The United States is home to some of the most awe-inspiring national parks on the planet. If you’re ready for your next outdoor adventure, these stunning natural wonders are a must-see.
Dramatic canyons and lush forests, these parks offer a wide range of experiences that cater to every kind of explorer. They provide not only breathtaking scenery but also opportunities for discovery, whether through hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in the serene beauty.
We’ve chosen these national parks for their exceptional natural beauty and unique features, ensuring a mix of iconic and lesser-known gems. This selection highlights the diverse landscapes and experiences each park offers, providing a comprehensive guide to the best nature has to offer in the U.S.
1. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
New River Gorge is the newest national park, where you can experience rock climbing challenges. It wasn’t designated as protected lands until 2020, but it’s now one of the most popular rock climbing areas in the country, with more than 1,400 designated rock climbs.
The tranquil Appalachian region in Lansing, West Virginia, offers you breathtaking sunrise spectacles at the New River Gorge Bridge, loads of hiking trails, and river rafting adventures.
2. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
As you wander through Canyonlands National Park, the sheer magnitude of Utah’s largest national park unfolds before you.
Marvel at the expansive, deeply etched canyons shaped by the Colorado and Green rivers. Venture to the Needles with its towering rock spires, or find yourself atop the Island in the Sky, a vast mesa offering sweeping, panoramic vistas that stretch beyond the horizon.
3. North Cascades National Park
Within the mountainous expanse of North Cascades National Park, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you prefer the calm of birdwatching, fishing in scenic lakes, or the thrill of navigating challenging hiking trails, this Washington state treasure accommodates tranquil and adventurous spirits.
For the backpacking enthusiasts, the park’s rugged terrain provides a rewarding challenge amid glaciers and dense forests.
4. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Explore Saguaro National Park in Arizona—a landscape rich with the nation’s most imposing cacti.
Discover the essence of the American West here, in this stunning 92,000-acre park. This park is a haven for 325 species of invertebrates, including 70 mammals, 200 birds, and 50 reptiles.
5. Channel Islands National Park, California
Nestled off Ventura’s shores, Channel Islands National Park invites you to witness its unique ecosystem.
Your visit might include spotting majestic whales and observing many species of seabirds.
Remarkably, the park shelters 145 endemic species, flourishing nowhere else on Earth—making it a sanctuary of unparalleled natural wonder in California.
6. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Experience the beauty of Voyageurs National Park where you can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities.
Your time spent under the stars at this park might reward you with a glimpse of the aurora borealis.
If you’re into angling, the plentiful lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities, and regular visitors love to fish for walleye.
Those who prefer a more rugged experience can set up camp in the heart of nature, making the most of the park’s serene environment.
Just a stone’s throw from the Canadian frontier, this location is a natural wonder throughout the year.
7. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Stroll through the towering old-growth forests in Congaree National Park and encounter rich biodiversity.
Here, you’ll observe an impressive collection of tall trees unique to the Eastern United States, inviting a serene wilderness experience and wildlife viewing opportunities close to the heart of South Carolina’s capital.
It’s got 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk, and you can kayak through the waterways, too. There’s plenty of wildlife here, ranging from bobcats to river otters.
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Spanning over a million acres, Big Bend National Park houses the Chisos Mountains and remnants of historical settlements.
You can explore natural hot springs or embark on scenic drives amidst the striking red rock landscapes. With over 150 miles of trails to explore through mountain and desert terrain, Big Bend is a hiker’s paradise. You may also find dinosaur and sea fossils here, as well as interesting wildlife and fascinating ecosystems.
9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Explore the depths of Carlsbad Caverns National Park where over a hundred subterranean chambers await.
Your gaze will meet the dangling stalactites and the vast Big Room underground.
Should the caverns’ shadows be too much, surface for a drive through the desert offering scenic vistas.
10. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
In Indiana Dunes National Park, you can enjoy over 50 miles of trails across diverse landscapes like wetlands and prairies.
Nestled by Lake Michigan, this park encourages you to immerse yourself in nature, and afterwards, refresh with a swim in the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
This hidden gem provides a serene escape where adventure and tranquility meet.
11. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Within Alaska’s vast terrain, Wrangell St. Elias stands out as the largest national park in the United States, covering over 13.2 million acres.
Home to towering peaks and glacial landscapes, the region invites you to scale some of Alaska’s tallest mountains for breathtaking views.
Whether you’re hiking beside rivers to witness glaciers or camping to behold the northern lights, adventure is abundant here. This huge protected land is also home to large numbers of all three species of North American bears, alongside lynx, stellar sea lions, and other wildlife.
12. Exploring Glacier National Park in Montana
Nestled on the edge of Canada, Glacier National Park offers a vast wilderness that spans over a million acres.
You’ll find remnants of the last Ice Age here with plentiful glacial structures.
With over 700 lakes and multiple mountain ranges, the park provides countless trails and waterfalls that invite exploration.
Embrace the area’s natural beauty by staying at a historic lodge or chalet, many of which are recognized for their significance and preserved as part of the nation’s heritage.
13. Yosemite’s Iconic Landscapes
Among the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, you’ll find El Capitan and Half Dome—two towering granite monoliths.
Prepare to be awed by Yosemite Falls, recognized as one of North America’s tallest waterfalls.
This UNESCO World Heritage site invites you to explore its valleys and marvel at its natural wonders.
14. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
At Grand Canyon National Park, stunning geological layers unfold the Earth’s history beneath your feet.
Stand at the rim and behold a world of color and grandeur.
Hiking the park’s intricate trails, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, or taking in the expansive views from the Skywalk all provide profoundly memorable experiences.
The park is a journey through time etched into the very cliffs and gorges that make up the iconic Grand Canyon. The area is well-known for fossils (although not dinosaurs), and it even creates its own weather.
15. Yellowstone National Park
Spanning over 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park enriches your experience with its majestic mountains, tranquil hot springs, and vivid canyons.
While marveling at the reliable eruptions of Old Faithful, remember to stay vigilant for sightings of bison, elk, and possibly a grizzly.
The park’s wonders extend beyond just geothermal features, inviting you to witness its rich wildlife across Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.
16. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
As you traverse southward from Yellowstone, within approximately one hour’s drive, the distinct profile of the Teton Range emerges.
Here in Grand Teton National Park, unlike its northern neighbor—famed for its hot springs and geysers—you’ll discover an abundance of pristine waterways.
Envision yourself fishing or gliding in a canoe on the meandering Snake River, or perhaps kayaking amid the reflections of grand peaks, surrounded by the rich habitat that supports Wyoming’s wildlife, like the majestic moose of Jackson Hole.
17. Acadia National Park, Maine
In Acadia National Park, you’ll experience the unique beauty of coastal Maine’s highlands and forests.
Mountains rise mightily from the Atlantic, offering stunning vistas and various outdoor activities.
You can hike rugged trails, bike on carriage roads, or admire the playfulness of seals along the jagged coastline.
Enjoy the park’s scenic richness with activities from horseback riding to rock climbing.
18. Arches National Park, Utah
Embark on a journey to Arches National Park, where over 2,000 sandstone arches stand as nature’s masterpieces.
Marvel at the iconic Delicate Arch’s grandeur, or navigate the Fiery Furnace’s captivating formations.
Don’t miss the impressive Balanced Rock, rising 128 feet against the sky—a aweinspiring reminder of the wonders of natural erosion.
19. Olympic National Park, Washington
Venture into Olympic National Park and encounter its vast ecological diversity.
With elevations that span from sea level to glacier-crowned peaks, your explorations will lead you through ancient rainforests and to sandy shores where tide pools brim with marine life.
In winter, Hurricane Ridge transforms into a snowy playground suitable for various exhilarating outdoor activities.
20. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
Journey through the soaring elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can traverse Trail Ridge Road. This renowned high-altitude highway ascends above 12,000 feet.
It offers a glimpse into the park’s unique subalpine and alpine worlds. As you explore lower regions, you’ll discover vibrant wildflowers. You’ll also wander among the large herds of elk, bighorn sheep, and moose that call the park home.
For those seeking adventure, rock climbing, remote camping, and horseback riding present thrilling ways to experience the park’s rugged landscapes.
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