Discover the Top 10 National Parks in the U.S.
Welcome to the must-see list of America’s top 10 National Parks. From the breathtaking beauty of the Californian Yosemite to the red rocks of the Utah Zion National Park – pack your camping gear and hit the road.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
The raw, natural beauty of Yosemite, just a few hours from San Francisco, makes it the top national park to visit. The iconic El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls make this park a haven for hikers, climbers, and adventurers alike.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana
Encompassing three states (Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana), this 1872 park is arguably the world’s first National Park. Beyond the famous geyser, Old Faithful, and the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring, the park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
One of the world’s most famous natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is breathtaking. To fully appreciate its magnificence, spend a few days visiting and hiking into the canyon rather than rushing a day trip from Vegas.
4. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Located near the celebrity-studded Palm Springs in Southern California and just a short drive from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree Park boasts unique trees, giant rocks, and a captivating desert landscape.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
Utah’s crown jewel, Zion National Park, offers otherworldly landscapes with red rocks and the clear water of the Virgin River. A well-kept American secret, this park has millions of visitors every year.
6. Glacier National Park, Montana
At over one million acres, Glacier National Park straddles Canada and the U.S. Known as the crown of the continent ecosystem, this park is home to 25 of the world’s glaciers and landscapes reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.
7. Sequoia National Park, California
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia National Park, boasts the world’s largest tree – the General Sherman. A perfect day trip option as it can be explored in a shorter time frame than many other national parks on the list.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Among the smallest of the federally protected parks, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah stretches just 60 square miles. An untapped resource, the park offers natural amphitheaters with red rocks that create unforgettable views.
9. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Located in the least populated state in the US, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park features a valley called Jackson Hole that is picture-perfect in every season.
10. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Nestled just a short drive from Denver, the Rocky Mountain National Park ranks third in popularity in the US. Explore alpine lakes, plate tundras, and the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, as well as the abundant wildlife.