Discover America's Natural Treasures: 20 Unforgettable National Park Experiences
Choosing from so many incredible destinations can be tough. This list isn't ranked because each park offers something different and appealing. Consider your interests – hiking, wildlife viewing, history, or relaxation – and find the park that speaks to you.
Park Name Location Key Features Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, Montana, Idaho Geothermal features (Old Faithful), abundant wildlife (bison, elk, wolves), diverse landscapes. One of the most famous national parks. Late spring to early fall Grand Canyon National Park Arizona The immense Grand Canyon, breathtaking views, hiking trails. Spring and fall for moderate temperatures Zion National Park Utah The Narrows (hiking through a river), Angels Landing (challenging hike), scenic drives. Spring and fall; summer can be very hot Acadia National Park Maine Rocky coastline, granite peaks, historic carriage roads, beautiful in the fall. Late spring to fall, especially for fall foliage Great Smoky Mountains National Park North Carolina, Tennessee Lush forests, waterfalls, historic buildings, abundant wildlife (bears, deer). Spring and fall for pleasant weather and fall colors Yosemite National Park California Giant sequoia trees, iconic granite cliffs (El Capitan, Half Dome), waterfalls. A must-see national park. Late spring to early fall Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Alpine scenery, hiking trails, wildlife viewing (elk, bighorn sheep), Trail Ridge Road. Summer and early fall Olympic National Park Washington Diverse ecosystems: rainforests, mountains, coastline. Summer for best weather Bryce Canyon National Park Utah Unique hoodoo rock formations, stargazing. Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures Arches National Park Utah Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, hiking. Spring and fall (summer is extremely hot) Denali National Park and Preserve Alaska Denali (Mount McKinley), vast wilderness, wildlife viewing (bears, caribou). Summer (June to August) Glacier National Park Montana Glaciers, alpine meadows, scenic drives (Going-to-the-Sun Road), hiking. Summer and early fall Grand Teton National Park Wyoming Spectacular mountain scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing. Summer and early fall Sequoia National Park California Giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume. Summer and early fall Carlsbad Caverns National Park New Mexico Extensive cave system, guided tours. Year-round; cave temperature is constant Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hawaii Active volcanoes, lava flows, unique landscapes. Year-round Death Valley National Park California, Nevada Extreme desert landscape, lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin). Winter and early spring for bearable temperatures Joshua Tree National Park California Unique desert landscape, Joshua trees, rock climbing. Spring and fall for moderate temperatures Shenandoah National Park Virginia Skyline Drive, hiking trails, waterfalls, beautiful in the fall. Spring and fall, especially for fall foliage Badlands National Park South Dakota Eroded buttes and pinnacles, wildlife viewing (bison, prairie dogs). Spring and fall for milder weather
