Best National Parks in the US

Trying to find the best national parks in the US for your next trip?

If you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife, you’re in the right place. The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife photographer, or simply looking to escape into nature, there’s a park for you.

Here’s our list of the best national parks in the US that you need to visit at least once!

20. Shenandoah National Park

Location: Virginia

Size: 199,000 acres

Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil forested landscapes. The park features the stunning Skyline Drive, which offers panoramic views of rolling hills and lush valleys. With its diverse habitats, including dense woodlands and cascading waterfalls, Shenandoah is a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Hike trails that lead to scenic overlooks, challenging peaks, and picturesque waterfalls.
• Scenic Drives: Drive along Skyline Drive for breathtaking views of the park’s mountains, valleys, and changing foliage.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer, in their natural forest habitat.
• Photography: Capture the park’s beautiful landscapes, especially during the fall when the foliage displays vibrant colors.

19. Olympic National Park

Location: Washington

Size: 922,000 acres

Olympic National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes. This park is full of lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, alpine peaks, and glacial lakes. The park’s unique ecosystems, including the Hoh Rain Forest and the Olympic Mountains, create a rich tapestry of natural beauty. Its varied environments provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore trails through dense rainforests, along wild coastlines, and up to high mountain viewpoints.
• Scenic Drives: Drive through the park to enjoy stunning views of the mountains, ocean, and forested landscapes.
• Wildlife Viewing: Observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, including elk and black bears.
• Coastal Exploration: Discover the park’s rugged coastline, with opportunities for tidepooling, beachcombing, and experiencing dramatic sea stacks and tidal pools.

18. Mount Rainier National Park

Location: Washington

Size: 236,000 acres

Mount Rainier National Park is famous for its towering, snow-capped peak and diverse landscapes. Dominated by Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano, the park features lush meadows, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls. Its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife make it a captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore trails that offer stunning views of Mount Rainier, wildflower meadows, and glaciers.
• Scenic Drives: Drive through the park to see panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot wildlife in their natural habitat, with opportunities to see black bears, mountain goats, and other species.
• Climbing: For experienced climbers, Mount Rainier offers challenging routes and the chance to summit the iconic peak.

17. Great Basin National Park

Location: Nevada

Size: 77,000 acres

Great Basin National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, from high mountain peaks to expansive deserts. The park features the stunning Lehman Caves, lush alpine meadows, and the towering Wheeler Peak. Its remote beauty offers a blend of rugged terrain and serene solitude, making it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Activities:

• Cave Tours: Explore the park’s fascinating limestone caves with guided tours showcasing intricate formations and underground wonders.
• Hiking: Hike trails that offer breathtaking views of alpine landscapes, including the summit of Wheeler Peak and serene lake areas.
• Scenic Drives: Drive through the park to enjoy expansive views of the rugged mountains and desert landscapes.
• Stargazing: Experience some of the clearest night skies in the U.S., ideal for observing stars and celestial phenomena.

16. Crater Lake National Park

Location: Oregon

Size: 183,000 acres

Crater Lake National Park is renowned for its deep blue lake, nestled in a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano. The lake, with its pristine waters and dramatic cliffs, offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Surrounded by rugged peaks and ancient forests, Crater Lake is a striking example of volcanic landscape and natural beauty.

Top Activities:

• Scenic Drives: Circle the lake on Rim Drive for panoramic views of the deep blue water and surrounding volcanic formations.
• Hiking: Hike trails that offer stunning views of the lake and access to its shore or high vantage points.
• Boat Tours: Take a boat tour to explore the lake’s crystal-clear waters and learn about its geology and history.
• Photography: Capture the lake’s vivid blue color and dramatic scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset for the best light.

15. Death Valley National Park

Location: California, Nevada

Size: 3,373,000 acres

Death Valley National Park, located in California and Nevada, is known for its extreme landscapes and stark beauty. It features the hottest and driest conditions in North America, with vast salt flats, sweeping sand dunes, and rugged mountains. The park’s unique geological formations and dramatic contrasts create a mesmerizing and otherworldly environment.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore trails that lead to the lowest point in North America and through colorful, winding canyons.
• Scenic Drives: Drive through the park to see vibrant rock formations, panoramic views, and expansive desert landscapes.
• Stargazing: Experience some of the darkest night skies in the U.S., perfect for observing stars and celestial events.
• Photography: Capture the park’s striking contrasts, from the sunlit dunes to the deep shadows of rugged peaks.

14. Acadia National Park

Location: Maine

Size: 49,000 acres

Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s rugged coast, is a charming blend of rocky shorelines, granite peaks, and lush woodlands. The park’s diverse landscape features dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also find serene lakes nestled in forested valleys and rolling hills with panoramic views. Acadia offers a refreshing escape with its scenic beauty, rich wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities. It’s a great park to go somewhere whenever you need to clear your mind and relax!

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore scenic trails that offer stunning views, from the serene shores of Jordan Pond to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch breathtaking sunrise views as the first place in the U.S. to see the sun.
• Scenic Drives: Drive along the Park Loop Road to experience some of the park’s most iconic landscapes, including coastal cliffs, forested areas, and sweeping ocean views.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, with opportunities to see moose in the park’s woodlands and peregrine falcons soaring above the cliffs.
• Coastal Exploration: Enjoy the park’s dramatic coastline, with opportunities for tidepooling, beachcombing, and exploring rugged shores and tranquil coves along the Atlantic.

P.S. If Acadia sounds like a park you would like… check out our list of the best national parks on the East Coast.

13. Kenai Fjords National Park

Location: Alaska

Size: 669,000 acres

Kenai Fjords National Park is a captivating wonder of Alaska, renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and dynamic glaciers. Home to the dramatic Harding Icefield, this park features rugged fjords, towering ice formations, and abundant wildlife. The park’s glaciers calve into deep blue waters, offering spectacular sights and unforgettable experiences. With a range of activities from boat tours to hiking, Kenai Fjords presents an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and adventure.

Top Activities:

• Boat Tours: Explore the park’s stunning glaciers and abundant marine life from the water, including whales, sea otters, and puffins.
• Hiking: Traverse trails that offer breathtaking views of the icefield and glacier, with varying levels of difficulty to suit all adventurers.
• Wildlife Watching: Spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, from the depths of the fjords to the shores of the park.
• Kayaking: Paddle through the serene waters of the park, getting up close to icebergs and observing marine life in a unique, immersive way.

12. Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Colorado

Size: 265,000 acres

Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking park known for its dramatic mountain vistas, diverse ecosystems, and stunning alpine lakes. The park’s rugged peaks, including the iconic Longs Peak, offer awe-inspiring scenery and a range of outdoor adventures. With elevations reaching over 14,000 feet, the park features everything from lush meadows and dense forests to stark, high-altitude tundra. Its scenic drives and extensive trail network make it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore trails that lead you through picturesque landscapes, from serene alpine lakes to expansive mountain views.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy one of the highest paved roads in North America, offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding wilderness.
• Wildlife Watching: Observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, with opportunities for close-up encounters and photography.
• Climbing and Mountaineering: Challenge yourself with technical climbs and summit some of the park’s rugged peaks for an unforgettable adventure.

11. Arches National Park

Location: Utah

Size: 76,000 acres

Arches National Park is a striking landscape in southeastern Utah, celebrated for its unique and otherworldly rock formations. The park is renowned for its over 2,000 natural stone arches, which create a stunning and surreal environment. With its vibrant red rock scenery, dramatic cliffs, and expansive desert vistas… Arches offers a visual feast and endless opportunities for exploration. Its relatively compact size means you can experience a variety of breathtaking views in a short amount of time.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Discover iconic landmarks and intricate rock formations through a range of trails, from easy walks to challenging scrambles.
• Scenic Drives: Traverse the park’s main road to see some of its most famous arches and rock formations, with plenty of pullouts for photos and short walks.
• Photography: Capture the stunning contrasts and vibrant colors of the arches and rock formations, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
• Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, the park offers opportunities to climb its unique rock formations, with routes suitable for various skill levels.

10. Denali National Park

Location: Alaska

Size: 6,075,000 acres

Denali National Park is a majestic expanse of wilderness centered around North America’s highest peak, Denali. The park’s vast landscapes feature sweeping tundra, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife, offering a pristine and remote experience. With its dramatic views of the towering peak and extensive backcountry, Denali is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

Top Activities:

• Wildlife Viewing: Spot an array of wildlife in their natural habitat, with opportunities to see some of Alaska’s most iconic species.
• Scenic Bus Tours: Take a guided tour along the park’s scenic road for breathtaking views of Denali and the surrounding wilderness, with stops for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Hiking and Backpacking: Explore a variety of trails that offer stunning vistas and experience the park’s diverse ecosystems up close.
• Mountaineering and Climbing: For the experienced climber, Denali presents a formidable challenge with its high-altitude peaks and challenging conditions.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park

Location: Utah

Size: 56,000 acres

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its unique landscape of hoodoos. These hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that create a striking and colorful amphitheater. The park’s unique geological formations, with their vibrant hues and intricate shapes, provide a stunning visual experience. Bryce Canyon’s high elevation offers crisp, clear views of the expansive desert and distant mountain ranges. This is a great park for anyone seeking both natural beauty and solitude.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Wander through the park’s labyrinth of hoodoos and enjoy trails that take you deep into the heart of the amphitheater for close-up views of these remarkable formations.
• Scenic Drives: Drive along the park’s main road to access various viewpoints and lookouts that offer panoramic vistas of the hoodoos and surrounding landscape.
• Stargazing: Take advantage of Bryce Canyon’s dark skies and high elevation for exceptional stargazing opportunities, with some of the clearest night skies in the country.
• Photography: Capture the park’s unique rock formations and stunning colors, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the light enhances the natural beauty of the hoodoos.

8. Grand Teton National Park

Location: Wyoming

Size: 310,000 acres

Grand Teton National Park is celebrated for its dramatic mountain scenery and pristine wilderness. The park’s centerpiece is the beautiful Teton Range. This range features jagged peaks that rise from the valley floor and creates a striking contrast against the clear sky. The park’s other popular features include its crystal-clear lakes, diverse wildlife, and expansive meadows. Grand Teton offers an awe-inspiring natural backdrop for a wide range of outdoor adventures.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore trails that offer spectacular views of the Teton peaks and serene lakes, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging backcountry hikes.
• Scenic Drives: Drive through the park to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys, with several scenic overlooks and pullouts for photography.
• Wildlife Viewing: Observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, with ample opportunities for spotting animals in the park’s diverse ecosystems.
• Climbing and Mountaineering: For those seeking a challenge, the park’s rugged peaks offer exciting climbing opportunities, with routes suitable for various skill levels and experiences.

7. Joshua Tree National Park

Location: California

Size: 792,000 acres

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert landscape where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. The park is renowned for its striking geological formations, including rugged mountains, vast rock formations. But it’s the iconic Joshua trees that gives the park its name. With its surreal, otherworldly scenery and expansive desert vistas… Joshua Tree offers a fascinating and tranquil escape into one of the most distinctive desert environments in the United States.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Traverse trails that showcase the park’s unusual rock formations and desert flora, offering varied experiences from short, easy walks to more strenuous hikes.
• Rock Climbing: Explore the park’s renowned climbing routes, with opportunities for both beginners and experienced climbers to tackle its diverse rock formations.
• Stargazing: Enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the country, perfect for stargazing and capturing stunning astrophotography against the backdrop of the desert.
• Photography: Capture the park’s unique landscapes, from the dramatic rock formations to the whimsical Joshua trees, with especially vibrant opportunities at sunrise and sunset.

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: North Carolina, Tennessee

Size: 522,000 acres

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a lush and enchanting expanse of biodiversity and scenic beauty. The park is renowned for its mist-covered peaks, dense forests, and a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The Smokies offer a captivating blend of ancient mountains, cascading waterfalls, and historic mountain cabins. These features make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat in the Appalachian wilderness.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore a variety of trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, scenic waterfalls, and through diverse ecosystems, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy picturesque drives that provide stunning vistas of the rolling mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife and historical sites.
• Wildlife Viewing: Observe an array of wildlife in their natural habitat, with frequent sightings of the park’s diverse animal species.
• Historical Exploration: Discover the park’s cultural heritage through its preserved historic structures, including old mountain cabins, churches, and gristmills that offer a glimpse into the lives of early Appalachian settlers.

5. Yellowstone National Park

Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Size: 2,221,000 acres

Yellowstone National Park is a geological marvel and a cornerstone of America’s natural heritage. Renowned as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone features a spectacular array of geothermal wonders. You’ll see things you’re not used to seeing every day like geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. The park’s diverse landscapes encompass vast forests, rolling plains, and dramatic canyons. And all of it is set against the backdrop of the Yellowstone Caldera—a super volcano! Its rich array of wildlife and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Top Activities:

• Geyser Watching: Witness the park’s famous geysers in action, with Old Faithful’s predictable eruptions and the diverse geothermal features of Norris Basin providing incredible displays of nature’s power.
• Hiking: Explore trails that offer breathtaking views of the park’s geothermal features, dramatic landscapes, and wildlife, with options for both short walks and longer backcountry hikes.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of iconic species in their natural habitat, with ample opportunities to see large herds of bison, elusive wolves, and the majestic grizzly bear.
• Scenic Drives: Drive through the park’s scenic routes to experience its diverse landscapes, from lush valleys and hot springs to expansive vistas and mountain ranges.

4. Yosemite National Park

Location: California

Size: 761,000 acres

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its breathtaking granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. The park’s iconic landmarks, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, create an awe-inspiring landscape that draws visitors from everywhere. The park’s other features include lush valleys, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and serene lakes. Yosemite’s diverse natural beauty offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventurers.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Traverse trails that lead you to some of the park’s most famous features, from the breathtaking views of Yosemite Falls to the misty cascades of Vernal and Nevada Falls.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy scenic drives that offer panoramic views of the park’s majestic landscapes, including high-altitude vistas and the iconic granite cliffs.
• Rock Climbing: Challenge yourself on some of the world’s most renowned climbing routes, with opportunities to scale impressive granite walls like El Capitan and Sentinel Dome.
• Wildlife Viewing: Observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, with chances to see black bears, mule deer, and other species as they roam through the park’s diverse ecosystems.

3. Glacier National Park

Location: Montana

Size: 1,013,000 acres

Glacier National Park is a stunning expanse of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient glaciers. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” the park features dramatic landscapes carved by glaciers. There are no shortage of photo opportunities with its towering peaks and deep valleys providing a breathtaking backdrop. Its vast network of trails, clear blue lakes, and alpine meadows make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a rare place where you’ll find both adventure and tranquility in one of America’s most scenic environments.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Discover trails that offer spectacular views of the park’s glaciers, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping valleys, with options ranging from scenic day hikes to challenging backcountry treks.
• Scenic Drives : Traverse one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., crossing the Continental Divide and providing panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain and glacial valleys.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, with opportunities to see iconic species such as mountain goats, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep.
• Boating and Fishing: Enjoy serene boat rides and fishing on the park’s pristine lakes, including Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake, where you can take in the peaceful surroundings and clear waters.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Arizona

Size: 1,218,000 acres

Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder renowned for its immense scale and stunning geological formations. The canyon comes from the result of the Colorado River carving it up over millions of years. The erosion led to a vast expanse of layered red rock cliffs and deep, intricate gorges that stretch for miles. It’s dramatic vistas and layered history makes it one of the most visited natural landmarks in the world.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Explore trails that descend into the canyon, providing breathtaking views of the rock layers and the Colorado River below, with options for both day hikes and longer backcountry adventures.
• Scenic Views: Take in the panoramic vistas from various viewpoints along the South Rim and North Rim, where you can experience the canyon’s vastness and the interplay of light and shadow on the rock formations.
• River Rafting: Embark on a thrilling rafting trip through the Colorado River, navigating the canyon’s rapids and experiencing its majestic beauty from a unique perspective.
• Helicopter Tours: Soar above the canyon for a bird’s-eye view of its immense scale and intricate formations, providing a stunning and comprehensive perspective of this natural marvel.

1. Zion National Park

Location: Utah

Size: 146,000 acres

Zion’s stunning sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons create a landscape that feels both vast and intimate. The park’s unique geography makes it a paradise for hikers and adventurers. You’ll find hiking trails for all experience levels ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The Virgin River has carved out some of the most spectacular canyons in the park, including the famous Narrows. Zion’s diverse terrain also includes high plateaus, sandstone canyons, and waterfalls. These features make this park a diverse destination for nature lovers.

Top Activities:

• Hiking: Challenge yourself with famous hikes like Angel’s Landing, which offers exhilarating views from a high ridge. Or wade through the Virgin River in The Narrows, where canyon walls create a breathtaking corridor of rock and water.
• Scenic Drives: Travel through the park’s scenic roadways to experience the park’s iconic rock formations and picturesque landscapes. There’s a shuttle-bus route in Zion Canyon that’s amazing!
• Rock Climbing: Test your skills on Zion’s diverse climbing routes. Climbing ranges from multi-pitch ascents on its vertical cliffs to less technical climbs that offer stunning views.
• Canyoneering: Explore the park’s slot canyons through a blend of hiking, rappelling, and scrambling. It’s a fun way to explore the hidden passageways and unique rock formations.

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The best national parks in the US are places we thing everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Whether you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, or thrilling outdoor activities, these parks have something for everyone.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and set out to explore the natural wonders of America’s national parks!