The National Park Service has been managing millions of acres across the U.S. for more than 100 years. Why? For the “enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations” as quoted on their official website. With the help of their care of these national parks, more than 300 people get to visit 62 parks on a yearly basis.
With so many natural wonders to showcase, is it even possible to name one single park as ‘the best’? It is if you ask the right people!
We’ve gathered opinions from visitors and travel experts to try and figure out which parks are the best. If you were having a hard time deciding where to plan your next trip (when traveling will be safe again) then you’ve come to the right place!
24 thoughts on “The Best U.S. National Parks You Have to Visit During Your Lifetime”
Yellowstone by far!
Yellowstone! So diverse!
Love Yellowstone, you leave and go into back country and see no humans. Beautiful country, untouched from the beginning of time.
Ex Law Enforcement Ranger Yellowstone
Those are all wonderful, but so are Smoky Mountain, Denali and Acadia.
My favorite has always been Yosemite and my husband’s favorite was always Yellowstone. We visited all of these on your list except the one in Hawaii. We had a lot of visits to Yosemite for skiing and camping and hiking. I am glad we got to visit so many of our national treasures before he passed away in 2012,
Have been to all except Hawaii .They are all breathtaking.Next stop will be
Rocky Mtn, Arches and North Rim of the Grand Canyon
I believe the grand canyon is number one no two views are the same. Colors are amazing
Wife & I totally agree with your comment. Been there & Will Visit again Soon.
We went to 15 national parks recently, on a road trip. They’re all great, in different ways. Very hard to say which ones are the most beautiful. Some of our favorites ( in addition to the ones listed) were Death Valley, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde. My wife and I will try to see most of them if we can.
Saw 8 of the 10.
1 Yellowstone. 2. Zion 3. Bryce 4. Rocky Mt.
Hiking in all plus other 4 is phenomenal.
My #1 pick to do is Yosemite. I’ve been to Yellowstone and Glacier and they are both absolutely stunning. Have always wanted to go to Yosemite . Hopefully I’ll make it.
Try Black Canyon in Western Colorado. Both North and South Rim. I found it to be as wonderful as the Grand Canyon.
Glacier national park is the most glorious!
Glacier NP and when obtaining brochures and books on the Park be SURE to read “THE GEOLOGY OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK” by R. L. Earhart et al. Bob Earhart
I’ve been to all the ones listed, and won’t attempt to rate them. They’re all terrific! For those with the time a float trip on the Snake River in Grand Teton NP is fun. A hot-air balloon ride over Arches NP is also very nice. And if visiting Arches, nearby Canyonlands NP is also quite scenic, and a boat ride on the Colorado is a good way to see it, too. Glacier NP and Waterton Lakes (need a passport) is wonderful, but you need at least 4 days to do it justice.
Yellowstone
I live really close to Olympic Park, Forest, and Mountains. Many times, this area is listed in most top 10 lists.
The views are spectacular, the many varied topographies is ridiculous, and things like the temperate rain forests are one of a kind
Actually Utah has Three of your choices…. Arches, Capital Reef, and Zion. and all worth it!
are any f these NATIONAL parks covered by the senior pass?
All national parks are covered by the Golden Senior Pass
I wish they would have one for those who are disabled and either can’t walk much or use an electric wheelchair.
When you visited Black Canyon in Gunnison…did you the the road down into the bottom? Definitely a can’t miss!
Yellowstone No. 2????? Not No. 1?? And no mention at all of Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior (a getaway-from-the-crowd wilderness experience that is second to none).
and what of Great Smoky Mountains NP? And Death Valley NP ?