10 Best National Parks in the US (2026)

Discover the best national parks in the US, from Yellowstone’s epic geysers to Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs; we share the best options to visit.

From steaming geysers in Wyoming to misty rainforests in Washington and sun-baked canyons in Utah, the United States is home to some of the most spectacular national parks on the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a wildlife lover, a family road-tripper, or simply someone who craves wide-open landscapes, America’s national parks offer an unforgettable escape into nature.

But with 63 official parks—and hundreds of protected areas across the National Park System—choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. That’s why this guide highlights the very best national parks in the US, perfect for those visiting national parks on their next trip.

Best National Parks in the US

1. Redwood National Park

Known as the home of the tallest trees in the world, Redwood National Park has fascinated me since I was a child. It has an amazing rugged coastline to explore, wild riverways and has been home to people for thousands of years, this is easily one of the best national parks in the US.

Summer is high season in Redwood National Park, with most visitors heading here in June, July or August. The temperature is warm and, because of the large size of the park, it rarely feels crowded. Although summer is a great time to visit, Fall offers milder temperatures and is a beautiful time to visit the forest but just remember to bring layers and a rain jacket. 

There are plenty of ways to get to Redwood National Park but we recommend renting a car and exploring the nearby cities and parks too.

2. Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park is the ultimate frontier for true wilderness seekers—a place where rugged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and vast tundra stretch endlessly across Alaska’s remote Brooks Range; this is a must when planning a trip to Alaska

As the northernmost national park in the United States, it offers an untouched landscape with no roads, no trails, and no designated campsites, making every visit a genuine backcountry expedition. Travelers can expect encounters with caribou herds, sweeping views of jagged granite mountains, and the chance to experience complete solitude under the midnight sun or the dancing northern lights.

Whether you explore by bush plane, backpack through the Arctic tundra, or paddle along winding wild rivers, Gates of the Arctic delivers a raw and breathtaking adventure unlike anywhere else in the National Park System and is easily one of the best national parks in the US.

3. Yellowstone National Park

With beauty everywhere you turn, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most visited and beloved natural wonders in America, so of course it makes our best national parks in the US list.

Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it’s a place where otherworldly geothermal features, thundering waterfalls, and sweeping mountain valleys come together to create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.

The park sits atop one of the largest active supervolcanoes in the world, giving rise to iconic sights such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and countless bubbling geysers and hot springs that paint the ground in surreal colours.

Wildlife lovers will also be in their element—Yellowstone is home to roaming bison herds, grizzlies, wolves, elk, and bald eagles, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in the United States.

If you’re already exploring the western region of the country, consider extending your adventure to other remarkable parks nearby. Head south to Petrified Tree National Park to walk among 200-million-year-old fossilised trees glowing in desert hues, or explore the mystical landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, where massive boulders and spiky yucca trees create a desert scene that feels almost extraterrestrial.

Together, these parks showcase the extraordinary diversity of the American West and make for an unforgettable national park road trip.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a high-altitude playground of jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and vast meadows alive with elk, marmots, and wildflowers.

As one of the best national parks in Colorado, the park offers jaw-dropping scenery at every turn—whether you’re driving the iconic Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, or hiking into the quiet backcountry for panoramic views above the tree line.

Crystal-clear lakes like Bear Lake and Dream Lake reflect snow-dusted summits, while endless trails lead to waterfalls, rugged ridgelines, and peaceful pine forests. The dramatic elevation changes and shifting weather make every visit feel like a brand-new adventure, perfect for hikers, photographers, families, and wildlife lovers alike.

If you’re already exploring America’s mountain states, consider pairing your trip with other incredible landscapes nearby. Head north to Grand Teton National Park (a must on your USA bucketlist) for postcard-perfect peaks rising straight from the valley floor, or venture west into Utah’s canyon country to experience the red-rock wonders of Arches and Canyonlands.

Together, these parks create an unforgettable journey through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the American West and is one of our favourite best national parks in the US.

5. Bryce Canyon

Our next best national parks in the US is breathtaking.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spellbinding landscape of fiery red spires, towering hoodoos, and sweeping natural amphitheatres that look more like a dream than a real place.

Perched high on the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah, Bryce offers some of the most dramatic and photogenic scenery in the entire national park system; one of the best things to do in Utah.

Sunrise is a magical moment here—light spills across thousands of sandstone formations, illuminating the maze of cliffs, fins, and pinnacles in shades of pink, orange, and gold.

Visitors can wander along the rim for easy panoramic views or descend into the amphitheatre on Bryce Canyon trails like Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden, where you’ll walk among the hoodoos themselves for an immersive, almost otherworldly experience.

If you’re already travelling through Utah’s legendary canyon country, Bryce pairs perfectly with nearby wonders.

Head just an hour away to Zion National Park for towering sandstone cliffs and lush river hikes, or continue east to Capitol Reef National Park, where domes, canyons, and fruit orchards offer a quieter but equally stunning desert escape. Together, these parks form the heart of Utah’s “Mighty 5” and create an unforgettable road trip through the American Southwest.

6. Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is the quintessential American landscape—an awe-inspiring, mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River over millions of years and one of the most iconic natural wonders on Earth.

Standing at the rim, you’re greeted by layer upon layer of ancient rock glowing in shades of red, orange, and gold, each stratum telling a geological story that spans nearly two billion years.

As someone who has researched and explored many US national parks, I can confidently say that the Grand Canyon offers one of the most diverse ranges of experiences for travellers of all levels.

From the sweeping viewpoints along the South Rim to the quieter, more remote vistas of the North Rim, the park delivers jaw-dropping scenery from every angle. Adventurous visitors can hike famous trails like Bright Angel or South Kaibab, while river rafters can journey through the heart of the canyon on the mighty Colorado itself—a bucket-list experience recommended by seasoned outdoor experts and park rangers alike.

Plus, traveling from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is an easy journey for those visiting Sin City, making for the perfect Las Vegas day trip to this best national parks in the US.

7. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park captures the very essence of the American Southwest, showcasing towering saguaro cacti that rise like silent guardians across the Sonoran Desert.

Split into two districts flanking Tucson, this park offers an unforgettable mix of desert plains, rugged mountains, and vibrant sunsets that light the sky in rich purples and fiery oranges.

The park protects some of the oldest and tallest saguaro cacti in existence—many over 150 years old—and provides a habitat for desert wildlife such as roadrunners, coyotes, Gila monsters, and the elusive desert tortoise. Scenic drives like the Cactus Forest Loop and hikes such as Valley View Overlook or Signal Hill (with its ancient petroglyphs) give visitors an authentic and accessible way to explore this extraordinary ecosystem.

8. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a desert masterpiece sculpted by time, wind, and sandstone, boasting more than 2,000 natural stone arches—one of the highest concentrations anywhere in the world; easily one of the best national parks in the US.

Located in southeastern Utah, the park invites visitors into a landscape filled with towering fins, balanced rocks, and glowing red formations that look almost unreal at sunrise or sunset. Iconic sights like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch are must-sees, each offering unforgettable viewpoints and hikes that range from easy strolls to more adventurous scrambles.

The contrasting colours of deep blue skies against fiery red rock make this one of the most photogenic parks in the US, and the stargazing here—thanks to Utah’s famously dark skies—is simply breathtaking.

Arches pairs perfectly with a wider Southwest itinerary, especially if you’re already exploring Moab’s outdoor playground or the dramatic scenery of nearby Canyonlands National Park, visit the best national parks in the US in one trip.

9. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking wilderness of rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and sweeping alpine valleys that showcase some of the most dramatic scenery in the United States. Of course it makes it to our best national parks in the US list.

Located in northern Montana along the Canadian border, the park is famous for its pristine landscapes carved by ancient glaciers, many of which still cling to the high peaks today. You can experience the full grandeur of Glacier by driving the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking to crystal-clear lakes like Hidden Lake and Avalanche Lake, or keeping an eye out for wildlife such as mountain goats, grizzlies, and bighorn sheep.

With more than 700 miles of trails, Glacier offers endless opportunities for adventure—whether you’re chasing panoramic viewpoints, wandering through wildflower-strewn meadows, or immersing yourself in the untouched quiet of the backcountry.

10. Zion National Park

Our last best national parks in the US, Zion National Park is a place of towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and deep red canyons that create some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the American Southwest.

Located in southern Utah, Zion draws millions of visitors each year who come to experience its iconic hikes; whether that’s venturing into the narrow, water-filled slot canyon of The Narrows or tackling the thrilling, spine-tingling ascent to Angels Landing. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from lush riverbanks to high desert mesas, make every trail feel unique, and sunrise in Zion Canyon paints the soaring rock walls in unforgettable shades of gold and copper.

Scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and peaceful walks along the Virgin River round out the experience, making Zion a must-visit destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

Tips for Visiting National Parks in the USA

• Buy the America the Beautiful Pass – Saves you money if you plan to visit multiple best national parks in the US in one year.
• Start early in the day – Sunrise arrivals help you avoid crowds, heat, and parking issues.
• Check park alerts before you go – Road closures, weather warnings, trail restrictions, and shuttle schedules can affect your plans.
• Visit in shoulder seasons – Spring and autumn bring fewer tourists and more comfortable temperatures in many parks.
• Plan for limited cell service – Download offline maps (Google Maps + AllTrails) and carry a paper map from the visitor centre.
• Pack layers – Weather can change quickly, especially in mountain or desert parks.
• Bring more water than you think – Many parks have limited water sources, especially in summer or desert regions.
• Reserve accommodations early – Lodges, campgrounds, and nearby hotels sell out months in advance in popular parks.
• Respect wildlife – Keep your distance (especially from bison, bears, and elk) and never feed animals.
• Stay on marked trails – Protects the landscape and keeps you safe from unstable ground or wildlife.
• Use park shuttles when available – Reduces congestion and helps you get around easily in parks like Zion or Grand Canyon.
• Leave No Trace – Pack out all rubbish, minimise impact, and stay mindful of the environment.
• Plan your hikes realistically – Consider elevation, heat, and trail difficulty; many trails feel tougher than expected.
• Visit lesser-known areas – Many parks have quieter sections with stunning scenery if you want to avoid crowds.
• Bring snacks and a cooler – Food options inside parks can be limited and expensive.
• Be patient and flexible – Weather, wildlife, and crowd conditions may change your plans—embrace the adventure.

Best USA National Parks

FAQ Best National Parks in the US

What is the number one national park to visit in the US?

Many travellers consider Yellowstone National Park the number one national park thanks to its unique geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and iconic landscapes. However, the “best” park depends on your interests—Yosemite is perfect for dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, while Grand Canyon offers unrivalled desert vistas.

How many national parks are there in the United States?

There are 63 official national parks within the National Park System, though the NPS manages more than 400 protected sites including monuments, seashores, historical parks, and recreation areas.

Which national park is the most visited?

In most recent years, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been the most visited national park in the US, attracting over 12 million visitors annually due to its easy accessibility, scenic drives, and year-round hiking opportunities.

What is the best time to visit US national parks?

Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit many national parks because of mild weather, fewer crowds, and colourful scenery. However, ideal timing varies by park—desert parks like Joshua Tree are best in winter or spring, while high-elevation parks like Glacier or Rocky Mountain are at their best in summer.

Which national parks are best for hiking?

Top hiking destinations include Zion, Yosemite, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Grand Teton. These parks offer scenic trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain climbs with stunning views.

What is the most family-friendly national park?

Yellowstone, Grand Canyon (South Rim), and Yosemite are excellent for families thanks to their accessible viewpoints, guided ranger programs, scenic drives, and a variety of shorter hiking trails suitable for all ages.

Which national parks are best for wildlife viewing?

For wildlife encounters, head to Yellowstone (bison, wolves, bears), Denali (caribou, moose, grizzlies), Everglades(alligators, manatees), and Isle Royale (wolves and moose). Many parks offer ranger-led tours ideal for spotting animals safely and responsibly.

What is the least crowded national park?

Parks like Gates of the Arctic, Dry Tortugas, North Cascades, and Congaree tend to see far fewer visitors than famous parks. These destinations are ideal for travellers who prefer solitude, quiet trails, and untouched wilderness.

Can you visit multiple national parks in one trip?

Yes! Many US national parks are clustered close together, making them easy to combine. Popular road trip combinations include Utah’s Mighty 5, the Grand Circle in the Southwest, and pairing Glacier with Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Do I need a pass to visit national parks?

Most parks require an entrance fee, but frequent travellers can save money with the America the Beautiful Pass, which grants unlimited access to national parks and federal recreational lands for one year.

Which national parks are best for stargazing?

Top parks for dark skies include Bryce Canyon, Arches, Big Bend, Death Valley, and Great Basin. These locations have minimal light pollution, allowing for crystal-clear views of the Milky Way.

Are dogs allowed in national parks?

Dogs are typically allowed in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved roads but are not permitted on most trails. Always check each park’s specific pet regulations before visiting.

What should I pack for a US national park trip?

Essentials include sturdy footwear, layered clothing, sun protection, plenty of water, snacks, a detailed map, and weather-appropriate gear. For remote parks, consider additional items like bear spray, extra food, and emergency supplies.

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