You Have No Idea What Wonders Await
When you think of American national parks, your mind likely wanders to the Grand Canyon or the Rocky Mountains. While those are undoubtedly incredible (and made our list), the United States is a big country filled with astonishing scenes you’d have to see to believe. Let’s explore 20 national parks that do the country’s beauty some justice.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Monumental hiking trails, gorgeous waterfalls, and 1,200 uninterrupted square miles—with so much to offer, it’s hard to narrow down our favorite things to see here. Regardless of what time of year you go, travelers can peruse landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan, birdwatch, or snap the perfect picture among breathtaking sights.
2. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Whether you lose yourself on a lengthy hiking trail or take in the view of all those wildflowers, Mount Ranier has a little something for everyone. Outdoor lovers can indulge in any number of exciting activities while mellow adventures can soak in the sight of an actual volcano.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
There’s a reason the Grand Canyon scores at least five million annual visitors. Though you might run into a little foot traffic, the views are more than worth the crowds. Don’t worry—there’s still plenty to do besides snap a few pictures. You can also hike, go on guided tours, or pop by the Desert View Watchtower.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
If rocky shorelines and picturesque fishing villages are your thing, there’s no better place than Acadia National Park. It’s an ideal spot to soak in the Gulf of Maine or make your way to the top of seven peaks. For those who prefer the ground floor, plenty of hiking trails offer incredible sights too.
5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The Grand Canyon often boasts all the glory of stunning rock formations, but don’t get sidetracked. Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park comes with all sorts of otherworldly views like the Grand Staircase-Escalante and the largest concentration of hoodoos. Try to take it all in with self-guided tours or hiking trails—either way, you won’t know where to look first.
6. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Alright, maybe red rocks and staggering peaks aren’t your thing. What about phenomenal plant life? Look no further than this California park, a spot filled with wonders like desert lavender, fifteen kinds of cacti, and the beloved Joshua Tree. Not a bad place for friends of the earth.
7. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
If this park doesn’t make your jaw drop, nothing will. Not only will these mountain views take your breath away, but travelers are also afforded fewer visitors each year. So, it’s just you and the buffalo—and those daydreams of being a cowboy.
8. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Don’t let the name throw you off, you’ll be anything but scared among the painted desert and Triassic fossils. This place is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike; colorful fossil logs and impressive wildlife lay scattered among 350 miles of land.
9. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Get your archeology on in this national park, a popular destination filled with fossils and endangered wildlife. There’s no shortage of hiking trails, buttes, and canyons, though low-key travelers can also explore its museums and bookstores.
10. Redwood National and State Parks, California
You haven’t seen trees until you’ve visited California, particularly this fan-favorite national park. It’s home to the world’s tallest trees, making it an ideal place for scenic drives, bike rides, and hiking trails—and it gives an all-new meaning to tree-hugger!
11. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
We know Utah already made the list, but with five national parks under its belt, it’s easy to see why we circled back. Whether hiking or camping, there’s no shortage of monumental sights among its rock formations. Just make sure to visit the Mesa Arch if you head there.
12. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Waterfalls and picturesque mountaintops get all the credit in the summertime, but this national park is still a must-see in the winter. Those who brave the cold are rewarded with skiing, snowshoeing, and phenomenal hiking trails that capture nature’s beauty. The best part about this one is there’s no wrong time to visit.
13. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Why spend thousands of dollars on spa treatments when you can just head to the “American Spa” instead? Best known for its rejuvenation, travelers frequent this national park to soak in the healing waters and let their worries drift away with the wind. The views aren’t half bad either.
14. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
When you think of local lakes, you likely don’t picture idyllic water and stunning skylines—but Oregon has both. Crater Lake National Park is the place to be for anyone interested in the deepest lake on earth (and one of the most pristine). Whether you hike or go camping, you’ll never see water so blue.
15. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
It’s hard to encourage a trip to Alaska but this national park is more than worth the temperatures. This world-famous park offers two million acres of designated wilderness, meaning travelers have every opportunity to hike, raft, and mountain-climb their way through some of the greatest sights around.
16. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Have you ever wanted to see two of our world’s most active volcanoes? You’ll get it here, a thrill-seeker’s paradise filled with driving tours, hiking trails, and the chance to watch eruptions right before your eyes.
17. Death Valley National Park, California
Alaskan climates might not entice you, but maybe the hottest place in the country will! This popular national park has canyons and shifting sand dunes as far as the eye can see (not to mention its mysterious sailing stones)—just make sure you pack enough water to beat the unforgiving heat.
18. Glacier National Park, Montana
Beautiful wildlife and mountains adorned with wildflowers await travelers in Glacier National Park. It’s home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, many of which provide breathtaking sights of pristine water and the aptly named Chief Mountain. You might even spot a grizzly bear or two.
19. Arches National Park, Utah
(This is our last Utah mention, we promise.) With so many hiking trails and two thousand natural arches, there’s no way to avoid this picturesque dream. It’s so popular, in fact, that campgrounds are often booked months in advance, so you know it’s a good spot.
20. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
We know, we know. We circled back to Alaska for this one, but you’d have to visit this national park to understand its size. As the largest national park in the country, a flight over its glaciers or a proper hike among them barely scratches the surface. With all kinds of habitats and wildlife present, it truly is something you’ll have to see to believe.
