America’s 17 Favorite National Parks, Ranked by Travelers

Discover the breathtaking beauty of America’s most beloved national parks, as ranked by travelers who have explored their vast landscapes and diverse ecosystems. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the serene beaches of the Pacific, these parks offer a unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and natural wonder. Each park tells its own story, etched into the rocks, rivers, and trails that define its character. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, these national parks promise an unforgettable experience. Join us as we explore these natural treasures.

1. Yellowstone National Park

The world’s first national park, offers a wonderland of geothermal activity. Geysers like Old Faithful erupt with such predictability, drawing awe from visitors. This park spans three states, boasting diverse wildlife including bison, grizzlies, and wolves. Each season paints a different picture; winter snows contrast with summer wildflower meadows. Yellowstone’s vibrant geothermal features, like the Grand Prismatic Spring, showcase nature’s untamed artistry. Visitors can hike rugged trails, witness powerful waterfalls, or simply revel in the park’s pristine beauty. A visit to Yellowstone is a journey into Earth’s dynamic processes and timeless landscapes.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon’s vastness and intricate landscapes make it a must-see destination. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, its layered rocks offer a glimpse into Earth’s geological history. Visitors stand in awe at the rim, gazing into its profound depths. Hiking trails like the Bright Angel Trail provide adventurous routes into the canyon, offering unique perspectives. The sunsets here are legendary, with hues of gold and crimson painting the sky. Whether exploring by foot, mule, or raft, the Grand Canyon promises a humbling and monumental experience.

3. Yosemite National Park

Renowned for its stunning granite cliffs and ancient sequoias, captivates with its natural splendor. Iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome rise majestically, offering challenges to climbers worldwide. Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest, thunders down in awe-inspiring beauty. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a vibrant array of wildlife and flora. Visitors can explore tranquil meadows, hike challenging trails, or simply enjoy the breathtaking vistas. Yosemite’s blend of towering peaks and serene valleys offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

4. Zion National Park

Zion captivates with its dramatic red rock cliffs and narrow canyons. The park’s signature feature, Zion Canyon, is a sculpt of natural beauty. Hikers flock to the Narrows, a thrilling trek through water and stone. Angels Landing offers breathtaking views, rewarding those who brave its heights. The Virgin River carves its way through the landscape, a lifeline in this desert oasis. From sunrise to sunset, the play of light transforms Zion’s cliffs, creating an ever-changing tapestry of color. This park is a testament to nature’s power and beauty.

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, are famed for their misty vistas and rich biodiversity. Home to over 19,000 documented species, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Flanked by lush forests and teeming with wildlife, it offers scenic drives and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Historic structures echo the Appalachian culture and history. The Smokies’ tranquil beauty invites reflection and exploration, making it a beloved destination for millions. Whether spotting wildlife or soaking in panoramic views, visitors find solace in its serene landscapes.

6. Rocky Mountain National Park

Offers a high-altitude adventure in Colorado’s rugged wilderness. Towering peaks and alpine lakes define its dramatic landscape. Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous paved roads, provides breathtaking vistas. Wildlife abounds, from elk grazing in meadows to bighorn sheep navigating steep slopes. The park’s trails lead through pine forests, past waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints. Each season unveils a new aspect of its beauty, from snowy winters to vibrant autumns. A visit here is an immersion in the grandeur of the Rockies.

7. Acadia National Park

Located on the rugged coast of Maine, offers a unique blend of ocean and mountain landscapes. Granite peaks like Cadillac Mountain rise abruptly from the sea, providing stunning vistas. The park’s rocky shores and forests are a haven for diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore carriage roads, hike mountain trails, or kayak along the coastline. The blend of salty ocean air and pine-scented forests creates a refreshing escape. Acadia’s natural beauty and serene environment make it a cherished destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.

8. Grand Teton National Park

Iconic peaks rise sharply against the Wyoming sky, offering a majestic backdrop for exploration. The jagged Teton Range is a haven for climbers and photographers alike. Pristine lakes mirror these towering giants, creating picture-perfect scenes. Wildlife thrives here, with moose, bears, and eagles calling it home. Visitors can hike through wildflower-strewn meadows or float the Snake River. The park’s dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems offer endless opportunities for adventure and reflection. A journey to the Tetons is a journey into the heart of the American wilderness.

9. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, with its diverse ecosystems, offers a landscape like no other. From temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines, it encapsulates the wild beauty of Washington state. Towering trees and lush undergrowth define the Hoh Rainforest, while the Pacific beaches provide dramatic views and tide pools teeming with life. The Olympic Mountains add a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Hiking trails lead through varied terrain, offering glimpses of the park’s rich biodiversity. Olympic’s blend of ecosystems provides a unique experience, captivating nature lovers and adventurers alike.

10. Glacier National Park

Known as the ‘Crown of the Continent,’ boasts stunning landscapes carved by ancient glaciers. Its rugged terrain features pristine lakes, lush valleys, and alpine meadows. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking drives through mountainous vistas. Wildlife is abundant, with grizzlies, mountain goats, and eagles inhabiting the park. Hikers can explore over 700 miles of trails, discovering hidden gems like glacial lakes and high mountain passes. Each turn reveals nature’s unspoiled grandeur, making Glacier a paradise for those seeking adventure and beauty in equal measure.

11. Joshua Tree National Park

Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, offers a unique desert landscape. Iconic Joshua trees stand sentinel amidst massive granite boulders and desert flora. The park is a haven for rock climbers and stargazers, with its dark skies offering brilliant celestial displays. Trails lead through fascinating terrain, showcasing the resilience of desert ecosystems. The stark beauty of the landscape, combined with its tranquility, captivates visitors. Whether exploring by day or night, Joshua Tree’s mystical charm and rugged beauty leave a lasting impression.

12. Bryce Canyon National Park

Renowned for its unique geological formations known as hoodoos. These towering spires, sculpted by frost and erosion, create a surreal landscape. The park’s elevation allows for stunning sunrises, casting a golden glow over the amphitheaters. Visitors can explore via hiking trails or scenic drives, each offering spectacular views. The night sky here is one of the darkest in the country, perfect for stargazing. Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly beauty and serene atmosphere make it a favorite among travelers seeking both adventure and peace.

13. Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, showcases nature’s sculptural prowess. Delicate Arch, the park’s most famous landmark, is emblematic of Utah’s red rock country. Erosion has crafted these formations over millions of years, creating a landscape unlike any other. Visitors can hike to iconic arches, explore hidden canyons, or enjoy the panoramic views. The park’s fiery red hues and stark contrasts come alive at sunrise and sunset. Arches is a testament to the artistry of time and the relentless forces of nature.

14. Mount Rainier National Park

Dominated by its massive volcano, offers breathtaking landscapes. The snow-capped summit, often shrouded in clouds, is a sight to behold. Glaciers flow from the peak, feeding lush forests and wildflower meadows below. The park’s diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife, from black bears to elk. Visitors can explore trails that lead through old-growth forests, past waterfalls, and up to alpine viewpoints. Mount Rainier’s majestic presence and natural beauty invite exploration and admiration. It stands as a symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s untamed wilderness.

15. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, with its rolling hills and verdant valleys, offers a peaceful retreat from urban life. Skyline Drive, a scenic roadway, winds through the park, providing breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park’s lush forests and waterfalls are a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Each season brings its own charm, from spring blossoms to vibrant autumn foliage. Wildlife, including deer and black bears, roam freely. Shenandoah’s serene landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a cherished escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

16. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A living testament to nature’s power, showcases active volcanic landscapes. Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, shape the park’s dynamic terrain. Visitors witness the raw power of Earth’s creation, with lava flows sculpting new land. The park’s unique ecosystems thrive amidst volcanic craters and lush rainforests. Hiking trails offer glimpses into this ever-changing environment, where fire meets the sea. The park’s geological wonders and vibrant ecosystems make it a must-see destination for travelers intrigued by Earth’s primal forces.

17. Everglades National Park

A subtropical wilderness in Florida, is a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. Its expansive sawgrass marshes and mangrove forests harbor rare species like the American crocodile and the elusive Florida panther. Airboat tours offer thrilling explorations of this unique ecosystem. Visitors can hike, canoe, or bird-watch in this lush habitat. The Everglades’ intricate water systems and rich biodiversity are vital to its delicate balance. This park’s distinct landscapes and wildlife make it a fascinating destination for those seeking adventure and insight into Florida’s natural heritage.