1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier is where the Rockies reach their rugged peak. With over 700 miles of trails, it’s a hiker’s paradise, and Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The park is also home to over two dozen glaciers — but they’re melting fast, so it’s worth visiting soon.
2. Acadia National Park, Maine
If you’re on the East Coast, Acadia offers ocean views, mountain vistas, and lush woodlands. Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch the first sunrise in the U.S., is a highlight. Autumn transforms Acadia into a sea of orange and red, making it one of the most beautiful parks for fall foliage.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Pictures don’t do justice to the Grand Canyon’s scale and beauty. Standing on the rim and looking down at the Colorado River cutting through layers of red rock is awe-inspiring. For a unique experience, try hiking down the Bright Angel Trail or booking a rafting trip through the canyon for a perspective few get to experience.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is a haven for adventurers with its towering red cliffs and winding canyons. The Narrows hike, which takes you through a river with cliffs rising up on both sides, is truly one-of-a-kind. Then there’s Angels Landing, a heart-pounding trail that rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s sandstone formations.
5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho
Yellowstone is where it all began as America’s first national park, and it’s still one of the best. Famous for its geothermal features, especially Old Faithful geyser, it’s a land of bubbling hot springs and rainbow-colored pools. Don’t miss the Grand Prismatic Spring or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — both jaw-droppers that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park delivers pristine alpine scenery and dramatic peaks that reach over 14,000 feet. Trail Ridge Road lets you drive along the Continental Divide, where you might spot elk, moose, and marmots. For stunning vistas, hike the Bear Lake or Emerald Lake trails — they’re some of the most scenic hikes in the Rockies.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
Granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias make Yosemite a must-visit. El Capitan and Half Dome are iconic rock formations that have lured rock climbers and sightseers for decades. Plus, the valley’s lush meadows and forested trails are perfect for hiking or simply soaking in the beauty of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
Known for its foggy “smoke” that hugs the ridges, the Great Smoky Mountains are teeming with waterfalls, wildflowers, and diverse wildlife. Plus, this park is a great choice for families and novice hikers, with its accessible trails and endless views of rolling green hills and wildflower-covered meadows.
9. Arches National Park, Utah
With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this park looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Delicate Arch is the most famous, but Landscape Arch and Double Arch are just as impressive. The stark red rock against the blue desert sky makes Arches a photographer’s dream.
10. Everglades National Park, Florida
For a taste of the tropics in the continental U.S., head to Everglades National Park. This unique ecosystem is a mix of swamps, mangroves, and rivers home to alligators, manatees, and even the elusive Florida panther. Kayaking through the mangrove tunnels or taking an airboat tour is a must for a closer look at the wild side of Florida.
11. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali is the ultimate wilderness experience, with six million acres of untouched landscapes and North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). Here, you can spot grizzly bears, wolves, and moose as you explore vast open valleys and rugged mountains. Consider going in the fall for your best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
12. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree offers a surreal landscape of spiky Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and vibrant desert sunsets. Rock climbing is popular here, but the trails are also fantastic for exploring this unique desert environment. Stargazing is a highlight, too, as the night skies are often crystal clear.
13. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
If you’ve ever wanted to see an active volcano, this is the place. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can explore lava tubes, see steam vents, and even (safely) watch molten lava flows if they’re active, making this a thrilling stop.
