Best National Parks In The USA

America, the Beautiful. Or so the famous 1893 poem goes. There’s nowhere that declaration rings more true than in America’s national parks. These protected lands, from coast to coast, safeguard and showcase untamed wilderness with awe-inspiring beauty and diverse wildlife ecosystems. For more than 100 years, the National Park Service has managed millions of acres for the “enjoyment, education, and inspiration” of this and future generations.

1. Yosemite National Park | CA

Millions of people come to Yosemite National Park each year to see jagged peaks, glaciers, lush meadows, and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Spanning 1,200 square miles, Yosemite offers activities ranging from child-friendly to extreme. Massive granite slopes like Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape, taunting rock climbers.

2. Grand Canyon National Park | AZ

The Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that cradles two billion years of geologic history, is comprised of 40 layers of rock shaped into buttes, spires, and cliffs. Carved by the Colorado River, the 277-mile gorge is magisterial from any perspective, but it’s thrilling to venture below the rim. The safest place to start is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which follows an ancient route past sculpted sandstone to a cottonwood oasis.

3. Yellowstone National Park | WY

Fun fact: Yellowstone, America’s first national park is bigger than Rhode Island and has been a jewel in the NPS’s crown since 1872. Critters are everywhere in Yellowstone; geysers spurt regularly; sulfurous lakes bubble and boil; and massive waterfalls glint in the sun. Plus, don’t be surprised if you spot buffalo wandering right down the center divider of the two-lane road that connects the park. With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are awesomely plentiful.

4. Voyageurs National Park | MN

Located in northern Minnesota, just south of the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park is the definition of a ‘hidden gem’ because of its relative inaccessibility, it’s also one of the least-visited national parks in the country. Incredibly, over a third of the park is made up of water; 84,000 out of 218,000 acres are waterways. These provide access to 655 miles of pristine, unspoiled shoreline and more than 500 islands

5. Olympic National Park

Among the nearly 1 million acres that make up Olympic National Park, visitors can wander through the enchanting Hoh Rainforest, trek to stunning overlooks, and relax on more than 70 miles of Pacific Northwest coastline. One of North America’s top hiking destinations, this Washington state gem features top trails like Mount Storm King and the Hall of Mosses. However, you will also want to save time by trying out one of Olympic National Park’s other popular activities, which range from canoeing on Lake Crescent to birdwatching on Kalaloch and Ruby Beach.

6. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for a chance to get up close and personal with two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The latter almost continually erupts, which visitors can witness from multiple points in the park, including Crater Rim Drive and the famous Chain of Craters Road (although eruption sightings are never guaranteed). While driving along Chain of Craters Road, set aside time to stop at the Kealakomo Overlook.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rockies earn plenty of points for their convenience. Sitting about 70 miles northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park makes for an easy day trip. However, you could also spend days exploring this Colorado park. The Rockies’ magnificent landscape is one for the books, featuring more than 350 miles of scenic trails, plenty of lakes, and numerous mountain peaks taller than 10,000 feet. If you’re short on time, Emerald Lake Trail is a popular trek that’s less than 5 miles round trip and promises spectacular alpine views.

8. Mount Rainier National Park

At 14,410 feet tall, Mount Rainer is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and the tallest volcano in the contiguous United States. Though thousands of travelers tackle the ambitious hike to the mountain’s summit each year, it’s far more popular to drive to Sunrise, the highest point accessible by vehicle, to soak in 360-degree views of the Cascade Range and Emmons Glacier. Numerous shorter hikes are also available at Mount Rainier National Park, so visitors can explore the temperate rainforests of Carbon River, admire the picturesque wildflower meadows at Paradise or search for the waterfalls in the old-growth forests at Ohanapecosh.

9. Redwood National and State Parks

As the name suggests, Redwood National and State Parks are best known for their sky-high redwood trees, which typically soar more than 300 feet tall. Along with exploring the old-growth redwood groves, travelers can hike past rivers, through prairies, and along 40 miles of Pacific Coast shoreline, spotting wildlife like elk, sea lions, and various species of birds as they go. If you can’t stay long, scenic drives like Howland Hill Road and Enderts Beach Road showcase park highlights. But for those wanting to sleep under the stars and rise with the sun, there are four developed campgrounds.

10. Kenai Fjords National Park

Comprised of glaciers, coastal fjords, and icefields, Kenai Fjords National Park transports guests to an age where ice covers large parts of the earth. The Harding Icefield – which was created more than 23,000 years ago – is one of this Alaska park’s main features, extending for 700 square miles and viewable via the 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail. Visitors can also embark on the Glacier Overlook Trail and Glacier View Loop Trail to catch vistas of Exit Glacier, which flows from the famed icefield. Or, take a kayak or a boat tour to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes from the water.

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