Top 12 Best National Parks In The United States
The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the world. From lush forests to arid deserts, rugged mountains to expansive canyons, America’s national parks protect the country’s most iconic landscapes. With over 60 national parks spread across the U.S., it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 12 best national parks in the United States.
America’s national parks are treasured places that preserve the country’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes for future generations. These public lands are set aside for conservation and recreation, allowing visitors to experience nature in its pristine form. The National Park Service was founded in 1916 with the mission to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”
Today there are over 400 national park sites across the U.S. and its territories, but only 63 carry the designation of National Park. These crown jewels contain some of the most iconic scenery and unique environments in the country. From the soaring mountains and thundering waterfalls of the Rockies to the lava flows and active volcanoes of Hawaii, America’s national parks highlight the diversity of the country’s natural heritage.
When deciding which national parks to visit, factors like size, amenities, activities, and accessibility all come into play. Some national parks are easily accessible by major highways and air travel, while others require 4×4 vehicles to traverse rugged backcountry terrain. Certain parks offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, while others focus more on historical and cultural sights.
To help you plan your next national park adventure, here is our list of the top 12 best national parks in the United States. We selected these destinations based on their natural beauty, diversity of landscapes, recreational opportunities, and worldwide popularity.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872 as America’s first national park, Yellowstone deserves the top spot on any national park list. Located primarily in northwest Wyoming and stretching into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone spans 3,472 square miles of pristine wilderness. The park sits on top of a volcanic hot spot creating stunning geothermal features including its world-famous geysers. Old Faithful is the most popular, erupting on average every 90 minutes. In addition to geysers, the park also has hundreds of waterfalls, vivid multi-colored hot springs, and the dramatic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound thanks to diverse mountainous terrain, lakes, rivers, and a plethora of vegetation zones. From bears, bison, elk, wolves, and antelope to trumpeter swans, bald eagles, osprey, and over 300 bird species, you never know what animals you might encounter. The park has 9 visitor areas with 5 park entrances, along with over 900 miles of hiking trails to explore this vast and magical landscape.
2. Yosemite National Park
No list of national parks is complete without California’s famed Yosemite National Park. Yosemite wows visitors with sheer granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and vast wilderness. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite spans nearly 1,200 square miles. The park is 95% wilderness, perfect for hikers and backpackers to admire steep valleys, alpine lakes, and Yosemite’s highest peak – Half Dome rising nearly 9,000 feet.
Yosemite Valley is home to some of the park’s most iconic sites including massive El Capitan rock formation, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and plunging waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall and Vernal Fall. Don’t miss the historic Ahwahnee Hotel and massive Mariposa Grove with over 500 mature giant sequoia trees, some over 2,000 years old. Spring waterfalls and blooming wildflowers make Yosemite one of the most beautiful parks to visit.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Arizona’sGrand Canyon National Park belongs at the top of any list of best national parks. With depths of over a mile and widths of up to 18 miles, the Grand Canyon showcases layered multi-colored rocks dating back nearly 2 billion years. One glimpse of the canyon makes it easy to understand why it’s one of the most visited national parks. But there are so many ways to experience the immensity and grandeur of the Grand Canyon.
Drive along the South and North Rims and stop at scenic overlooks for jaw-dropping canyon views. Hike down into the canyon along iconic trails like Bright Angel, South Kaibab, or North Kaibab. Camp at the canyon bottom next to the mightyColorado River or gaze upward in awe from trails hugging the river like Hermit Trail. Take a smooth rafting trip or adventurous whitewater ride down the Colorado River for an unforgettable journey through the canyon. Sunrises and sunsets paint the canyon walls in stunning hues.
4. Glacier National Park
Spanning over 1 million acres in northwest Montana along the Canadian border, Glacier National Park contains glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and over 700 lakes. The park’s renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road, completed in 1933, provides one of the most scenic drives in the country. The epic 50-mile road winds up to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, crossing the Continental Divide at the Swiftcurrent Pass trailhead with panoramic views.
Glacier protects over 700 miles of trails for hikers of all abilities to explore. Spot wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, black and grizzly bears. Listen for wolves howling in the wilderness. Boat or kayak on glacier-fed lakes with stunning turquoise coloring like Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake. Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road across the Continental Divide or hike up to sweeping views at Hidden Lake Overlook. With glacier-capped peaks and abundant wildlife, Glacier National Park earns its spot as one of the best national parks.
5. Zion National Park
In southwest Utah, Zion National Park showcases soaring colorful sandstone cliffs, deep red and pink hued canyons, and the Virgin River coursing through the landscape. Zion is located near the convergence of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert, creating a unique mix of ecosystems and natural beauty. The park spans 229 square miles and contains incredible rock formations, arches, and slot canyons.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive winds through the park’s main canyon with pullouts to hike weeping rock walls, view hanging gardens, and marvel at monoliths like the Great White Throne and Angel’s Landing. Hike trails ascending from the valley floor to canyon rims for bird’s eye views. The Narrows hike along the Virgin River through steep slot canyons is one of the most popular and unique adventures. Zion’s unusual geology and spectacular scenery make it a favorite park and unforgettable destination.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park
Stretching across 415 square miles in northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park contains glacier-formed valleys, pristine forests, alpine tundra, mountain peaks, and over 300 miles of hiking trails. Iconic peaks like Longs Peak, Bear Lake, and Hallett Peak soar over 14,000 feet into the sky with breathtaking mountain vistas.
Drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which crests over 12,000 feet as it winds across the Continental Divide. Stop at sweeping overlooks and go moose spotting in meadow valleys. Listen for elk bugling during the autumn rutting season. Hike to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and perhaps spot bighorn sheep navigating rocky ledges. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing open up the park in winter. With epic mountain scenery and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, Rocky Mountain National Park offers quintessential national park experiences.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spanning 520,000 acres along the Tennessee and North Carolina border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains the most extensive biodiversity in any American national park. Over 1,600 different flower species have been identified within the park along with dozens of mammal species like black bear, deer, bobcats, rabbits, and more. An incredibly dense population of black bears inhabits the lush Smoky Mountains, making wildlife viewing in Cades Coves an unforgettable experience.
With over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Drive scenic Newfound Gap Road across the mountains from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. Admire stunning waterfalls like Ramsey Cascades and hike through deciduous forests exploding with color in autumn. Discover pioneer homesteads and original log cabins. Explore this famously biodiverse and beautiful national park in the heart of the Appalachians.
8. Acadia National Park
On Maine’s rugged Atlantic coastline, Acadia National Park preserves inspiring seascapes, tall mountain peaks, and quintessential New England charm. Located primarily on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, Acadia spans 49,000 acres and stands out as one of the best national parks to visit on the East Coast. The scenic Park Loop Road winds past the park’s famous Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse perched atop dramatic cliffs plunging into the ocean. Stop at Thunder Hole to watch waves explode into a cavern creating loud “thunder.” Climb the Beehive Trail up seaside cliffs or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain at 1,530 feet for panoramic coastal views as far as Mount Desert Rock.
Kayak past islands or relax on pink granite beaches. In autumn, the trees display brilliant fall foliage. In winter, cross-country ski or snowshoe through evergreens draped in icy crystals. With pristine wilderness, rugged oceanside landscapes, and picturesque New England villages like Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park delights visitors in every season.
9. Bryce Canyon National Park
Known for its whimsical and colorful rock spires called hoodoos, southern Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park offers one-of-a-kind scenery. Located at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 feet, Bryce Canyon gets cold and snowy in winter, but the park transforms into a wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In summer, the park heats up for hiking amongst the hoodoos along the Rim Trail or down into the amphitheaters along Navajo Loop, Queens Garden, and Peekaboo Loop trails.
Sunrise and sunset paint the park in warm hues of orange, pink, and red that add to the magic. Gaze down into the Silent City from Inspiration Point or stand amongst the spires from Bryce Point. Drive along the 18-mile scenic park road making stops at the park’s best viewpoints. Located near Zion and Grand Canyon national parks, Bryce Canyon stands out for its unusual and whimsical rock formations.
10. Joshua Tree National Park
Encompassing two distinct desert ecosystems in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park protects the unique meeting place between the Colorado Desert and Mojave Desert. The park contains rugged rock formations, stark yet beautiful desert landscapes, flourishing oases, and of course, curious Joshua trees. Joshua Tree National Park spans over 1,200 square miles and neighbors iconic Death Valley and Mojave National Preserve.
Scramble and climb over jumbled boulder piles, hike across sandy desert washes to palm oases, and marvel at starry night skies. In spring, the park explodes in color with desert wildflowers and cactus blooms. See iconic rock formations like Skull Rock and visit historic Keys Ranch. Joshua Tree is one of the most accessible yet remote feeling desert national parks, perfect for a great escape.
11. Grand Teton National Park
Bordering Yellowstone National Park in western Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park showcases the youngest peaks in the expansive Rocky Mountains. The Teton Range abruptly emerges from the valley floor, with the dramatic peaks jumping over 6,000 feet in elevation gain. Grand Teton’s tallest peak soars 13,770 feet into the sky.
Take in the Teton views from scenic drives like Signal Mountain Summit Road, stopping at viewpoints like Jackson Lake Overlook. Hike Cascade Canyon to see the jagged Cathedral Group peaks reflected in crystal clear Jenny Lake. Spot wildlife like moose, deer, black bears, and over 300 bird species in forested valleys and alpine lakes. Go boating or kayaking on Jackson Lake with the rugged Teton peaks as your backdrop. Grand Teton National Park’s spectacular mountain scenery rightfully earns this park a spot on our list of best U.S. national parks.
12. Isle Royale National Park
For a true wilderness escape, head to Michigan’s remote Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the island park feels worlds away yet remains one of the least visited national parks in the continental U.S. Isle Royale spans over 850 square miles of isolated backcountry perfect for rugged hiking and backpacking.
Follow trails past thick forest, ridges, swamps, and scenic shorelines. Listen for the calls of loons across misty lakes. Look for moose – the island has one of the densest moose populations in North America. Backpack and camp in designated wilderness sites or stay at historic lodges and cabins. With its remote setting and pristine unspoiled wilderness, Isle Royale National Park promises tranquility and adventure.
Conclusion
America’s national parks include many of the country’s most treasured places. From soaring mountain peaks to deep sea-carved canyons, volcanic landscapes to swampy everglades, the diversity across the national parks system is astonishing. The National Park Service protects these special places for recreation, education, and conservation – allowing visitors to experience nature from its most fury displays to peaceful meadows full of wildflowers.
While it’s impossible to visit every fantastic national park, we hope this list of the top 12 best national parks in the U.S. helps inspire your next great national park adventure. Remember to check availability of park roads, trails, campgrounds, lodging and other amenities before visiting. From hiking and backpacking to kayaking and scenic drives, national parks offer endless ways to soak up America’s natural beauty. By responsibly visiting national parks, we can ensure these national treasures are preserved for future generations.