The Most Beautiful National Parks in America
The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Yosemite—our bucket list just got way longer!
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There are plenty of breathtaking places in America, but some of the most stunning can be found within our many national parks. There are so many different activities you can do when you visit one of these spectacular destinations: Hike the picturesque peaks of the Rocky Mountains, camp in the forests of the Sequoia, or simply basque in the beauty that Zion, Glacier, or Yosemite have to offer. Or, plan the ultimate road trip and see it all. No matter where you start, you definitely don't want to miss out on the best national parks in the U.S.
Grand Teton National Park
This Wyoming must-see has over two hundred miles of trails amid the sprawling Teton Range. You can backpack, camp, or even float down the Snake River while taking in the gorgeous scenery. You might even see some wildlife along the way!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is not your average park. It's also home to a bevy of colorful hot springs and, even more exciting, geysers. Old Faithful, Riverside, and Steamboat are just a few of the natural wonders you can witness when you visit the hotspot (pun intended) that runs across Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Yosemite National Park
The claim-to-fame at this California attraction is the waterfalls, but valleys, meadows, ancient sequoias, and so much more can be found within its 1,200 square miles. Try your hand at birdwatching, fishing, horseback riding, rock climbing, or even stargazing.
Grand Canyon National Park
Words can't describe the beauty of the massive canyon, which runs 277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide. While only the South Rim is open all year (the North closes for the winter), there's so much to see and do when you visit this popular spot in Arizona.
Zion National Park
Come for the sandstone cliffs, stay for the wildlife, rich history, and overall brilliance at Utah's first national park. Before you come, be sure to check the trail conditions so you can properly map out your route.
Shenandoah National Park
Looking for an action-packed vacation? Look no further than Shenandoah, conveniently located just 75 miles outside Washington, D.C. Hikes, picnics, and the famous Skyline Drive are just a few of the reasons why you and your family will want to make annual visits to this paradise.
Mount Rainier National Park
Washingtonians are familiar with the sight of Mount Rainier, which extends 14,410 feet above sea level and can be seen from many major cities. Get a little closer, and you’ll see why it’s a fantastic destination for tourists, too: wildflower meadows and animal sightings abound.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This colorful destination toes the line between North Carolina and Tennessee. There in the Southern Appalachian mountains, you’ll find plants and animals galore, along with excellent hiking opportunities. It’s no wonder this is America's most visited national park. Just remember to be cautious; bear sightings are frequent and can be dangerous.
Joshua Tree National Park
One of the most awe-inspiring on this list, Joshua Tree features stunning, starry night skies and geologic features you won’t find anywhere else. And with nine campgrounds, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to stay the night here in Southern California.
Everglades National Park
It should come as no surprise that Everglades National Park is a World Heritage Site. After all, it’s home to several rare and endangered animals, including the manatee and the American crocodile. Be sure to plan your visit during the dry season!
Hot Springs National Park
The magic of Hot Springs has to be seen (and felt!) to be believed. Healing thermal waters have earned it the nickname "The American Spa,” and it’s the ideal National Park destination for anyone who’s a little less interested in, say, an arduous hike.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Not only does this national treasure house two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, it also offers the same appeal of Hawaii itself. Among the many activities available to you and your family at the park are crater tours, volunteer programs, backcountry hiking, speaker presentations, and more.
Denali National Park
Six million acres of land are the backdrop for North America’s highest peak, Denali. Come for the peace and quiet; leave with photographs of wild, roaming animals.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Transport yourself to the desert at Great Sand Dunes National Park, which boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America and a surreal-looking landscape. That’s not all you’ll find here: Surprisingly, the Colorado attraction also features grasslands and wetlands, along with lakes, tundra, and conifer forests.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala is famous for its gorgeous sunrises—people even reserve their viewing spots in advance (and you should, too!). But even if you don’t manage to snag a spot, the volcanoes, rain forests, and Hawaiian culture are reason enough to make a trip.
Glacier National Park
Dubbed the "crown of the continent," Glacier National Park is home to breathtaking forests, lakes, mountains, and meadows. Whether you prefer hiking, camping, biking, or just about any outdoor activity that exists, you can do it all at this gorgeous Montana spot that spans more than 700 miles.
Arches National Park
Take a trip to this bright and beautiful attraction that features more than 2,000 red rock arches. Campers can reserve a spot at the Devils Garden Campground, which is a "great home base," for exploring. Reservations are taken up to six months in advance and availability runs out fast, so you'll want to secure your area ASAP.
Rocky Mountain National Park
One look at these picturesque peaks and it's certainly no surprise it's visited by millions of tourists each year. Although summer is the busiest season, there are plenty of snow-filled activities to try in the winter, including skiing, sledding, and even snowshoeing.
Bryce Canyon National Park
This Utah park contains the largest concentration of hoodoos (asymmetrical rock formations) on earth. As you make your way down the 18-mile main road, be sure to stop at the beautiful Bryce Amphitheater.
Olympic National Park
There are plenty of geographical wonders to see on this land that stretches for almost one million acres. Although the daytime provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, the night sky offers incredible views of the stars above.
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