From tall mountains and deep gorges to lush forests and expansive deserts, the United States’ national parks are among the most spectacular locations on the planet. The greatest national parks in America ought to be on your bucket list, regardless of whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or someone simply seeking a picturesque retreat.
Selecting the top US national parks to visit might be difficult because the National Park Service oversees more than 400 federal sites. To assist, we have put together a list of 15 must-see parks, ranging from the most picturesque to the most adventurous national parks in the United States.
Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Best for: Geysers, hot springs, and wildlife
Yellowstone is America’s first national park and one of the most famous national parks in the world. It’s home to the iconic Old Faithful geyser, the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring, and abundant wildlife like bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
Top Attractions:
- Old Faithful and other geysers
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Lamar Valley for wildlife watching
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Best for: Epic landscapes and hiking
One of the most popular national parks, the Grand Canyon is a must-see. Whether you hike down into the canyon, take a rafting trip on the Colorado River, or just admire the views from the rim, this park is unforgettable.
Top Attractions:
- South Rim viewpoints (Mather Point, Desert View)
- North Rim for fewer crowds
- Bright Angel and Rim Trails for hiking
Yosemite National Park – California
Best for: Stunning waterfalls and rock formations
Famous for its granite cliffs, massive waterfalls, and giant sequoias, Yosemite is one of the best national parks USA for both photographers and adventurers.
Top Attractions:
- Half Dome and El Capitan
- Yosemite Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls in the world)
- Glacier Point for breathtaking views
Zion National Park – Utah
Best for: Slot canyons and adventurous hikes
Zion is one of the top national parks in US for hikers. From the thrilling Angels Landing hike to the beautiful Narrows, this park is perfect for those seeking adventure.
Top Attractions:
- Angels Landing (permit required)
- The Narrows (hiking through a river canyon)
- Emerald Pools and Observation Point
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee & North Carolina
Best for: Fall colors and wildlife
The most visited national park in the US, the Great Smoky Mountains offer incredible views, waterfalls, and historic cabins. It’s especially stunning in the fall when the leaves change color.
Top Attractions:
- Clingmans Dome for 360-degree views
- Cades Cove for wildlife spotting
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
Best for: Alpine scenery and hiking
With towering peaks, beautiful lakes, and stunning trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best national parks for hiking in the US.
Top Attractions:
- Trail Ridge Road (highest paved road in the US)
- Bear Lake and Dream Lake hikes
- Longs Peak for experienced hikers
Glacier National Park – Montana
Best for: Glaciers, lakes, and mountain views
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks USA, featuring stunning alpine scenery and over 700 miles of hiking trails.
Top Attractions:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (one of the most scenic drives in the US)
- Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake hikes
- Many Glacier for incredible wildlife sightings
Acadia National Park – Maine
Best for: Coastal scenery and sunrises
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia is one of the prettiest national parks in the US. It’s famous for its rocky shores, scenic drives, and stunning views.
Top Attractions:
- Cadillac Mountain (first place to see sunrise in the US)
- Jordan Pond and the Bubbles
- Sand Beach and Thunder Hole
Arches National Park – Utah
Best for: Unique rock formations and stargazing
With over 2,000 natural stone arches, this park is one of the most impressive national parks for geology lovers.
Top Attractions:
- Delicate Arch (the most famous arch in the park)
- Landscape Arch (one of the longest natural arches in the world)
- Fiery Furnace and Devil’s Garden trails
Everglades National Park – Florida
Best for: Wildlife and unique ecosystems
The Everglades is unlike any other national park in the US, offering a chance to explore swamps, mangroves, and slow-moving rivers.
Top Attractions:
- Shark Valley for biking and alligator spotting
- Anhinga Trail for birdwatching
- Airboat rides through the wetlands
Joshua Tree National Park – California
Best for: Desert landscapes and rock climbing
Famous for its twisted Joshua trees and boulder-strewn landscapes, this park is one of the coolest national parks in the US for stargazing and adventure.
Top Attractions:
- Hidden Valley and Barker Dam hikes
- Skull Rock and Arch Rock formations
- Cholla Cactus Garden
Olympic National Park – Washington
Best for: Rainforests and diverse landscapes
This park is unique because it has three distinct ecosystems: mountains, rainforests, and rugged coastline.
Top Attractions:
- Hoh Rainforest (lush, moss-covered trees)
- Hurricane Ridge for mountain views
- Rialto Beach and the sea stacks
Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
Best for: Hoodoos and dramatic rock formations
Bryce Canyon is home to some of the most unique rock formations in the country, making it one of the most beautiful national parks to visit.
Top Attractions:
- Bryce Amphitheater and Sunrise Point
- Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden hikes
- Thor’s Hammer rock formation
Denali National Park – Alaska
Best for: Wilderness and wildlife
Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali is a remote yet rewarding destination for those who love nature and solitude.
Top Attractions:
- Denali (formerly Mount McKinley)
- Wildlife spotting (bears, wolves, moose)
- Bus tours deep into the park’s wilderness
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii
Best for: Active volcanoes and unique landscapes
This park is one of the greatest national parks for those who want to see lava flows and experience the raw power of nature.
Top Attractions:
- Kīlauea Volcano (one of the most active volcanoes in the world)
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Chain of Craters Road
Plan Your Next National Park Adventure
With so many top national parks in America, choosing just one can be tough. Whether you’re looking for epic landscapes, wildlife encounters, or outdoor adventures, the best national parks to visit in the US offer something for everyone.
So, which of these best national parks in the USA will be your next adventure? Pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and start exploring the natural wonders that make America’s national parks ranked among the best in the world!
