Welcome to National Park Wild
Hello and welcome to National Park Wild, with me, Eric. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 U.S. states for national parks. We’ll also delve into not only my personal favorites, but we’ll also take a look at rankings based on other parks managed by the National Park Service, like national monuments and historic sites. Before we continue, make sure to subscribe to the channel for more National Park content. So without further ado, let’s jump right in.
#10: New Mexico
Starting at No.10 we have New Mexico. Known for White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico’s national parks are an array of breathtaking sand dunes and world-class cave formations. My personal favorites, White Sands, with its picturesque dunes that seem to stretch into oblivion and Carlsbad Cavern’s awe-inspiring ‘Big Room.’ Other notable mentions include the Aztec Ruins, Bandolier National Monument and El Mapais.
White Sands National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
#9: Texas
Moving onto Texas. The Lone Star state boasts of the most underrated National Park I’ve ever been to, the Big Bend National Park. An absolute hidden gem, the Park’s beauty is eclipsed by the magnificent Chisos Mountains, the Santa Elena Canyon, and the Bokis Canyon. Texas also houses Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Amistad, Padre Island, and the Rio Grande National River.
Big Bend National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
#8: Hawaii
In the eighth spot is Hawaii, primarily known for its two phenomenal national parks: Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala. From lava flows and unique flora and fauna to lush rainforests and Martian landscapes, these parks are a feast for the senses. Additionally, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Pearl Harbor is definitely worth a visit.
Hawaii Volcanoes
Haleakala National Park
#7: Washington State
Known for Mount Rainier, one of the most breathtaking mountains in the world, Washington State ranks seventh. Other highlights include the colorful landscapes at Olympic National Park and the North Cascades, a hiker’s paradise.
Mount Rainier
Olympic National Park
#6: Wyoming
Home to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton and the unique monolith, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Wyoming earns the sixth spot. I would recommend watching some of my other videos to learn more about these parks.
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
The Top Five
We’re moving up to the giants, the best of the best! Buckle up as we unveil the top five U.S. states boasting the best national parks.
#5: Colorado
Known for its diverse national parks, from the mountainous beauty of Rocky Mountain to the desert landscapes at Mesa Verde and the magnificent Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado earns a worthy place here.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
#4: Arizona
Arizona is a hub of national parks, including the iconic Grand Canyon, the underrated Saguaro National Park, and the Petrified Forest National Park. Complemented by other attractions like Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Organ Pipe, Arizona offers much to enjoy.
Grand Canyon National Park
Saguaro National Park
#3: Utah
Home to the iconic ‘Mighty Five,’ the national parks in Utah are a majority favorite. From the panoramic scenic drive in Zion to the trail to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and the overlooked Capitol Reef National Park, Utah has it all. If this doesn’t leave you awestruck, the Dinosaur National Monument and Rainbow Bridge National Monument surely will.
Arches National Park
Zion National Park
#2: California
With nine national parks under its belt, it’s no wonder that California is in the second spot. From the iconic Yosemite and the often-overlooked California condors blessed Pinnacles National Park to the surprisingly diverse Death Valley, these national parks are a must-visit. Other attractions worth mentioning include Joshua Tree, Sequoia, and King’s Canyon.
Yosemite National Park
Pinnacles National Park
#1: Alaska
Topping the list, we have Alaska. The Last Frontier boasts of eight unrivaled national parks like Lake Clark, Denali, and Katmai. From breathtaking glaciers to massive mountains and abundant wildlife, Alaska is a must-visit for any adventurer or nature lover. Hands-down, Alaska, in my opinion, boasts the best national parks of any U.S. state.
Denali National Park
Lake Clark National Park
Conclusion
That wraps up our rankings for the top 10 U.S. states with the best national parks. I hope you enjoyed this little virtual tour. Comment below on your favorite states for travel and any questions about national parks. Don’t forget to subscribe for future content, and I’ll see you next time!