The USA is all about everything spectacular and superb. And yes, we are talking about its natural landscapes. Endless deserts dotted with gigantic cactus, rolling hills shrouded in lush forests, and gapping canyons with roaring rivers. For that reason, the USA is famous for its amazing national parks. Then, are you figuring out which one is the best? In this blog, we are showing you the 10 best national parks in the USA. Check them out!
Best National Parks in the USA – Summary
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
- Redwood National Park, California
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
- Arches National Park, Utah
Yosemite National Park, California
We know that the word ‘Yosemite’ rings a bell. This dazzling national park in the US steals the heart of a lot of people. The scenery comprises towering granite cliffs, jaw-dropping ancient sequoia trees, and roaring waterfalls. It is one of the major national parks in the USA, covering a total area of 761,266 acres. With all it has to offer, Yosemite National Park calls you for an extraordinary adventure.
As it is visited by millions of people annually, Yosemite National Park features the perfect balance between nature and manmade facilities. You can explore the national park by jeep or shuttle bus. Also, don’t miss out on anything by staying in the park’s holiday lodge. Moreover, the park also challenges you for adrenaline-rushing activities. Go for a rock climbing session and scramble through different levels of cliffs.
Zion National Park, Utah
Rock formations in this national park make you feel like you are on another planet. Towering rock walls that look bright red during the sunset, exceptional stone arches, and many more are what you can see in Zion National Park. Nestled in the southwest of Utah, it is one of the most popular national parks in the USA.
Zion National Park invites you to hop on crazy adventures. You can choose relaxing ones, including going for jeep tours or horseback riding. However, there are also a myriad of awesome outdoor activities to try. You can walk through the spectacular canyons, hang on a single rope in a canyoneering session, and get a birds-eye view of the national park after a long hike.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Being the neighbor of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon shines its own light. It looks otherworldly with its endless series of hoodoos – irregular rock structures. They create an amphitheater of rock, carved into walls on a high plateau. Thus, enjoying the scene of these impressive hoodoos is already special. Therefore, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA.
The highlight of Bryce Canyon National Park is the spectacular rock formations. You can watch them from the park’s major viewpoints, which are Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Sunrise Point. Hop on a shuttle if you are feeling like not walking. Alternatively, you can burn some calories with an 18-miles track to the Bryce Amphitheater. Moreover, Bryce Canyon National Park does not only look majestic in daylight. At night, you can go stargazing and full-moon hiking.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Tucked in the northern part of Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park stays off the radar. It acts as a border that separates Canada and the USA, with its pine forest and body of water. Thus, only a few people visit the national park as it is far and quite inaccessible. However, Voyageurs National Park hides a breathtaking beauty that is worth fighting for.
Voyageurs National Park comprises a huge body of water, which takes 84,000 acres of the area. Additionally, pine forests and peatlands become the building blocks of the park. You can explore Voyageurs by sailing through the waters on a canoe or boat. Last but not least, Voyageurs National Park is a hidden spot to catch the Northern Lights. If you are lucky, you can see the spectacular phenomenon on this northern side of the USA.
Redwood National Park, California
Land and water create an amazing bond in Redwood National Park. Fertile forests grow from the earth, keeping lots of gigantic trees and endemic plants alive. It is home to the primordial redwood trees which can stand as tall as 370 feet. Besides keeping the redwood, the park also houses elk, Douglas-fir, and laurel. Meanwhile, it also has a spectacular coastline where whales swim in the waters.
Redwood National Park welcomes you to stroll, bike, and explore. Being between the gigantic trees feels magical. Moreover, you can also drive through the national park and enjoy the scenery from the windows. Additionally, you can hop on a boat and watch some whales taking a leap out of the water. With all it has to offer, Redwood National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Step into the true wilderness as you arrive at Olympic National Park. Pine forests shrouded an area of one million acres, snow-capped mountains surround the greeneries, and untouched coastline stretch by the sea. Thus, it is Washington State’s proudest spot. People drive to the national park to unwind from their everyday life, as well as see a piece of Mother Nature’s stunning facade.
Diverse and special – those are the two words that describe Olympic National Park. It encompasses three ecosystems, which is the reason behind the park’s diversity. For that reason, there are a lot of things to do in Olympic National Park. You can go for a hike to the temperate or tropical forest. Then, paddle along the deep lake of the park. Moreover, you can dip yourself into relaxing hot springs. Therefore, Olympic National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Comprises of vast deserts, Saguaro National Park looks otherworldly. It is home to the magnificent saguaro cactus, which can stand as tall as 50 feet tall. You can see a field full of these cactuses in the national park. With the backdrop of earth-colored mountains, the cactus field is something you cannot miss.
Saguaro National Park is for everyone who loves wildlife and sightseeing. Its vast area of cactus field comprises unique and outstanding cactus species. Moreover, you can spot some desert animals roaming around the prickly plants. Get ready to meet a white-tailed deer, Mexican spotted owl, or even the rare kudamundi. With all it has to offer, Saguaro National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Raw and untouched – those are the two words that describe Channel Islands. Located around 70 miles off the southern California coast, this islands are home to exotic species and beautiful nature. The national park protects more than 150 endemic species that you can find nowhere else. Expect to see an island fox running through meadows or a California sea lion sunbathing on the beach. Therefore, Channel Island is one of the best national parks in the USA.
Channel Islands comprise five major islands, which are Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Different awesome activities await on those island. You can go kayaking, diving, hiking, camping, and many more. Besides that, you can also see an outstanding sea cave and row your way inside it.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Visiting this national park makes you feel like you are in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Mammoth Cave National Park encompasses a colossal cave with 420 miles passages that await to be explored. You can see beautiful rock structures on the walls and ceilings of the cave. Sparkly stalactites and stalagmites invite you to take a closer look. Also, get in touch with the Native American’s story with their murals and prints on the cave walls. Therefore, Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA.
Although the national park’s highlight is the cave, it offers a plethora of things to do on the surface. After going for an exhilarating journey inside the cave, you can choose other activities. Go canoeing on the vast lake, set up a tent and spend a night stargazing, and go horseback riding.
Arches National Park, Utah
The USA never ceases to amaze us with its unparalleled natural beauty. Thus, Arches National Park displays one of them. The park encompasses thousands of sandstone arches, which look dazzling red during the daylight. Moreover, it features rock formations that look like pillars, towers, ribs, and hoodoos. Looking ethereal, Arches National Park is one of the best national parks in USA.
Arches National Park welcomes you for a hike or a drive. There are several hiking trails in the park that are great for different levels. Besides that, you can drive along 26 miles of scenic road and watch the rock formations from your window. We also recommend you to go during the night. A scene of the impressive Milky Way from the Colorado Plateau will make breathless.