances to explore the shores of the largest of the Great Lakes and going out to the islands of Lake Superior is a very special experience. Read: Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

It is one of the most remote national parks in the USA offering a true wilderness experience for visitors. It has an array of wildlife that includes moose, wolves and beavers. Read more: Things to do in Detroit

Isle Royal National Park is known for its dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged cliffs. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, paddling trips, and boat tours that offer breathtaking views of the Lake Superior coastline and pristine waters. Read more: 21 Best Places to Visit in Michigan

10. Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida

While we are on the subject of remote national parks in the United States, Dry Tortugas in Florida, just might be the most isolated. Located (113km) 70 miles from Key West in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, The Dry Tortugas can only be reached by boat or sea plane. It is an easy day trip from Key West with tours leaving daily.

It was used as a fort between 1845 and 1876 to defend during the Spanish American War. You can take a day trip out to explore the island and beautiful sandy beaches and you can even camp overnight on Garden Key. Read more: Things to do in Key West

11. Haleakala National Park – Maui

Moving from one remote American destination in Alaska to the center of the Pacific Ocean, we take you to Haleakala National Park on Maui. Meaning, the House of the Sun in Hawaiian, Haleakala National Park is only 47 sq miles, but is a little slice of heaven.

From hiking to the top of the Haleakala crater for sunrise to hiking to the bamboo forest and high waterfalls on the Pipiwai Trail, this national park is one of the main reasons to visit Maui. Read more: 17 of the Best Road To Hana Stops – With Video

12. Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming

When visiting Yellowstone National Park, you can see Grand Teton National Park in the distance. Grand Teton is another one of the best national parks in America. Grand Teton National Park is easily combined with a trip to Yellowstone so make sure to add it to your list of the best national parks in the USA.

In fact, I think this national park is in the top 10 most visited national parks because of its close proximity to Yellowstone. Many people come from around the world to see Old Faithful, so why not check off another state and national park during your trip? Read more: 15 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

13. Joshua Tree National Park – California

Joshua Tree National Park is the coolest of the cool. Located 2 hours East of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree NP is where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet. The park came by its name from the early settlers in the 1800s who named the strange-looking trees that graced the landscape after a bible story.

The trees reminded them of Joshua raising his hands to the sky in prayer. These slow growing trees are hundreds of years old and fascinating to look at. But there is a lot more to do in the park with some fantastic hikes, scrambling through rock formations and climbing and bouldering. See more about this national park at 11 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

14. Death Valley National Park – Nevada and California

Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest national park on earth. In fact it is the hottest and driest place on earth period. With an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, it is also the lowest point in all of North America. Death Valley National Park is beautiful, but man it is hot!

Make sure you have plenty of water and stay covered when visiting this national park where 110 degrees is the norm. But it certainly goes higher reaching 127 degrees. With a lunar landscape spanning 3000 square miles (7800km) Death Valley National Park can be deadly.

How Death Valley Got its Name

Death Valley National Park got its name from a group of pioneers called the 49ers who perished while trying to cross this desolate stretch of land. Today Death Valley National Park can be visited safely as long as you follow precauthions and carry plenty of water. Read more: 21 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park

15. Everglades National Park – Florida

Want to spy on the elusive Florida panther? The cute as a button manatee? Or what about the American Crocodile? I said it, not an alligator, a crocodile? This 1.5 million acre wetland preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere. The best way to explore it is by paddling, but there are hiking and biking trails too.

High speed jet boat tours are offered in the Everglades, but why whizz through it when you can take a week long canoe trip in silence to see the animals up close. You’ll find everything from flamingoes to dolphins in this protected habitat. Read more: the Best Places to Visit in Florida

16. Badlands National Park – South Dakota

Located in South Dakota, the Badlands are a spectacular sight. With an area of 242,756 acres this national park is one of the most photogenic in the country.

Filled with sharp pinnacles and blunt buttes, the landscape is like something out of this world. The great thing about this national park is that you can see a lot of it by road and there are plenty of hiking trails located right from the parking lot.

Things to do in Badlands National Park

Follow the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway to take you through some of the best scenery in the area. There are several hiking trails leading out to jaw dropping overlooks. You may also like The Best Things to do in Custer State Park.

There are two sections to Badlands National Park. The North is the more popular portion run by the National Parks Service. It has the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway and the top hiking trails in Badlands National Park. The South is managed by the Lakota Sioux People and there are no hiking trails or park services. Roads are not paved and it is much more rugged.

This beautiful national park surprised us. We expected Badlands to be desolate and dry, but it was filled with color and texture making it one of our favorite national parks in America. To truly appreciate Badlands, you must get out of the car and take a hike to the scenic lookouts. Read more Badlands National Park Hikes and Things to do

17. Sequoia National Park – California

Welcome to the land of giants at Sequoia National Park. The world’s largest trees grace the scenic groves of this park. You can drive through the park via the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, but to get out and walk the hiking trails among the giants is awe inspiring. The General Sherman Tree is considered the largest tree by volume

Things to do in Sequoia National Park

There are other things to see in Sequoia National Park too. Go underground to see the Crystal Cave or take the high ground to the top of Moro Rock for views of the Western Divide.

The park offers a diverse range of scenic beauty, including the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, rolling foothills dotted with wildflowers, and rushing streams and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the park’s breathtaking landscapes.

Not only are the trees old, but the park also has historical significance as well. The park is rich in history, including evidence of human habitation by the native Monache people for thousands of years, as well as mining and logging history from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Visitors can explore historic sites, attend ranger-led programs, and learn about the park’s unique history and cultural heritage.

18. Redwood National Park – California

Speaking of grand trees, Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world – redwoods (scientifically known as sequoia sempervirens) .  Nature and hiking lovers will enjoy the hiking trails through old-growth forests and the hundreds and hundreds of redwood trees. Read more: The Complete Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park

19. Kings Canyon National Park – California

Kings Canyon National Park is considered one of the best national parks in the USA for several reasons. With its soaring granite cliffs, deep canyons, and alpine meadows, this is the perfect national park to enjoy its many hiking trails. While visiting Kings Canyon keep an eye out for unique and rare wildlife such as the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, the endangered Pacific fisher, and the elusive mountain lion.

Kings Canyon National Park also has abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure from hiking and camping to rafting and fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs in this amazing park.

20. Glacier National Park – Montana

Glacier National Park in Montana shares a border with Alberta ‘s Waterton Lakes National Park . Together, they are very unique. Glacier National Park (along with Waterton Lake National Park ) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserved rolled all in one. It’s the only one of its kind in the world.

With more than 700 miles of hiking trails, this is an outdoor lover’s paradise. But there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve hiking in Glacier National Park. Take a drive on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile-long road that crosses the park and offers stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and valleys.

Wildlife is plenty in Glacier National Park with grizzly bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, elk, and bighorn sheep inhabiting the park. So when camping within its 13 campgrounds, make sure you are aware of how to keep food safe from attracting wildlife.

Glacier National Park boasts more than 130 lakes and numerous streams, boating, and fishing are popular activities in the park. You can rent a boat or bring your own. Read more: 16 of the Best Glacier National Park Hikes

21. Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado

Nothing beats the Rocky Mountains in North America and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is the only national park to carry its namesake. This beautiful national park really shows off the striking scenes of the Rockies. There is a reason it is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

With 3 million visitors flocking to see the views inside this 415-square-mile protected high-country this is one of the best national parks for outdoor lovers. The continental divide runs directly through Rocky Mountain National Park and one of America’s most iconic hikes passes through. Read more 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Best HIke in Rocky Mountain National Park

With all the usual mountain scenes of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and jagged peaks, Rocky Mountain Nationa Park has it all. The best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are probably all of them. That’s because no matter what part of Rocky Mountain National Park you travel, you’re treated to 360 degrees worth of stunning views.

However, if you are looking for the mother of all hikes, The Continental Divide Trail is just over 3000 miles long and is a mix of wild and developed trails that is recommended for the experienced. Continental Divide Trail runs along Rocky Mountain National Park all the way  up to Canada  and all the way down to Mexico. Read more at the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

22. Olympic National Park – Washington

Olympic National Park in Washington State is one of the latest national parks in America that we visited. It is often voted as one of the best national parks thanks to fewer crowds than the more famous national parks and its pristine landscape. Located just outside of Seattle, Olympic National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors throughout the year.

With miles of hiking trails to explore throughout the beautiful temperate rainforest you’ll marvel at its beauty as you admire waterfalls, lakes, and stunning lookouts. Olympic National Park has it all from high snowcapped mountains to clear mirror lakes. We loved hiking in Olympic National Park. Its trails were unlike others because of the mossy trees from the damp rainforest.

In the summertime, you’ll see elk, deer, and bear while you take part in activities from camping to kayaking and rafting. In the winter, trap on the skis for cross-country skiing through miles of groomed trails or do the snowshoeing to take in its breathtaking winter landscapes. Olympic National Park is a great place to visit no matter what time of year.

Another popular national park in Washington is Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier is the centerpiece of the park and one of the most recognizable and iconic peaks in the country. It is an active volcano and the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range. Mount Rainier National Park is also home to 26 named glaciers, including the largest glaciers in the contiguous United States. So if you are in Washington, make sure to add it to your list.

• 22 Amazing Things to do in Olympic National Park
• 19 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park

23. Arches National Park – Utah

Another one of Utah’s national parks is Arches National Park. It is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, pinnacles, and balancing rocks making Arches National Park one of the most visited national parks in the USA. With a striking red rock landscape and contrasting blue sky, Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the national park system.

This national park is located near Moab, Utah, and is easily accessible from many major cities in the Western United States. Arches National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and abilities, including hiking trails to see the arches up close, camping, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as walks and talks, that provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the park’s unique history and geology. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

24. Acadia National Park – Maine

Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA with rocky shorelines, rolling mountains and a stunning coastal landscape that is perfect for outdoor activities.

Located along the Coast of Maine, Acadia National Park has a rich history originally inhabited by the Wabanaki People. Visitors can learn about their history and the arrival of French and English settlers through the national parks exhibits and ranger-led programs.

The national park offers over 120 miles of hiking trails, several lakes and ponds for kayaking, and a variety of campgrounds for overnight visitors. Whether you’re a hiker, a kayaker, a camper, or just looking for a scenic drive, Acadia has something for everyone.

25. Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is another Utah National Park that will take your breath away. You have to blink a few times fast to make sure you are seeing what you are seeing when you visit Bryce Canyon National Park. The combination of fairy chimneys, amphitheaters, and beautiful pink and orange rock will make you feel like you’ve traveled to another planet.

This unique and beautiful destination offers a range of activities for visitors. With over 50 miles of trails, hiking is a popular activity in Bryce Canyon National Park. Some popular hikes include the Navajo Loop, Queen’s Garden Trail, and the Peekaboo Loop. Read more: 12 Bryce Canyon Hikes That Will Blow You Away

Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

With its colorful rock formations and breathtaking views, Bryce Canyon National Park is a photographer’s paradise day or night. Bryce Canyon is known for its dark skies, making it a great place for stargazing and astrophotography. You can attend a ranger-led stargazing program or go on your own to take some photos of the starry skies.

There are several campgrounds in Bryce Canyon National Park, including primitive sites and RV-friendly sites with electrical and water hookups so that is probably your best option for capturing astrophotography. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in Bryce Canyon National Park.

26. Canyonlands National Park – Utah

The largest of Utah’s National Parks, Canyonlands National Park is part of the  Mighty Five .  Canyonlands National Park has miles of desert hikes, slot canyons, and panoramic views. Being the largest of Utah’s National Parks means that it feels like it sees fewer crowds. Plus, a lot of the park takes you into the backcountry, so it is a bit of an effort when visiting this park.

You’ll either need to hike or get on a four-wheel drive to really explore Canyonlands National Park and that is what makes it. it’s so special. Read more: Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

27. Crater Lake National Park – Oregon

 Crater Lake National Park takes you to the deepest lake in all of the United States. The national park is a baby compared to  Yosemite  as it’s only around 8000 years old, but it isn’t a baby when it comes to stunning views. Read more about outdoor travel in Oregon at 12 Best Hikes in Oregon That Will Blow Your Mind

Best National Parks in the USA – FAQ

What is the largest national park in the USA?

The largest national park in America is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska. At 13.2 million acres is larger than the entire country of Switzerland. The three largest national parks in the USA are all actually located in Alaska, The second largest being the Gates of the Arctic National Park and then Denali National Park.

And these are the best national parks in the US that we’ve been to. What park do you suggest we go to when we can cross the border again?

What is the most visited national park in America?

The most visited national park in America is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina followed by Zion National Park in Utah and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

What are the top 10 National Parks in the USA by visitors?

These are the top 10 most visited national parks in America as of 2021. Stats taken from the National Parks Service website. For number 10 we had to do some digging because this website included the top 15 National recreation areas, National Seashores, parkways, and more.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 14.1 million visitors 2. Zion National Park – 5 million visitors 3. Yellowstone National Park – 4.9 million visitors 4. Grand Canyon National Park – 4.5 million visitors 5. Rocky Mountain National Park – 4.4 million visitors 6. Acadia National Park – 4 million visitors 7. Grand Teton National Park – 3.9 million visitors 8. Yosemite National Park – 3.3 million visitors 9. Indiana Dunes National Park – 3.2 million visitors 10. Glacier National Park – 3.08

What State Has the Most National parks?

California has the most national parks in the United States. There are 9 national parks in California and we have been lucky enough to have most of them. They are:

• Yosemite National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Redwood National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Channel Island National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park

Alaska comes in second with 8 national parks and Utah has 5 national parks. We think the Big 5 of Utah are the most beautiful national parks in America.

What is the least visited US National Park?

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is the least visited national park in the US. It is located in Alaska away from the beaten tourist trail. American Samoa is a close second. While Samoa is actually a territory of the United States, we decided to include it since we have been there.

And there you have it ladies and gentlemen. We haven’t covered all the national parks in America but these are the most beautiful and memorable that we know. Let us know in the comments below where to go next. We are always updating The Planet D and when we visit a new park, you can be sure we’ll be adding it.

Plan Your Next Trip to the USA With These Resources

• 50 Best Places to Visit in the USA
• 28 Best Beaches in the USA
• 21 Best All-inclusive Resorts in the USA
• 24 Best Hikes in the USA to Add to Your Bucket list

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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3 thoughts on “27 Best National Parks in the USA To Visit in 2024”

What a fantastic blog post! I am trying to visit all the national park units one day (so all 424 — they just added one in Illinois!) but I have not been able to visit many of the biggest ones in the West yet, so I’m glad you explained them so succinctly. I will say, though, that the four national parks of West Texas and Southern New Mexico are some of the best in the country: Big Bend, White Sands, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns. They can be done in only 3 days (I did it only a few weeks ago) and feature some absolutely amazing scenery in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Really it’s a fantastic blog, I’ll definitely visit those places one day. Good work, Keep going.

would really love to visit this beautiful parks someday and enjoy the scenery in person.

U.S. National Parks

Currently, there are 63 national parks in America, spread across the entire country. Thirty states have one or more national parks, from Maine to Minnesota, from Alaska to Hawaii, and from California to Florida.

Additionally, there is also a national park in two U.S. territories: the Virgin Islands and American Samoa both have their own national park.

The entire National Park Service (NPS) system encompasses more than 420 units with no fewer than 19 different designations.

Those include national battlefields, national monuments, national historic sites, national lakeshores and the major national parks. You can see the full list of U.S. National Park Service units here .

Explore The National Parks With Us

Here at The National Parks Experience , we’re on a quest to visit all national parks in the United States, and as many other NPS units as we can.

Below is an overview of all the individual national parks currently covered on this website. This list is updated on a regular basis as we visit more parks and publish additional parks-related content.

Acadia National Park

The oldest national park on the East Coast, Acadia National Park is home to wild coastlines, mountains, lakes, wildlife, and many miles of hiking trails and historic carriage roads.

Arches National Park

Home to the world’s largest concentration of natural rock arches, Arches National Park is a geological wonderland and offers great hiking, rock climbing and camping.

BADLANDS National Park

South Dakota

Situated in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park encompasses an extraordinarily wild landscape of buttes, razor-edged ridges and colorful eroded hills, as well as sprawling mixed-grass prairie.

Biscayne National Park

One of America’s largest marine preserves, Biscayne National Park is 95% water. Besides a few small islands and mangrove swamps, its main attractions are underwater, including coral reefs, shipwrecks and abundant marine life.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its thousands of hoodoos—striking red-rock spires and pillars. A network of trails offers excellent hiking and horseback riding.

Canyonlands National Park

Encompassing four different “districts”, Canyonlands National Park is a vast wilderness of canyons, cliffs, mesas and amazing rock formations. The park is also known for its breathtaking night skies.

Capitol Reef National Park

The middle of Utah’s five national parks, Capitol Reef National Park features Native American and Mormon sites, spectacular rock formations and a 100-mile geological “wrinkle” known as the Waterpocket Fold.

Channel Islands National Park

Also known as the “Galapagos of North America”, California’s Channel Islands are a biodiversity hotspot, home to seals, whales, sharks, dolphins and unique land animals.

Crater Lake National Park

Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake National Park protects the deepest, clearest and bluest lake in America, created after the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Set between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a verdant oasis surrounded by urban development. The park has historic farms, waterfalls and wildlife, a covered bridge and a scenic railroad.

Death Valley National Park

Home to the lowest point in North America, Death Valley National Park is also the continent’s hottest and driest place. Visitors can enjoy camping, stargazing and hiking in diverse landscapes such as badlands, sand dunes and salt flats.

Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the remotest U.S. national parks, Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles west of Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. It encompasses mesmerizing coral reefs, magnificent beaches and massive Fort Jefferson.

Everglades National Park

Also known as the “river of grass”, Everglades National Park is a vast expanse of marshes, swamps and islands at the southern tip of Florida. It is famous around the world for its wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees and countless birds.

Glacier National Park

You can’t describe Glacier National Park without using words like ‘spectacular’ and ‘awe-inspiring’. Home to the magnificent Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier also features spectacular trails, turquoise lakes and excellent wildlife viewing.

Grand Canyon National Park

One of America’s most famous national parks, spectacular Grand Canyon National Park offers world-class hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and stargazing opportunities.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park encompasses both the Jackson Hole valley and the majestic Teton Range. A series of pristine glacial lakes runs along the foot of the mountains, while the valley is dotted with historic ranches, homesteads and overlooks.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Home to mountains, prairie, creeks and North America’s biggest sand dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park is an outdoor playground for kids and adults alike, offering everything from camping and stargazing to hiking and sand boarding.

Haleakalā National Park

Encompassing much of the east side of Maui, Haleakalā National Park protects high-elevation volcanic landscapes, as well as tropical rain forests, waterfalls, coastline and native Hawaiian fauna and flora.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Encompassing two of the largest and most active volcanoes on Earth, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers world-class hiking, bird watching, scenic drives and lava viewing.

Hot Springs National Park

The oldest federally protected park in the United States, Hot Springs National Park has dozens of natural hot springs and preserves the beautiful historic Gilded Age-era bathing houses on Bathhouse Row.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Protecting a series of extraordinary sand dunes, beaches, oak forests and wetlands, Indiana Dunes National Park is natural oasis on the urbanized and industrialized south shore of Lake Michigan.

Joshua Tree National Park

The meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Joshua Tree National Park comprises diverse landscapes, home to abundant wildlife and offering a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Home to all four volcano types in the world, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a wilderness wonderland of volcanoes, boiling mud pots, fumaroles, forests, waterfalls and pristine lakes.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Boasting over 400 miles of explored passageways and subterranean halls, Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system on Earth and one of America’s oldest tourist attractions.

Mesa Verde National Park

Created mainly to protect the area’s Native American heritage, Mesa Verde National Park features almost 5,000 archaeological sites, including no fewer than 600 cliff dwellings such as the famous Balcony House and Cliff Palace.

Mount Rainier National Park

Centered on majestic Mount Rainier, this is one of the most popular and oldest national parks in America. Attractions include thundering waterfalls, summer wildflowers, fall foliage, abundant wildlife and massive glaciers.

North Cascades National Park

At North Cascades National Park, visitors can explore unspoiled mountain wilderness areas, see glaciers and wildlife, go kayaking on turquoise lakes, and truly get away from the stress of the urban world.

Olympic National Park

Sometimes called “three parks in one”, spectacular Olympic National Park has three distinct regions—the Olympic Mountains, pristine temperate rain forests, and dozens of miles of wilderness coastline.

Petrified Forest National Park

Characterized by its colorful petrified wood deposits, Petrified Forest National Park is also home to the breathtaking Painted Desert and Native American sites. It is the only U.S. national park that’s crossed by Route 66.

Pinnacles National Park

Preserving an ancient volcanic landscape, Pinnacles National Park offers great hiking, camping and rock climbing. It’s also home to lots of wildlife, most notably California condors.

Redwood National Park

You can walk among some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees at the Redwood National and State Parks complex, which also features sand beaches and coastal cliffs, prairies and rivers.

Saguaro National Park

Created primarily to protect a single plant species, Saguaro National Park is home to huge forests of tree-like saguaro cacti, America’s tallest and most iconic cactus species.

Shenandoah National Park

In Shenandoah National Park, 105-mile-long Skyline Drive winds its way past 70+ overlooks, dozens of trailheads, campgrounds and two historic mountain lodges. Wildlife abounds in the park, including deer, black bears and raccoons.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

North Dakota

The only national park named after an American president, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to bison and prairie dogs, badlands and rivers, and historic sites like Roosevelt’s own Maltese Cross Cabin.

Virgin Islands National Park

U.S. Virgin Islands

One of the most paradisiacal national parks, Virgin Islands National Park is home to fascinating historic sugar plantation ruins, as well as forested hills, stunning turquoise beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.

Wind Cave National Park

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park preserves one of the world’s largest and most remarkable caves, as well as intact mixed-grass prairie, Native American heritage and abundant wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming, Montana & Idaho

The world’s oldest national park, Yellowstone National Park is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, from geysers to hot springs. The park is also a refuge for lots of megafauna, including bison, grizzly bears, moose, bighorn sheep, elk and wolves.

Zion National Park

One of the most visited U.S. national parks, Zion National Park is filled with natural highlights, from Angels Landing and The Narrows to Weeping Rock and the scenic Virgin River. Popular activities include camping, hiking and sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the National Parks

Who manages america’s national parks.

The national parks are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) , which also oversees numerous national monuments, historic sites, memorials, historical parks, lakeshores and seashores.

The National Park Service itself is a bureau of the Department of the Interior (DOI) .

Charles F. “Chuck” Sams is the current NPS Director, the first Native American Director of the National Park Service.

On the ground, each park has its own superintendent, as well as park rangers who manage practical things like wildlife, visitors, traffic and a variety of park resources.

What Is a National Park?

The National Park Service defines “national parks” as follows: “Generally, a national park contains a variety of resources and encompasses large land or water areas to help provide adequate protection of the resources.”

Generally speaking, national parks protect and preserve landscapes, ecosystems, plants and/or wildlife.

With very few exceptions, they’re created to protect and preserve one or more natural features , rather than cultural, architectural, archaeological or historical resources.

How Old Is America’s National Park System?

Officially, the National Park System dates from August 25, 1916 , which is the day President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service.

However, many national parks were designated years, if not decades, before that.

The first national park in the United States (and the world) was Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872 , by President Ulysses S. Grant.

No fewer than ten other national parks were also established before the NPS was created.

Those are, in this order, Sequoia (1890), Yosemite (1890), Mount Rainier (1899), Crater Lake (1902), Wind Cave (1903), Mesa Verde (1906), Glacier (1910), Rocky Mountain (1915), Hawaiʻi Volcanoes (1916) and Lassen Volcanic (1916).

How Many National Parks Are There?

Currently, there are 63 national parks in the United States.

You can see a full list and map of the national parks here .

How Many National Park Service Sites Are There?

National parks are just one of many designations in the National Park System. In total, there are 425 National Park Service units .

These various units, ranging from monuments and memorials to battlefields and historic sites, are often referred to simply as “parks.”

You can see the complete list of NPS units here .

What Does the National Park Service Logo Mean?

The logo of the National Park Service represents the different aspects of America’s National Park System .

For example, the bison symbolizes all wildlife in the parks, while the sequoia tree and grassland represent vegetation. The mountains stand for natural scenery and the lake represents water (quality).

The logo’s very shape also has significant meaning. Its stone arrowhead shape represents America’s rich history, archaeology and culture.

You can read more about the history and meaning of the NPS Arrowhead logo here .

How Many People Visit America’s National Parks Every Year?

In 2022, the total number of recreation visitors in the entire National Park System was 311,985,998 . The NPS website has much more information about visitation across the parks.

What Is the Most Visited National Park?

The most visited national park is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, which welcomed 12.9 million visitors in 2022.

On the other hand, the most visited NPS unit is the Blue Ridge Parkway with 15.7 million visitors in 2022.

What Is the Least Visited National Park?

The least visited national park is the National Park of American Samoa . Only 1,887 people journeyed there in 2022.

The least visited NPS unit, on the other hand, is Rainbow Bridge National Monument in Utah. It was visited by a meager 81 people in 2022.

You can see a complete overview of National Park Service units and their most recent visitation statistics here .

What Is the Largest National Park?

The largest national park in America is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in southeastern Alaska.

Encompassing 13.2 million acres (20,625 square miles), this enormous park is bigger than Denali, Death Valley, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite and Great Smoky Mountains combined .

You can see the full list of all national parks ranked by size here .

FIND THE ANSWERS TO MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED NATIONAL PARK QUESTIONS HERE

U.S. National Parks Map

Click/tap on this map of the national parks to enlarge it.

When the U.S. Congress created the first national park in the United States in 1872, which was Yellowstone National Park, a brand new concept of conservation areas was born.

These U.S. national parks were the very first public parks in the world that both protected a valuable landscape, habitat or ecosystem and allowed people to enjoy nature to its fullest.

Designed to protect and preserve a certain area’s wildlife, ecosystems and landscapes, as well as historic sites, national parks also give visitors the opportunity to get to know and explore that particular area up close.

All the national parks in America are open to the public. Although a couple of them are quite a challenge to get to, most are within half a day’s drive from a major city .

This includes the most iconic parks of all, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and Mount Rainier. They offer a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching and rock climbing.

Some parks, especially Mesa Verde, Gateway Arch and Hot Springs, also (primarily) protect valuable archaeological, cultural and historical sites.

Recommended National Park Books

(The links to these national park books are affiliated links. This means we earn a small commission if you purchase something after clicking on the link, without any extra costs to you.)

Travel Guides and Reference

• USA National Parks: Complete Guide to All National Parks – Moon / Becky Lomax
• The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West – Fodor’s Travel Guides
• Atlas of the National Parks – National Geographic / Jon Waterman
• USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder – DK Eyewitness
• The National Parks: America’s Best Idea – Dayton Duncan & Ken Burns
• Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges – David Scott

National Park Memoirs

• That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present and Future of America’s Public Lands – Mark Kenyon
• Ranger Confidential: Living, Working and Dying in the National Parks – Andrea Lankford
• Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America’s National Parks – Mark Woods
• Bear in the Back Seat: Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Kim DeLozier & Carolyn Jourdan
• The Hour of Land: A Personal Topography of America’s National Parks – Terry Tempest Williams
• Open Road: A Midlife Memoir of Travel and the National Parks – TW Neal
• Deep Into Yellowstone: A Year’s Immersion in Grandeur & Controversy – Rick Lamplugh
• Yellowstone Ranger: Stories From a Life Spent With Bears, Backcountry, Horses and Mules, From Yosemite to Yellowstone – Jerry Mernin

U.S. National Parks List

This U.S. national parks list includes all 63 national parks in America.

It provides a clear overview of each park and its location, annual visitors, size, the year it was established, and whether or not it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Data used in this U.S. national parks list was sourced from the  National Park Service website  and  Wikipedia .

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The 7 Best National Park Trips to Take This Summer

Get recommendations from several outdoor enthusiasts for a park trip during the sunny season..

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Denali National Park and North Cascades National Park are just two of the best national parks to visit in the summer.

Photos by Bailey Berg and Chloe Arrojado

Some of the United States’s 63 national parks certainly shine in the winter —Yellowstone is particularly gorgeous and Bryce Canyon even hosts a three-day winter festival —but in general, summer brings a sense of vibrancy and life unseen during other periods of the year. During a season full of camping and road trips , quite a few parks, both well-loved and lesser-known, stand out across the country.

But don’t just take it from one AFAR editor. Here’s a curated list of seven national parks to visit in the summer, with input from outdoor adventurers including the National Parks Service and AFAR’s contributors and staff.

Acadia National Park covers about 50,000 acres of land.

Photo by Eric Urquhart/Shutterstock

1. Acadia National Park

After leaving New York City for greener pastures at age 39, E.B. White once said he “would rather feel bad in Maine, than feel good anywhere else.” In the heart of the most forested state, where the mountains meet the country’s longest coastline and break into its highest concentration of islands, not far from E.B. White’s old Brooklin seaside farm, is the state’s only national park (which also made AFAR’s Where to Go list in 2022 ).

Maine’s Wabanaki nation came in birch bark canoes and stayed (today, calling for tribal sovereignty ) on Mount Desert Island thousands of years before it became Acadia National Park in the early 20th century . Visitors can’t get these ever-changing seascapes off their pages and palettes and out of their hearts—just look at the works of the Hudson River School artists. For me, the sounds of the crashing waves on Ocean Path past Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole have been a part of personal history since childhood, going back to a time before I could remember my first sighting.

Whether you are rock hopping by Hadlock Falls or catching the first sunrise from the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard at 1,530 feet on Cadillac Mountain , there’s just something about Acadia.

How to visit

• Book now: Claremont Hotel

Via Interstate 95 (or Interstate 295 if you’re coming from the Portland airport), follow Route 1A to Route 3. Once there, get comfortable on the waterfront at the luxe Claremont Hotel . Guests can access boat tours, beach cruisers, yoga on the lawn, and live music on the porch. If you prefer a chic take on the classic Maine beach cottage, consider Salt Cottages for a picnic, s’mores by the fire, and lawn games. —Anna Fiorentino

Crater Lake’s famous body of water is deeper than any other lake in the United States.

Photo by Bill45/Shutterstock

2. Crater Lake National Park

Climbing the Watchman Peak , part of a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with panoramic views of Crater Lake, my family stopped to figure out where the long cawing sound was coming from. It was a Clark’s nutcracker perched on a tree branch above. Named for Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the pale gray bird with black wings buries tens of thousands of pine seeds during the summer to survive the colder months.

From black bears and elk to some 84 species of songbirds and raptors, Crater Lake National Park is teeming with wildlife. At the Watchman Trail summit, take in stunning cobalt blue Crater Lake and Wizard Island in the center. (Visitors can reach the island on a boat tour, but in order to do so, it’s necessary to descend the steep mile-long Cleetwood Cove Trail to the dock and ascend back up at the end of the day.)

Formed by a volcano that erupted and collapsed, the 1,943-feet deep lake eventually filled with snow and rain. A favorite for its vistas and overlooks, Rim Drive , a 33-mile loop around the caldera is a must-do, but use caution, as it’s narrow and winding with tight curves.

• Book now: Crater Lake Lodge

Though many take a day trip to the park from Eugene or Bend, spending the night at the Crater Lake Lodge , overlooking the pristine and sparkling water, is well worth the time and money. —Tanvi Chheda

Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive can be accessed through points including Front Royal and Thornton Gap.

Photo by Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

3. Shenandoah National Park

Perched high above Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah National Park became the state’s first national park in 1936. Its nearly 200,000 acres are home to wildlife, including black bears, brook trout, and the Shenandoah salamander. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views from some 105 miles of the park’s scenic Skyline Drive, and active visitors can explore nature with 500 miles of hiking trails.

There are plenty of popular hikes, like Old Rag , Dark Hollow Falls , and Mary’s Rock . However, there are also numerous lesser-known hikes, like the Sugarloaf Loop , where the showy white flowers of mountain laurel bloom in abundance during the summer, and the Hazel River Falls hike, which takes visitors on a five-hour journey to a scenic waterfall in the forest.

If you choose to stargaze with a camping trip, you can do so at the Mathews Arm hilly campground, Big Meadows Campground and lodge, the centrally located Lewis Mountain, or Loft Mountain, the only campground in the South District.

With the park being only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., you can make it a day trip or stay overnight in designated campgrounds. Shenandoah also makes for a great national parks road trip , as the park serves as the northern endpoint of the Blue Ridge Parkway . —Adrienne Jordan

Even during the summer, Denali has been known to have snow—so it’d be wise to bring layers.

Photo by Bailey Berg

4. Denali National Park

Spanning 6 million acres of wilderness and containing polychromatic ridgelines, boreal forest, and the tallest mountain in North America at 20,237 feet, Denali National Park inspires awe like nowhere else.

Dubbed “The Great One” by Indigenous Athabascans, the mountain for which the protected land is named seems so tall it could poke a hole in the sky. For decades, it has lured alpinists brave enough to scale the hulking mass of granite and glacier. However, you don’t have to be a mountaineer to appreciate Denali. The national park is perhaps Alaska’s most egalitarian—there are opportunities to get outside at all activity levels.

For those who want to get close to the summit without committing to a month of climbing, there are flightseeing companies like Denali Air . Another popular and lower-elevation option for first-time visitors is to take a National Park Service school bus–style shuttle into the park. (After mile 12.5 of the Park Road, it’s the only way to access the park unless you’re hiking or on a bicycle.) There are two types of buses: the more flexible hop-on, hop-off option or the narrated one, where the driver crafts an itinerary for you.

Denali National Park is roughly four hours north of Anchorage and two hours south of Fairbanks by car. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else (the views are distracting), another option is taking the Alaska Railroad , a train that is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. It adds a couple of hours to the transit time, but the locomotive offers knowledgeable guides and viewing-dome cars that make it easy to take photos of the mountains and valleys you pass. —Bailey Berg

NPS reports more than 1,600 species of plants can be found in North Cascades National Park.

Photo by Chloe Arrojado

5. North Cascades National Park

A walk through North Cascades National Park reveals Wizard of Oz –like landscapes, full of pink wildflowers, dark evergreens, and turquoise lakes. The lakes’ specific shade of blue can be attributed to its glaciers—a third of all of the glaciers in the lower 48 United States are located within this park. While hiking trails like the Diablo Lake Trail and Cascade Pass Trail are the most popular way to explore the 505,000-acre park, activities like whitewater rafting and horseback riding are other ways you can explore.

North Cascades received fewer than 40,000 annual visits in 2022, making it one of the least-visited national parks in the United States. Part of these low numbers can be attributed to its seasonal operation: The park is only open from late May to late September, so the warmer part of the year is the only time visitors can enjoy this underrated national park .

• Book now: Sun Mountain Lodge

Located near the Canadian border, the park is about 100 miles northeast of Seattle. The camping options within North Cascades National Park include boat-in and backcountry . For those seeking a more comfortable accommodation option, Sun Mountain Lodge is about 1.5 hours away in Winthrop. The 50-room hotel is based on a 3,000-foot-high mountain top with panoramic views of mountains, wilderness, and valleys below. —Chloe Arrojado

The Gunnison River has shaped the rock of this national park for about two million years.

Photo by T.Schofield/Shutterstock

6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The history of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park goes back many years, when a small area of land was raised 60 million years ago to form the Gunnison Uplift . For Ivan Levin, director of strategic partnerships and communications at nonprofit National Park Trust, visiting the nearly 31,000-acre piece of land is a great summer alternative to a well-known park.

“Once you arrive at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the hard part is deciding what outdoor activity to do first—take in the views, try out a beginner rock climbing route, or hit the trails. I personally love hiking and checking out the local flora and fauna, so if you share the same passion and hobby as me then you’ll love Black Canyon of the Gunnison,” he shared with AFAR over email.

Another recommendation from Levin: Take a night visit to the park, which was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.

• Book now: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

From Denver, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is about a 260-mile drive southwest. When it comes to the most accessible, family-friendly accommodation option, AFAR recommends the South Rim Campground. The campground is near both the Night Sky Viewing and Telescope site as well as the amphitheater. But for a more remote stay, go for East Portal or the North Rim, where according to AFAR editors, campsites are spread out among piñon and juniper trees. —C.A.

There are four different types of volcanoes that exist, and all can be found in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Photo by H Peter Ji Photographer/Shutterstock

7. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Around 3.3 million people visited Yellowstone in 2022, many in search of panoramic landscapes, dramatic mountains, gorgeous lakes, and hiking opportunities. But what if you could get that experience without the crowds? According to Donald Leadbetter, tourism program manager of the National Park Service, that’s what makes Lassen Volcanic National Park so special in the summer—the ability to have an experience as grand as Yellowstone with only a fraction of the people. (Around 450,000 people visited in 2022, 13.6 percent of Yellowstone’s annual visitors.)

“What I love about Lassen Volcanic is it’s a high-elevation park, so you’re at the convergence of three different ecosystems: You’re in the northern Sierra Nevada, you’re at the southern end of the Cascade Mountains, and you’re at the western edge of the elevated desert that is most of Nevada,” Leadbetter says. “So you’ve got this park where three pretty distinct ecosystems kind of come together.”

Leadbetter recommends taking around two days to explore the park: One day to check out the visitor center and orient yourself in the 165-square-mile park , and the second to take a long hike like the Lassen Peak Trail or Brokeoff Mountain Trail .

The closest large airports to Lassen Volcanic National Park are in Reno (about a 130-mile drive) and Sacramento (about a 190-mile drive). Leadbetter recommends combining a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park with experiences in the area like Reno and Lake Tahoe . While he can’t recommend any particular private stays on behalf of the National Park Service, he recommends checking out the plentiful cabin stays in the area. —C.A.

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These are the best U.S. national parks to visit for National Park Week

Hike, watch sunrises, encounter abundant wildlife and hang out with friends at these magnificent national parks.

By Alyssa Bradford

This week, until April 28, marks National Park Week! Throughout this period, parks, programs and various partners will host events and activities for you, family and friends to enjoy.

Whether you’re seeking the challenge of a hike, the tranquility of a scenic drive or the thrill of wildlife watching, national parks provide endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Moreover, many parks offer accessible trails, facilities and programs designed to accommodate all ages, individuals with disabilities and pets.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking landscape found in Colorado, perfect for outdoor lovers. With towering mountainous peaks, thick forests and stunning lakes, it is a great spot for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography.

Wildlife: Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bears and birds.

Personal tip: Go on the trail ridge road, which will lead you to the highest point in the national park and give you the chance to see elk from only a few feet away. For a once in a lifetime opportunity, I recommend biking, but most visitors drive up.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is a place with cultural significance. The park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, rainforests, bamboo forests and pools.

Wildlife: Nēnē (Hawaiian goose), mongoose and ‘Ua’u (Hawaiian petrel).

Personal tip: Wake up early to make it to the sunrise. While it is possible to view the sunset on the top of the volcano, the sunrise is more spectacular, it is less crowded and you can participate in the traditional Hawaiian E Ala E chant.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park’s red rocks, found in southwestern Utah, were carved by the Virgin River. Here, visitors can explore scenic trails, hike through the Virgin River, see waterfalls and visit ancient rock art.

Wildlife: Mule deer, bats, bighorn sheep and rock squirrels.

Personal tip: Getting a permit to hike Angels Landing is worth it. The thrilling hike takes you across steep portions of the mountain, holding onto chains to safely navigate the landscape. Besides feeling accomplished, being able to view the whole park from the summit is incredible.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located primarily in Wyoming but extends into Montana and Idaho. The park is most known for its geysers, including Old Faithful, which erupts regularly, and wildlife.

Wildlife: Bison, moose, bears, wolves and elk.

Personal tip: Visit Yellowstone in the early spring, around April. At this time, you will be able to see all of the newborn bison with their beautiful red coats. Furthermore, in early spring, it can still snow! When snow lands on a bison’s coat, it does not melt. It is incredible to see.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana along the Canadian border, is a wilderness of mountains, ancient glaciers and lakes. Glacier has over 700 miles of trails and gives individuals the opportunity to do a wide range of activities such as whitewater rafting or horseback riding, besides hiking.

Wildlife: Bears, moose, bats, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions and pikas.

Personal tip: Plan a trip to Glacier with friends or family and spend the entire week! Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road, boating, fishing, hiking and stargazing are all available at this park, many of which activities are fun for all ages.

Top 5 best US national parks to visit with kids

With 63 u.s. national parks spread across 30 states and two overseas territories, it can be tough to decide which one to visit..

FILE – National parks to visit the public may not know about

Tim and Julie Rivenbark, bloggers at Earth Trekkers, tell us about some national parks that people should visit that the public may not know about.

Summer is the perfect time to spend quality family time in the great outdoors , and dozens of U.S. national parks offer the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature . 

With 63 options spread across 30 states and two overseas territories, deciding which one to visit can be tough.

To help you out, The Family Vacation Guide lists the top five family-friendly national parks you should consider visiting with your children. 

5. Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)

If you and your family want to embark on a thrilling journey to explore the rugged and isolated life away from home , Isle Royale National Park in Michigan might be the place for your family.

If you enjoy outdoor activities such as backpacking, hiking, boating, paddling or diving, you will find something interesting on the island. The park includes the primary island and more than 400 smaller ones in Lake Superior, near the Canadian border.

GRANDMA, GRANDSON FIND FORGIVENESS IN MISSION TO VISIT EVERY US NATIONAL PARK TOGETHER

If you enjoy outdoor activities such as backpacking, hiking, boating, paddling or diving, you will find something of interest on Isle Royale National Park.

(Isle Royale National Park / FOX Weather)

"Cross Lake Superior and make a commitment: Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you. Find peace and refuge in island wilderness – because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us," the park boasts .

According to The Family Vacation Guide , the park had the lowest number of visitors among all U.S. national parks they researched, with approximately 25,000 visitors in 2022.

4. Big Bend National Park (Texas)

Big Ben National Park in far West Texas offers stunning night skies as dark as coal, and the rivers have carved temple-like canyons in ancient limestone, according to the National Park Service.

TOP 10 MOST VISITED US NATIONAL PARKS AND MEMORIALS

Big Bend has lots to explore.

(Big Bend National Park)

If you're looking for a national park with plenty of dinosaur attractions, this one is a great choice, The Family Vacation Guide said. It ranks it as the fourth-best park, with 10 attractions per 100,000 visitors. It's worth a visit for the numerous fossilized remains of these ancient creatures discovered there.

"It's a place where you can still hear the whispers of pioneers, ranchers, miner and Native Americans," the park says. "And it's a land of borders – a place where countries and cultures meet."

3. Denali National Park (Alaska)

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska has only one road, the 92-mile Denali Park Road, which runs east to west through the park. 

As you travel along the road, the scenery transitions from a taiga forest at lower elevations to alpine tundra and snow -capped mountains, culminating at North America's tallest peak, Denali, at 20,310 feet. The national park encompasses the summit.

NATIONAL PARKS: THESE ARE THE FREE DAYS TO VISIT IN 2024

If you're planning a trip to Denali, be sure to hop on a bus for a chance to spot some amazing wildlife and explore the wilderness. 

(Denali National Park and Preserve)

The Family Vacation Guide reports less than a half-million annual visitors in almost 8,000 square miles. With the second-highest number of hotels and the fourth-highest number of restaurants per 100,000 visitors, the park has plenty of options for tourists and locals alike.

2. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park, the crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast, is among the top 10 most-visited national parks in the U.S., with 4 million visits per year, according to Acadia National Park in Maine .

JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME: 3-YEAR-OLD TEXAS GIRL BECOMES YOUNGEST PERSON TO VISIT ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS

Acadia National Park boasts nearly 50,000 acres of breathtaking terrain along Maine's magnificent Atlantic Coastline.

(Acadia National Park)

Visitors have access to 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, making it an ideal destination for families.

"It is a hotbed for recreational activities, with cycling, horse riding, and walking being popular in the summer due to the historic carriage road system," The Family Vacation Guide said.

1. Sequoia National Park (California)

Located in California 's southern Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia National Park is home to giant sequoia trees, such as the General Sherman Tree, the world 's largest tree by volume. The tree's base is in the Giant Forest, which contains five of the world's ten largest trees.

Sequoia National Park is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park, jointly administered since 1943. Together, the parks cover over 1,300 square miles.

CALIFORNIA HOME TO AMERICA'S MOST POLLUTED NATIONAL PARKS, REPORT SAYS

No reservation is required to enter Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

(Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks )

"Sequoia topped the rankings as it scored in the top ten for all but one factor, with an exceptionally high number of restaurants (32.34 per 100,000 visitors)," The Family Vacation Guide reports.

No matter which national park you choose to visit, be sure to pack your camera and get ready for an adventure-filled trip with your loved ones.

• National Parks

World Wild Schooling

12 Must-Visit National Parks Around the World for Nature Lovers

Posted: April 22, 2024 | Last updated: April 22, 2024

For nature enthusiasts, there is no greater joy than exploring the world’s natural wonders. And what better way to do so than by visiting some of the most spectacular national parks?

From North America’s breathtaking landscapes to Africa’s vast biodiversity, many national parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a hiker, wildlife photographer, or someone who loves being surrounded by nature, this list will introduce you to some must-visit national parks worldwide. 

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Explore one of the oldest national parks in the world. Yellowstone National Park in the United States is a paradise for wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers. With its iconic geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, and a diverse range of flora and fauna, this park offers a memorable experience exploring the wonders of nature.

As you explore the park’s many hiking trails and scenic overlooks, keep your eyes peeled for bison, grizzly bears, and wolves.

Read also:  Top US National Parks

Banff National Park, Canada

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a haven for mountain lovers and adrenaline junkies. Its turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife will mesmerize outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether hiking to the top of Sulphur Mountain or paddling on the pristine waters of Moraine Lake, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature at every turn you take in Banff. 

Read also:  Best Scenic Hikes in the US

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Prepare to be awestruck by the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to high granite peaks, pristine glaciers, and sparkling blue lakes that will take your breath away.

Trekking enthusiasts flock to this remote corner of Chile to embark on the world-famous W Circuit, a multi-day hike that traverses some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. Along the way, hikers can marvel at the iconic granite spires of the Torres del Paine, witness the thundering waters of Salto Grande, and spot elusive pumas roaming through the wild.

Read also:  Must-Visit Outdoor Spots in the US

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier safari destination, is the perfect place to explore the undestroyed wilderness. Home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes—and many other species, Kruger offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Safari enthusiasts can embark on guided game drives, hot air balloon rides, bushwalks, and sunset cruises to explore the park’s vast wilderness and its resident wildlife.

Read also:  Must-See US Landmarks

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Travel to the land of the long white cloud and discover the natural beauty of Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. At the heart of this park lies Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.

Carved by ancient glaciers during the Ice Age, Milford Sound boasts sheer cliffs rising vertically from the water, graced with numerous waterfalls that cascade into the waters below.  Hiking enthusiasts can hike the famous Routeburn Track and spot rare bird species in their natural habitat.

Read also:  Awesome Wilderness Spots in America

Ranthambore National Park, India

Experience the magic of India’s wildlife at Ranthambore National Park, a natural habitat for Bengal tigers and other endangered species. This park is spread across a vast, dry, deciduous forest and rocky hills.

Go on a safari through the park’s diverse habitats, from dry deciduous forests to open grasslands, and witness tigers and leopards in their natural environment. A visit here is incomplete without exploring the ancient ruins of Ranthambore Fort for a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Read also:  Incredible Natural Wonders in America

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is synonymous with the ultimate African safari experience. If you are here during the great migration, you will witness millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing from Tanzania to Kenya in search of greener pastures.

Predators lurk in the shadows, ready to pounce on the wildebeests and zebras during the migration, something any wildlife enthusiast may want to witness. With its vast savannahs, acacia-dotted landscapes, and diverse wildlife, the Serengeti is a dream destination for nature lovers.

Read also:  Best US State Parks for Camping

Yosemite National Park, USA

Discover the wonders of the Sierra Nevada mountain range at Yosemite National Park in California. From the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome to the thundering waters of Yosemite Falls, this iconic park is a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and photographers.

Nature enthusiasts visiting this destination can explore ancient sequoia groves, swim in crystal-clear lakes, and bask in the beauty of one of America’s most beloved national parks.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia

Dive into the world’s most extensive coral reef system at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of marine life. Established in 1975, this park stretches over 344,400 square kilometers along the northeastern coast of Australia. Snorkel among vibrant corals, swim alongside sea turtles and manta rays, and witness the dazzling colors beneath the ocean’s surface. 

Read also:  Best National Parks in California

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, China

Tucked deep in the mountains of Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant ecosystems.

Named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley, this scenic reserve is home to turquoise-colored lakes, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests. To immerse yourself in the tranquility of this natural wonderland, hike to the top of Nuorilang Waterfall and discover the colorful pools of Five Flower Lake.

Read also:  Iconic Places Around the World

Plitviče Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its serene lakes and stunning waterfalls. This UNESCO World Heritage site also boasts dense forests that offer excellent exploration opportunities. 

Some unmissable highlights in the park include the Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novakovića Brod Lakes. You can hike on the park’s stunning trails or kayak in the lakes. 

If you are lucky, you may spot brown bears, lynx, and some of its numerous bird species. 

Read also:  Relaxing Mountain Escape in the US

Cévennes National Park, France

Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and one of the largest national parks in Europe is characterized by stunning hills, deep gorges, tall limestone cliffs, and a wide variety of Flora and Fauna.  

While visiting, watch out for eagles, wolves, vultures, and the endangered Przewalki’s horses. 

The park has thousands of miles of hiking trails, some offering fantastic views of picturesque hamlets, old churches, and vast wilderness. If you are an avid hiker, the GR67 trail would offer you the best experience.  

You can also kayak in the Ardèche River, try rock climbing on La Jonte, or go mountain biking on Mont Aigoual. 

Read also:  Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Must-Visit European Cities

Turn your wanderlust into reality with our list of  must-visit European cities .

• Read more:  Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Visa-Free Countries

Explore these  countries visa-free  with your American passport.

• Read more:  Visa-Free Countries

Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime

Add these charming European small towns to your bucket list.

• Read more: Small Towns in Europe

Tropical Destinations To Add to Your Bucket List

Dreaming of paradise? Discover tropical destinations to add to your bucket list.

• Read more: Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime

Caribbean Destinations Where No Visa Is Needed for Americans

Discover passport-free paradise with our guide to Caribbean destinations for US citizens .

• Read more: Caribbean Destinations Without Visa

Read the original thread on 12 Must-Visit National Parks Around the World for Nature Lovers .

This article was produced and syndicated by World Wild Schooling .

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Entrance passes.

Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. You may also need a vehicle reservation at a few high-traffic sites.

Frequent visitors, seniors , military, and others may save money on entrance fees with an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, also known an America the Beautiful or interagency pass. Review all pass options below and decide which pass is best for you.

Entrance Pass Comparison

National parks that charge an entrance fee require visitors to purchase or obtain a standard pass, park-specific annual pass, or America the Beautiful pass. Visitors only need one of these.

Standard Pass

• For one national park
• Valid for 7 days
• Directly funds the park

Recommended for

One trip to one park

Entrance fees and passes by park

Annual Pass

• For one national park or park group
• Valid for 1 year
• Not available for every park
• Multiple trips to one park
• One or more trips to one park group

America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

• Covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees (day-use fees) at Federal recreational sites, including national parks
• 1 year and lifetime options
• Seniors , military, visitors with permanent disabilities
• One or more trips to multiple parks

More about America the Beautiful Passes

Vehicle Reservations

Some highly-visited national parks use a seasonal or year-round timed entry system to manage private vehicle traffic. Reservations are typically made available through recreation.gov on a rolling basis. If you plan to drive into one of these parks while the timed entry system is in effect, we recommend making a reservation well in advance.

Parks with vehicle reservations

Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by

• National Park Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• US Forest Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• US Army of Corps of Engineers

Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers One private vehicle fee or Four per person fees

America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen . Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.

How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass

In person (recommended).

Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.

Purchase and pickup locations

Order Online, Receive by Mail

To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store or by phone: 1-888-275-8747 , extension 1. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time.

Visiting soon? Pick up a pass when you arrive.

America the Beautiful Passes ordered online through the USGS Online Store may take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered. Get your pass at one of over 1,000 purchase and pickup locations to avoid the wait.

Senior Passes

US citizens and permanent residents ages 62 and older can purchase an annual America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for $20.00, or a lifetime version for $80.00. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.

• The Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.
• The Senior Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
• Passes may not be purchased as gifts since eligible recipient must show proof of eligibility.

Annual Senior Pass

Lifetime senior pass, golden age passports and golden access passports.

Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes are still honored according to the provisions of the pass.

We encourage you to exchange your Golden Age/Golden Access Passport for a current Lifetime Senior Pass for free. You can exchange in-person at sites that issue passes. Please bring your old pass and photo identification with you.

Annual Passes and Park Groups

While most annual park passes are limited to one national park, a few sites offer an annual pass valid at multiple national parks, federal recreational lands, or state parks.

Free Entrance Days

Come experience the national parks! On six days in 2024, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2024:

• January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 20: First day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

Your Fee Dollars at Work

All the money from entrance fees remains in the National Park Service, and at least 80 percent stays in the park where it was collected. Learn more about how entrance fees are used to improve the visitor experience .

Last updated: March 25, 2024