25 Best National Parks in the USA

25 best national parks in the USA

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a world-famous destination that offers visitors a one-of-a-kind natural experience. Located primarily in Wyoming, but also stretching into Montana and Idaho, the park covers an area of over 2.2 million acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and geothermal features.

Visitors to the park can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Yellowstone’s famous geysers and hot springs, including Old Faithful, one of the most iconic natural attractions in the world. The park also boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests and sparkling lakes to towering mountains and rolling meadows.

In addition to the geothermal features, Yellowstone is also home to a rich array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitats, either on their own or through guided tours and programs.

The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. There are also numerous ranger-led programs and educational exhibits that provide insight into the history and geology of the park.

Accommodations within the park include campgrounds, lodges, cabins, and hotels, as well as a variety of dining options and gift shops.

Overall, Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning natural beauty, unique geothermal features, and diverse wildlife make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Video Overview: Yellowstone National Park Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

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2. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a breathtaking destination that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The park is located in northern Arizona and is home to one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world – the Grand Canyon.

Visitors to the park can explore the canyon by foot, mule, or raft, and there are numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the canyon and its unique geological formations. Some popular trails include the Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail, and the North Kaibab Trail.

In addition to hiking, visitors can also take in the beauty of the canyon from a variety of viewpoints and overlooks, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View. There are also ranger-led programs, educational exhibits, and museums that provide insight into the history and geology of the canyon.

The park offers a range of accommodations, including campgrounds, lodges, and cabins, as well as a variety of dining options. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs and gifts at the park’s gift shops.

Overall, Grand Canyon National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its awe-inspiring beauty and natural wonder make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

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3. Sequoia National Park

Although it is most famous for its giant sequoia trees, the largest in the world, Sequoia National park is not just a forest of nature’s skyscrapers.

Caves, rugged peaks, impressive fauna and flora, and rock formations all adorn this magnificent landscape. Definitely one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Video Overview: Sequoia National Park Travel Guide | Things to do & see on a weekend

4. Yosemite National Park

It is located at the heart of the Nevada Mountains in California. Yosemite National Park is famous for:

Ancient giant sequoia trees
The panorama of towering Bridal Veil Fall
The Tunnel View
Granite cliffs of Half Dome and the El Captain

The Ansell Adams Gallery- Holds the prints of a photographer’s prominent black-and white landscapes of the Yosemite area
The best time to visit this park is during fall as the daytime temperatures tend to really fall after Labor Day. September is a great month to go rock climbing and hiking at the heart of Yosemite Valley.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

This is an extensive reserve that is located in Southern Utah. The Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for:

The crimson-colored hoodoos- are beautiful spire-shaped rock formations
The Bryce Amphitheatre- this is a hoodoo-filled depression that lies just below the Rim Trail Hiking Path
The beautiful Sunrise and Sunset points coupled with the amazing Bryce point and the Inspiration point

The best time to visit this national park is in July as the weather is usually very warm. During the late summer, rain often pours as afternoon thunderstorms. September is also a great month to visit this national park as the temperatures are pleasant.

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6. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California. It is famous for:

The bare desert landscapes
The amazing rugged rock formations
Its Key Views that look out to the Coachella Valley
Hiking trails that interlace through the boulders of the Hidden Valley

The best time to visit this amazing national park is solely dependent on exactly what you need. For rock climbing during mild temperatures, the best time to visit would be in the early spring (March- April). There are other perfect times to visit too such as during late fall when the desert wildflowers start blooming.

7. Glacier National Park

The Glacier Bay National Park is located in Southeast Alaska at the heart of The Passage. It is famous for having the deepest glacial fjord and the highest peak. It also encompasses some of the continent’s most amazing wildness and scenery. The Glacier Bay National Park is fondly known as a land reborn and the perfect epitome of what resilience looks like.

The best time to visit this great national park would be during the warm months of summer (July, August, September, October, and June) however, there are times during the months of June and October where the higher elevations may be blocked off by snow.

Video Overview: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA in 4K (Ultra HD)

8. Zion National Park

This is a nature preserve that is located in Southwest Utah. It is famous for:

The Zion Canyon red steep cliffs
The Scenic Drive that cuts at the heart of the national park
The beautiful forest trails of the Virgin River
The elegant Emerald Pools that have a hanging garden and waterfalls
The Zion Narrows that is excellent for wade hiking

The best times to visit the Zion Nation Park would be during fall and spring. This is because at this time the park is usually sunny and warm; just the right temperature for having fun.

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9. Arches National Park

Located in the state of Utah and lies in the north of Moab; also bordered by the Colorado River at the southeast. It is famous for:

Being home to more than two thousand sandstone arches such as the extensive thin landscape Arch and the red-hued Delicate Arch
The Devils Garden
The Balanced Rock that towers over the desert landscape

The best time of the year to visit this national park would be April to May; September –October as the daytime temperatures are average. The summer is not a good time as the temperatures could go high making exploring tough.

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10. Rocky Mountain National Park

It is located in Northern Colorado and bridges the Continental Divide. It is famous for:

The Old Fall River Road and the Trail Ridge Road that drive through the aspen rivers and trees
The Keyhole Route- a climb crossing vertical rock
The Longs Peak- this is the park’s tallest mountain
A beautiful trail that surrounds the Bear Lake

The best time to visit this national park would be during late May all through early June/ September; mid-October –however, this is not assured as snow is likely to have fallen at these times.

11. MT. Rainier National Park

This is a state reserve that is located in Washington Dc at the southeast of Seattle. It is famous for:

Hosting the world’s most dangerous volcano
The high paradise that offers mountain views during the summertime
Beautiful summertime wildflower meadows
Hiking trailheads

The best time to visit this national park would be July-august since at this time the wildflowers transform giving the park that amazing look. The temperatures at this time are dry and warm- perfect for hiking!

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12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

One of the most visited parks in the country, its iconic features are the old cabins from the Native Americans and first Anglo settlers which makes it very culturally rich. The best part is the sea of different shades of red and orange and yellow that you can witness in the fall as the leaves change color.

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13. Acadia National Park

Rugged coastline, mountain ranges, moose in the marshlands. Those are some of the things to expect in Acadia national park.

14. Mammoth Caves National Park

The name definitely gives away the best attraction in this park. Biodiversity at its finest, and miles of limestone caves, these unique features are what made it sanctioned as a UN World Heritage site.

15. Everglades National park.

Expect vast Swamps, alligators, snakes, and rare orchids, if you love nature, you might want to live in this place for the rest of your life.

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16. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Be blown away by the active volcanoes constantly bubbling over with lava. Marvel at the 500 acres of land born from the flowing lava since Mt Kilauea started spilling forth in 1983.

17. Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Tucked away in a little-known corner of North Dakota, experience rugged cliffs, deep ravines, and vast wildlife. This is a hunter’s paradise as it is filled with elk, deer, bison, and antelope.

18. Isle Royale National Park.

If you desire solitude, look no further than this isolated island in Lake Superior. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, there is only one place to stay, no cars or bikes are allowed and you will be left mostly to yourself to hike your way around.

Video Overview: Escaping civilization in Isle Royale National Park

19. Olympic National Park.

Olympic National Park is a beautiful and diverse destination located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The park covers over 1,400 square miles and encompasses a variety of landscapes, including rugged mountains, temperate rainforests, and pristine beaches.

One of the highlights of the park is the Olympic Mountains, which offer stunning views and hiking opportunities for visitors. The park also features the Hoh Rain Forest, a unique ecosystem filled with moss-covered trees, ferns, and other plant life. The park’s many lakes and rivers provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.

Another popular attraction within the park is the Pacific coastline, which is home to several beautiful beaches, including Rialto Beach, Second Beach, and Ruby Beach. Visitors can explore the beaches, hike along the coast, and take in stunning views of the ocean and surrounding wilderness.

In addition to its natural beauty, Olympic National Park is also home to a rich cultural history, with several Native American tribes have lived in the area for thousands of years. The park offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the region’s cultural history through exhibits, interpretive programs, and guided tours.

Accommodations within the park include campgrounds, lodges, and cabins, and there are also several dining options and gift shops available.

Overall, Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural history make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

20. Kenai Fjords, Alaska.

Marvel at glaciers and be awed by chunks of ice breaking away and descending into the sea. Even more breathtaking is the variety of sea life. Seals, otters, whales, and bald eagles.

21. Pinnacles National Park.

You will be startled by how pretty hills quickly morph into sky-high spikes and monoliths in this place that has just recently gotten the bump up to the national park after just being considered just a national monument.

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22. Grand Teton National Park.

Grand Teton National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in Wyoming, in the western United States. The park is named after the Grand Teton mountain range, which dominates the park’s skyline and offers breathtaking views for visitors.

One of the highlights of the park is the Grand Teton mountain range, which includes the iconic Grand Teton peak, rising over 13,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can hike or climb the mountains, take in panoramic views from several viewpoints and overlooks, or even go on a scenic flight over the mountains.

The park also features several beautiful lakes, including Jackson Lake, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. The Snake River winds through the park and offers visitors the chance to go rafting, kayaking, or take a scenic float trip.

In addition to its natural beauty, Grand Teton National Park is also home to a rich history and cultural heritage. The park includes several historic sites, such as the Menor’s Ferry Historic District and the Chapel of the Transfiguration, which offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s past.

Accommodations within the park include campgrounds, lodges, and cabins, and there are also several dining options and gift shops available.

Overall, Grand Teton National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural history make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

23. Denali National Park.

Denali National Park is a vast and remote wilderness area located in Alaska, in the northernmost part of the United States. The park covers over 6 million acres and is home to a diverse array of wildlife and stunning natural beauty.

The park’s centerpiece is Denali, the highest peak in North America, standing at over 20,000 feet tall. Visitors can take in breathtaking views of the mountain from several viewpoints and overlooks throughout the park. The park also features rugged mountain ranges, sweeping tundra, glaciers, and deep river valleys.

One of the highlights of Denali National Park is the wildlife. The park is home to several large mammals, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitats, either on their own or through guided tours and programs.

The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, backpacking, mountaineering, and dog sledding. The park also has several trails and backcountry areas, including the popular Denali Park Road, which provides access to many of the park’s major attractions.

Accommodations within the park include campgrounds, lodges, cabins, and hotels, as well as a variety of dining options and gift shops.

Overall, Denali National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and remote wilderness make it a truly unforgettable experience.

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24. Devil’s Valley National Park.

Nestled below sea level, the record-breaking heat in the summer is what earned this place its name, devil’s valley. In this land of extremes, there are snow-capped mountains watering slopes and bringing forth wildflowers. Now that is an unexpected twist to a valley so hot.