The Best U.S. National Parks You Have to Visit During Your Lifetime

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!

10. Haleakala National Park

A not-so-short plane ride away from mainland U.S., on a Hawaiian island you may have heard about before, Maui, you’ll find the Haleakala National Park. You might ask yourself if it’s worth visiting this particular park when so many others are closer to home and the answer is yes, absolutely.

Not only will you find a plethora of new and exciting flora and fauna, but the overall climate will breathe some fresh air in your adventure-seeking lungs.

One reason why Haleakala is so beloved is the iconic sunrise you can view from some 10,000 above sea level. To get there you have to travel through miles of breathtaking views, waterfalls, and more in order to reach the visitor center, where thousands of tourists stop by every year in order to view the sunrise.

Only then will you understand why this national park’s name translates to “house of the sun.”

9. Rocky Mountain National Park

Though the Rocky Mountain National Park is only 70 miles north of Denver, convenient for a day trip, you’ll definitely need more than a day to explore everything this park has to offer.

We encourage you to try out one of the dozens of trails spanning more than 355 miles in order to make the most of your vacation. Here, you’ll find 147 lakes and 118 peaks that are taller than 10,000 feet, meaning that adventurers and sports enthusiasts of any kind can partake in their favorite sports at every corner.

The Emerald Lade Trail is one of the most popular trails visitors take, best for newcomers and people who don’t have much time on their hands alike. The 5 miles round trip offers stunning views, so make sure to pack a camera to snap a few (or hundreds!) of photos along the way!

8. Arches National Park

Head on over to eastern Utah to find 77,000 acres of natural scenery, all spanning the Arches National Park, which was established as far back as 1929.

Hikers, rock climbers, and backpackers have long since picked this National Park as the destination for their next adventure, no doubt due to the iconic rock formations that pepper the landscape. Don’t be surprised if you bump into a handful of photographers on the way too, as it’s one of the most sought out areas for a surreal-looking photoshoot.

With more than 2,000 arches around the park, every trail you pick will be sure to be packed with some of these breathtaking formations, but the most popular ones ate the Delicate Arch, the Double Arch, and the Landscape Arch.

7. Bryce Canyon National Park

Next on our list is a similar-ish National park where you can view different types of natural formations called hoodoos, which came about after millions of years of erosion. If you’re into arches then you’ll definitely be into these!

There’s literally no better place in the world to view them as the U.S. boasts the world’s largest collection peppered across 35,835 acres. Whether you’re into hiking or photography, this is a great place for you to get in touch with nature, especially in the summer, as this is the most popular season for a visit.

But if you want to avoid the crowds and if you can handle colder climates, we highly recommend visiting during the winter reason for a chance of seeing this snowy landscape in all its glory!

6. Grand Teton National Park

Once home to trappers and ranchers, everybody in the world can now visit the Grand Teton National Park to explore more than 200 miles of trails. Here you’ll enjoy breathtaking lakes and prairies, not to mention the jaw-dropping, snow-capped peaks of the Grand Teton mountain range.

If you don’t have a lot of time to explore this wild wonderland in its full glory, don’t worry, you can hike up and down the Cascade Canyon Trail for some of the most beautiful backdrops you’ve ever seen. We’re sure that you’ll want to come back soon to explore more trails soon afterward!

5. Zion National Park

Apparently, Utah got the long end of the stick, showcasing not one but two National Parks on our list.

Zion National Park regularly attracts thrill-seekers. Visitors love The Narrows, a trail that takes them through the thinnest section of the Zion Canyon. Along the 10-mile hike, you’ll also have to travel upstream through the Virgin River, so you do have to be in top shape before you even think of giving it a try.

Then there’s Hike Angel’s Landing with its nearly 1,500 foot natural staircase- not for the faint of heart, but just as beautiful as the rest of the National Park.

Of course, those who are less excited about seeking thrills can always drive along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a 57-mile long path that allows you to visit most of the park’s iconic landmarks from the comfort of your motor vehicle.

4. Grand Canyon

With a name like that, it’s no wonder that the Grand Canyon made it on this list!

This UNESCO World Heritage provides endless hiking and adventuring opportunities with its 18-by-277 mile area. Hiking, camping, biking and even rafting the Colorado River are all unique activities you can try solo or with your family.

Many visitors have fallen in love with the sparking Havasu Falls, one of the park’s must-see attractions. However, if you also want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet, you can always visit the North Rim, a far less populated area.

One thing’s for sure, pictures of the Grand Canyon will never do it justice, and we truly believe this will be a once in a lifetime experience for whoever decides to visit!

3. Glacier National Park

Spanning more than 700lakes and two mountain ranges across Montana, this National Park is perfect for those who love foresty hikes and adventures. The Iceberg Lake Trail and the Trail of the Cedars are among favorites among tourists and locals alike.

There’s also a UNESCO World Heritage nestled within this park, the unique Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the union of Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and Glacier National Park. Before you head there you should know that the parks have different administrations and, thus, separate entrance fees.

Of course, you can also enjoy a scenic ride along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is the only road that traverses the park, reaching an elevation of 6,646 feet at its highest.

2. Yellowstone

We couldn’t have a list of the best U.S National Parks without Yellowstone, possibly one of the best, globally known parks. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, it’s virtually impossible to not find something to your liking here, especially in terms of nature and sporting activities. Basically, it’s one of the greatest places to keep active and visit as many beautiful vistas as you can.

From buffalo-filled valleys to mountains, hot springs, lakes, and iconic geysers, many of the park’s natural splendors are difficult to describe without doing them a massive disservice. To put it simply, you have to see it all with your own eyes.

The park is often crowded, but careful planning for visits in April, May, September, and October can help avoid the hustle and bustle.

1. Yosemite

Number one on our list, the part with the highest praises from both tourists and travel experts alike, Yosemite!

Vernal Fall, Bridalveil Fall, among many other waterfalls are some of the main attractions in California’s most-visited and beloved National Park. El Capitan and the Half Dome, two of the park’s unique granite rock formations are also two picturesque sites that you absolutely cannot miss out on!

If you want to experience a panoramic view of the park then you have to try out none other than the Tunnel View Outlook, a great place to make memories and take tons of pictures! It’s great not only because of the view but also because its ease of access, so even if you’re not an avid hiker, you shouldn’t have any trouble reaching it!

So, what do you think? Do you agree with this list? Which of our famed National Parks is your favorite? You can tell us more in the comments below!