If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, unforgettable hiking experiences, and natural wonders, exploring the best national parks to visit in the US should be at the top of your travel bucket list. From towering mountain peaks and crystal-clear lakes to sprawling canyons and untouched arctic wilderness, America’s national parks offer something for every kind of traveler.
Here’s a user-friendly guide to the 10 best national parks to visit in the US, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a casual explorer, these destinations will leave you speechless.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
The Crown Jewel of America’s Parks
Yosemite tops the list for good reason. With iconic views like Tunnel View and Half Dome glowing orange at sunset, Yosemite is a dream for nature lovers and photographers alike. Explore powerful waterfalls, massive granite cliffs, and ancient sequoia trees.
Highlights:
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Half Dome and El Capitan
Yosemite Falls
Tunnel View at sunset
Perfect for: Hikers, photographers, and families
Best time to visit: May to September
2. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
A Sleek Alternative to the Grand Canyon
Often overshadowed by Arches National Park, Canyonlands is an underrated treasure. With dramatic canyons, mesas, and the iconic Mesa Arch, this park offers a less-crowded but equally awe-inspiring experience.
Highlights:
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Mesa Arch sunrise view
Island in the Sky & The Needles districts
Stargazing opportunities
Perfect for: Adventure seekers and solitude lovers
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
3. Arches National Park, Utah
Home to Over 2,000 Natural Stone Arches
Located near Moab, Arches National Park is a red rock wonderland. The park’s natural arches, rock formations, and scenic hikes make it a must-see destination in the Southwest.
Highlights:
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Delicate Arch at sunset
Landscape Arch
Fiery Furnace hike
Perfect for: Hikers, photographers, and geology lovers
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October
4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
The Largest National Park in the United States
Bigger than Switzerland, Wrangell-St. Elias is remote, wild, and utterly stunning. Explore glaciers, mountain ranges, and quaint historic mining towns like Kennecott. It’s nature in its rawest form.
Highlights:
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Root Glacier hike
Wrangell and St. Elias mountains
Remote wilderness and wildlife
Perfect for: True explorers and wilderness trekkers
Best time to visit: June to August
5. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
A Stunning Volcanic Lake Like No Other
Crater Lake, formed by a collapsed volcano, is the deepest lake in the US and is known for its vivid blue color. On a clear day, the reflection of the sky is picture-perfect.
Highlights:
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Rim Drive scenic loop
Wizard Island
Snowshoeing in winter
Perfect for: Nature lovers and serenity seekers
Best time to visit: July to September
6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
One of the World’s Natural Wonders
No list of the best national parks to visit in the US is complete without the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re hiking the Bright Angel Trail or taking a helicopter ride, the views are simply unforgettable.
Highlights:
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South Rim & North Rim views
Colorado River rafting
Sunset at Hopi Point
Perfect for: Families, hikers, and first-time visitors
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
7. Zion National Park, Utah
Mother Nature’s Masterpiece
Zion is compact yet diverse, offering epic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Its sandstone cliffs and slot canyons are breathtaking and accessible via a well-managed shuttle system.
Highlights:
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Angels Landing (permit required)
The Narrows river hike
Emerald Pools
Perfect for: Adventurers and day hikers
Best time to visit: April to November
8. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
An Untamed Arctic Wilderness
One of the least visited parks, Gates of the Arctic is for the true adventurer. With no roads or trails, it offers pure backcountry experience. Floatplane tours around the Brooks Range are jaw-dropping.
Highlights:
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Aerial tours over the Arctic Circle
Wildlife spotting (grizzlies, caribou)
Camping in pristine isolation
Perfect for: Experienced backpackers and off-grid travelers
Best time to visit: June to August
9. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
The First and Most Iconic National Park
Known for geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, Yellowstone is a national treasure. While it can get crowded, the geothermal features and abundant animals are worth the visit.
Highlights:
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Old Faithful geyser
Grand Prismatic Spring
Bison and elk sightings
Perfect for: Families and first-time visitors
Best time to visit: Late April to early June and September
10. Denali National Park, Alaska
Home to North America’s Tallest Mountain
Mount Denali dominates this vast Alaskan landscape. The park road offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters. Denali is ideal for those seeking raw nature and epic views.
Highlights:
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Mount Denali (formerly Mount McKinley)
Scenic drives and shuttle tours
Moose, bears, and caribou sightings
Perfect for: Wildlife lovers and mountain enthusiasts
Best time to visit: June to early September
Final Thoughts
The best national parks to visit in the US offer a wide range of experiences—from glacier hiking in Alaska to sunset views in Utah. Each park has something unique to offer, and no two visits are ever the same. Whether you’re planning your first national park trip or your fiftieth, these parks belong at the top of your must-visit list.
Tip: Always check park alerts and seasonal closures on the official National Park Service website before planning your visit.
