The best national parks in the USA to visit

Millions of people come to Yosemite National Park each year to see jagged peaks, glaciers, lush meadows and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Spanning 1,200 square miles, Yosemite offers a range of activities, from child-friendly to extreme. Massive granite slopes like Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape, taunting rock climbers. Paddlers dip into lakes and rivers, drivers cruise the dramatic Tioga Road (though note that Tioga Road is usually only open from late May until November), and day hikers walk by sequoias and canyons. Backpackers take to the rugged John Muir Trail, named for the writer who helped create the park in 1890.

When to go: Late May into early June brings temperatures in the mid-60s, and is still early enough in the season that your visit to one of the most popular National Parks in the country won’t be interrupted by herds of other tourists.

Don’t miss: Do go chasing waterfalls–the waterfalls at Yosemite are some of the world’s best. Hike Yosemite Falls, which stands tall at 2,425 feet for a sweet reward of a bird’s eye view.

Fun fact: Yellowstone, America’s first national park, is bigger than Rhode Island and has been a jewel in the NPS's crown since 1872. Critters are everywhere in Yellowstone; geysers spurt regularly; sulfurous lakes bubble and boil; and massive waterfalls glint in the sun. Plus, don’t be surprised if you spot buffalo wandering right down the center divider of the two-lane road that connects the park. With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are awesomely plentiful. And if you need somewhere to rest your head? Check out our list of the best places to stay in Yellowstone.

When to go: Late September and October offer fewer crowds and the unique opportunity to visit when elk are in rut, or in mating season.

Don’t miss: Old Faithful is one of the most popular geysers in the park, due to its frequent eruption. If you want your best shot at watching a cone geyser shoot water up over 150 feet in the air, check out the timeboard for the “prediction of the next eruption.”

Located in northern Minnesota, just south of the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park is the definition of a 'hidden gem' because of its relative inaccessibility. It's also one of the least-visited national parks in the country. Incredibly, over a third of the park is made up of water; 84,000 out of 218,000 acres are waterways. These provide access to 655 miles of pristine, unspoiled shoreline and more than 500 islands. Rent a canoe and spend a night under the stars at one of the boat-access tent sites on the Lake Kabetogama peninsula – you might even catch the aurora borealis. 

When to go: With 2025 being predicted to be a fantastic year for spotting northern lights, head to Voyageurs National Park when the probability is highest, from late August to April.

Don’t miss: Bird lovers will certainly find solace at Voyageurs. Head to Anderson Bay, Kab-Ash Trail, Echo Bay, or Black Bay Ski Trail Area and look out for red-breasted nuthatches, black-backed woodpeckers, and even soaring bald eagles and turkey vultures.

The Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that cradles two billion years of geologic history, is comprised of nearly 40 layers of rock shaped into buttes, spires and cliffs. Carved by the Colorado River, the 277-mile gorge is magisterial from any perspective, but it’s thrilling to venture below the rim. The safest place to start is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which follows an ancient route past sculpted sandstone to a cottonwood oasis. Look for elk, mountain lions and condors along the way, plus the 1,737 species of plants that survive in this semi-arid desert.

When to go: March and April aren’t the warmest months to go, but the weather is pleasant (with temperatures usually ranging in the 50s and 60s) that make long days of hiking more bearable. No matter which month you choose to visit, one rule of thumb always applies: go during the week to avoid crowds.

Don’t miss: If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, go whitewater rafting along the Colorado River. Just make sure to use a reputable company like Wilderness River Adventures.

Hidden in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, America's newest national park, established in late 2020, attracted nearly two million visitors last year. Clearly, the secret is out. New River Gorge National Park has already been called the Grand Canyon of the East, as this park's most prominent feature is a wide, fast-flowing whitewater river that snakes through the gorge. Inside, you can hike on any number of different trails, traverse the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, the third-highest bridge in the U.S., or indulge in a full-on class five whitewater raft trip along the 53 miles of accessible river. Just bring some dry clothes.

When to go: Spring provides higher water levels if rafting is of interest (which, here, it should be). There are several companies to book a whitewater rafting experience with, including but not limited to West Virginia Adventures, ACE Adventure Resort, and Alpine Ministries.

Don’t miss: Despite some of the adrenaline-induced activities here, one of the best things to do is simply taking in the views at the Grandview Main Overlook.

You've seen Utah's wild landscape in almost every John Wayne western, but now it's time to see it for yourself. The incredible thing about Zion National Park is that it hasn't changed an iota over the years—you'll see the same massive sandstone formations, twisty caves and dark skies bursting with stars that Wayne himself walked through and people have been admiring for thousands of years. Mosey to spectacular overlooks, hike to Emerald Pools, walk to Weeping Rock, or stroll on Riverside Walk and you'll get a sense of the grandeur of this spectacular national park. 

When to go: Zion National Park gets quite toasty in the summer, sometimes with highs of 100 degrees. November is a great time to go, with temperatures typically in the 50s and significantly fewer crowds.

Don’t miss: If you want a sunset that will make all future sunsets pale in comparison, head up to Timber Creek Overlook Trail just before dusk.

Towering 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole, the Teton Range welcomes more than three million people a year. In the winter, they come to snowshoe or cross-country ski through fir-lined backcountry trails. In the summer, hikers explore 200 miles of trails and scale rugged granite peaks. The Snake River is a magnet for amateur rafters, pelican watchers and fishermen, who cast lines for trout. Nestled within the mountains are glaciers, alpine lakes and fields of larkspur and lupines. 

When to go: Bear the brunt of the cold temperatures and head to Grand Teton National Park in the winter. Both the park and the general area are prime for powder, with options like snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Don’t miss: Enjoy an overnight stay directly in the park at Jackson Lake Lodge, where, from your room, you’ll have views of the Tetons.

Death Valley is the hottest place on earth, and the lowest and driest place in the United States, with temperatures topping a record-breaking 134 degrees. It's home to Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America. That being said, the park is home to a diversity of colorful canyons, desolate badlands, shifting sand dunes and sprawling mountains, as well as more than 1,000 species of plants, plus salt flats, historic mines and hot and cold spring oases. Want to seek out a few spooky relics? Death Valley is also home to ghost towns just waiting to be explored. 

When to go: Anytime of year, except for summer, is a good bet to visit Death Valley. As the hottest place on the planet, it’s foolish at best and dangerous at worst to visit from May to August.

Don’t miss: Zabriskie Point is one of the most famous sites in Death Valley for a reason. Its central location within the park makes it easier than ever to visit.

One of the least-visited national parks in the country, North Cascades sees an average of around 40,000 visitors a year. This best-kept secret of a national park is a New Zealand dupe with the stunning blue glacial-fed waters of Diablo Lake. You’re bound to see some unique wildlife here, from the gray wolf to the fisher. Plus, in 2024, the decision was also made to reintroduce grizzly bears to the region.

When to go: Crowds are few year-round here, so go when the weather is as forgiving as possible, which in Washington State, is from June to August.

Don’t miss: One of the most unique offerings of North Cascades National Park is its access to Stehekin, a remote valley only reachable by foot, boat or plane.

Located north of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is named for the 2,000-plus wind-sculpted sandstone arches that grace the area—the largest such concentration in the world. The most famous of these is the iconic 52-foot-tall Delicate Arch, whose image can be seen on Utah license plates, but Arches will amaze you with its sheer range of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. Arches is also one of the few national parks where many of the top formations can be seen from the comfort of your car—perfect for those who want the sights without the sweat. 

When to go: Summer here is scorching hot, so a visit in early spring prior to Memorial Day (April to early May) or late fall (post-Labor Day) are your best bets.

Don’t miss: Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, so book an overnight camping stay at Devils Garden Campground to watch the sunrise over the red-hued arches.

Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses 415 square miles of breathtaking, protected mountain wilderness. With more than 350 miles of trails, panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, picturesque meadows, valleys, and meandering rivers, and Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the United States, hitting 12,183 ft in elevation), the choose-your-own-adventure options are endless. Hike it, bike it, fish it, climb it, drive it, camp it, photograph it…or all of the above.

When to go: The best time to go really depends on what you’d like to do here. If hiking is your interest, summer is your best bet. Wildflowers are in full bloom in the spring, and despite flying under the radar for fall foliage, September and October are prime months for some sunset-hued leaves. Winter is ideal for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, but note that the weather can be unpredictable with high winds and blizzards.

Don’t miss: Horses are abundant in Rocky Mountain National Park, so a horseback ride is in order with either National Park Gateway Stables or Glacier Creek Stables.

With the glaciers fast retreating, now is the time to see this 3.3-million-acre arctic paradise. Most visitors experience Glacier Bay’s fjords and ice rivers from a cruise ship, such as Holland America Line, but those who go by kayak or skiff discover sheltered coves and hear the trills of ruby-crowned kinglets. Boaters often spot humpback whales, sea otters, puffins or bald eagles perched on icebergs. On land, beaches reveal wolf tracks and trails wind through spruce-hemlock rainforest, crossing paths with black bears or moose. With so much to absorb, you’ll want to take a ranger-led walk or boat tour, held daily in the summer.

When to go: Summer is always a safe bet for Alaska. Outside of summer months, the state is known for more hours of darkness than daylight, so you’ll want to go when you can actually see the park.

Don’t miss: If you don’t happen to visit via cruise ship, make sure to get out on the water anyway with a boat tour. It’s the best way to get up close and personal to the glaciers.

Between them, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain some of the oldest trees on the planet...and just standing in their presence is a humbling experience, reminding us all that we are indeed just a dot on this planet. Many of these ancient wooden giants have been on Earth for over 3,000 years and there are even a couple of trees where you can actually drive your car through. There are some gorgeous hiking trails here in addition to a small number of campsites. If you're on a road trip, try to allocate a reasonable amount of time to explore these wonderful parks.

When to go: Although it's peak season, June to August offers the best weather, and the sun peeking through the massive trees is a sight to behold. The park is over 1,800 square miles, so crowds aside, there’s a good chance you’ll find a few slivers of quiet.

Don’t miss: Check out the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume in the world. It’s not the tallest tree in the world, but it’s up there at 275 feet.

This bizarre moonscape was created millions of years ago when ash deposits and erosion sculpted sedimentary rock into rippled peaks. Fossils show that rhinos and camels once roamed in the land that is now Badlands National Park, but today, these 244,000 acres are home to bison, bobcats and bighorn sheep. As long as they stay hydrated, the park’s 1 million annual visitors find the Badlands fascinating to explore. Hikers scale the rocks to take in otherworldly views of the White River Valley and cyclists coast by colorful buttes and grass prairie. At night, the pitch-black sky reveals 7,500 stars and offers a clear view of the Milky Way; telescopes provide close-up views of the moon and planets.

When to go: If you want to combine your trip with a unique happening in the area, head there this August and attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, located in Sturgis, about 90 miles away.

Don’t miss: Not all National Park highlights happen outdoors—head to the Fossil Preparation Lab to witness paleontologists and scientists conduct their research.

Acadia spans 47,000 acres of rugged Atlantic coast, where fog rolls across granite boulders and spruce-fir forests catch the first rays of sun. Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island, which it shares with several charming towns, but it also extends to the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. It offers moments of serenity, like an early-morning swim in Echo Lake, as well as adventure, like hanging off cliffs on the Beehive Trail. For a genteel take on mountain biking, cycle the 45 miles of carriage roads, which hug hillsides and reveal majestic sea views.

When to go: Located in the northeast, Acadia’s fall foliage is not to be missed. Head there in the fall, ideally in September or October, to witness the stunning, colorful trees.

Don’t miss: Thunder Hole, as its name suggests, allows visitors to hear the thunderous roar of the ocean in an inlet on Mount Desert Island.

The most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains, is also home to the highest number of species, with over 19,000 species having been documented, with estimates of an additional 100,000 species possibly living here, according to scientists. These species include notable populations of black bears and elk, and more than 2,600 different plant species. But you might be most familiar with the park's famous fireflies. Every year, the synchronous fireflies, Photinus carolinus, or Elkmont fireflies, put on a synchronous light display in order to find a mate. They are the only species in the US whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns.

When to go: Summer is the most popular season for a reason—enjoy clear skies with miles of visibility from the many viewpoints. Alternatively, October is a great time to seek fall foliage, but if you want to dodge the crowds, don’t go on a weekend.

Don’t miss: Wildlife viewing is mandatory here, but make sure to know the rules. Getting within 50 yards (or 150 feet) of animals is prohibited. Some of the best spots in the park to see creatures like woodchucks and elk are Cataloochee and Cades Cove.

Encompassing nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. You'd need more than a week to see everything this park has to offer, but don't miss attractions like Hurricane Ridge (for panoramic views of Mount Olympus), Lake Crescent (rent kayaks), the Hoh Rainforest, and the seasonal sight of salmon cascading along the Sol Duc River in the fall. Oh, and one more thing: you will get wet. It's Washington and rain is inevitable. 

When to go: Summer is the busiest season for a reason. The weather is ideal, with a few days of rain and temperatures hovering around 68-70 degrees. Because it’s peak season, just try to arrive early in the morning.

Don’t miss: The Hoh Rainforest is simply a must. Keep a lookout for Roosevelt elk, river otters, and black bears, and even the occasional bobcat sighting.

White Sands takes up 270 square miles of breathtaking landscape in New Mexico. Its most noticeable feature: miles of undulating dunes made of blindingly white gypsum crystals, which were formed 10,000 years ago when shallow seas that had existed for millions of years dried up, leaving the gypsum behind. Though long a National Monument, White Sands was elevated to park status in December 2019. Four marked trails allow hiking, and since gypsum, unlike sand, reflects the sun’s heat, the dunes are easy on your feet. And if you’re so inclined, you can rent plastic sleds to slide down them.

When to go: While many will advise you to visit in shoulder season, such as the spring, White Sands National Park is subject to high winds, which can taint the experience. Summer months are quite hot here, with temperatures often reaching 90 to 100 degrees. Fall offers a nice compromise of light winds and more moderate temps. Just don’t make plans to visit on Christmas, as it’s the only day the park is closed.

Don’t miss: The area surrounding White Sands National Park is just as exciting as the park itself. New Mexico is home to plenty of wineries and pistachio farms: head to Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine for a taste of them.

You'll probably notice that Utah features quite prominently in this list and there's good reason—its natural geology and geography make it arguably the most exciting state to visit if you're the outdoors type. Capitol Reef National Park is not one of the Beehive State's most well-known, but that's precisely why it's on our list. As you'd expect, there's plenty to offer here, including 17 hiking trails to explore, along with four-wheel-drive road tours, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Or you could just marvel at the colors, canyons and rock formations and even harvest fruit from orchards in the Fruita Historic District in the summertime.

When to go: It’s wise to avoid Capitol Reef National Park from July to September since, during those months, the area is subject to monsoon rains. March and October usually mean prime hiking weather.

Don’t miss: If you’re up for the challenge, head to the Visitor Center and get a day permit to go rock climbing and bouldering.

Despite the millions that flock here every year, many don't realize that Joshua Tree National Park is actually made up of two different deserts; the southern tip of the Mojave Desert makes up its western edge and the Colorado Desert covers its eastern and southern areas. And as such, the Joshua trees for which the park is named are more prevalent in the higher elevations on the Mojave side, but here's the funny thing: they're not actually trees. The plants are a member of the Yucca genus and they can grow up to 70 feet tall, though they can take up to 50 years to reach their full size.

When to go: Spring and late fall are ideal for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park. In shoulder season, you’ll be treated with cooler temps and fewer crowds.

Don’t miss: The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is a flat hike, where you’ll stroll alongside Teddy-bear Cholla (yes, these trees are as adorable as their name).

Red rocks, pink cliffs and endless vistas await at this Insta-famous national park in Utah. People travel to Bryce Canyon from around the world to see the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) in the world, but the park's high elevation also makes it a great place for stargazing. One of the country's more compact national parks, you don't need a ton of time to hit the highlights like Thor's Hammer, Inspiration Point, and the Queen's Garden Trail. 

When to go: Early June is a great month to visit, with temperatures in the low 70s. Plus, it’s only the beginning of the busy season, so though there will be more crowds, it likely won’t be as packed as July or August.

Don’t miss: Bryce Amphitheater includes views of Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, and Bryce Point.

Encompassing two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, this Big Island treasure is constantly changing. Erupting Kilauea churns up plumes of gas and its lava glows in the night sky. Hikers who brave the rim of its crater encounter steam vents and wide ocean views, while others find gentler trails through the rainforest, with giant ferns and blooming ohi’a trees, of which there are four out of eight varieties found here. Volcanoes National Park is also a biosphere reserve that rivals the Galapagos for its wealth of rare native species, such as Hawaiian honeycreepers and hawksbill sea turtles. As if that’s not enough, it also packs in petroglyphs and 13th-century ruins.

When to go: It’s no secret that Hawaii is hot year-round. For more comfortable temperatures, head to Volcanoes National Park in February. It’s a great excuse for escaping the cold on the mainland.

Don’t miss: Check out the easy 1.2-mile sulphur banks hike at Ha'akulamanu Trail.

The world’s most extensive known cave system is hidden beneath the Green River valley of central Kentucky. Limestone caverns, dripping stalactites and gypsum formations span 400 miles and are home to 160 species of wildlife. Only about 10 miles of Mammoth Cave are open for tours, which range from easy to arduous. Aboveground, 84 miles of hiking trails wind through old-growth forests, sandstone ridges, salamander-filled wetlands and hemlock ravines. Paddlers drift past islands and springs on the Green and Nolin Rivers, while fishermen await bass and catfish.

When to go: The caves are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and regardless of what the temperature is outside, the daily average temperature of the caves is 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, it’s entirely up to you when you want to visit, but note that summer months are the busiest.

Don’t miss: With a name like “Fat Man’s Misery,” curiosity ought to be calling. This section of the caves is about one mile from the entrance, and is a winding keyhole-shaped passageway.

Situated within the Cascade Range in Southwest Oregon, Crater Lake National Park formed more than 7,700 years ago after the eruption of Mount Mazama, a 12,000-foot volcano. The volcano's eruption left a massive hole that is now the deepest lake in the US. Thousands of visitors arrive to see its crystal-clear blue waters and enjoy the views from the 33-mile road around the lake.

When to go: Now! Crater Lake National Park is slated to close for at least two years starting in 2026, so anytime in 2025 is the perfect time to go.

Don’t miss: Get the best views with a hike at Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal access to Crater Lake’s shores.

One of the most historic parks in the country can be found in Arkansas at Hot Springs National Park. The thermal water of Hot Springs National Park is believed to have medicinal properties, with minerals such as silica, magnesium, and potassium, plus the water’s high temperatures, which is known to kill bacteria. You can get a taste of these “healing waters” from one of the many water fountains within the area. The park is located smack in the middle of town, respectively called Hot Springs.

When to go: Spring is ideal for hiking and enjoying the unique flora and fauna of the park.

Don’t miss: You can’t actually bathe in any of the outdoor waters at Hot Springs National Park. However, Bathhouse Row offers various spas where you can still enjoy the mineral-rich natural waters of hot springs, such as Quapaw Baths & Spas and Buckhouse Bathhouse.

Most travelers pay more attention to Arches National Park, but nearby Canyonlands should be on any adventurer's itinerary in Utah. Divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers into three districts—the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze—this park offers panoramic views of its bright red rocks that you can take in from the car or out on a hike (don’t miss the Mesa Arch). If you want more action, you'll also have the option of taking a whitewater raft or boat trip down one of the rivers that run through the park. 

When to go: Summer is extremely hot, and winter is frigid. Shoulder season (fall and spring) is prime at Canyonlands. Make a road trip out of it and combine it with other Moab parks on this list.

Don’t miss: The Green River Overlook provides some of the most stunning panoramic views of the park. Spruce up your Instagram feed with photos against the jaw-dropping backdrop.

Situated directly on the U.S.-Mexico border, Big Bend National Park is a remote and one of America's more challenging-to-reach national parks. That’s one reason the park remains among the most underrated and overlooked. But Big Bend is worth a visit, with more than 150 miles of trails, a beautiful desert landscape with blooming cacti and one of the darkest skies in the country, making it perfect for stargazing. Take scenic drives, hit up some hot springs, and stay the night at one of the campgrounds at this Southwest Texas gem. 

When to go: Fall, specifically October, is an ideal time to visit thanks to temperatures that are still hot, but not scorching.

Don’t miss: Reward yourself at the end of a hike with natural hot springs to soak in. The water of the Hot Spring at Big Bend National Park is an average of 105 degrees.