The 7 Best National Parks in the USA: Discover America’s Finest
The US national park system has 63 national parks, 24 of which have been added since 1980. With so many to visit–and with the explosion of interest since 2020–many people are wondering, “What are the best national parks in the USA?” We’ve got you covered! From the giant trees of Sequoia National Park to the snow-capped Denali National Park to the painted landscapes of Arches National Park, the USA arguably has the best national parks to visit in the world. Let’s dive into it!
The 7 Best National Parks in the USA: Discover America’s Finest
- Criteria for the Best National Parks in the USA
- Sequoia National Park
- Denali National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Arches National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Katmai National Park
- Zion National Park
- Frequently Asked Questions
Criteria for the Best National Parks in the USA
Naturally, you may wonder, what are our criteria for choosing the best? Obviously, the word “best” means it’s a matter of opinion. Here are the criteria we used to decide the best national parks:
- Natural Beauty: Not all the national parks are chosen for their natural beauty. As an example, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado commemorates an important part of American history, and therefore does not showcase a great deal of nature. To make our list, the park must primarily be a nature-focused park, either for landscapes or wildlife (or both).
- Uniqueness: Most, if not all, of the national parks are beautiful in their own right. However, not all of them are unique necessarily. Every park on this list has a uniqueness that can’t be found in other parks, and oftentimes, even in non-park areas in the USA or elsewhere in the world.
- Crowdedness: Some parks are overwhelmingly crowded – Rocky Mountain National Park comes to mind. The US National Park system has seen an explosion in interest since 2020, and some parks have dealt with crowding better than others. Parks on this list either have limitations on numbers of visitors, have good shoulder seasons with fewer tourists, or have few tourists due to remoteness.
That all being said, let’s jump into it – the 7 best national parks in the USA! We’ve not ranked these in any particular order.
Sequoia National Park
Have you ever seen a tree so tall you almost can’t see its top? Imagine a forest full of such titans. Welcome to Sequoia National Park, the kingdom of grand trees. This park sits smack in the heart of California and is one not to miss on your journey to see the best national parks in the USA.
The park is known for its mighty sequoia trees. These trees are not just ordinary trees; they’re amongst the largest and oldest living things on Earth! The General Sherman Tree is probably the most famous resident here. It’s the largest tree on the planet!
It is difficult to explain in words (and even in pictures!) how amazing this park is. You need to see this park to believe it. The trees are so large, and the scenery so beautiful, it really feels like a movie set!
But this park isn’t all about trees. There are exquisite landscapes that will leave you breathless. Wildlife observers will find a number of species such as black bears, mule deer, and pika. So keep your eyes wide open and your camera ready!
For the adventure lovers, there’s a multitude of activities to feed your adrenaline rush. Fancy some hiking? The park has over 1,000 miles of trails according to some sources, with paths for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers. Moro Rock is a popular climb — it’s a huge granite dome offering a bird’s eye view of the park. I personally didn’t get to hike Moro Rock, but friends who have climbed it say the view at the top is incredible, especially at sunrise or sunset.
If you’re more of a calm, serene type, Sequoia has lots of options for you, too. Take a leisurely stroll through the Giant Forest, home to half of the Earth’s sequoia trees. Or take a drive through the Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia tree big enough for cars to drive through. Don’t forget to stop to take a picture!
When is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park? The park is open year-round, though be aware, some parts close in winter due to snow. Summer is a great time to visit, but expect crowds. On the other hand, spring and fall, with mild weather and fewer crowds, can be ideal times. Urmi and I visited in October, which offered cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a picturesque fog that covered the landscape during some hikes (shown in our picture above).
In conclusion, Sequoia National Park has it all: enormous trees, stunning views, diverse wildlife, and everything you need for an unforgettable nature experience. It’s a testament to how nature, in its purest form, can leave us in awe. An adventure in the land of giants awaits you!
Denali National Park
Want to experience the best of Alaska’s vast, scenic landscapes? Head to Denali National Park! With a summit elevation of 20,310 feet, the park’s crowning glory is Mount Denali, the tallest peak not only in the USA but all of North America. However, the park is much more than just the mountain. Its varied landscapes and unique hiking system easily make Denali one of the best US national parks.
Denali National Park is the park that made me gain an appreciation for the beauty of America’s national parks. Indeed, I’d consider Denali the single most beautiful national park in the USA!
Unlike many other national parks, Denali keeps its roads limited. There’s just one, Denali Park Road, that stretches just 92 miles. But don’t let that make you think lesser of this amazing place! The limited road infrastructure means crowding at this park is kept to a minimum.
Think of lush green valleys with streams bubbling happily. Picture breathtaking snow-covered peaks that reach out to touch the azure sky. Imagine herds of caribou majestically roaming the terrain, or black bears busily looking for berries. Every view at Denali is like a live action painting, changing with the seasons, and always incredibly beautiful.
Do you enjoy hiking? Strap those hiking boots on! Denali’s unique trail-less system allows you to forge your own path and be one with nature. Believe it or not, visitors are allowed to get off a bus anywhere along Denali Park Road and hike to their heart’s content. There are specific guidelines for hiking on the trail-less system, so please do observe those guidelines to ensure we preserve this area for future generations.
If you’re more into laid-back exploring, you can stick to Denali Park Road in a bus. You can get a narrated bus tour to learn about the park’s history and wildlife as you enjoy the scenes unfold outside your window. (Pro tip: most of the “regular” bus drivers will narrate anyway, so don’t feel like you have to spring for the fancy buses with the TV screens!)
The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife. Some people look for the “Big Five” of Alaska: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. Don’t forget your binoculars at home – another visitor on our bus did!
And when the dark, star-studded night curtain falls on Denali, it shines in its unique way. During the winter and early spring months, you might witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. Imagine, standing in the cold, under the twinkling stars, as the sky puts on a show of dancing lights. Dreamy, isn’t it?
Never in any season does Denali cease to be beautiful. In winter, you can go dog sledding or even cross-country skiing. Spring fills the region with a refreshing green and summer, with endless sunlight. Autumn paints the terrain in gold, making it picture-perfect.
Denali National Park is not just a place. For most of us, it’s an experience of a lifetime. Its natural splendor can make you appreciate the bigger picture of life. When you visit Denali, you’re not just seeing, you’re feeling, breathing, and living the wilderness in its rawest form. Denali truly is one of the most precious jewels of America’s natural heritage.
Glacier National Park
What list of the best national parks in America could possibly leave out Glacier National Park? This beautiful paradise nestled in Montana is a true gem. It covers over a million acres. No one would deny the views are breathtaking, with more than 130 named lakes and countless different kinds of plants and animals. In fact, I’d even list Glacier National Park as one of the best national parks in the world, not just the USA!
To explore Glacier National Park, you have to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s a grand highway–in fact, a National Historic Landmark–that crosses the park. From end to end, it’s fifty miles of amazing views. The road is usually open in the summer. In winter, the snow makes much of the park inaccessible. If you come in the late spring, you can hike or bike the road before it opens to cars!
There are numerous hiking trails, too. They range from easy walks to serious mountaineering adventures. One popular trail is to Iceberg Lake. The epic views along the trail are well worth the effort!
You will also see lots of wildlife in the park. This could include mountain goats, black bears, and maybe even grizzlies. In fact, the Many Glacier section of the park is known to have the largest concentration of grizzlies in the continental USA. Don’t forget to look for smaller creatures too. There are over 260 species of birds, so keep your binoculars handy!
For those who enjoy camping, Glacier has thirteen front-country campgrounds and the opportunity to go wilderness camping as well. Weather permitting, camping in the park is possible all year long. If you are truly the outdoorsy type, Glacier National Park may easily top your list as the best national park in the USA.
To sum it all up, this park is a paradise full of wonder at every turn. Pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes make every moment special. Glacier National Park is truly a world away, the place to experience the spectacular beauty of the wilderness. Remember to respect nature to help keep this park beautiful for generations to come!
We’ve written a fully detailed blog post on Glacier National Park, so if you intend to visit, be sure to give it a read!
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most stunning places in the United States, and tops Urmi’s list of the best national parks in the USA. It’s like stepping into another world. This park, located in Utah, is known for its sandstone arches. In fact, there are over 2,000 of these amazing arches in the park. Isn’t that something?
Now, when you visit Arches National Park, prepare to be wowed! The enormous red rock formations stretch high into the clear desert sky. These rocks, shaped by millions of years of erosion, make for some of the best photos. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera!
The most famous arch in the park is Delicate Arch. People from all over the world come to see it, and Urmi makes a point to see it every trip. This 65-foot tall arch is a sight to see. Some people even say it looks like an old fashioned horse and buggy. What do you think?
There’s more to do in the park than just look at arches. There’s an 18-mile scenic drive that will give you great views of many of the park’s highlights. And if you’re up for it, hiking trails abound. From easy walks to harder treks, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure not to overestimate your capabilities, especially in the heat (or cold) and elevation – rangers frequently have to make rescues on the harder trails!
When’s the best time to visit Arches National Park? Spring and fall are the best times to go. In these seasons, you’ll find mild weather. Summer can be really hot and winter can be snowy. That being said, the park is open year-round. There’s always something great to see.
Some visitors may wonder about wildlife. Yes, it’s possible to see animals. You may see bunnies hopping around or lizards darting across the paths. However, unlike most of the other parks on this list, Arches is mostly about the landscapes and geology, rather than wildlife.
So there you have it – all about Arches National Park in Utah. A place full of wonder and majesty. It’s definitely worth the visit. So why not add it to your national parks bucket list?
As always, remember to respect the park during your visit. Keep to the trails and take your litter with you. That way, we can help keep Arches beautiful for future visitors. Happy travels!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park. Hearing the name alone can stir vivid imagery in the minds of many. Vast open landscapes, majestic geysers, colorful hot springs and a diverse array of wildlife come together to create this one-of-a-kind paradise.
Spanning an area of over 2.2 million acres across the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is not just huge. It’s the first national park in the U.S., and many say, in the whole world! Here’s a brief overview of what this national park has to offer. For a more in-depth blog post, check out our post on Yellowstone in September (though most of our post is useful in all of spring, summer, and winter).
The heart of Yellowstone is arguably its geysers. Believe it or not, more geysers are found within this park than anywhere else on the planet, with the famous “Old Faithful” taking center stage. Watching Old Faithful erupt, you can see clouds of steam and boiling water shooting up high into the sky every 60 to 110 minutes, is an experience not to be missed.
Of course, the geysers are not all there is to Yellowstone. Picture a rainbow spread across the ground: that’s the Grand Prismatic Spring for you. It’s the largest hot spring in the US, known for its vivid colors. The colors come from microscopic organisms living in the warm waters. Walking past the iconic boardwalk, you’d be spellbound by the extraordinary display of nature!
Yellowstone’s landscapes are equally captivating. The park features lush forests, mighty rivers, thundering waterfalls, and broad valleys. Hiking trails weave through the park offering spectacular views and unexpected encounters with Yellowstone’s wildlife.
And speaking of wildlife, be prepared to give way to a herd of bison meandering across the park roads. At Yellowstone, you are in the home of wildlife. You may spot anything from grizzly bears and black bears to wolves or the iconic bald eagle soaring across the sky. If wildlife is your top priority, be sure to check out Lamar Valley!
When the day winds down, Yellowstone’s night sky comes alive. With almost no light pollution, a carpet of endless stars unveils itself. The sight of the Milky Way stretching across the skies makes the end of a day in Yellowstone truly magical.
Remember, this park is more than just a tourist spot. It’s a testament to Mother Nature’s grandeur and a reminder of our responsibility to preserve it. So, when you visit, ensure you leave no trace behind.
In all, exploring Yellowstone can be more than a vacation, it can be an adventure. Its breathtaking beauty and unique features provide visitors with experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Is it any wonder that so many consider it the best national park in the USA?
Katmai National Park
Welcome to another treasure among America’s best national parks – Katmai National Park. Nestled in southern Alaska, Katmai offers an experience like nowhere else. Yes, other national parks are great, but Katmai is on another level! Let’s dive deep into what makes Katmai so unique.
Katmai National Park is a gigantic park, around 4 million acres. Believe it or not, it’s even larger than some small European countries! A bit of trivia: the park got its name from Mount Katmai, one of the many active volcanoes found in the park.
What sets Katmai apart? Two things make this one of the most unique parks in the US national parks system:
- First and foremost, the bears! Katmai is home to around 2,200 brown bears. That’s a massive number compared to other places. Every year, numerous tourists crowd at the platforms of Brooks Camp to see bears dive and play, catching salmon right out of the river. It’s truly a sight to behold! If you’re fascinated by wildlife, especially bears, then Katmai is definitely the place for you.
- Second is the jaw-dropping Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. This valley is a result of the 1912 volcanic eruption and is named so for the countless fumaroles that smoked after the eruption. Walk through this ash-filled valley to witness a landscape that looks more like Mars than Earth! In fact, NASA trained Apollo astronauts here to recognize geological features on the moon.
From early to mid June through late September, you can watch live bear cams at Katmai online. Katmai is hard to see in person, but the live bear cam is a really great feature of the park!
For accommodations, you can set up camping at the Brooks Campground. Always remember to store food properly so bears aren’t attracted to your sleeping quarters! If you prefer a little more comfort, lodging is available via Katmailand. Be sure to book in advance. Alaska has gotten very popular in the last 3-4 years!
Despite the beauty and attractions of Katmai National Park, fewer visitors come here than in virtually all other national parks. This is due to the difficulty involved in reaching the park – you must access it almost exclusively by plane or boat. If you’re able to make the trip, Katmai is a perfect destination for those who prefer less crowded places.
As amazing as Katmai National Park is, ensure that you adequately prepare for your trip. The park’s weather can be unpredictable! Always pack waterproof clothing and reliable hiking boots. Moreover, staying safe around the park’s wildlife is essential. Ensure you’re well aware of all park guidelines regarding interaction with wildlife, particularly the bears!
Summing up, Katmai National Park isn’t just a park; it’s an unparalleled, thrilling ride into the wild. Get ready to step into nature’s playground and meet the beautiful beasts in their home; you won’t be disappointed!
Zion National Park
The next park on our list of the best national parks holds a special place in my heart, as the first national park I ever visited. It’s a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s raw power and beauty, renowned for its red cliffs, waterfalls, and green valleys. Friends, we’re talking about none other than Zion National Park!
Situated in the Southwestern corner of Utah, this impressive piece of paradise sprawls over nearly 230 square miles. A visit to Zion isn’t your average walk in the park. It’s akin to stepping into another world, dotted with vast canyons, high plateaus, and an array of exquisite wildlife.
What do people love about Zion? Well, there’s the stunning landscape for starters. Close your eyes and imagine towering red-rock cliffs that stretch towards the clear skies, painted with hues of crimson, ruby, and apricot. Now open your eyes, and you’ll see that’s Zion for you, a sight rivaled by few other places on earth!
One of Zion’s most thrilling features has to be its hikes. Whether you’re a budding trekker or a seasoned hiker, Zion has trails for all fitness levels. But remember, the park’s beauty is in its wildness. As in all parks, stick to the marked paths and respect the guidelines set by the park.
The Narrows is a popular hike in Zion. As you wander through this neck-deep river path, wading through the cool water hurriedly rushing around your ankles, you might feel like you’re exploring an entirely different planet. The incredible canyon walls towering up to thousand feet, often just twenty to thirty feet apart, awaken an indescribable reverence for nature’s awe-inspiring creations.
Many visitors are also drawn to Angel’s Landing, another famous hiking spot. It’s not for the faint-hearted, though. The path can be steep with sharp drop-offs. However, I’ll let the picture here speak for itself!
The Pa’rus trail stands out as a handicap accessible trail and a great opportunity to see the park.
Besides these, Zion also hosts an array of wildlife, including mule deer, golden eagles, and even the occasional mountain lion! Birdwatchers, keep your eyes peeled! 291 species of birds have been spotted in Zion.
Visitors can also enjoy camping under the stars. The park has three campgrounds that offer a chance to reconnect with nature in the most primal way.
In every sense, Zion National Park is a remarkable place. It’s not just a location, but a feeling. A feeling of awe, of beauty, and of nature at its grandest. Whether you’re an adventurer, a camper, or simply a lover of nature, plan a trip to Zion and see why I ranked it amongst the best national parks in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the most national parks?
California and Alaska are both tied for having 8 “exclusive” national parks, i.e. the whole park is located within the state. In addition, California shares Death Valley National Park with Nevada. Utah is next, with 5 exclusive national parks.
What are the best national parks in California?
This really depends on what you like to see. In my opinion, uniqueness is a primary factor in deciding what makes a “good” national park. From this perspective, I consider Sequoia National Park to be the best national park in California. In terms of uniqueness, many would also consider Redwood National Park or Joshua Tree National Park to be amongst the best national parks in California.
What is the best national park in Utah?
Again, this is up to personal preference, but Urmi and I believe that Arches National Park is the best national park in Utah.
What is the largest national park?
The largest national park in the US is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska.
What is the best national park for kids?
Most national parks require long periods in the car and/or a lot of hiking and other outdoorsy activities. One notable exception is Badlands National Park. We found this park to be enjoyable without a great amount of driving, and many hikes were on even ground (and quite handicap accessible). For these reasons, Badlands National Park might be the best national park for kids. Acadia National Park might also be a good option, as it is a relatively small park and you can experience it fully in one weekend.
Final Thoughts on the Best National Parks in the USA
And that wraps up our overview of the 7 best national parks in the USA. Each offers a unique experience, filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and rich biodiversity. If you love nature and adventure, these parks are a must-see. So grab your hiking boots, pack your binoculars, and treat yourself to some of America’s greatest natural treasures. There is a whole world waiting for you out there. Happy exploring!