There’s nothing quite like stepping into the untamed beauty of America’s national parks. Whether it’s the sight of a geyser erupting, the sound of a river carving through a canyon, or the stillness of a starlit sky, these protected lands offer moments that stay with you forever. Let’s dive into the 30 best national parks in the U.S., where natural beauty meets adventure.
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, is a geothermal wonderland boasting over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. Its most famous geyser, Old Faithful, erupts with impressive regularity, delighting millions of visitors each year. Beyond its geothermal marvels, Yellowstone is home to the iconic Yellowstone River, breathtaking waterfalls like the Lower Falls, and vast wilderness teeming with wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, the park also offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. A visit to Yellowstone is a journey into the heart of nature’s power and beauty, making it unforgettable.
2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking geological masterpiece, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Spanning 277 miles long and over a mile deep, the canyon’s vibrant layers reveal Earth’s history in stunning detail. Visitors can explore its majesty through hiking trails like Bright Angel or South Kaibab or opt for a thrilling rafting adventure along the river. Popular viewpoints, including Mather Point and Hopi Point, offer unparalleled vistas, especially at sunrise or sunset. With its immense scale and rich ecosystem, the Grand Canyon remains one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
The Great Smoky Mountains, often referred to as the “Smokies,” are celebrated for their mist-covered peaks and rich biodiversity. As the most visited national park in the U.S., it offers over 850 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail. Visitors can explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls like Laurel Falls, and historic buildings that reflect Appalachian culture. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and salamanders. Whether you’re driving along the scenic Newfound Gap Road or enjoying a picnic in Cades Cove, the Smokies provide endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
4. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park features rugged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and over 700 miles of trails. Its famed Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a 50-mile journey through stunning landscapes, including Logan Pass and Lake McDonald. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles in their natural habitats. The park’s glaciers, though receding, are a testament to Earth’s climatic history. Visitors can hike to Iceberg Lake or explore the Many Glacier area for breathtaking views. Glacier National Park’s untouched beauty and serenity make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
5. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion National Park’s towering sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons make it a paradise for adventurers. The Angels Landing hike, with its thrilling ridgeline, challenges even experienced hikers, while the Narrows offers a unique river trek through towering canyon walls. Zion’s diverse ecosystems include desert plateaus, lush valleys, and hanging gardens, providing habitats for species like peregrine falcons and mule deer. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and Kolob Canyons offer stunning views accessible by car. With its dramatic landscapes and range of activities, Zion is a place where adventure and tranquility coexist harmoniously.
6. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Acadia, located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, combines coastal beauty with rugged mountain terrain. Cadillac Mountain, the park’s centerpiece, is the first place in the U.S. to witness sunrise for much of the year. Visitors can hike trails like Beehive Loop or relax on Sand Beach, surrounded by granite cliffs. The park’s carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offer picturesque routes for biking and walking. Rich in wildlife, Acadia is home to seals, bald eagles, and porcupines. Its blend of forested trails, rocky coastlines, and ocean views make it a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
7. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Olympic National Park is a showcase of natural diversity, featuring temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, and a rugged coastline. The Hoh Rainforest, with its moss-draped trees, feels like stepping into another world, while Hurricane Ridge offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Along the coast, Rialto Beach and its sea stacks provide dramatic scenery and tide pools brimming with marine life. The park’s pristine wilderness is home to Roosevelt elk, black bears, and river otters. Whether hiking to Sol Duc Falls or stargazing at Lake Crescent, Olympic’s varied landscapes promise unforgettable experiences.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park is a land of towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Trail Ridge Road, the park’s iconic scenic drive, reaches elevations above 12,000 feet, offering unparalleled views of the Continental Divide. Hikers can explore Bear Lake, Dream Lake, or the challenging Longs Peak. The park’s wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, thrives in its varied habitats. Visitors in summer can enjoy wildflower-filled meadows, while winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Rocky Mountain National Park’s stunning landscapes make it a year-round destination for adventure and relaxation.
9. Arches National Park (Utah)
Arches National Park is a geological marvel, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. The park’s vibrant red rock formations create a striking contrast against the blue sky, offering endless photo opportunities. Visitors can explore trails like the Devil’s Garden or take a scenic drive to Windows Section. Beyond its arches, the park features pinnacles, spires, and balanced rocks, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Arches is not only a visual wonder but also a haven for stargazing, with its dark skies offering spectacular views of the Milky Way.
10. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite’s granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls have captivated visitors for generations. Landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome challenge climbers and hikers, while Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, mesmerizes onlookers. The Mariposa Grove is home to ancient giant sequoias, some over 2,000 years old. The Yosemite Valley offers stunning vistas, including Tunnel View, where visitors can take in the grandeur of the park’s iconic landmarks. Whether exploring its high country or relaxing by the Merced River, Yosemite provides an experience that is both humbling and inspiring.
11. Everglades National Park (Florida)
Everglades National Park offers a subtropical wilderness teeming with life. Spanning 1.5 million acres, it is home to mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and wading birds. Visitors can explore this unique ecosystem by airboat tours, kayaking, or hiking trails like Anhinga Trail. The park’s waterways and serene landscapes make it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Designated as a World Heritage Site, the Everglades play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and water quality. Experiencing its tranquility and vibrant life is unforgettable.
12. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Bryce Canyon is a stunning display of nature’s artistry, featuring its iconic hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires formed by millions of years of erosion. The amphitheaters in the park, like the Bryce Amphitheater, offer unforgettable sunrises and stargazing opportunities, thanks to the park’s dark skies. Visitors can explore trails like Navajo Loop or Peekaboo Loop, which wind through the intricate rock formations. Wildlife such as mule deer and prairie dogs are common sights. Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly landscape and vibrant orange and red hues make it a unique destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
13. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Known for its surreal landscape of twisted Joshua trees and massive boulders, Joshua Tree National Park offers a desert experience like no other. The park’s distinct ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, come together to create a haven for unique flora and fauna. Popular spots include Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View, which offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. Rock climbing and stargazing are also top activities here, with clear, dark skies providing a dazzling view of the Milky Way. Joshua Tree’s mystical and rugged charm attracts adventurers, artists, and solitude seekers year-round.
14. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
These neighboring parks are home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the General Sherman Tree, a giant sequoia estimated to be over 2,200 years old. Sequoia National Park also boasts towering peaks and crystal-clear rivers, while Kings Canyon features one of North America’s deepest canyons. Visitors can explore the Giant Forest, hike through the Zumwalt Meadow, or marvel at the vistas from Moro Rock. The parks’ high-altitude landscapes also provide cooler temperatures during summer, making them ideal for hiking and camping. Together, these parks offer a unique blend of colossal trees and breathtaking wilderness.
15. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (Hawai‘i)
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a living testament to the Earth’s geological power, featuring two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can witness volcanic craters, lava tubes, and steaming vents that showcase the park’s dynamic nature. The Crater Rim Drive provides access to iconic spots like the Thurston Lava Tube and the Kīlauea Overlook. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from tropical rainforests to barren lava fields, supporting unique wildlife and plant species. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the creation and transformation of landscapes in real-time.
16. Denali National Park & Preserve (Alaska)
Denali National Park is a vast, untamed wilderness centered around Denali, North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Covering over six million acres, the park offers a haven for wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. Visitors can explore the park through bus tours, hiking trails, or flightseeing adventures. The Savage River area provides excellent hiking opportunities with stunning mountain views. In winter, the park transforms into a wonderland for snowshoeing and northern lights viewing. Denali’s dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
17. Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park invites visitors to explore a world beneath the surface, featuring over 119 caves formed by sulfuric acid dissolution. The Big Room, the largest single cave chamber in North America, is a highlight, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. Guided tours take adventurers deeper into the caves, revealing chambers like the Hall of the White Giant. Above ground, the park’s Chihuahuan Desert environment provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. At sunset, witness the mesmerizing bat flight, when thousands of bats emerge from the caves. Carlsbad Caverns offers a surreal and educational experience.
18. Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)
Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes, boasting the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin and some of the hottest temperatures recorded on Earth. Despite its name, the park teems with life, featuring wildflower blooms, salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged canyons. Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View offer stunning vistas of the desert landscape. Adventurous visitors can explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or the mysterious sailing stones at Racetrack Playa. Death Valley’s unique geology and stark beauty make it a fascinating destination for those seeking solitude and dramatic scenery.
19. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Badlands National Park showcases striking landscapes of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, creating a unique and rugged terrain. Covering over 240,000 acres, the park is also home to mixed-grass prairies that support bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Visitors can explore scenic drives like the Badlands Loop Road, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Hiking trails such as the Notch Trail provide an up-close look at the dramatic formations. The park’s vibrant sunsets and stargazing opportunities add to its allure, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
20. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a tranquil escape into nature with its rolling hills, forests, and the winding Cuyahoga River. Visitors can explore over 125 miles of trails, including the popular Towpath Trail, which follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. The park is home to Brandywine Falls, a stunning 65-foot waterfall, and historic landmarks like the Everett Covered Bridge. Cuyahoga Valley is also a hotspot for birdwatchers, with over 250 species recorded. Whether hiking, biking, or enjoying a scenic train ride, the park provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural history.
21. Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem featuring diverse landscapes, from ancient bristlecone pine forests to the towering Wheeler Peak. Visitors can explore the stunning Lehman Caves, known for their intricate limestone formations. The park’s high elevation provides spectacular stargazing opportunities, with some of the darkest skies in the U.S. Hikers can tackle trails leading to alpine lakes and glacier-carved terrain, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot mule deer, marmots, and golden eagles. Great Basin’s combination of geological wonders, diverse ecosystems, and solitude makes it a unique destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
22. White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
White Sands National Park is a surreal desert landscape of dazzling white gypsum dunes, stretching over 275 square miles. Visitors can hike or sled down the dunes, experiencing the park’s otherworldly beauty firsthand. The Dune Life Nature Trail provides insights into the unique plants and animals adapted to this harsh environment. The park’s sunsets transform the sands into a canvas of pastel colors, offering incredible photo opportunities. Stargazers will also find White Sands a prime location for observing constellations under a clear desert sky. Its stunning scenery and recreational activities make it a must-visit destination in the Southwest.
23. Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote paradise in the Gulf of Mexico. The park’s centerpiece, Fort Jefferson, is a massive 19th-century coastal fortress surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can snorkel or dive to explore the marine life and shipwrecks that thrive in the area. The park’s seven islands also offer pristine beaches and opportunities for birdwatching, with species like frigatebirds and terns nesting in the area. Dry Tortugas provides a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a bucket-list destination for travelers.
24. Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, offers a pristine wilderness experience accessible only by ferry or seaplane. The park’s remote setting makes it a haven for solitude seekers, with opportunities for backpacking, kayaking, and scuba diving. Visitors can explore rugged shorelines, dense forests, and inland lakes teeming with wildlife like moose and wolves. Popular trails include the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the island. With no cars and limited visitors, Isle Royale provides a rare chance to connect deeply with nature in one of the most secluded national parks in the U.S.
25. Big Bend National Park (Texas)
Big Bend National Park, located along the Rio Grande, is a vast desert landscape featuring rugged mountains, sprawling canyons, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can hike the Window Trail for breathtaking views or explore the Santa Elena Canyon by kayak. The park is also a geologist’s dream, with fossils and rock formations revealing millions of years of Earth’s history. Big Bend’s remote location ensures stunning night skies, making it a certified International Dark Sky Park. With its blend of desert beauty, cultural history, and outdoor recreation, Big Bend offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of Texas.
26. Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise on the island of St. John, boasting pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush hillsides. Visitors can snorkel in the clear waters of Trunk Bay or hike trails like Reef Bay Trail, which leads to ancient petroglyphs and a waterfall. The park’s vibrant marine life includes colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers. Cultural history is also preserved here, with ruins of sugar plantations offering a glimpse into the island’s past. Virgin Islands National Park combines natural beauty with rich history, creating a Caribbean escape like no other.
27. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
Dominated by the towering Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano, this park offers a mix of rugged wilderness and accessible beauty. Visitors can explore fields of wildflowers in the Paradise area or hike challenging trails like the Wonderland Trail, which encircles the mountain. The park is also home to over 25 glaciers, alpine lakes, and waterfalls, including Narada Falls. Wildlife such as black bears, mountain goats, and elk thrive here. Whether climbing to the summit or enjoying scenic drives, Mount Rainier National Park provides an awe-inspiring experience in the Pacific Northwest.
28. Katmai National Park & Preserve (Alaska)
Katmai National Park is best known for Brooks Falls, where brown bears gather to catch salmon during the summer. This remote Alaskan park also features the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a dramatic volcanic landscape created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta. Visitors can access the park by plane and explore its pristine wilderness through hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Katmai’s unique combination of wildlife viewing, volcanic features, and solitude makes it a bucket-list destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Its raw, untouched beauty provides a glimpse into one of the most remote regions of the U.S.
29. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (Alaska)
As the largest national park in the U.S., Wrangell-St. Elias covers 13.2 million acres of mountains, glaciers, and rugged wilderness. Visitors can explore the historic Kennecott Mines, hike on the Root Glacier, or enjoy flightseeing tours over towering peaks. The park’s vastness offers opportunities for solitude and adventure, with wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep inhabiting the area. Wrangell-St. Elias is a paradise for mountaineers, backcountry hikers, and those seeking unspoiled landscapes. Its sheer scale and beauty make it one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Alaska.
30. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
Congaree National Park protects one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. Visitors can explore the park through boardwalk trails, kayak tours, or guided nature walks. The Congaree River provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing, while the forest canopy offers shade and serenity. Wildlife such as river otters, bobcats, and owls thrive in this biodiverse habitat. Known for its unique floodplain ecosystem, Congaree also hosts spectacular firefly displays in late spring. This lesser-known park offers tranquility and a chance to connect with nature’s subtle wonders.
Our Pick’s: Top 5 Best National Parks to Visit in the U.S. according to visitor statistics and reviews
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
- Zion National Park (Utah)
- Yosemite National Park (California)
Conclusion
America’s national parks are treasures waiting to be explored. From the geysers of Yellowstone to the tropical beauty of the Virgin Islands, these 30 parks showcase the country’s stunning diversity. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, there’s a park for you. Which national park will you explore next?*