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The 30 Best National Parks In The United States

osemite's iconic Tunnel View at dusk, showcasing the breathtaking grandeur of one of the best national parks in the United States. El Capitan stands majestically on the left with its vertical granite face catching the last rays of the sun, while Bridalveil Fall cascades down the cliff on the right. Snow-dusted peaks in the background and a lush valley with pine trees complete this stunning natural vista.

Discover the best national parks in the United States through our guide, celebrating the vast country’s diverse ecosystems.

From arid deserts and alpine mountains to lush rainforests, these landscapes are the treasures within America’s exceptional National Parks program.

Join us as we rank the top 30, revealing hidden gems that are waiting to be explored. Stay tuned to uncover the full list!

Before we start with number 30, let’s see some honorable mentions that didn’t make it into the top 30 due to the fact that it’s really difficult and/or expensive to get there.

American Samoa National Park

Coral reefs, white sandy beaches, green mountains, and crystal clear water: A tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific.

A serene sunset in American Samoa, one of the best national parks in the United States, with radiant clouds in shades of orange and purple above the tranquil sea, silhouetted palm trees, and lush tropical vegetation.

Gates of the Arctic National Park

Located in Alaska, this park’s scenery is breathtaking and, same as in American Samoa, it’s not crowded at all.

The pristine wilderness of Gates of the Arctic National Park, with vibrant green tundra sprawling across the valley floor, reflecting in the calm waters of a serene river. Majestic, rugged peaks rise dramatically under a vast, cloud-dappled blue sky, embodying the untouched beauty of one of the most remote national parks.

Another park that’s located in Alaska:

Lake Clark National Park

Boasts a multitude of wildlife combined with some of the most exceptional landscapes on Earth. 

A solitary brown bear roaming the edges of a serene waterway in Lake Clark National Park, surrounded by a lush, dense forest of evergreens and vibrant wild grasses under the bright Alaskan sun.

Virgin Islands National Park

This Caribbean paradise boasts white, sandy beaches, palm trees, warm clear water, stunning sunsets, and rich wildlife. 

The breathtaking view of Virgin Islands National Park, featuring the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, white sandy beaches fringed by lush greenery, and rolling hills in the distance under a bright, sunny sky with scattered clouds.

But now let’s start with the 30 best National Parks in the United States:

30. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Features beautiful trails, jaw-dropping sunrises, and fascinating scenery.

Some would say it’s monotonous, relatively small and lots of people. It’s certainly not the best park in Utah, but it still ranks higher than many other parks.

Great spires carved away by erosion in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Blue sky and clouds in the background

29. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Boasts beautiful sunsets, rugged rock formations, and thousands of the park’s name giving Joshua Trees.

This place’s gorgeous scenery is most enchanting at dawn and dusk, and gazing at the stars is fascinating here.

If you wanna experience the park’s spring wildflowers, plan your visit from March to May. 

Scenic landscape of Joshua Tree National Park with its distinctive Joshua trees standing tall against a backdrop of rugged mountains and clear blue skies, embodying the unique beauty of the Mojave Desert.

28. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Home to a myriad of colorful canyons, amazingly shaped buttes, and views you could gaze upon forever.

Mesa Arch, an eye-catching stone arch, is one of the most photographed motives during sunrise in the whole national park system. 

Stunning view of the expansive, rugged terrain of Canyonlands National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States, featuring layered rock formations in vivid hues of red and orange under a clear sky.

27. Kings Canyon National Park, California

Located in the southern Sierra Nevada, this park is home to high mountain meadows.

It also boasts multiple 14.000-foot peaks, fast-flowing rivers, and some of the largest Sequoia trees, including General Grant Tree, the second largest tree on the planet.

The park’s name giving canyon is a jagged valley that is over a mile deep.

The massive base of the General Grant Tree, covered with a light dusting of snow, stands prominently in Grant Grove. This giant sequoia is a highlight among the places to visit in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

26. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Only 75 miles from Washington, D.C., this park’s especially beautiful in the fall. The colorful fall foliage is an unforgettable sight, especially when driving the scenic Skyline Drive, one of Shenandoah’s top attractions.

This park also features breathtaking waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, stunning vistas, and lots of wildlife.

Autumn colors drape the rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, with a tapestry of fiery oranges, reds, and golds blanketing the forest canopy, punctuated by an evergreen tree standing tall among the deciduous splendor.

25. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

This park is one of the most unique ones in the country.

You could probably describe it as a little Sahara Desert with the Rocky Mountains in the background. 

Another positive fact is that Great Sand Dunes is not as crowded as other parks.

A group of hikers traverses the vast, undulating dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the towering sand formations contrasting against a backdrop of distant blue mountains and a muted sky, highlighting the park's dramatic and diverse landscape.

24. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Probably Utah’s least known park in this ranking, Capitol Reef features rich scenery with rugged cliffs, colorful canyons, bridges, and domes extending almost 100 miles.

It’s nearly 200 miles of routes and trails makes it a hiker’s dream. 

A captivating view of Capitol Reef National Park, with a winding road leading through striking red rock formations and layered cliffs under a clear blue sky, showcasing the park's unique geological features and expansive desert landscape.

23. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

If this one would be easier to get access, it would be ranked much higher. Boasts spectacular scenery with huge glaciers and wildlife including orcas and other whales you can spot in the water.

Glacier Bay with its jagged mountains, temperate rainforests, and wild coastlines, is part of one of the world’s biggest international protected areas, a 25-million acre World Heritage Site.

Glacier Bay National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States, presents a tranquil scene with a mirror-like reflection of snow-capped mountains and scattered ice on the calm blue waters, under a soft overcast sky.

22. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

Located on Maui, this tropical paradise is home to breathtaking waterfalls, a lush rainforest, charming palm trees, the Pacific, and, last but not least, the crater of the famous dormant volcano Haleakala.

From its Visitor Center, you can watch what is said to be the “most spectacular sunrise on Earth”.

The vast volcanic landscape of Haleakala National Park, showcasing the immense crater with its stark, moon-like surface, cinder cones, and the Pacific Ocean in the distance, all under the clear blue sky of Maui, Hawaii.

21. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Also called the “American Alps” by some people, North Cascades is the centerpiece of the mighty cascade range.

Being the least visited of the three national parks in the state, it’s also the most difficult to approach. Once you’re there though, you know it’s worth it.

With jagged peaks with more than 300 glaciers on top, cascading waters, and panoramic drives, this park is a paradise, especially for hikers and backpackers.

Alt text: "Overlooking the serene Diablo Lake, the rugged terrain of North Cascades National Park unfolds with densely forested hills and jagged snow-capped peaks under a soft, cloudy sky, reflecting the park's wild and dramatic scenery.

20. Acadia National Park, Maine

The easternmost park boasts sparkling lakes, a rocky coastline, rounded mountains, and is known for its gorgeous fall foliage.

It’s also worth visiting in Winter, when blanketed in snow. Acadia is one of the top 20 most-visited national parks in the US.

The rugged coastline of Acadia National Park, where forested cliffs meet the clear, tranquil waters of the Atlantic. Twisted trees and jagged rocks frame the serene ocean inlet under a bright blue sky, capturing the park's natural East Coast beauty.

19. Katmai National Park, Alaska

Gorgeous scenery and no crowds, what else could you wish for?

Exactly, an easier and cheaper way to get there.

As all of the parks in Alaska, Katmai would be ranked much higher if it wouldn’t be so difficult to access. If you can afford getting there, you’ll be rewarded with the best grizzly bear viewing on the planet at Brooks Falls. 

A family of brown bears at the edge of a tranquil lake in Katmai National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States, set against a backdrop of dense green forests and distant mountains, highlighting the park's rich wildlife and pristine natural beauty.

18. Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, Alaska

At over 13 million acres the largest US National Park, Wrangell – St. Elias is a National Park packed with everything.

A little bit easier to access than most of the other parks in Alaska, this place is home to a myriad of peaks and glaciers.

Rising from sea level to over 18.000 feet, it will let you experience Alaska wildlife like no other park.

There are ample opportunities for hiking, rafting, camping, glacier trekking, and more.

Spectacular view of the pristine landscape of Wrangell - St. Elias National Park, featuring towering snow-covered peaks and vast glaciers contrasting with the lush greenery at the water's edge, under a bright blue sky.

17. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

One of the most underrated National Parks in USA, probably due to the fact that it is exclusively reachable by water.

With its pristine waters and peaceful forests, this park boasts remarkable natural beauty.

Go canoeing, kayaking, or swimming in Summer, and snowmobiling, ice fishing, or cross-country-skiing in winter. You can even watch the Northern Lights!

A serene sunset at Voyageurs National Park with a pastel orange sky reflecting on the ice-speckled waters. The silhouettes of coniferous trees and rocky outcrops frame the tranquil scene, emphasizing the peacefulness of this pristine wilderness.

16. Denali National Park, Alaska

Displaying North America’s tallest mountain with 20.310 feet, this park is also one of Alaska’s more accessible ones.

From its lowest to its highest elevations, Denali is a blend of forest, prairie, and snow, bare rock, and glaciers. With 6.1 million acres, it’s the third-biggest park in the system.

A majestic view of Denali National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States, featuring the towering Denali peak shrouded in snow. A winding road meanders through the golden tundra, leading the eye toward the awe-inspiring mountain under a vast, cloud-streaked sky.

15. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park has the upside of being the most accessible park in its state.

It’s just a 2-hour drive from Anchorage and boasts thriving wildlife, lush forests, and an endless expanse of ice. 

Dramatic sea stacks rise from the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, topped with resilient spruce trees against a backdrop of mist-covered mountains and dense Alaskan wilderness, with a soaring bird high above, encapsulating the rugged beauty of the park.

14. Death Valley National Park, California

The largest National Park in the lower 48 states features scorching heat, salt flats, and sand dunes.

Some highlights you should see include the colorful Artist’s Palette, the impressive Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the USA at 282 feet below sea level.

Wooden boardwalk leading to the Badwater Basin salt flats in Death Valley, the lowest point in North America, with a sign indicating 282 feet below sea level.

13. Arches National Park, Utah

Red rock landscapes, sandy trails, and boulders that are perfect for climbing: This place is a unique wonderland for people of all ages.

It has more than 2.000 natural stone arches, an immense number of high-reaching pinnacles, and huge balanced rocks.

Arches was certified as an international dark sky park in 2019. 

A dramatic sunset view framed by the natural sandstone arches of Arches National Park, with the iconic Turret Arch in the distance. The sky is a canvas of orange and purple hues, adding a vibrant backdrop to the park's unique geological formations.

12. Sequoia National Park, California

Located adjacent to the already mentioned Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia is home to even more impressive Sequoia Trees, including General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume.

It also features numerous breathtaking waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the towering Moro Rock. Climbing this granite dome’s 350 steps will reward you with impressive views.

Massive General Sherman Tree in the middle of a Sequoia Grove in Sequoia National Park, CA

11. Redwood National and State Parks, California

In this park, National Park Service and California State Parks work together to protect not just some of the tallest trees on Earth, but also many miles of rugged coastline, wild rivers, endless meadows, and oak forests.

Expect to spot wildlife like sea lions, elks, and maybe even bald eagles, and visit sites like the famous Fern Canyon (“The lost world: Jurassic Park” was filmed here).

If you wanna see more Redwoods, be sure to check out our post featuring the park’s best hikes!

A dappled light trail through the Prairie Creek Redwoods, with vibrant green ferns lining the path and ancient trees towering overhead, inviting exploration.

We’ve reached the top 10 best National Parks in the United States! Let’s start them with:

10. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier is the most densely glaciated park in the lower 48 states, has gorgeous wildflowers, crystal clear rivers, old growth forests, rich wildlife, and so much more.

The name-giving active volcano Mount Rainier rises to 14.410 feet above sea level and makes for breathtaking views.

One of the best National Parks in the United States for sure.

Reflective waters of a serene lake at Mount Rainier National Park, mirroring the majestic Mount Rainier and its snow-capped peak. Lush evergreen forests encircle the lake, under a bright blue sky, epitomizing the tranquil and picturesque landscape of the park.

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina 

With over 10 million visitors every year, this is most visited National Park in the United States, probably also due to the park being one of the few free National Parks in the country.

This park preserves an extensive part of the Appalachian Mountains. Expect to experience endless hills with diverse plants and wildlife, ancient mountains, and the daily morning fog. 

Great Smoky Mountains is connected to the already mentioned Shenandoah National Park by the famous scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. If you want to learn more about it and other beautiful drives, check out the best road trips in the US!

Sunrise illuminates the lush landscape of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States. Layers of mist envelop the rolling hills, with verdant forests stretching into the distance, capturing the serene and mystical essence of the park.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

These over 400 square miles of panoramic mountain scenery boasts incredibly diverse wildlife. There are elk, black bears, mountain lions, eagles, and much more!

This park offers something for everyone, from its meadows in the montane life zone over shimmering alpine lakes to the imposing mountain summits.

The only problem is the increasing visitation, the crowds impact the park as well as the visitor experience. 

The awe-inspiring landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park, with towering snow-capped peaks rising above lush evergreen forests. The varying shades of green and gold across the mountainside are highlighted by the warm glow of sunlight under a dramatic, cloudy sky.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

With its melting glaciers, carved valleys, numerous pristine lakes, alpine meadows, and endless trails, this park is a hikers paradise.

One of the park’s highlights is the spectacular Going-to-the-sun Road, the only road traversing Glacier.

The overall scenery of this park is one-of-a-kind, this one should be on everyones bucket-list!

Panoramic view of one of the best places to visit in the USA: rugged mountain peaks, evergreen forests, and a scenic road under a cloudy sky at Glacier National Park.

6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

It was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years and spans a massive 277 miles in length. Overall it is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island, which is the reason why being the second-most visited park in the country doesn’t make that much difference in the ranking.

If you want to avoid the crowds, avoid the South Rim in the summer. There are many other areas in Grand Canyon that are much quieter, but offer the same breathtaking views.

Breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon, showcasing its vast expanse of layered red rock formations, deep valleys, and rugged cliffs. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the canyon's intricate details, while a few green shrubs in the foreground contrast against the vibrant geological landscape.

5. Olympic National Park, Washington

This majestic park is one of the most diverse ones in the entire country: More than 70 miles of untouched coastline, old growth temperate rain forests, immaculate alpine lakes, glistening rivers, towering mountain ranges, and huge lowland forests.

Add the close proximity to Seattle and the fact that it’s not as crowded as other parks, and the high ranking is more than justified. 

Verdant moss-covered trees in the Hoh Rain Forest of Olympic National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States. The dense greenery, draped with hanging moss, creates an enchanting and ancient atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through the canopy above.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion boasts huge sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red color, a unique display of flora and fauna in a narrow canyon, and a rich history of the native people and pioneers.

The problem: It’s the 4th-most visited National Park in America and in Zion, you notice that more than in any other park.

Be sure to wake up early to avoid most of the crowds!

Panoramic view of Zion National Park's steep red cliffs and rock formations, with lush greenery accentuating the valley floor. Dynamic skies cast a dramatic backdrop over the tranquil scenery, reflecting the park's grandeur and natural beauty.

3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Features amazing scenery with the jaw-dropping major peaks of the Teton Range, stunning alpine valleys and lakes, the twisting Snake River, and some of the top options to view wildlife in the whole country.

There is so much to explore here, and it is still relatively uncrowded!

The Grand Teton mountain range stands majestically at Grand Teton National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States. The peaks rise sharply above a golden valley with sagebrush and a clear blue sky, showcasing the park's stunning natural beauty and rugged landscape.

Just a one-hour drive away:

2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho, & Montana

The world’s first National Park was designated in 1872, and it still attracts millions of people from around the world to enjoy the unique geologic and hydrothermal features.

The 2.2 million acre park is home to about half the world’s active geysers. The most famous ones are the cone geyser Old Faithful, and Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the country.

Be sure to also visit the many geological wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

Stunning sunset over Yellowstone National Park, showcasing the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring emitting steam, surrounded by terraces of mineral-rich deposits, with a backdrop of pine-covered hills. Truly one of the best places to visit in the USA.

Securing the top spot on our list of the best National Parks in the United States:

1. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite truly is one of the most amazing places on the planet.

It covers just under a whopping 760,000 acres of land about three hours south-east of Sacramento.

Spending weeks in Yosemite is easy to do with its 20 miles of bike paths and 800 miles of trails. It’s one of the most popular parks in the country, so don’t expect to be alone.

Be sure to check out all the amazing vista points and the many waterfalls! You’ll experience diverse wildlife like black bears, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and red foxes, mountain lions, and much more.

You’ll find some of the most beautiful nature spots in California in Yosemite!

Sunset hues paint Yosemite Valley in soft pinks and oranges, highlighting the granite cliffs and serene forests of Yosemite National Park, a crown jewel among the best national parks in the United States. Bridalveil Fall cascades in the distance, framed by the iconic El Capitan on the left and Half Dome in the backdrop.

As the top park and many more are located in California, you’ll find a complete guide to California’s National Parks on this website. Be sure to check it out!

If you enjoyed reading this list, you’ll LOVE watching it in video-format:

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