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Welcome to today’s deep dive on the “best” national parks in the USA. We know that you might think we forgot one or two on this list, so please message us or share in the comments.
Let’s get into it!
National Parks in the US (credit: youtube)
The United States is home to some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the world, preserved in its vast network of national parks. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the surreal landscapes of the desert southwest, America’s national parks offer endless opportunities for adventure, exploration, and connection with nature. Here are 25 of the best national parks in the USA that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a must-visit. Known for its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, it also boasts abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking vistas and challenging hikes. The sheer size and beauty of the canyon, carved by the Colorado River, make it an unforgettable experience.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Famed for its majestic waterfalls, giant sequoias, and granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is a paradise for rock climbers, hikers, and photographers alike.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is known for its stunning red rock formations and narrow canyons. The Angels Landing hike is a bucket-list experience, offering panoramic views of the park’s unique landscape.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
With its stunning mountain landscapes, pristine forests, and over 700 miles of hiking trails, Glacier National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in America.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
This park is home to some of the highest peaks in the Rockies, as well as alpine lakes, tundra, and diverse wildlife. The Trail Ridge Road offers sweeping views and is the highest paved road in North America.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The most visited national park in the USA, the Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for their mist-covered mountains, lush forests, and rich biodiversity. It’s particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant colors.
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Adjacent to Yellowstone, Grand Teton is known for its jagged mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park is a favorite for climbers, hikers, and wildlife photographers.
9. Arches National Park, Utah
Famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, Arches National Park offers surreal landscapes that look like they belong on another planet.
10. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. The park’s viewpoints, such as Sunrise and Sunset Points, offer some of the best sunrise and sunset views in the country.
11. Olympic National Park, Washington
This diverse park includes everything from rugged coastline to temperate rainforests and alpine peaks. Its range of ecosystems makes it one of the most varied national parks in the country.
12. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia offers stunning coastal views, granite peaks, and a rich history. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, and its summit is one of the first places to see the sunrise in the United States.
13. Denali National Park, Alaska
Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, this park offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou, as well as vast, untamed wilderness.
14. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
This park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park’s landscape is constantly changing due to volcanic activity, offering a unique and dynamic environment.
15. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Known for its otherworldly Joshua trees and surreal rock formations, this desert park offers excellent stargazing and unique landscapes perfect for photography and exploration.
16. Everglades National Park, Florida
The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., Everglades is a unique ecosystem with a vast network of wetlands. It’s famous for its wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
17. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Located along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah is known for its scenic Skyline Drive, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant fall colors. The park is a popular spot for hiking and wildlife viewing.
18. Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
The hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S., Death Valley offers extreme landscapes, from sand dunes to salt flats, and striking features like Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point.
19. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands is a vast, rugged park divided into four districts, each offering unique landscapes of canyons, mesas, and buttes. The Island in the Sky district provides breathtaking views from its high mesas.
20. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Home to some of the world’s largest trees, including the famous General Sherman Tree, these adjacent parks also feature rugged mountains, deep canyons, and serene alpine lakes.
21. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Dominated by the towering, snow-capped Mount Rainier, this park offers diverse landscapes, from old-growth forests to wildflower meadows and glaciers, making it a hiker’s dream.
22. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
This remote park is known for its stunning glaciers, pristine fjords, and diverse marine life, including whales and seals. It’s best explored by boat, offering a true Alaskan wilderness experience.
23. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands features striking landscapes of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, mixed with a rich fossil history. The park’s dramatic scenery is unlike anything else in the U.S.
24. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Known for its spectacular limestone caves, including the massive Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns offers a unique subterranean adventure. The park also hosts a famous bat flight event during the summer.
25. Pinnacles National Park, California
The newest national park in California, Pinnacles is known for its towering rock spires, talus caves, and diverse wildlife. It’s a great spot for rock climbing, hiking, and birdwatching, especially for seeing the endangered California condor.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone looking to reconnect with nature, these national parks offer something for everyone. Each park provides a unique glimpse into the natural beauty that makes the United States so special. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the best national parks in the USA!
Ethan loves to travel and explore new cultures. He is also the COO of TBL.