America is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the world. From the soaring mountains of the Rockies to the desert landscapes of the Southwest, these parks showcase the epic grandeur and wilderness of the United States. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to add these top 10 best national parks to your itinerary.
With over 400 national park sites, narrowing it down to just 10 was quite a challenge! But we focused on picking parks with stunning scenery, rare wildlife, intriguing history, and famous American landmarks every traveler should see at least once. Keep reading to discover which parks cut.
1. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona’s Natural Wonder
Over 6 million visitors a year journey to this iconic park in northern Arizona to glimpse the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. This colorful canyon reaches over a mile deep and 18 miles across at various points. Go whitewater rafting down the Colorado River or challenge yourself to a rim-to-rim hike traversing the canyon. Just standing at an overlook and soaking up the vibrant colors and SIZE of this natural marvel will create lifelong memories.
2. Great Smoky Mountains – Quintessential Mountain Wilderness
The Great Smoky Mountains straddling North Carolina and Tennessee boast over 800 miles of hiking trails through quintessential mountain wilderness. This biodiversity hotspot has more tree species than all of Europe! Abundant black bears and synchronous fireflies in early summer also delight visitors. Explore historic log cabins and churches representing the traditional culture of Appalachian settlers or drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway running along the park’s southern border.
3. Yosemite – Granite Cliffs and Sequoias of California’s Sierra Nevada
Yosemite’s soaring granite monoliths, cascading waterfalls, and groves of giant sequoias never fail to inspire awe and wonder. Get up close and personal with sites like the world-famous Half Dome and El Capitan rock formations. Go for a hike among the Mariposa Grove of 500 mature sequoias, some over 2000 years old! Spring waterfalls fed by Sierra Nevada snowmelt dazzle visitors, while fall foliage sets Yosemite Valley aflame in brilliant yellows and oranges.
4. Yellowstone – Dramatic Geothermal Activity and Rare Wildlife
As the world’s first national park established in 1872, Yellowstone holds a special place in the heart of America. Famous geothermal features like the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring draw visitors from around the world. Bison, elk, black bears, grizzlies, and wolves roam this wild 2 million-acre park. Fly fish for trout in Yellowstone Lake or hike through the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley for frequent animal sightings. Just be sure to stick to designated trails and walkways when viewing this park’s unique hydrothermal activity.
5. Zion National Park – Epic Canyons of Utah’s Desert Southwest
The towering sandstone cliffs of Zion will make your jaw drop! This magical canyon country lets you immerse yourself amongst the Virgin River winding through the colorful Narrows gorge. Or challenge your fear of heights on Angels Landing hike’s narrow ridgeline perched 1500 feet above the canyon below. Zion’s natural beauty and adventurous hikes are why over 4 million people explored this park last year alone. Just be prepared for summer crowds or enjoy ideal weather during spring and fall shoulder seasons.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park – Majestic Peaks of the Colorado Rockies
With elevations ranging up to 14,259 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park offers visitors breathtaking views of craggy peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and abundant wildlife like bighorn sheep and elk. Take the scenic Trail Ridge Road across the Continental Divide overlooking ice-carved cirques and gemstone lakes far below. Enjoy a family vacation camping or fishing at glacier-fed Bear Lake. Or challenge yourself by hiking to the rocky tundra summit of Longs Peak, the park’s iconic fourteener.
7. Glacier National Park – Rugged Peaks and Pristine Forests
Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier preserves over 1 million acres of rugged mountains and pristine forests in Montana along the Canadian border. Road warriors will love the scenic 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road featuring iconic views like Wild Goose Island. Nature lovers will appreciate hiking to azure blue lakes, watching moose forage near Lake McDonald, or listening for the elusive wolverine’s distinct growl echo across the high alpine tundra. And don’t forget to ride in one of Glacier’s historic red Jammer tour buses!
8. Arches National Park – Sculpted Sandstone Formations of Utah
Arches contains the highest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world with over 2000 named arches gracing the desert landscape. These gravity-defying rock formations range from 3 feet to 300 feet tall! Utah’s high desert climate means you’ll enjoy Arches’ iconic landmarks like the Delicate Arch or the Windows Section with few summer rain showers and smaller crowds. Just be prepared for intense midday heat with temps over 100 degrees F. Or better yet, plan sunrise and sunset visits to see the glowing orange arches at their finest.
9. Acadia National Park – Rugged Coastal Beauty along Maine’s Atlantic Coast
On the rocky Atlantic coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses both shoreline and forested mountain landscapes. Take scenic Park Loop Road past Thunder Hole’s roaring surf and the rocky terrain of Cadillac Mountain standing as the highest point on America’s eastern shoreline. Or hike and bike the carriage roads funded by early park benefactor John D. Rockefeller who fell in love with Mount Desert Island’s natural splendor over a century ago. Then enjoy an authentic Maine lobster supper as you watch the sunset over Frenchman Bay!
10. Zion National ParkEverglades National Park – Wetlands and Wildlife of Southern Florida
As the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, Everglades National Park protects a unique mosaic of mangrove forests, sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps, coastal marshes, pine rockland forests, and the marine environment where freshwater meets saltwater along Florida’s southern tip. Best explored by boat, visitors can spot alligators, manatees, crocodiles, flamingos, bald eagles, and even rare ghost orchids hidden in plain sight throughout the park’s diverse habitats. Just remember to pack plenty of bug spray!
Ready to Start Planning your National Park Adventure?
So what do you think – did your favorite national park make the list? With so much natural diversity across America’s national park system, you really can’t go wrong. Use the National Park Service website linked above to start planning your next national parks adventure. And let us know in the comments which park you’re excited to explore next!
