The United States is home to a vast and diverse range of natural landscapes, from towering mountain peaks to expansive deserts, lush forests, and pristine coastlines. Its national parks are some of the most treasured public lands in the world, offering visitors a chance to explore the beauty and grandeur of nature. With more than 60 national parks across the country, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. To help narrow the choices, here is a comprehensive guide to the 20 best national parks in the U.S.
These parks are more than just beautiful places; they represent the natural diversity and historical importance of the country. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates stunning vistas, these parks are sure to leave you in awe. Let’s dive into the top 20 parks that offer incredible natural experiences, unparalleled landscapes, and a wide variety of activities.
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a must-see for any nature lover. Established in 1872, it spans over 2.2 million acres and is famous for its geothermal features. The park sits atop a volcanic hotspot, resulting in spectacular geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world, erupts on a regular schedule, providing an impressive spectacle for visitors.
Yellowstone’s landscapes are as varied as they are beautiful. From the lush forests and sprawling meadows to the dramatic canyons and rivers, it offers a diverse range of ecosystems. Yellowstone Lake is a massive body of water that provides opportunities for boating and fishing, while the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and deep canyons.
Wildlife is abundant in Yellowstone, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Lamar Valley is a hotspot for wildlife viewing, especially during the early morning hours when animals are most active.
Best Things to Do:
- Witness the eruption of Old Faithful.
- Hike to Lone Star Geyser or Mount Washburn for stunning panoramic views.
- Explore Yellowstone Lake by boat or kayak.
- Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S.
Best Time to Visit: June to September for the best weather, though winter offers snowshoeing and fewer crowds.
2. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite is one of the crown jewels of the U.S. National Park system. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this park is known for its dramatic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoia trees. One of the most iconic features is Half Dome, a towering granite monolith that has become a symbol of the park. El Capitan, another iconic granite formation, is a world-renowned rock-climbing destination.
The Yosemite Valley is a must-visit, offering stunning views of waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls and the serene Mirror Lake. For a more challenging experience, the Half Dome hike is a challenging 14- to 16-hour trek that rewards hikers with incredible views of the park and its surroundings.
Yosemite is also home to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, where visitors can marvel at the giant, ancient trees that have stood for thousands of years. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from lush forests to alpine meadows, making it a hiker’s paradise.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike to the summit of Half Dome or Glacier Point.
- Explore Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
- Visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
- Take a scenic drive along Tioga Road for stunning high-altitude views.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for the best access to trails and scenic views, though winter brings a magical snow-covered landscape.
3. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
No list of the best U.S. national parks would be complete without the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. This awe-inspiring canyon, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, is more than 277 miles long and over a mile deep in some places. The Grand Canyon’s intricate rock layers reveal over 2 billion years of Earth’s history.
There are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon, from hiking down into the canyon to taking in breathtaking views from the South Rim. The Bright Angel Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, leading adventurers from the rim to the Colorado River. For an unparalleled experience, visitors can embark on a white-water rafting trip down the Colorado River.
The North Rim offers a quieter, less crowded experience with panoramic views of the canyon, while Desert View Watchtower is an excellent spot for photography and sunset watching.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike the Bright Angel Trail or the more challenging South Kaibab Trail.
- Experience the Grand Canyon from the air with a helicopter tour.
- Take a rafting trip on the Colorado River.
- Visit the Desert View Watchtower for stunning views and photography.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for milder temperatures, though the park is open year-round for different experiences.
4. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion National Park is one of Utah’s most stunning parks, known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and dramatic desert landscapes. The park’s most famous feature is Angels Landing, a strenuous hike that leads visitors to a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs, offering panoramic views of Zion Canyon.
For a more unique experience, the Narrows hike takes visitors through the Virgin River, wading through the river between towering canyon walls. Zion also offers stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Kolob Canyons, which provide a quieter, less visited part of the park.
Zion is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and many species of birds, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife watching.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike to the top of Angels Landing.
- Walk the Narrows trail through the Virgin River.
- Take a scenic drive through Kolob Canyons.
- Explore the Emerald Pools and other short hikes in Zion Canyon.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park offers dramatic mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park’s famous Trail Ridge Road takes visitors to altitudes over 12,000 feet, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, Longs Peak, which stands at 14,259 feet, offers a strenuous climb to the summit. The park also features many shorter hikes, including the scenic Bear Lake Trail and the Alpine Visitor Center, which provides stunning views of the park’s alpine terrain.
Wildlife is abundant in the park, with visitors often spotting elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. The park’s varied ecosystems also make it a fantastic destination for birdwatching and wildflower viewing.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike the Longs Peak trail or explore Bear Lake.
- Drive along Trail Ridge Road for high-altitude views.
- Spot wildlife like elk and moose in Moraine Park.
- Visit the Alpine Visitor Center for breathtaking views.
Best Time to Visit: June to September for the best weather and trail access, though winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
6. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Acadia National Park is a hidden gem located on the coast of Maine. The park offers a stunning combination of rugged coastlines, serene lakes, and forested mountains. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, is a popular spot to watch the sunrise, as it’s the first place in the U.S. to see the morning light.
Acadia is known for its excellent hiking trails, including the Precipice Trail, which provides steep climbs and exhilarating views. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can take a leisurely bike ride along the park’s Carriage Roads, or explore the scenic beauty of Jordan Pond.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, porcupines, and seabirds, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain.
- Bike along the historic Carriage Roads.
- Explore the shoreline at Sand Beach and Thunder Hole.
- Visit Jordan Pond for peaceful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for the foliage, though summer offers the best weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
7. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier National Park is one of the most picturesque parks in the U.S., known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and vast glaciers. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, crossing the park and offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This 50-mile road is a highlight for visitors, providing access to breathtaking vistas, including Lake McDonald and Logan Pass.
Hiking is a major attraction in Glacier, with trails like the Grinnell Glacier Trail and Highline Trail offering opportunities to explore the park’s stunning landscapes up close. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Best Things to Do:
- Drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road for panoramic views.
- Hike to Grinnell Glacier or explore Highline Trail.
- Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald.
- Spot wildlife, including bears and mountain goats, along the trails.
Best Time to Visit: Late summer (July through September) for the best access to trails and facilities, though winter offers a serene experience for snowshoeing.
8. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert landscape, where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, creating a surreal environment filled with striking rock formations and the iconic Joshua trees from which the park gets its name. The park is known for its incredible stargazing opportunities, with clear skies offering a view of the Milky Way, especially on moonless nights.
Hiking and rock climbing are popular activities in Joshua Tree, with trails like Hidden Valley providing easy access to some of the park’s most famous rock formations. Ryan Mountain offers a more strenuous hike with rewarding views from the top. The park is also known for its fascinating desert wildlife, including coyotes, desert tortoises, and bighorn sheep.
Best Things to Do:
- Explore the Hidden Valley and Barker Dam trails.
- Go rock climbing in the park’s iconic rock formations.
- Experience world-class stargazing at Keys View.
- Visit Cholla Cactus Garden to see the unusual plant life.
Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring when the weather is cooler, ideal for outdoor activities and hiking.
9. Everglades National Park (Florida)
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. This unique wetland park is home to alligators, manatees, panthers, and countless bird species. The park is made up of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and freshwater sloughs, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Visitors can explore the park by boat, taking airboat tours through the Everglades’ waterways to see alligators and other wildlife up close. For a more immersive experience, hiking and canoeing are also popular ways to explore the park’s trails and waterways.
Best Things to Do:
- Take an airboat tour to see alligators and wildlife.
- Explore the park’s canoeing and kayaking opportunities.
- Visit Shark Valley for wildlife viewing and bike rides.
- Go birdwatching at Anhinga Trail for a chance to see a wide variety of species.
Best Time to Visit: Winter months (December through April) for cooler temperatures and optimal wildlife sightings.
10. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park is a land of incredible diversity. The park encompasses temperate rainforests, alpine peaks, and over 70 miles of rugged coastline. Its Hoh Rain Forest is one of the wettest places in the U.S., offering visitors a chance to walk through lush greenery, moss-draped trees, and peaceful streams.
Olympic’s Hurricane Ridge offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, while the coastal section of the park features the striking Ruby Beach and the tide pools of Kalaloch. For those seeking adventure, hiking, backpacking, and even wildlife watching are all available in the park’s vast wilderness.
Best Things to Do:
- Explore the Hoh Rain Forest for a true rainforest experience.
- Hike to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic mountain views.
- Visit the coastal areas, including Ruby Beach and Kalaloch.
- Go tidepooling along the park’s rugged shoreline.
Best Time to Visit: Late summer and fall, as these months offer the best weather and clear skies for hiking and exploration.
11. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
These two parks are often mentioned together due to their proximity and shared landscape. Sequoia National Park is home to some of the world’s largest trees, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree by volume on Earth. Kings Canyon offers dramatic canyon views, lush meadows, and deep forests, making it a beautiful counterpart to Sequoia.
The parks are filled with hiking opportunities, including the challenging High Sierra Trail and the relatively easy Congress Trail, where visitors can walk among the giant sequoias. In addition to the towering trees, both parks boast stunning views of rugged mountain peaks and pristine lakes.
Best Things to Do:
- Visit the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park.
- Hike the High Sierra Trail for spectacular mountain views.
- Explore the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon.
- Take scenic drives like Generals Highway.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for access to most trails, though spring and fall offer fewer crowds and colorful scenery.
12. Denali National Park (Alaska)
Denali National Park, located in Alaska, is home to Denali, the highest peak in North America, standing at 20,310 feet. The park is vast, with over six million acres of wilderness, offering pristine forests, glaciers, and wild terrain. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, spotting grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves, as well as Denali’s stunning views from various parts of the park.
One of the best ways to see the park is by taking a bus tour, as much of the park’s interior is accessible only by shuttle or bus. For adventure seekers, backpacking and mountaineering are popular activities, especially for those looking to summit Denali itself.
Best Things to Do:
- Take a bus tour to explore the park’s wilderness and spot wildlife.
- Hike the Mount Healy Overlook Trail for incredible views of the park.
- Go rafting or canoeing in the Nenana River.
- Visit the Denali Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (mid-June to mid-September) for access to trails and bus tours.
13. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Bryce Canyon is known for its otherworldly landscape of hoodoos, spire-like rock formations created by erosion. The park’s Bryce Amphitheater is the most famous feature, offering breathtaking views of the hoodoos, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the rocks glow in vibrant hues.
Bryce Canyon offers several fantastic hiking trails, such as the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail, which allow visitors to get up close to the hoodoos. The park is also a stargazing haven, with its high elevation and clear skies making it one of the best places for night sky observation.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail for views of hoodoos.
- Visit the Bryce Point for panoramic views.
- Go stargazing at Bryce Canyon Observatory.
- Take a scenic drive along Highway 12 for more panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for the best weather and trail conditions, though winter provides a peaceful, snow-covered landscape.
14. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, which are among the most active in the world. The park offers visitors a rare chance to explore volcanic landscapes, including lava tubes, craters, and steam vents.
The Kīlauea Visitor Center provides insights into the park’s volcanic activity, while the Chain of Craters Road takes visitors past spectacular geological features. Hiking through the park offers opportunities to witness volcanic landscapes up close, including the Crater Rim Trail.
Best Things to Do:
- Walk through Thurston Lava Tube.
- Explore the Chain of Craters Road for stunning volcanic views.
- Witness volcanic activity at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
- Go stargazing at Mauna Kea summit.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though summer and fall are ideal for warm weather and clear skies.
15. Arches National Park (Utah)
Arches National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, known for its stunning rock formations and over 2,000 natural stone arches. Located in the desert of eastern Utah, the park’s landscape is a striking blend of red rock spires, canyons, and arches, making it a favorite for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Delicate Arch is perhaps the most famous of the park’s arches, and the Delicate Arch Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike to get an up-close view of this iconic formation. The park also offers numerous other trails, such as the Devil’s Garden and Windows Loop, which allow visitors to explore some of the park’s most beautiful rock formations.
Arches is also an excellent location for stargazing, with dark skies providing some of the best views of the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike to Delicate Arch, the park’s most famous formation.
- Explore the Windows Loop and Devil’s Garden trails.
- Take a scenic drive along Arches Scenic Drive.
- Stargaze in the park’s dark skies.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures, though summer can be extremely hot during the day.
16. Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)
Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. While its name may evoke images of harsh, inhospitable terrain, it is home to some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the world. The park is famous for its Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
Despite its extreme conditions, Death Valley offers a surprising amount of beauty. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a must-see, with their towering sand dunes creating surreal desert vistas. Zabriskie Point provides a stunning view of the golden, eroded landscape of the park. Visitors can also explore Dante’s View, offering panoramic views from the park’s higher elevations.
Due to its desert environment, Death Valley is known for its extreme temperatures, so visiting in the cooler months of spring or fall is recommended.
Best Things to Do:
- Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
- Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for surreal desert views.
- Hike to Dante’s View for panoramic vistas of the valley.
- Visit Zabriskie Point for dramatic sunrise and sunset views.
Best Time to Visit: Late fall to early spring to avoid the extreme summer heat.
17. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
Mount Rainier National Park is a stunning park located in Washington state, centered around Mount Rainier, a massive stratovolcano that stands at 14,411 feet. The park is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and stunning wildflower displays during the summer months. Paradise is a popular area within the park, offering some of the best views of the mountain and the surrounding valleys.
The park offers excellent hiking opportunities, including the Skyline Trail, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Sunrise is another popular spot for breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers. The park is also a great destination for winter activities, such as snowshoeing and skiing.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike the Skyline Trail for stunning views of the mountain.
- Visit Paradise for wildflowers and views of glaciers.
- Explore the Sunrise Visitor Center for panoramic vistas.
- Ski, snowshoe, or snowboard in the winter months.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for wildflowers and hiking, winter for snow activities.
18. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Shenandoah National Park offers an easy escape into the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just a short drive from Washington, D.C., this park is perfect for those seeking a quick getaway to enjoy the outdoors. The park’s Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the mountains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley and distant ridgelines.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Shenandoah, with over 200 miles of trails. One of the highlights is the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park and offers long-distance hikers an opportunity to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains in depth. Shenandoah is also known for its scenic beauty, with Old Rag Mountain providing one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the park.
Best Things to Do:
- Drive along Skyline Drive for panoramic views.
- Hike Old Rag Mountain for a challenging and scenic adventure.
- Explore the Appalachian Trail through the park.
- Go wildlife watching for deer, black bears, and birds.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for vibrant foliage, spring for wildflowers, or summer for hiking and scenic views.
19. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, Tennessee)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S., attracting millions of visitors each year. The park is renowned for its mist-covered mountains, rich biodiversity, and stunning scenery. It spans the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene mountain vistas.
The Alum Cave Trail is a popular hike, offering spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains and an impressive rock overhang. The Clingmans Dome observation tower provides a panoramic view of the park’s mountains, making it one of the highest points in the park.
The park is also famous for its wildlife, including black bears, deer, and over 19,000 species of living organisms, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Best Things to Do:
- Hike the Alum Cave Trail or Laurel Falls Trail.
- Visit the Clingmans Dome observation tower for sweeping views.
- Explore the Cades Cove loop for wildlife watching and historic buildings.
- Go birdwatching and spot a variety of species.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for stunning foliage, spring for wildflowers, and summer for hiking.
20. Custer State Park (South Dakota)
Although not officially a national park, Custer State Park is often considered one of the best state parks in the U.S., and it offers an experience rivaling that of any national park. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the park is known for its vast prairies, towering granite peaks, and abundant wildlife, including a large herd of bison.
The Needles Highway offers one of the most scenic drives in the country, winding through narrow tunnels and jagged rock formations. Visitors can also explore Sylvan Lake, a picturesque body of water surrounded by granite spires, or take a drive on the Wildlife Loop to see bison, pronghorn, and elk.
Best Things to Do:
- Drive the scenic Needles Highway for stunning views.
- Go on a wildlife safari through the Wildlife Loop.
- Visit Sylvan Lake for a relaxing retreat surrounded by nature.
- Hike up to the top of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking and wildlife watching, fall for foliage and fewer crowds.
Conclusion
The United States is home to an unparalleled collection of national parks, each offering a unique opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re seeking the towering peaks of the Rockies, the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, or the otherworldly rock formations of Arches, these parks showcase the best that nature has to offer.
From deserts and mountains to wetlands and forests, the national parks of the U.S. provide a sanctuary for wildlife, adventure, and peace of mind. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking places on Earth. No matter which park you choose to visit, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.