17 Best National Parks in the US You Need to See At Least Once in Your Life
If you’re craving jaw-dropping views, wide-open skies, and adventures that feel larger than life, you’re in the right place. The best national parks in the US aren’t just for hikers or campers—they’re for anyone who loves unforgettable experiences. From snow-capped mountains to desert wonders and lush coastlines, these parks show off America’s natural beauty in the boldest way possible.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone tops the list of best national parks in the US with its famous geysers, colorful hot springs, and roaming wildlife. Bison and elk wander across the valleys while Old Faithful shoots into the sky on schedule. With canyons, rivers, and waterfalls, it’s a living showcase of nature’s raw power and beauty.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the best national parks in the US and truly a sight that words can’t capture. Its vast cliffs, layered rock formations, and dizzying viewpoints leave you breathless at every angle. Hiking, rafting, or even just standing on the edge makes you feel the scale of time and nature.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite stands proud among the best national parks in the US thanks to its granite cliffs, massive waterfalls, and lush meadows. Half Dome and El Capitan draw climbers from around the world, while casual visitors love the serene valleys. Add in giant sequoias and scenic rivers, and it feels like walking inside a postcard.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is one of the best national parks in the US where red-rock cliffs meet adventurous trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Every hike delivers views so stunning they feel surreal, especially at sunrise or sunset. With its mix of thrill and tranquility, Zion is a playground for explorers and photographers alike.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier ranks among the best national parks in the US with its icy peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife-packed valleys. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must, offering vistas that seem straight out of a dream. From grizzlies to mountain goats, every turn reminds you why it’s called the Crown of the Continent.
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain is one of the best national parks in the US with sweeping alpine peaks, sparkling lakes, and crisp mountain air. Hikes range from peaceful strolls through wildflowers to rugged climbs above the tree line. Wildlife like elk and moose add to the magic, making it a true outdoor paradise.
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Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia holds its place as one of the best national parks in the US where coastal beauty meets forested charm. Visitors wake early to catch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, one of the first spots in the U.S. to see daylight. With rocky shores, carriage roads, and crashing waves, it’s a complete escape into nature.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Smokies are one of the best national parks in the US with mist-covered mountains and endless hiking trails. Every season is breathtaking—spring brings wildflowers, fall bursts with color, and winter feels peaceful and quiet. From historic cabins to black bear sightings, it’s both scenic and full of life.
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Arches National Park, Utah
Arches is one of the best national parks in the US and feels like walking through a natural sculpture gallery. Over 2,000 red stone arches glow at sunrise and sunset, creating unforgettable photo moments. Short hikes lead to iconic spots like Delicate Arch, making it perfect for both casual visitors and avid adventurers.
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon earns its spot as one of the best national parks in the US with its surreal amphitheater of hoodoos. These towering rock spires light up in shades of orange and pink as the sun moves across the sky. The park is equally famous for stargazing, with some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see.
Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia is one of the best national parks in the US thanks to its forest of towering trees that seem to touch the heavens. Walking among giant sequoias, some thousands of years old, feels humbling and magical. With caves, rivers, and mountain views, it’s more than just trees—it’s an epic nature escape.
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Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali is one of the best national parks in the US and home to North America’s tallest peak. It’s six million acres of wilderness that stretches endlessly, offering views of tundra, glaciers, and roaming wildlife. Spotting caribou or grizzlies against the backdrop of Denali Mountain is an experience you’ll never forget.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree is one of the best national parks in the US where desert landscapes meet quirky yucca trees. Climbers love its rugged boulders, while others come for serene hikes through cactus gardens. As the sun sets, the skies explode with stars, making it one of the top stargazing spots in the country.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes is one of the best national parks in the US offering the rare chance to see Earth in action. Lava flows, steam vents, and dramatic cliffs show the island’s fiery heart. Mixing tropical rain forests with active volcanoes, it’s a destination that feels both raw and mesmerizing.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades is one of the best national parks in the US because it’s like no other—an endless subtropical wilderness of mangroves, marshes, and wildlife. Air-boat rides skim the waters where alligators, manatees, and exotic birds thrive. It’s a reminder of how wild and fascinating America’s ecosystems truly are.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic is one of the best national parks in the US because it’s like three worlds in one. You can wander mossy rain-forests, trek snowy mountains, and stroll rugged coastlines—all in a single day. Its incredible variety makes it one of the most diverse and rewarding parks to explore.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton is one of the best national parks in the US with jagged peaks rising dramatically over pristine lakes. Visitors love hiking, kayaking, and photographing the stunning mountain reflections. At sunset, when the sky turns golden, the Tetons deliver views that feel almost too perfect to be real.
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The best national parks in the US aren’t just places on a map—they’re experiences that stay with you forever. Each one offers something unique, from fiery deserts to icy mountains and everything in between. Whether you’re an adventurer or a casual traveler, they remind us of the beauty waiting in our own backyard.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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