Joshua Tree National Park (California)
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Everybody should have this on their bucket list. Located in California, Joshua Tree National Park is a large area lush full of the iconic Joshua tree (characterized by small trees with spiky branches that stretch outward and upward), stunning rock formations, and rugged deserts. Visitors can easily spend multiple days traversing its 800,000-acre area. Outside the National Park lies Yucca Valley, well-known for its spiritual, small-town atmosphere and several iconic restaurants. No wonder visitors flock there en masse every year.
Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)
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Regardless of its off-putting name, Death Valley is one of the most popular destinations for many travelers. For good reason, you’ll see some of the most unique landscapes in the entire world, such as salt dunes and colorful badlands. If you’re planning on visiting this national park, it’s important to be prepared. Travelers should note its extreme heat and vast landscape (it is approximately 3 million acres, the size of Connecticut).
Redwood National and State Parks (California)
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This is one of the most famous parks not just in the United States, but the entire world. It boasts being home to the tallest trees on Earth (which span 350+ feet in height). The Parks also protect vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, 200 miles worth of hiking trails, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. The spectacular redwood tree tends to live a long time due to its resistance to things like fire and insects.
Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
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The beauty of Alaska is on full display at Denali National Park. It is home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) which is approximately 3,000 feet taller than Mount Everest. Visitors also have the opportunity to witness grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and other iconic Alaskan fauna in their natural habitat. One of the major highlights intriguing visitors is how much of its vast area (approximately 6 million acres) is completely untouched by humans.
Everglades National Park (Florida)
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This world-class park is renowned for its vast and diverse wetlands, which are home to a remarkable array of wildlife and plants. The “River of Grass” is easily its crowning feature, a slow-moving shallow sheet of water flowing southward through the forests. The park is also famous for its iconic inhabitants including alligators, panthers, and numerous bird species. Interestingly, the Everglades National Park is not just a wetland; it’s a vast and interconnected ecosystem that serves as the primary source of drinking water for one-third of Floridians.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
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A hikers paradise. Shenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails, including a significant portion of the famous Appalachian Trail. The unique aspect of these trails is the jaw-dropping scenery they provide. The trails wind through panoramic mountain vistas and bustling waterfalls. One of the best hiking trails that exemplifies this is the Hawksbill Trail, which is a must-see for any avid hiker.
Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
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Utah is abundant with gorgeous scenery, and Capitol Reef National Park is no exception. Famous for its rock formations, Capitol Reef National Park sports a wide array of landscapes and hiking trails which has millions of visitors coming back for each year. Its name “Capitol Reef,” was inspired by the white domes and cliffs resembling the U.S. Capitol building and the barrier these formations create.
Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
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What makes this park stand out is its great mix of geological features, Native American sites, history, and gorgeous desert vistas. The Petrified Forest National Park (named after the huge amount of petrified wood found there dating back 200 million years) is a 25-mile drive straight through. However, it has approximately 10 areas of interest for visitors to stop at — making it a relatively quick park to experience. Visitors must see the Painted Desert with its layers of sedimentary rock displaying a beautiful spectrum of colors.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
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One of California’s most stunning natural wonders, if not one of the world’s. Renowned for its majestic giant sequoia trees, among them the iconic General Sherman Tree — the largest living tree on Earth by volume — the park encompasses approximately 404,064 acres (about 631 square miles) of unspoiled wilderness in California’s southern Sierra Nevada region. Offering over 800 miles of hiking trails, the park invites exploration of its lush forests, deep canyons, and towering peaks, each vista more breathtaking than the last. This park absolutely must be visited at least once in your life.
Olympic National Park (Washington)
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When you think of scenery in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, images in your mind are likely of the Olympic National Park. It is home to towering moss-draped trees, lush forests, and beautiful hiking along its rugged coastline. Olympic National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Covering an area of approximately 922,650 acres (1,442 square miles), this vast expanse of protected wilderness offers visitors a myriad of outdoor adventures. With its vast size and over 600 miles of trails and long distance between sites, it’s advised visitors to plan ahead of time their itinerary.
Arches National Park (Utah)
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Deep in the red rock desert of southeastern Utah, Arches National Park stands as a gleaming example of Utah’s beauty. As the name would suggest, the park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch (which has become a symbol of the American Southwest). Beyond its remarkable arches, the park features towering stunning deep canyons. Visitors can traverse its 50 miles of hiking trails, offering opportunities to witness breathtaking vistas and encounter unique geological features.
Glacier National Park (Montana)
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If you’re an avid fan of outdoor adventure, then you can do much worse than Glacier National Park. You will see Montana’s legendary rocky mountains and the most gorgeous lakes, peaks, and glaciers. Glacier is widely renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, including towering peaks. With its rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery, Glacier National Park stands as a cherished gem of the American wilderness.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
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The gorgeous Acadia National Park sprawls across 47,000 acres along Maine’s stunning Mount Desert Island coastline. Established in 1919, it also makes it one of the oldest National Parks in America. Nearby Bar Harbor offers a charming seaside escape with a variety of eateries and boutiques, serving as the perfect starting point for exploring.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
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Serving as the gorgeous backdrop to the otherwise grim movie The Shining, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts beautiful alpine mountains and snow-capped forests. It is quintessential Colorado and is a must-see for any visitor who loves snow-covered nature and villages. Nature lovers note the striking hiking trails, such as Trail Ridge Road, which traverses the park and offers breathtaking views at over 12,000 feet above sea level. Outside the park, visitors can stop and sleep at the quaint Estes Park.
Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
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This hugely popular National Park is located in the northwestern region of Wyoming. Grand Teton National Park sprawls across the stunning Teton mountain range, which includes the towering 4,000-meter Grand Teton peak and the picturesque valley known as Jackson Hole. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the park attracts visitors year-round, offering a plethora of outdoor activities such as mountaineering, hiking, backcountry camping, and fishing.
Zion National Park (Utah)
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Ask any nature lover about their favorite National Park and there is a high likelihood Zion will be mentioned. It is distinguished by its steep red cliffs and its crown jewel Zion Canyon. This marvel is over 15 miles long and up to half a mile deep, carved by the Virgin River over millions of years. This river flows into Emerald Pools, where there are iconic waterfalls and gardens. It is no wonder this park has 4 million annual visitors and is commonly renowned as the best scenery in the world.
Yosemite National Park (California)
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Yosemite offers a breathtaking expanse of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys. It is home to some of the tallest waterfalls, such as the iconic Yosemite Falls. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore ancient sequoia groves, pristine wilderness, and stunning alpine meadows. Yosemite’s famous granite monoliths, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, attract climbers from around the world seeking to conquer them.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, Tennessee)
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The name ‘Smoky Mountain’ comes from the lingering fog hanging over the mountainside. This park is abundant in verdant forests and cascading waterfalls, and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park’s rich cultural history is evident in its historic structures, including old homesteads and churches which offer glimpses into Appalachian pioneer life.
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
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Perhaps one of the most legendary (and oldest) parks in the entire world. Established in 1872, it boasts over 2.2 million acres of wilderness to explore. The park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, such as the iconic Old Faithful geyser. This natural wonder erupts regularly with impressive displays (often randomly, but roughly two times every 90 minutes). Additionally, there is a diverse range of natural attractions, including hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, and bison.
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
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Outside of its widespread popularity, what sets the Grand Canyon apart from other national parks is not just its sheer size and depth, but also its profound geological significance and breathtaking vistas. Carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles and reaches depths of over a mile, showcasing an awe-inspiring panorama of colorful cliffs and rock formations. No photo of the Grand Canyon does it justice; you must see it in person. Travelers will often just sit and gaze, admiring its vastness.
