<>
“`
The United States is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in the world, many of which are preserved within its national parks. From the geysers of Yellowstone to the towering peaks of Denali, these national parks offer unique experiences for every type of traveler. This comprehensive guide explores 24 must-visit national parks across the country, detailing their distinctive features, natural wonders, and key activities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply in search of awe-inspiring vistas, these national parks are sure to leave you amazed and inspired.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a crown jewel of the United States’ park system. Established in 1872, it spans across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is renowned for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, which erupts at regular intervals. Yellowstone’s vast landscape is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
Visitors can explore over two million acres of wilderness, including dramatic canyons, lush forests, and vibrant lakes. Hikers will find a diverse range of trails, from leisurely boardwalk strolls to challenging backcountry routes. For those interested in history and geology, the park’s visitor centers and educational programs offer valuable insights into Yellowstone’s natural and cultural heritage.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to North America’s highest peak, the majestic Denali, which towers at 20,310 feet. The park’s vast expanse of six million acres includes diverse ecosystems ranging from taiga forests to alpine tundra. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the chance to spot caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep in their natural habitat.
One of the unique aspects of Denali is the lack of maintained trails, offering visitors a true wilderness experience. Instead, hikers are encouraged to chart their own course through the backcountry. The Denali Park Road, stretching 92 miles into the heart of the park, provides access to panoramic views and numerous opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, some of which rise over 750 feet high. Nestled against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the park’s striking landscape is perfect for exploration and adventure. The towering dunes offer a unique playground for activities such as sandboarding and sand sledding.
Beyond the dunes, visitors can explore wetlands, alpine forests, and tundra. The Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the dunes, is a popular spot for wading and cooling off during the summer months. Additionally, the park offers a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years, adding another layer of depth to your visit.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem known for its rugged beauty and stunning mountain landscapes. Nicknamed the “American Alps,” the park boasts jagged peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. Hikers will find over 400 miles of trails ranging from gentle walks to strenuous climbs, all offering mesmerizing views.
One highlight is the spectacular Cascade Pass, which provides a gateway to some of the park’s most scenic areas. Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. The park’s remote location and relatively low visitor numbers make it an ideal destination for solitude and escape into nature.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the USA, famed for its dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. Founded in 1890, it is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The valley is renowned for landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and the towering Yosemite Falls.
With over 750 miles of trails, Yosemite is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities, including bird watching, photography, and stargazing under some of the clearest night skies. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias provides a chance to see some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park offers dramatic landscapes of towering red cliffs, narrow canyons, and sprawling plateaus. Located in southwestern Utah, it is one of the most visited national parks in the country. The park’s most famous hike is the Narrows, where visitors wade through the Virgin River flanked by steep canyon walls.
Another popular trail is Angels Landing, known for its challenging ascent and breathtaking views from the summit. The park also supports a rich biodiversity, with over 1,000 species of plants and numerous animals, including the rare California condor. Zion’s diverse habitats range from desert lowlands to high-altitude forests.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is celebrated for its striking mountain scenery dominated by the Teton Range’s jagged peaks, rising abruptly from the valley floor. Located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone, the park features pristine alpine lakes, extensive forests, and the Snake River running through it.
Outdoor activities abound, from hiking and climbing to kayaking and wildlife watching. The park’s diverse habitats support species such as elk, moose, and bald eagles. The scenic overlooks along Teton Park Road provide stunning vistas, and the quaint town of Jackson Hole nearby offers cultural and dining experiences to complement your visit.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest national park, known for its vast desert landscape carved by the Colorado River. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves, each offering unique geologic features and recreational opportunities.
The Island in the Sky mesa provides sweeping views over the surrounding canyons, making it a favorite spot for photographers, while The Needles district is renowned for its colorful sandstone spires and challenging hikes. For the more adventurous, the remote and rugged Maze offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, with winding canyons perfect for backcountry exploration.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is home to the deepest lake in the United States, formed over 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama. The lake’s striking blue hue and exceptional clarity make it a centerpiece of the park’s natural beauty. The 33-mile Rim Drive offers stunning viewpoints and access to various trailheads.
Summer visitors can take boat tours to Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone in the lake. Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Crater Lake also holds significant cultural importance to local Native American tribes, enriching the visitor’s understanding of the area’s history.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park encompasses the rugged coastline of Maine, offering dramatic ocean views, granite peaks, and diverse wildlife. Located primarily on Mount Desert Island, the park includes scenic areas such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, providing breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas.
Hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are popular activities, with over 120 miles of historic trails and carriage roads designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Acadia’s rocky shores and tide pools are home to a variety of marine life, while the interior forests and lakes add to the park’s compelling natural diversity.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is renowned for its mist-covered mountains and diverse ecosystems. Known as the “Wildflower National Park,” it boasts hundreds of species of flowering plants, adding color to the landscape throughout the year.
The park offers a rich cultural history, with historic structures and remnants of early European settlers. Hiking remains a top activity, with popular trails including the Appalachian Trail and the scenic Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park. The park’s extensive biodiversity includes black bears, deer, and over 200 species of birds.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua trees that dot its fascinating landscape. Located in Southern California, the park is where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts converge, resulting in a starkly beautiful environment featuring rugged mountains, unique rock formations, and vast desert plains.
Ideal for rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing, Joshua Tree also offers opportunities to explore its rich cultural heritage, including petroglyphs and remnants of mining history. The Cholla Cactus Garden and Barker Dam are notable highlights that showcase the park’s striking flora and historical context.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park captures the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Just 75 miles from Washington D.C., the park features the scenic Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles along the crest of the mountains, offering breathtaking views and access to a variety of trails.
Hiking is a major attraction, with trails leading to waterfalls, vistas, and historic sites. Popular hikes include Old Rag Mountain and Dark Hollow Falls. The park’s diverse plant and animal life, including black bears and deer, along with its fall foliage, make it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park located in northern Minnesota, known for its pristine lakes, interconnected waterways, and rich history of fur trading. Named after French-Canadian voyageurs, the park’s extensive network of lakes and rivers offers fantastic opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Visitors can explore the park’s numerous islands, forests, and wetlands, encountering wildlife such as beavers, loons, and bald eagles. Houseboat rentals provide a unique way to experience the park’s remote beauty. The park is also an excellent spot for viewing the Northern Lights, especially during the winter months.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada and is home to the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, some of which are over 4,000 years old. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems, from the dry desert lowlands to the alpine environments atop Wheeler Peak, which stands at 13,063 feet.
One of the park’s highlights is the Lehman Caves, a stunning limestone cave system featuring intricate formations and guided tours. The park’s clear night skies make it an ideal destination for stargazing. Hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing complete the array of activities available to visitors.
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park, one of the newest additions to the national park system, is located in West Virginia. Known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, the park is a haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Whitewater rafting on the New River is a thrilling experience, while the park’s extensive trail system caters to hikers and mountain bikers. Rock climbing, fishing, and wildlife watching are also popular activities. The park’s rich history, including remnants of coal mining towns, adds an intriguing historical dimension to your visit.
Gates of the Arctic, Alaska
Gates of the Arctic is the epitome of untouched wilderness, located above the Arctic Circle in Alaska. The park is characterized by its remote location, rugged mountains, and expansive tundra. With no established trails or facilities, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for solitude and adventure in one of the most pristine environments on earth.
Visitors must be self-sufficient, with skills in backcountry navigation and survival. The park’s vast landscapes can be explored through backpacking, rafting, and wildlife viewing, with chances to encounter caribou, wolves, and grizzly bears. Gates of the Arctic is a true wilderness experience for seasoned explorers.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most recognizable and visited national parks in the world. Located in northern Arizona, its immense and colorful canyon, sculpted by the Colorado River, stretches 277 miles long and over a mile deep. This geological marvel offers some of the most breathtaking vistas imaginable.
Visitors can explore the park through various means: hiking the South Kaibab Trail or Bright Angel Trail, taking a mule ride down to the canyon floor, or enjoying a scenic raft trip on the Colorado River. The park also offers educational programs and ranger-led activities, providing insights into its geological and cultural history.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is renowned for its spectacular high-altitude scenery, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. With over 350 miles of trails, the park offers something for every level of hiker, from easy walks around Bear Lake to challenging summits like Longs Peak.
Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the USA, provides dramatic views as it crosses the Continental Divide. Wildlife such as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep are frequently seen. The park is also a place for winter sports, offering opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote paradise located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park is comprised of seven small islands, famous for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress dating back to the 19th century.
Accessible mainly by boat or seaplane, the park is a prime destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and bird watching. The vibrant marine life and coral formations attract underwater enthusiasts, while the fort’s historical significance provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. The remote location ensures a peaceful and unique visitor experience.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is known for its sheer, dramatic cliffs and deep, narrow canyons carved by the Gunnison River. The park’s rugged landscape offers spectacular views and challenging terrain for rock climbing and hiking enthusiasts.
Scenic drives along the South and North Rim Roads provide access to numerous overlooks with breathtaking perspectives of the canyon below. Fishing in the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison River is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch trout in the swift currents. The park’s geology and natural history make it a compelling destination for adventurers.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana is a paradise for nature lovers, famed for its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is considered one of the most scenic drives in North America, offering breathtaking views and access to numerous trailheads.
The park features over 700 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Wildlife is abundant, with chances to spot bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Glacier’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems, along with its historical lodges and chalets, provide a rich and immersive national park experience.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park is an isolated island in Lake Superior, known for its rugged wilderness and opportunities for solitude. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park features dense forests, scenic shorelines, and a network of hiking trails that traverse its remote terrain.
The island is a haven for paddling enthusiasts, with numerous inland lakes and waterways to explore. Wildlife includes moose, wolves, and a variety of bird species. The park’s isolation and natural beauty offer a unique and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Haleakalā National Park, Hawai’i
Haleakalā National Park on the island of Maui, Hawai’i, is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscape and diverse ecosystems. The park encompasses the massive Haleakalā Crater, offering some of the most spectacular sunrise and sunset views as the sun rises or sets above the clouds.
Visitors can hike through otherworldly landscapes on trails such as the Sliding Sands Trail, explore lush rainforests, and discover unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Hawaiian Nēnē goose. Stargazing at Haleakalā’s summit, far above the clouds, provides an unparalleled experience under one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park in Washington State offers a diverse range of environments, from rugged coastlines and ancient rainforests to alpine peaks. The park’s varied landscapes provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching in settings as diverse as the Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge.
Visitors can explore the park’s wilderness coastlines, tide pools, and scenic rivers. The Sol Duc Hot Springs and the majestic Mount Olympus are key attractions. Olympic’s exceptional biodiversity, combined with its range of ecosystems, makes it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a variety of outdoor experiences.
The Daily
| National Park | State(s) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho | Geysers, wildlife |
