The United States of America is home to some of the most spectacular national parks on the planet. From snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches to deep canyons and ancient forests, these parks offer a range of outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery that is unmatched anywhere in the world. The country's national park system is a testament to its commitment to preserving these natural wonders for future generations.
With 63 national parks scattered across the country, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. In this blog, we will highlight the 12 best national parks in the USA. Visiting any of these national parks is an experience that you will never forget. Whether you are interested in hiking, camping, rock climbing, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, these parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and head out on a journey to discover the national parks of the USA!
No. 12 - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a national park located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was established in 1916 and encompasses 323,431 acres of land, including two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
The park offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the dynamic processes of volcanic activity, from the explosive eruptions of Kilauea to the slow-moving lava flows of Mauna Loa. Visitors can explore the park's many hiking trails, drive the scenic Chain of Craters Road, and take ranger-led tours to learn more about the geology and ecology of the park.
Some of the park's notable features include the Kilauea Caldera, which is a massive crater that measures two miles wide and 3,000 feet deep, as well as the Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old lava cave that visitors can walk through. The park is also rich in history, with ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, temples, and other archaeological sites.
No. 11 - Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a national park located in southeastern California. The park covers over 790,000 acres of land and is named after the unique and distinctive Joshua trees that are found throughout the park.
The park is known for its desert landscape, which includes rugged rock formations, boulder-strewn valleys, and vast expanses of open desert. It is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment.
Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park can explore the park's many hiking trails, climb on the park's famous rock formations, or take guided ranger-led tours. Standout highlights of the park include the impressive rock formations of Hidden Valley and the Cholla Cactus Garden, which is home to a dense forest of spiky cholla cactus.
Joshua Tree National Park is also a popular destination for stargazing, as it is located far from major sources of light pollution and has clear, dark skies. In fact, the park was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2017.
The park also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The park is home to several historic mining sites, as well as many examples of rock art created by indigenous people.
No. 10 - Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a national park located in the northwestern part of the state of Montana. It was established in 1910 and covers over 1 million acres of land, including portions of the Rocky Mountains.
The park's stunning scenery includes glacier-carved valleys, snow-capped peaks, and clear, turquoise lakes. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and mountain goats.
Visitors to Glacier National Park can explore the park's many hiking trails, which range from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes up steep mountain trails. Some of the park's most popular hiking trails include the Highline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park's mountain peaks, and the Hidden Lake Trail, which leads to a beautiful alpine lake.
Glacier National Park is also known for its scenic drives, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning views of the park's mountains and valleys. One of the park's most notable features is the 50-mile-long Garden Wall, which runs along the Continental Divide and offers some of the park's most spectacular views. The park is also home to over 130 named lakes and over 1,000 species of plants.
Evidence of human habitation in the area dating back over 10,000 years has been found in the park, which is home to several historic lodges and chalets, as well as many examples of Native American art and culture.
No. 9 - Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a national park located in southeastern Utah. It was established in 1929 and covers over 76,000 acres of land. The park is named after the more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches that are found within its boundaries.
The park's landscape is characterized by red rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and other unique geological features. Visitors to the park can explore the many hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks, that wind through the park's unique rock formations.
Some of the park's most famous arches include Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch, which are all easily accessible via hiking trails. Visitors can also take scenic drives along the park's paved roads, which offer stunning views of the park's rock formations and other geological features.
Arches National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a variety of reptiles and birds. The park has several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for overnight camping and day trips.
No. 8 - Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and covers over 146,000 acres of land. The park is known for its stunning red rock formations, towering cliffs, and winding canyons. Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year.
One of the most famous features of Zion is the Zion Canyon, which is a narrow gorge carved by the Virgin River. Visitors can hike through the canyon on the paved Riverside Walk trail or take the challenging Angels Landing trail for incredible views of the canyon and surrounding landscape.
The park is also home to several other hiking trails, including the popular Narrows hike, which takes visitors through the Virgin River, and the Emerald Pools hike, which leads to a series of stunning waterfalls.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, canyoneering, and scenic drives. Zion is a popular destination for rock climbers, with hundreds of routes available for climbers of all skill levels. The park is also home to several canyoneering routes, which involve rappelling down waterfalls and navigating narrow slot canyons. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park's most iconic landscapes, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and Checkerboard Mesa.
Zion National Park is home to a variety of plants and wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and numerous reptile species. The park is open year-round, although some areas may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.
No. 7 - Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic and popular national parks in the United States. It is located primarily in Wyoming but extends into Montana and Idaho, covering over 2.2 million acres of wilderness. Yellowstone was established as the first national park in the world in 1872, and since then it has been a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Yellowstone is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features, including hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. The park sits atop an active super volcano, which is responsible for the geothermal activity that makes Yellowstone so unique. One of the most famous features of Yellowstone is the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 90 minutes or so, shooting a stream of hot water and steam up to 180 feet into the air.
In addition to its geothermal features, Yellowstone is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own to view the wildlife, but it's important to remember that these are wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance.
Yellowstone offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The park has over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Fishing is also popular in Yellowstone's rivers and lakes, with several species of trout available to catch. Boating is also permitted on many of the park's lakes, and there are several boat ramps and marinas available for use.
Yellowstone is open year-round, but the weather can be unpredictable, with snow and freezing temperatures common during the winter months. Many of the park's roads and facilities close during the winter, but there are still opportunities for winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
No. 6 - Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona and covers over 1.2 million acres of land. The park is best known for its namesake feature, the Grand Canyon, which is a massive, steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world and is a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
The Grand Canyon is approximately 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep, with colourful layers of rock that tell a story of geological history. Visitors can view the canyon from numerous lookout points along the South Rim and the North Rim. The views are truly awe-inspiring, and visitors can see for miles across the vast canyon landscape.
The park is also home to a variety of plants and wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species. The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Popular trails include the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the canyon.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also take guided tours of the park, including jeep tours, helicopter tours, and mule rides. There are also opportunities for rafting on the Colorado River, which offers a unique perspective on the canyon from the bottom up.
Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round, although some areas of the park may be closed during the winter due to snow and ice. The summer months can be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's important to bring plenty of water and take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion.
No. 5 - Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a national park located in the state of Maine and covers over 47,000 acres of land. It is the only national park in the northeastern part of the country.
The park is known for its rugged coastline, rocky cliffs, and stunning ocean views. Visitors to Acadia National Park can explore the many hiking trails, which range from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes up steep mountain trails. Some of the park's most popular hiking trails include the Precipice Trail, which leads to the top of Champlain Mountain, and the Jordan Pond Path, which winds around the beautiful Jordan Pond.
The park is also offers a variety of scenic drives, including the Park Loop Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park's ocean vistas and rocky coastline. Other popular activities in the park include biking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Acadia National Park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including moose, black bears, and a variety of birds. The park also has several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for overnight camping and day trips.
The park is also rich in history, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back over 5,000 years. The park is home to several historic structures, including the Bass Harbour Head Light, a historic lighthouse that was first built in 1858.
No. 4 - Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in the state of Colorado. The park covers an area of 415 square miles and is named after the Rocky Mountains, which run through it.
The park is renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery, including snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests. It is home to many different plant and animal species, including elk, black bears, and bighorn sheep.
There are many recreational activities available in Rocky Mountain National Park, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park has over 300 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous mountain climbs. Trail Ridge Road is a scenic drive that winds through the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the most popular destinations in the park is the summit of Longs Peak, which at 14,259 feet is the highest point in the park. Climbing Longs Peak is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires careful preparation and planning.
No. 3 - Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California and covers over 760,000 acres of land. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, including towering granite cliffs, pristine alpine lakes, and stunning waterfalls. Yosemite was established as a national park in 1890 and has since become one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts in the United States.
One of the most famous features of Yosemite is the towering granite monoliths, including El Capitan and Half Dome. These cliffs attract rock climbers from around the world, who come to challenge themselves on the steep faces of these iconic features. Yosemite is also home to numerous waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in North America, and Bridalveil Fall, which is easily accessible from the park's main road.
The park is home to a variety of plants and wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park on numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Popular hikes include the Mist Trail, which takes visitors to the base of Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the Half Dome hike, which is a strenuous 16-mile round trip to the top of Half Dome.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and rock climbing. The park has numerous campgrounds, ranging from primitive sites to sites with full hook-ups. Fishing is popular in the park's streams and lakes, with several species of trout available to catch.
No. 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park located in the state of Utah, known for its unique geology, including a series of colourful, amphitheatre-shaped rock formations called hoodoos.
The park covers an area of 35,835 acres and has elevations ranging from 8,000 to over 9,000 feet above sea level. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including mule deer, elk, and a wide variety of birds.
The main attraction in Bryce Canyon National Park is the series of amphitheatres, which are made up of thousands of hoodoos in various shapes and sizes. These formations are made of sedimentary rock that has been eroded over millions of years by wind, water, and ice. The hoodoos are most striking at sunrise and sunset, when the colours of the rocks are intensified by the angle of the sun.
There are many hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the hoodoos up close. The park has trails of varying lengths and difficulties, ranging from easy walks along the rim of the canyon to strenuous hikes into the canyon itself. The popular trails include the Navajo Loop Trail, the Queen's Garden Trail, and the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon from various vantage points.
In addition to hiking, visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can also participate in other recreational activities such as camping, stargazing, and guided ranger programs. The park has two campgrounds, one of which is open year-round, and offers opportunities for both tent and RV camping. The park is also known for its dark skies, which make it an ideal location for stargazing and astronomy programs.
No. 1 - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national park located primarily in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The park covers over 800 square miles of mountainous terrain and is known for its diverse wildlife, rich cultural history, and stunning scenery.
The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and over 200 species of birds. The park is also known for its rich cultural history, including the early settlement of the area by the Cherokee people and the later development of the area as a major logging and mining centre.
The park is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous mountain climbs. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park and is a popular destination for hikers. There are also many scenic drives in the park, including the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
In addition to hiking and driving, the park offers many other recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The park has several campgrounds that are open year-round, as well as backcountry camping options for those who prefer a more rugged experience.
The park is also known for its seasonal events and festivals, including the synchronous fireflies display in the summer, the fall colours of the changing leaves, and the holiday lights display in December.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best national parks in the USA. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite national parks to visit in the USA.
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