15 Stunning National Parks You Need to Visit

1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park captivates with its towering cliffs and giant sequoias. Every year, people from across the globe visit to witness the beauty of Half Dome and the sheer power of Yosemite Falls.

One of the top things to do in Yosemite is to explore the Mist Trail, a path that leads to the stunning Vernal Falls. This hike, while challenging, rewards you with close-up views of a roaring waterfall and the lush, green scenery that surrounds it.

The park is also home to an array of wildlife, from graceful deer to the black bears that roam the vast parklands.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a place where you can witness the power of nature firsthand. Covering over 1.2 million acres in Arizona, the canyon itself is a magnificent sight, with layers of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history.

You can take in the vastness from viewpoints like Yavapai Point, famous for its sunrise vistas. If you’re up for an adventure, consider a trek down the trails to the canyon floor, where the Colorado River carves its way through the ancient rock formations.

3. Yellowstone National Park

Spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is a vast wilderness bustling with natural wonders. Imagine the excitement as you watch the eruption of the iconic Old Faithful geyser, which shoots water sky-high at regular intervals.

You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. The park’s 2.2 million acres are a sanctuary for wildlife. You may catch a glimpse of bison roaming the expansive valleys or hear the distant howl of wolves.

For a dose of adventure, a hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone gives striking views of thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscapes.

4. Zion National Park

Your adventure awaits in the red cliffs of Zion National Park! Imagine walking along the Riverside Walk or gazing up at the towering rock faces as the Virgin River babbles at your side.

Families often enjoy the easy, paved paths, while seasoned hikers can tackle the more demanding routes like the ascent to Angel’s Landing—a trail that rewards your effort with panoramic views.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the towering Watchman spire at sunset, where the sky transforms into a spectacle of color against the sandstone formations.

5. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a gem in Washington, offering an array of ecosystems to explore. Your adventure here includes exploring the lush Hoh Rainforest, with moss-draped trees that have stood for centuries.

If you’re drawn to the water, consider heading to Lake Crescent, where calm waters await for a peaceful day of canoeing or kayaking.

For those who appreciate diverse wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for majestic Roosevelt elk that roam these parts.

6. Acadia National Park

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park offers breathtaking vistas, an array of wildlife, and a tapestry of woodlands that beckon for exploration. Your visit might start with a scenic drive along Park Loop Road, complete with stunning ocean views that demand frequent stops for photos.

If you’re up for an early start, catching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is a must, as it’s one of the first places in the United States to greet the morning sun. For a change of pace, the historic carriage roads provide a beautiful backdrop for biking or horse-drawn carriage rides.

Make a point to pause at Jordan Pond for a serene moment by the water, framed by the park’s iconic peaks. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this national park captures the essence of Maine’s natural splendor.

7. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is not just a treat for your eyes, but it’s a place where adventures abound. Visit Lake McDonald and marvel at the colorful pebbles that line its shores.

For those who love a good day hike, you can revel in the beauty of the trails leading to Apikuni Falls, where the sound of cascading water will be your soundtrack. Also, the Grinnell Glacier trail gives you a glimpse of the park’s ancient ice, but remember to wear sturdy boots for the journey.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park

At Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re in for a treat with the grandeur of towering peaks and the tranquility of pristine lakes. If you’re into wildlife spotting, keep your eyes peeled for elk and bighorn sheep—they tend to make frequent appearances!

With over 300 miles of trails, you can find serene spots and reconnect with nature around every bend. Remember to pack your camera; the landscapes here are something you’ll want to capture.

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nestled on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its rolling mountains cloaked in mist and rich green forests, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature’s splendor.

Home to a diverse range of wildlife, this park offers you the chance to spot black bears, elk, and over 200 species of birds. Don’t miss the Newfound Gap, where panoramic views offer a spectacular vista of the park’s unique landscape.

10. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a landscape of rugged rocks and twisted, spiky Joshua Trees that you can find only in the American Southwest. Covering nearly 800,000 acres, it’s a place where you can witness two distinct desert ecosystems—the high Mojave and lower Colorado—coming together.

If you’re keen on star gazing, this park offers some of the clearest night skies perfect for losing yourself in the cosmos. Let your adventurous side loose as you explore miles of paths where you might encounter fascinating wildlife that calls this arid paradise home.

11. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a landscape so beautiful that you’ll be eager to explore every corner. Walking along the Rim Trail, you’re treated to views of the park’s famous spire-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos.

It’s a must-see spot where natural beauty stretches as far as your eyes can see. Wake up early and catch a breathtaking sunrise at Inspiration Point; it’s a moment worth waking up for. If you’re itching for a clear night sky, the park’s high elevation and remote location make stargazing a stellar activity.

12. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a sight you’ll want to see for yourself. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, this park showcases unique rock formations that rise majestically from the desert landscape. Your visit might include glimpses of the world-famous Delicate Arch, standing out against the blue sky or the contrasting red rocks.

Bright skies make for perfect sunsets that bathe the rocks in a warm glow, offering stunning views that you’ll surely want to capture with your camera.

13. Sequoia National Park

Nestled in the majestic Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park is where you’ll come face-to-face with nature’s grandeur. Walk among the towering sequoias, some of the tallest trees on Earth, such as the renowned General Sherman Tree, a giant that’s stood for centuries.

Climbing Moro Rock rewards you with a breathtaking panorama that’s well worth the effort – a series of steps leading to a summit you won’t soon forget. If you’re chasing waterfalls, the Marble Falls Trail offers a spirited hike with the gentle roar of falling water guiding you along your path.

14. Denali National Park

In the heart of Alaska, Denali National Park is a shining star among America’s natural spaces. Home to the majestic Mount McKinley which stands tall at over 20,000 feet. With just one road winding through its vast wilderness, this park offers an escape to serenity with views that stretch forever.

If you’re adventurous, consider exploring the park by bus beyond Mile 15, where personal vehicles must stop. For a truly special visit, aim for the Gorge Creek Trail or plan a stay at the Denali Backcountry Lodge, where the beauty of Alaska is at your doorstep.

15. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you can witness Earth’s natural power in action. Here, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, offer a unique opportunity to observe active geology.

For an exciting day, explore the otherworldly Kaʻū Desert, with its vast expanses offering breathtaking views. Don’t miss a walk to where lava flows have reshaped the land, adding acres of new ground that both astound and inspire.