The 10 Best National Parks to Visit in the United States

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

The United States is home to some of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the world. With over 600 national parks to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best national parks in the United States.

Yellowstone National Park

Yosemite National Park in California

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular and iconic national parks in the United States. It is home to Old Faithful, the world’s largest geyser, as well as Grand Prismatic Spring, the world’s largest hot spring. Yellowstone is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison.

Yosemite National Park

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Yosemite National Park is another one of the most popular national parks in the United States. It is home to Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall, three of the most famous landmarks in the park. Yosemite is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and bobcats.

Grand Canyon National Park

Glacier National Park in Montana

The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. It is over 277 miles long and over a mile deep. Visitors can hike, raft, bike, and even take helicopter tours of the canyon.

Glacier National Park

Zion National Park in Utah

Glacier National Park is home to stunning mountain scenery, including glaciers, alpine lakes, and forests. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and black bears.

Zion National Park

Acadia National Park in Maine

Zion National Park is known for its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and flowing rivers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and bobcats.

Acadia National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska

Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast of the United States. Acadia is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and deer.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee

Denali National Park and Preserve is home to Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and caribou.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the United States. The park is home to snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and forests. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, and bears.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the best national parks in the United States for a variety of reasons. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. It is also home to a variety of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. Yellowstone is a great place to visit for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and diversity of nature.

Tips for planning your trip to a national park

Do your research. Each national park has its own unique attractions and activities. Be sure to research the park you are interested in visiting so you can make the most of your time there.

Get a permit. Some national parks require permits for certain activities, such as camping or hiking. Be sure to check the park’s website or call the park office to find out if you need a permit.

Book your lodging in advance. National parks can get busy, especially during the summer months. It is a good idea to book your lodging in advance to avoid disappointment.

Pack for the weather. The weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the location of the park. Be sure to pack for all weather conditions.

FAQs

Which national parks are best for first-time visitors?

Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite are ideal for beginners due to their accessibility, famous landmarks, and comprehensive visitor facilities. Each offers scenic drives and well-marked trails suitable for all skill levels, plus iconic sites like Old Faithful in Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, and Yosemite’s Half Dome.

What national parks are best for scenic drives?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Glacier National Park, and Shenandoah National Park are renowned for breathtaking drives. Great Smoky has scenic routes that pass through diverse habitats, Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road offers stunning mountain views, and Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive features the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Which parks have the best hiking trails?

Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Zion National Park stand out for hiking. Glacier’s trails lead through alpine meadows and rugged terrain, while Rocky Mountain offers iconic hikes like Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Zion’s famous trails, like Angels Landing, provide unforgettable canyon views.

Are there lesser-known parks worth visiting?

Badlands, White Sands, and Lassen Volcanic National Parks are hidden gems with unique landscapes. The Badlands’ striking geological formations, White Sands’ gypsum dunes, and Lassen’s volcanic activity provide quieter but equally impressive alternatives to more popular parks.

Which parks are ideal for wildlife viewing?

Yellowstone, Everglades, and Denali are top choices for wildlife. Yellowstone is home to bison, wolves, and bears, Everglades hosts alligators and manatees, and Denali offers sightings of moose, caribou, and grizzly bears, making these parks exceptional for animal enthusiasts.

What parks are best for photography?

Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Great Sand Dunes are highly photogenic. Arches National Park’s red rock formations, Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, and Great Sand Dunes’ vast sand landscapes offer unique photo opportunities with striking natural contrasts.

Which national parks are best visited in winter?

Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, and Death Valley offer stunning winter experiences. Yosemite’s snow-covered landscapes, Bryce’s frosted hoodoos, and Death Valley’s mild winter temperatures allow visitors to experience these parks without summer crowds.

To summarize

National parks in the U.S. offer diverse landscapes, from the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the towering peaks in the Rocky Mountains and the lush rainforests of Olympic National Park. Choosing a park depends on your interests, whether it’s iconic landmarks, unique geological features, or secluded wilderness areas. For a balanced mix, visit multiple parks—each offers a distinct natural beauty and outdoor experience. Planning ahead is essential, as certain parks, like Zion and Yellowstone, can be crowded in peak seasons. Exploring these national parks not only provides scenic beauty but also fosters a deeper appreciation of America’s natural heritage​.

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