Muhammad Abdullah 10 Best National Parks to Visit in the US for an Unforgettable Adventure
The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet, with its national parks showcasing an incredible diversity of landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone looking for a serene escape, these parks offer something extraordinary for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best national parks to visit in the US, helping you plan your next trip with ease.
More than 300 million visitors explored America’s national parks last year, from Acadia in Maine to Zion in Utah.
Why Visit US National Parks?
National parks are more than just scenic destinations—they’re a testament to the beauty and history of the United States. These parks preserve ecosystems, offer recreational opportunities, and allow you to immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. From vast deserts to lush forests and glacial terrains, the US has a national park for every type of traveler.
Top 10 Best National Parks to Visit in the US
Here’s a curated list of the best national parks to visit in the US, ensuring unforgettable experiences across diverse landscapes.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
As the first national park in the world, Yellowstone is a must-visit for its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful, expansive wildlife, and dramatic landscapes.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall
- Highlights: Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Canyon, and abundant bison sightings
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon offers unparalleled vistas of layered red rock formations carved by the Colorado River. In 2024, the Grand Canyon National Park received 4.7 million visitors who came to see one of the largest canyons on earth which is a mile deep and 18 miles on the widest part. Hike, ride mules, or raft in the Colorado River to trek this place.
- Best time to visit: March-May or September-November
- Highlights: South Rim viewpoints, hiking Bright Angel Trail, and helicopter tours
3. Yosemite National Park
Location: California
Renowned for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias, Yosemite is a haven for adventurers and photographers.
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Highlights: Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls
4. Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Often called the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is famous for its alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife.
- Best time to visit: Summer (July and August)
- Highlights: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Grinnell Glacier, and Lake McDonald
5. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Zion’s red cliffs and narrow slot canyons make it one of the most visually striking parks in the US. It’s a favorite among hikers and climbers. Rising in Utah’s high plateau country, the Virgin River carves its way through Zion Canyon to the desert below.
- Best time to visit: Spring or fall
- Highlights: Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Kolob Canyons
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Known for its mist-covered peaks, the Smokies offer lush greenery, abundant wildlife, and historic landmarks.
- Best time to visit: Spring for wildflowers or fall for vibrant foliage
- Highlights: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and waterfalls
7. Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Utah
Famous for its unique hoodoo rock formations, Bryce Canyon feels like stepping into another world.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Highlights: Sunrise Point, Navajo Loop Trail, and star-gazing opportunities
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, the Rockies offer over 300 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and wildlife. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado was the attraction for 4.1 million visitors in 2023, drawn by the wide panoramic ranking of the alpine regions. The region encompasses 150 lakes, 450 miles of streams, and a diverse array of ecosystems that include marshes, coniferous and montane, and alpine tundras.
- Best time to visit: Summer for hiking or fall for elk watching
- Highlights: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, and Longs Peak
9. Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Everglades are a unique ecosystem of wetlands, mangroves, and wildlife, including alligators.
- Best time to visit: December to April
- Highlights: Airboat tours, Shark Valley, and wildlife spotting
10. Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
With stunning coastal views, rugged cliffs, and forested trails, Acadia is a jewel of the East Coast.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall
- Highlights: Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Sand Beach
Seasonal Recommendations
| Season | Best National Parks to Visit | Why Visit? |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Yosemite, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains | Blooming flowers, milder weather |
| Summer | Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone | Perfect for hiking and exploring |
| Fall | Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains | Stunning fall foliage and cooler temperatures |
| Winter | Everglades, Zion, Bryce Canyon | Avoid crowds, mild climates, unique scenery |
FAQs About National Parks
1. What is the prettiest national park in America?
Many consider Yosemite National Park the prettiest due to its breathtaking waterfalls, granite cliffs, and scenic vistas.
2. What is the most visited national park in the USA?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited, drawing millions of visitors annually.
3. Which national park is best to visit first?
For first-time visitors, Yellowstone National Park is a great start because of its diverse attractions and iconic landmarks.
4. What is the number one national park USA?
While opinions vary, Yellowstone National Park often tops the list for its historical significance and natural beauty.
5. What is the best national park to visit in March in the US?
The Grand Canyon National Park is ideal in March due to its pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
6. What are some of the most underrated national parks in the USA?
Isle Royale National Park is often considered one of the most underrated parks due to its remote location. Accessible only by a long ferry ride from Michigan or Minnesota, it sees fewer visitors but offers stunning wilderness, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife. For adventurous travelers, it’s well worth the journey!
7. Can you recommend some of America’s best national parks?
Some of America’s best national parks include Yellowstone for its geothermal wonders, Grand Canyon for its iconic views, Yosemite for its waterfalls and cliffs, Zion for its red rock canyons, and the Great Smoky Mountains for its misty peaks and vibrant foliage. Each offers unforgettable experiences!
8. What is your favorite National park in the US?
I love traveling, especially to the national parks for natural beauty and wildlife. I enjoy hiking to beautiful places and doing some kind of activity. So far I have been the ones below in the order that I liked.
- Zion National park
- Grand Canyon National park
- Yellowstone National park
- Great smoky mountains National park
- Shenandoah National park
- Mammoth cave National park
- Gateway Arch National Park
The best experience for me was hiking narrows at Zion amidst huge canyons.
9. What’s the Prettiest National Park in the United States?
I’ve been to quite a few national parks in my lifetime. The one I’ve visited most frequently is the Great Smoky Mountains, but I wouldn’t say they’re the prettiest or my favorite. They just happen to be the closest National Park to where I live. Last week, my family and I visited Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Yellowstone was cool and fun, but Grand Teton was just beautiful. We didn’t think we would love it as much, but we didn’t want to leave and wish we would’ve spent more time there. We’re already planning to go back next year, lol. We’ve also been to Olympic National Park in Washington, and we also loved it there. Personally, I’d say it’s between Grand Teton and Olympic as of now, maybe with Grand Teton taking the edge. We’d also love to visit Glacier and North Cascades eventually, too.
10. What is the most spectacular and breathtaking national park in the U.S.?
Last year I went on a road trip where I visited over 20 national parks. Including:
- Yosemite
- Sequoia
- Death Valley
- Redwood
- Zion
- Grand Canyon
- Arches
- Bryce Canyon
- Grand Teton
- Yellowstone
- Glacier
- Mount Rainier
- Olympic
Plus many other smaller ones.
For me, the top 3 would be Yosemite, Glacier, and Zion.
Final Thoughts
From the grandeur of Yellowstone to the surreal landscapes of Bryce Canyon, the best national parks to visit in the US offer experiences you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Whether you’re traveling in March, December, or any other time of the year, these destinations guarantee unforgettable memories.
For more tips and travel planning resources, visit the National Park Service Website.
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