We are so lucky to have so many beautiful national parks here in the USA…
Planning a trip to a National Park is a great option if you want to get away and enjoy some time in nature — Especially right now during a pandemic. Here’s a roundup of the 12 most beautiful national parks in the USA, from Hawaii to Maine!
Most Beautiful National Parks in the USA
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1. Zion National Park
This gem of the southwest is characterized by distinct red rock features interspersed with the shimmering Virgin River. The 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs make Zion National Park a hot rock-climbing destination, but this park is great for all sorts of outdoor activities. Enjoy a wide variety of hikes, go tubing in the river, or enjoy stargazing from the canyon campgrounds.
Zion National Park Must-Do:
- Hike The Narrows
- Take in the view from Canyon Overlook Trail
- For more: 10 Things Not to Miss in Zion Canyon
LEARN MORE: Zion National Park website
2. Yosemite National Park
Nestled in the glorious Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park beckons visitors from all over the world to see the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. Watch world-class rock climbers try to conquer these walls, visit some of the world’s oldest sequoia trees, or enjoy the charm of Yosemite Village while you’re there.
Yosemite National Park Must-Do:
- Drive the scenic Yosemite Valley Drive
LEARN MORE: Yosemite National Park website
3. Canyonlands & Arches National Park
At only a 20-minute drive apart and conveniently reachable from the small town of Moab, Utah, it’s easy to visit both of these national parks in one trip. Enjoy stunning vistas of red rock canyons in Canyonlands National Park, and trek between incredible natural arches in Arches National Park.
Canyonlands and Arches National Park Must-Do:
You May Also Like: The Ultimate Utah Road Trip Itinerary
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Spanning the USA’s continental divide in Colorado and encompassing gorgeous alpine tundra, old-growth forests, and expansive mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park is not one to miss. Camp in the park for a chance to see wildlife like bears, elk, and even moose. Or, stay in the infamous Stanley Hotel just outside of the park in Estes Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Rocky Mountain National Park websitep
5. Yellowstone National Park
Founded in 1872, Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the US. This national park is made unique by the fact that it sits on top of a volcanic hot spot. Be amazed by the technicolor hues of the sulphuric hot springs, see some wildlife, and explore the canyons and lush rivers of Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Yellowstone National Park website
6. Grand Teton National Park
If you’re going to visit Yellowstone National Park, consider tacking this park onto your trip as well. Located just south of Yellowstone by about two hours, Grand Teton National Park is well-loved for its lush valleys, stunning and abrupt Teton mountain range, and all the wildlife that lives there. Visit in the summer for sunny hiking and the winter for some killer skiing in nearby Jackson Hole.
Grand Teton National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Grand Teton National Park website
6. Glacier National Park
Located just below the Canadian border, Glacier National Park is an absolutely stunning wilderness area dedicated to protecting ancient glacier formations and alpine forests. This is a great national park for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, as the park is filled with long, strenuous hikes of stunning vistas and an abundance of wildlife. Just from the photos below, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it made the list of most beautiful national parks in the USA.
Glacier National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Glacier National Park website
8. Grand Canyon National Park
I couldn’t make a list of the most beautiful national parks in the USA and not include this famous natural landmark! Grand Canyon National Park is home to millions of years worth of exposed geological history: the famous layered bands of rock that form the awe-inspiring canyons leading down to the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Grand Canyon National Park website
9. Denali National Park
Encompassing a whopping 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness, Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest peak as well as heaps of wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. This park is a top destination for mountaineers and those who prefer their outdoors a little more rugged.
Denali National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Denali National Park website
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the entire country, and for good reason. This national park encompasses a large stretch of the Appalachian mountains, and has all sorts of outdoor activities for every age and ability level. Enjoy the scenery from Cades Cove Loop road, watch the synchronous fireflies light up on a spring night, or even hike a section of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Great Smoky Mountains National Park website
11. Acadia National Park
As one of the eastern-most parts of the US, Acadia National Park is the first part of the country to be touched by each morning’s sunrise. Nicknamed the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia gets over 3.5 million visitors every year! It boasts 27 miles of scenic roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.
Acadia National Park Must-Do:
- Hike Beehive Trail or another one of the park’s most popular trails
- Catch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain
- Drive Park Loop Road
LEARN MORE: Acadia National Park website
12. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
This national park on the big island of Hawaii is home to two of the world’s largest active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park extends from sea level to an insane 13,667 feet and is the perfect spot to witness natural steam vents, drive over real hardened lava, and explore one of the most unique geological and biological landscapes in the world.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Must-Do:
LEARN MORE: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
