The 20 Top National Parks in the U.S., Ranked by Real Experience
Are you prepared to begin planning your upcoming major expedition? The United States boasts more than 400 national park sites, which makes selecting an ideal location to visit akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. You won’t need to worry about research because we’ve already completed it for you. Our ranking of the top 20 U.S. National Parks combines first-hand visitor experiences with expert feedback and reviews to assist you in deciding your next camping destination.
American National Parks hosted approximately 297 million visitors throughout the year 2022. People’s passion for these unspoiled natural areas will continue to thrive. Guests praise the stunning natural vistas while enjoying adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures and connecting with nature.
Explore 20 must-visit parks that should be added to your bucket list by continuing to read. The parks offer activities for experienced hikers and provide options for those who enjoy peaceful picnics.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a showstopper. This world-renowned destination holds the title of the first national park and impresses visitors with its spectacular geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife. The renowned geyser Old Faithful at Yellowstone shoots up water between 180 feet into the air during each of its regular eruptions.
No other place allows you to observe grizzly bears, bison, and wolves all in one day. Yellowstone National Park has earned its top spot in visitors’ hearts.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon needs no introduction. The enormous canyon owes its creation to the Colorado River, which makes it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sunrise and sunset reveal breathtaking views across the Grand Canyon’s expansive landscapes.
Want an adventure? Take on the Bright Angel Trail hike or experience rafting through the canyon to get an unforgettable adrenaline surge.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite attracts nature enthusiasts with its stunning granite peaks beside cascading waterfalls and ancient sequoias. El Capitan stands as a rock climber’s ultimate destination, while Mariposa Grove provides lush trails that lead through towering trees.
Bonus tip: Begin your hike early to witness sunrise illuminating the renowned Half Dome. Photographers, bring your cameras.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smokies hold the title of the U.S.’s most visited park because they offer numerous compelling attractions. Everyone can find restful space amid dreamy, misty hills and wildflower meadows or through scenic drives throughout the park. The park hosts a variety of wildlife species, from black bears to salamanders, which establishes it as a vibrant hub of biodiversity.
Experience breathtaking panoramic views at Clingman’s Dome, and make sure you don’t miss this opportunity.
Zion National Park
Angels Landing serves as one of Zion’s celebrated trails, establishing it as a hiker’s paradise. The park mesmerizes visitors with its towering red rock formations and vivid green water bodies. Dare to navigate The Narrows slot canyon, which stands between immense vertical walls.
It’s essential to stay until sunset because Zion’s cliffs transform into a canvas of orange and pink colors as daylight fades. Witness this extraordinary occasion, which you must experience!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Welcome to Colorado’s crown jewel! Visitors to this park can experience untouched alpine lakes alongside abundant wildlife, including moose and elk, and impressive mountain peaks. Trail Ridge Road ascends above 12,000 feet to present memorable panoramic views for everyone who visits.
Bring your hiking boots since these trails offer nothing but outstanding views! When you trek to Bear Lake or climb Longs Peak, each step becomes a cherished adventure that lasts a lifetime.
Glacier National Park
As the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier delivers stunning views at every glance. The unforgettable Going-to-the-Sun Road provides access to over 700 miles of trails that lead hikers to breathtaking, glacier-fed lakes, transforming this location into a hiker’s paradise.
Park visitors interested in wildlife will find great joy in the diverse animal populations that inhabit the area, including mountain goats and grizzly bears. Bring your camera so you can document stunning views and remarkable experiences!
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is situated on Maine’s rugged coastline, offering stunning ocean views and dense, forested landscapes. The breathtaking sunrise at Cadillac Mountain remains unforgettable, while Jordan Pond offers a glassy surface perfect for photographers. Make sure to sample a fresh lobster roll before you depart!
Guests can explore scenic hiking trails, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging routes, such as the Beehive Loop. Travel along Park Loop Road to experience stunning coastal vistas from a unique viewpoint.
Grand Teton National Park
Nature created a masterful artwork with the Tetons’ dramatic peaks alongside their crystal-clear lakes. Explore Jenny Lake on foot or cruise the river while capturing images of mountain reflections in the Snake River.
During your visit to Grand Teton National Park, you have the opportunity to observe wildlife species, including moose, bison, and potentially grizzly bears. Watching the sunrise or sunset over the Teton Range creates an unforgettable, magical experience.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park gains fame through its unique hoodoo rock formations. The spire-like structures emit an orange glow when exposed to sunlight along the Navajo Loop Trail. Stargazers visiting Bryce experience some of the darkest night skies on Earth.
Nature’s masterpieces dominate this area, with every path revealing breathtaking sights. Remember to take your camera on this trip so you can preserve the stunning landscapes, which you’ll want to revisit long after your journey concludes.
Arches National Park
The park hosts more than 2,000 natural stone arches, among which the famous Delicate Arch stands out. Mother Nature demonstrates her exceptional architectural abilities through this landscape. Sunrise or sunset hikes here are otherworldly.
Both photographers and outdoor enthusiasts find the red rock formations to be a perfect subject because they provide endless opportunities to admire their stunning beauty. The Devil’s Garden Trail offers spectacular views, which are some of the park’s finest.
Everglades National Park
The vast wetland is best experienced through airboat tours or kayak adventures. An extensive array of wildlife, including alligators and exotic birds, populate the Everglades. Pro tip? Scheduling your visit in winter will help you avoid mosquitoes while enjoying the park’s cooler temperatures.
Capture the moment because sunsets over the sawgrass marshes look like postcard images. Nature enthusiasts and adventurers should visit the Everglades due to its unique ecosystem.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park sits in Southern California at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts. The result? Visitors encounter breathtaking landscapes with alien-like rock formations alongside famous Joshua trees.
The park features over 800 climbing routes, accommodating every skill level for those who want to test their physical abilities. Climbing enthusiasts will have plenty to enjoy, but if climbing isn’t your cup of tea, you can still take pleasure in the numerous hiking paths that showcase stunning desert vistas.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
This national park on Hawaii’s Big Island offers active lava flows alongside steaming volcanic craters. Kilauea stands out as the main attraction because it releases actual heat. Experiencing a live volcanic phenomenon? Unforgettable.
Explore the park’s natural subterranean passageways that formed when lava flowed through hardened rock. Take a moment to pause and admire the rich variety of life, which encompasses both dense rainforests and endemic species.
Denali National Park
Denali stands as the highest summit in North America and remains a must-visit destination for adventurers worldwide. The park allows visitors to see grizzly bears and travel through the tundra while maintaining its isolated and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
The lack of roads through the park’s center makes it an ideal destination for true wilderness enthusiasts. Every traveler who witnesses the Northern Lights or hears the silence of the tundra leaves with an unforgettable impression of Denali.
Canyonlands National Park
Utah’s Canyonlands National Park features stunning rock formations shaped by the Colorado River. The Maze District stands out for its challenging terrain and isolated location, which attracts adventure enthusiasts. Island in the Sky overlooks? Unreal.
The towering sandstone spires of the Needles District provide hikers with fascinating trail systems to explore. Stargazers will find that Canyonlands offers the darkest skies across the nation, allowing them to witness spectacular views of the Milky Way.
Badlands National Park
As a geological marvel, the Badlands display dramatic patterns with their brightly colored eroded rock formations. The loop drive offers numerous overlooks where visitors can appreciate breathtaking sunsets and observe prairie wildlife.
The park attracts fossil enthusiasts with its abundant paleontological history, featuring among the world’s most important fossil beds. The Badlands offer an unparalleled adventure, whether you traverse their rugged terrain or appreciate their distinct landscape.
Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia serves as a sanctuary for those who seek serenity. Hikers along Skyline Drive will find themselves surrounded by breathtaking mountain panoramas and cascades that grace the trails.
The park serves as a home for deer, black bears, and numerous bird species, which wildlife enthusiasts can observe. The year-round haven for nature lovers, Shenandoah National Park, offers vibrant fall foliage alongside a tranquil atmosphere.
Death Valley National Park
The severe landscape of Death Valley reveals beautiful contrasts through its dunes, canyons, and expansive salt flats. Choose to visit during the cooler months to experience sunrise at Zabriskie Point.
Explore the surreal beauty of Badwater Basin, which stands as North America’s lowest point, or take a stroll through the alien Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for a truly otherworldly experience. The park’s dramatic features inspire awe, demonstrating that stark landscapes possess their stunning beauty.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is the forested realm that houses the world’s tallest trees. Exploring the towering presence of General Sherman Tree alongside other massive sequoias feels humbling.
Experience the cool shade of giant sequoias while exploring forest trails that maintain their timeless beauty. Make sure to explore Crystal Cave, which offers an underground adventure through its stunning marble cavern.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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