Sometimes we crave the thrill of open roads and wide skies. Other times, we long for quiet trails where wind in the trees provides the soundtrack. This list celebrates 25 of the most cherished national parks in the United States. Each place has its own vibe and draws in travelers of all stripes.
You might think national parks are similar, yet each one carries something distinct.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone often feels like the grandparent of all national parks. Many travelers make it their priority to see Old Faithful erupt, although there are other geysers to appreciate too. You can wander off to lesser-known areas, and that sense of discovery can be thrilling. There is nothing like a boardwalk stroll across a steamy landscape, noticing bright mineral colors just under the surface.
Scientists find Yellowstone fascinating because it sits on a massive volcanic hotspot. This geological feature powers the park’s hot springs and vibrant pools. People sometimes forget that bison herds roam these valleys with a calm determination. If you are lucky, you might catch a bison traffic jam. Rangers always remind visitors to keep a safe distance, though.
There is a famous assortment of trails for hikers of all skill levels. The park even has scenic drives through mountains and plains, which provide stunning vistas. While the geysers are legendary, you might discover that morning light on a calm lake or a chance encounter with a wolf can be just as memorable.
Grand Canyon National Park
People sometimes say you cannot comprehend the sheer size of the Grand Canyon until you stand at its rim. The landscape stretches past the horizon, with layered rock formations revealing stories of ancient times. Photographs never fully capture the feeling, so it is worth seeing this rocky chasm in person if you can.
Geologists have studied its sedimentary layers for decades, trying to piece together clues about Earth’s past.
Hikers find the various trails inside the canyon equally enticing. The South Rim tends to be the busiest spot, but the North Rim offers its own quiet charm. There are even river-rafting trips for the adventurous who want to see the canyon from a different perspective.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is famed for its granite cliffs and epic waterfalls. Places like El Capitan and Half Dome have inspired countless photographers, including the renowned Ansel Adams. Climbers arrive in droves to test their skills on vertical walls, yet there is more to Yosemite than those iconic monoliths.
You can wander the valley floor, looking up at the towering granite, and still discover meadows blanketed with wildflowers in the right season. A stroll to Lower Yosemite Fall can be quick, but it rewards you with the rumble of cascading water and mist on your face. The park also has giant sequoia groves, where ancient trees dwarf everyone around them.
If you visit in summer, be prepared for crowds. Consider exploring early in the morning or heading to the High Country, where alpine lakes sparkle among rugged peaks.
Zion National Park
Zion lies in southern Utah, and many travelers fall in love at first sight with its massive red cliffs. The park features a valley drive that passes stone walls streaked with pink and orange, framed by the deep blue sky. Some days, a sudden rainstorm might create waterfalls cascading over the cliffs, a sight that surprises everyone below.
Angels Landing is an iconic trail here, though it can test your nerves. Sections with steep drop-offs demand focus and a good dose of courage, especially in the final stretch. For a more peaceful outing, people often choose the Riverside Walk or the Pa’rus Trail near the Virgin River. That quiet vantage reveals the canyon’s softer side, with cottonwood trees providing shade.
Zion also features The Narrows, a slot canyon where you walk through the river itself. Adventurers wade upstream, gazing at towering walls that seem to glow in the sunlight.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park draws nature lovers who crave crisp alpine air and mountain lakes that sparkle. The park’s Trail Ridge Road is famous for scenic driving opportunities, climbing above the treeline and giving you panoramic views of peaks that stretch forever. Keep in mind that this road sometimes closes in winter because of heavy snowfall.
Wildlife sightings are common, especially elk herds that roam the meadows or linger near picnic spots. These creatures can become a highlight for many, especially in the fall mating season when their bugling calls echo through the valleys. The park has various hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls around lakes to challenging climbs that reach the highest points in the area.
Some folks say the air feels thinner up here, and they are not wrong. You might need time to adjust if you are visiting from a lower elevation. Hydration is key, and breaks are your friend.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park sits just south of Yellowstone, yet it has its own distinct presence. The Teton Range juts up abruptly from the plains, creating a dramatic skyline that looks like something from a painting. If you catch the sunrise over the Snake River, you will see soft colors reflecting off those rugged summits.
Professionals from all corners of the outdoor world visit Grand Teton for climbing, mountaineering, and serious backcountry excursions. It is possible to trek through lush meadows filled with wildflowers in summer or roam the snowy slopes in winter on skis. The park’s glacial lakes make for serene picnic spots, so you do not have to be an athlete to appreciate its beauty.
Moose and other large mammals thrive in this region too. Some mornings, you might spot a moose munching on vegetation near a riverbank.
Glacier National Park
Nestled in Montana’s northern reaches, Glacier National Park is beloved for its breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic route that cuts across the Continental Divide. Summertime reveals turquoise lakes beneath towering peaks and valleys awash in greenery. It can seem like a postcard come to life.
Glacier is also a place where grizzly bears and mountain goats roam the high country. Park officials urge visitors to stay bear-aware, which means traveling in groups and carrying appropriate safety items. Sometimes that adds a bit of excitement, but it also reminds us we are guests in the animals’ habitat.
When exploring trails, you might discover hidden waterfalls, fields of beargrass, and views that stretch into Canada. The park’s glaciers have receded over the past century, providing an ongoing topic of scientific study. Yet there are still snowy remnants if you hike high enough. The scenery alone makes the effort worthwhile, and the stillness can make your heart skip a beat in a good way.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington State presents a mix of ecosystems that feel like different worlds put together. One day, you can hike under the dense canopy of the Hoh Rain Forest, where moss drips from giant evergreens and ferns cover the forest floor. Another day, you might be on a remote Pacific beach, watching waves crash against sea stacks.
Hurricane Ridge provides alpine meadows and sweeping mountain views, often with deer meandering through the tall grass. The variety is remarkable, and it can surprise folks who do not expect a rainforest in the contiguous United States. It is a living classroom for ecologists studying biodiversity, but casual visitors can still appreciate the wonders without needing an advanced degree.
Camping is popular, and so are short walks that let you see giant trees and hear the chatter of birds in the canopy. That damp, earthy smell of the rainforest will linger in your memory long after you leave.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park often ranks as one of the most visited. The soft, blue-hued ridges of the Smokies seem to roll on forever, providing a soothing backdrop for a family road trip. Many folks remember the historic cabins tucked into shady hollows, telling stories of rural Appalachian life.
Wildflowers bloom in spring, turning the forest floor into a patch of bright colors. In autumn, the park becomes a canvas of reds, golds, and oranges that draw leaf-peepers in droves. Biologists appreciate the tremendous variety of plant and animal species here, from synchronous fireflies in early summer to black bears roaming deeper in the woods.
Cades Cove is a popular destination for wildlife watching, though it can get packed. Still, it is a special spot for seeing deer grazing at twilight or hearing the echo of a wild turkey in the distance.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine is a place of rocky coastlines, evergreen forests, and granite peaks rising near the sea. Many visitors ride bicycles or stroll along the carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., enjoying the peaceful scenery. The park’s highest point, Cadillac Mountain, sees sunrise before any other place in the contiguous United States during certain months.
People who love tidal pools can explore the shoreline at low tide, watching hermit crabs and starfish scuttle about. On windy days, thunderous waves crash against the rugged rock, producing salty sprays. Meanwhile, inland lakes and ponds offer serene vistas that mirror the surrounding hills.
In fall, the foliage can be stunning, turning the coastal forest into a tapestry of colors. Towns like Bar Harbor sit close by, offering local seafood and charming inns.
Arches National Park
Utah’s Arches National Park is almost like walking into a gigantic sculpture garden. Sandstone arches, fins, and balanced rocks rise from the desert floor, illuminated by golden sunshine. Delicate Arch stands as the park’s most famous landmark, although it requires a moderate hike to stand under its graceful curve.
Early morning or late afternoon can provide the best lighting for photographers. You might be amazed at how the rock changes color in response to the shifting sun. Pale salmon in one moment, then deep crimson in the next. There is a certain dreamy quality that visitors describe after seeing those formations against a clear sky.
Park officials recommend carrying plenty of water, especially in warmer months. The desert climate can be surprisingly harsh, even if the scenery is captivating.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park sits near arches, yet it displays an entirely different desert landscape style. The park is divided into distinct districts by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Island in the Sky is the most visited section, featuring panoramic overlooks that make you feel like you are floating above a fractured maze of canyons.
Mesa Arch is a popular sunrise spot, where the early light drapes across the red rock. On the other hand, the Needles District invites more remote hiking, with towering spires of sandstone that rise like sentinels. Some folks enjoy driving four-wheel vehicles on rough backcountry roads, although it takes some skill and the right equipment.
Whether you stay on paved roads or venture deeper into the backcountry, the vistas here feel otherworldly. You might stand at an overlook, see the winding rivers below, and wonder how many thousands of years it took for water to carve this scene. It sparks a quiet appreciation for Earth’s patient power to shape canyons that defy easy description.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is famous for its curious rock formations called hoodoos, which are tall spires of orange and pink rock that cluster together in a stunning amphitheater. It almost feels like walking through a fairy-tale forest made of stone. Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point are fitting names for scenic overlooks that change color with the shifting light.
Hiking the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail lets you wander among these rock pillars, craning your neck at shapes that resemble sculptures. Photographers love the whimsical forms, finding new angles and shadows at every turn. In winter, snow contrasts against the red rock, creating a dazzling display for visitors willing to brave chilly weather.
It can feel surreal, and kids often find it downright magical. Hoodoos spark the imagination, prompting thoughts of hidden creatures or ancient guardians.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park in California is known for its unique namesake trees that dot the desert landscape. The park sits at the meeting point of two deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado, each bringing its own flavors. Strange rock formations, spiky yuccas, and wide-open skies define this place.
Rock climbers flock to Joshua Tree for its many routes on granite monzogranite boulders and walls. You might see them clinging to cracks and edges while the sun beats down. Even if climbing is not your thing, plenty of walking paths and picnic spots allow you to soak in the laid-back vibe.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi offers a captivating mix of tropical forests and areas touched by active volcanoes. Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, though eruptions fluctuate. Visitors often drive along Crater Rim Drive or hike through volcanic landscapes to see steam vents and hardened lava flows.
The park is also home to native Hawaiian species found nowhere else, including certain birds and plants that have evolved to survive in these evolving terrains. Rangers encourage people to respect cultural sites in the area as the land carries deep significance for Native Hawaiian traditions.
If conditions permit, you might witness glowing lava in the distance at night, a sight that can stir powerful emotions. However, even when lava is not visible, the park showcases the dynamic relationship between Earth’s inner forces and the surface we walk upon.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park in Alaska is vast, untamed, and often described as an ultimate wilderness experience. The park’s namesake peak, Denali, is the tallest mountain in North America. On clear days, you can see its massive white face towering above the rest of the range, which can cause a spontaneous gasp if you have never seen such a thing in person.
Wild animals roam freely, so visitors frequently spot grizzlies, caribou, and moose, especially from the park’s single road. Buses transport folks along this road, providing a structured way to see the scenery and wildlife without congesting the landscape with personal cars. Rangers share information, and you can hop off to explore on foot if you like.
Summertime offers long days and fields of wildflowers, while winter wraps the park in deep snow. Extreme temperatures can test even seasoned adventurers. Yet for many, the chance to see Denali on a crisp, bluebird day is a life-changing moment.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park in Florida protects one of the largest wetlands in the world, featuring sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and a labyrinth of waterways. Alligators are commonly spotted, sometimes sunning themselves along the banks. Birdwatchers flock here to see roseate spoonbills, egrets, and herons gliding gracefully through shallow waters.
One of the most popular ways to explore is by boat or canoe, cruising through the mangroves or open marshes while scanning for wildlife. The distinct ecosystem harbors both saltwater and freshwater environments, making it a prime area for scientists to study. Mosquitoes can be intense at certain times, so come prepared with insect repellent.
The Everglades are often called a slow-moving river of grass. That gentle flow helps to filter water and support countless species.
Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, adjacent areas in California, host some of the world’s largest trees by volume. The General Sherman Tree is often cited as the biggest single-stem tree on the planet. Standing at its base makes you feel like a small speck in comparison, a humbling experience that draws many curious visitors.
Besides the giant sequoias, these parks also feature deep canyons, roaring rivers, and mountain meadows. Many folks love the trails that wind through the giant groves, letting you smell the fresh evergreen scent while craning your neck to see the treetops. Wildlife such as black bears and deer also roam these forests, adding a dash of excitement to each hike.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park often evokes images of scorching heat and miles of salt flats. It is, after all, known for some of the highest temperatures ever recorded. Yet this park offers surprising variety, including dune fields, rugged canyons, and even areas that bloom with wildflowers in wet years.
Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, lies in Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level. The white salt flats create a stark, otherworldly sight. Sunrise and sunset can paint the sky with soft pink and purple hues, reflecting off the salt like a cosmic mirror. It is the sort of view that leaves you in quiet admiration.
Temperatures can soar in summer, so many travelers arrive in cooler seasons. Even then, water can be scarce, so carrying extra hydration is vital.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is sometimes overlooked among Utah’s famous parks, but it has its own striking allure. The Waterpocket Fold, a geological monocline, forms the backbone of the park, bending rock layers in a way that creates a stunning warp in the terrain. You can see red rock cliffs, white domes that resemble capitol buildings, and narrow slot canyons.
One special aspect is the Fruita area, where early settlers planted orchards that still produce apples, pears, and peaches. During harvest season, visitors may pick fruit while meandering through the orchard. It is a slice of pioneer history tucked into a majestic desert setting.
Capitol Reef remains less crowded than Zion or Bryce, which some see as a blessing. The open roads and quieter trails let you feel like you have discovered a secret corner of Utah’s canyon country. Taking a walk in this park can reveal small surprises, like hidden petroglyphs or deer wandering near the Fremont River.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona celebrates the towering cacti that give the park its name. These slow-growing plants stand like green sentinels against the desert backdrop, some branching into that classic shape most people picture when they think of a saguaro. There is something almost human about their silhouettes.
Wildflowers sometimes blanket the desert floor in spring, providing a splash of color against the cacti. Wildlife watchers often spot desert tortoises, roadrunners, and javelinas, though they can be elusive. The park is divided into two units on opposite sides of Tucson, each featuring scenic drives and hiking trails.
Sunsets here can be extraordinary, painting the sky in oranges and pinks with saguaro arms silhouetted in the foreground. The desert air feels warm and comforting for much of the year, though summers can be quite hot.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State is dominated by its namesake mountain, an active volcano wrapped in glaciers. On clear days, the peak looms over the surrounding landscape with a dramatic presence that can sometimes be seen from Seattle. Its glacial slopes feed several rivers, creating a lush environment below.
The Paradise area is famous for wildflower meadows that burst into brilliant color in the summer. Many hikers rave about the views along Skyline Trail, which weaves through fields of lupine, paintbrush, and other blooms. In winter, the park turns into a snowy wonderland, popular for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
Wildlife such as black bears, marmots, and mountain goats live here, often spotted near trails. You will want to keep a respectful distance if you encounter them.
Mount Rainier’s high-altitude vistas can make you pause in wonder. It is a park that transitions from thick forest to icy summit, all within one imposing volcanic masterpiece.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, less than a couple hours’ drive from Washington, D.C. Skyline Drive is a highlight, offering 105 miles of scenic twists and turns with sweeping views. Overlooks along this route let you gaze at forested valleys and rolling hills that seem to blend into a dreamy horizon.
Hikers appreciate the park’s segment of the Appalachian Trail, where you might run into thru-hikers tackling the long trek. Waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls are also a draw, with short trails that lead you down to cascades. The forest is alive with birdsong, especially in spring and summer, and autumn brings vibrant colors.
Camping is a big tradition in Shenandoah, and nights can be filled with the echo of crickets and the distant hoot of owls. Bears are relatively common, so storing food properly is a must.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park in Texas hugs a large curve of the Rio Grande, where rugged desert meets river and mountain. The Chisos Mountains rise in the center, creating cooler highland habitats that contrast with the hotter lowlands. This combination means you can find surprising biological diversity, from cactus-covered slopes to pine forests.
River trips through Santa Elena Canyon are popular for paddlers craving a dramatic landscape. Walls of limestone tower above, and the river cuts through with a steady flow. Hikers might enjoy the Window Trail or Lost Mine Trail, each offering panoramic vistas of the desert below. Birders also flock to Big Bend to spot rare species that appear only in this borderland region.
Because it is so remote, the night skies can be incredibly clear, showing a dense array of stars and even the faint glow of the Milky Way.
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California protect coastal stands of giant redwood trees. These trees can grow over 350 feet tall, forming groves that feel like sacred cathedrals of nature. Soft light filters through the canopy, and the forest floor is often covered in ferns and soft needles.
Many visitors walk the trails near Prairie Creek Redwoods, where majestic trees and mossy logs evoke a storybook atmosphere. Fog drifting in from the Pacific Ocean sustains these giant trees, creating a unique climate. Roosevelt elk sometimes graze in the open meadows, a reminder that many creatures find refuge here.
It is wise to move quietly and soak up the peaceful ambiance. You can almost sense the age of these ancient giants. While the scale is impressive, the forest is also full of smaller life, from banana slugs to delicate lichens.
