Gearing up for an epic road trip? Discover the best national parks in the USA with this handy guide.
From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vast, windswept dunes of the desert, America’s national parks showcase some of the world’s most stunning and diverse landscapes.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply want to immerse yourself in nature, these parks offer a place to escape the everyday and connect with the wilderness. Ready to explore?
Best National Parks in America
Arches National Park
State: Utah • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $30.00 • When to Go: April/May, September/October
With its mesmerising landscape of over 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park in Utah is a breathtaking testament to the power of wind and time. With its striking red-rock formations and sweeping desert vistas, it’s a place that feels both otherworldly and utterly captivating.
No visit is complete without marvelling at Delicate Arch, the park’s iconic, freestanding arch. A moderate 3-mile round-trip hike takes you to this natural wonder – perfect for sunset when the arch glows in vivid orange hues. Or, for a shorter adventure, wander through the Windows Section, where massive arches frame the rugged desert beyond.
Getting There: Arches National Park lies just outside of Moab, Utah. From here, it’s a 5-mile drive to the park entrance.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Moab
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, it’s worth considering the America the Beautiful Pass. It costs $80 for the year and grants you unlimited access to the majority of parks mentioned in this guide.
Big Bend National Park
State: Texas • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $30.00 • When to Go: March/April, October/November
Stretched along the Texas-Mexico border, Big Bend National Park is blessed with rugged mountains, sweeping desert, and the winding Rio Grande. This remote and vast park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting dramatic canyons, diverse wildlife, and some of the darkest night skies in the United States. Stargazing, anyone?
Don’t miss the breathtaking Santa Elena Canyon: a scenic 1.7-mile round-trip hike leads you into the heart of the enormous limestone walls carved by the Rio Grande. For panoramic views, trek the Lost Mine Trail, a moderate 4.8-mile hike rewarding you with sweeping vistas of the Chisos Mountains. Or, if you prefer a leisurely adventure, enjoy a scenic drive along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Getting There: Big Bend National Park is approximately 300 miles southeast of El Paso, Texas. The nearest town, Terlingua, lies about 30 miles from the park’s western entrance.
Where to stay: Camp Elena
Bryce Canyon National Park
State: Utah • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: May/June, September/October
Famous for its unique hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a geological wonderland – and one of the best national parks in the USA. These vibrant, spire-shaped rock formations create a surreal and breathtaking landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet.
A must-see is Sunrise Point. Visit early to catch the hoodoos as they light up with the morning sun. The Navajo Loop is another must-see; a 1.3-mile trail descending into the canyon, weaving through iconic formations like Thor’s Hammer. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, drive along the Scenic Byway to reach the park’s highest viewpoints, including Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, both perfect for sunset.
Getting There: Bryce Canyon National Park is located about 75 miles northeast of Zion National Park and approximately 270 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah. The nearest town, Bryce, sits just outside the park entrance.
Where to stay: Best Western Bryce Canyon Plus
Canyonlands National Park
State: Utah • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $30.00 • When to Go: April/May, September/October
Canyonlands National Park in Utah stuns with its vast desert landscape carved by the Colorado River. Divided into four districts, the park is home to towering mesas, deep canyons, and dramatic rock pinnacles.
Visit Island in the Sky, the most accessible district, for sweeping panoramic views. The Mesa Arch trail, a short 0.6-mile loop, leads to a stunning arch perched on a cliff edge, perfect for snapping some epic sunrise photos. We also love The Needles, where the Chesler Park Loop offers an 11-mile hike through colourful spires and open meadows. Scenic drives and overlooks throughout the park reveal breathtaking views at every turn.
Getting There: Canyonlands National Park lies about 30 miles southwest of Moab, Utah. The Island in the Sky entrance is the closest, while The Needles district sits about 75 miles south of town.
Where to stay: The Gonzo Inn
Capitol Reef National Park
State: Utah • Entry Fee: $10.00 – $20.00 • When to Go: April/May, September/October
While we can’t exactly claim it as a hidden gem, Capitol Reef National Park is often overlooked in favour of Utah’s other parks. We think this might be the most beautiful of the Might Five. Capitol Reef is home to stunning cliffs, twisting canyons, and the striking Waterpocket Fold – a massive wrinkle in the Earth’s crust.
Explore Scenic Drive, a paved road that winds through the park’s most iconic landscapes. For a closer look, hike the Hickman Bridge trail, a 1.8-mile round-trip trek leading to an impressive natural arch. Oh, and don’t miss Cathedral Valley, where isolated sandstone monoliths rise from the desert floor.
Getting There: Capitol Reef National Park sits about 140 miles west of Moab, Utah, and 200 miles south of Salt Lake City. The main entrance lies along Highway 24, which runs through the heart of the park.
Where to stay: Capitol Reef Resort
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
In Fruita, a historic settlement within Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can pick fresh fruit from the orchards during harvest season (June – October).
Death Valley National Park
State: California/Nevada • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $30.00 • When to Go: November – March
Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes: it holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth and features the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin. Despite its harsh conditions, the park offers a strikingly beautiful landscape of salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged mountains.
Explore Zabriskie Point, a short walk to one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, where golden badlands stretch toward the horizon. Visit Badwater Basin, located 282 feet below sea level, to walk across the vast salt flats. For a scenic drive, follow Artist’s Drive, a 9-mile loop that winds through colourful, mineral-streaked hills. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting to experience the park’s dramatic landscapes.
Getting There: Death Valley National Park is located about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. You can also take a day trip from here. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center, accessible via California Highway 190, serves as the park’s main hub.
Where to stay: The Inn at Death Valley
Read Next: Unmissable Things to do in Death Valley National Park (+ Map)
Dry Tortugas National Park
State: Florida • Entry Fee: $15.00 • When to Go: November – April
Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West, offers a tropical paradise of crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and rich history. This remote park spans seven small islands and is famous for Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress that stands as a testament to maritime history.
Explore the fort’s brick walls and learn about its past, then snorkel around the nearby coral reefs to discover vibrant marine life. Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, is the park’s main hub and a perfect spot for swimming and birdwatching. For a more secluded adventure, visit Loggerhead Key, where the park’s largest lighthouse and pristine beaches await.
Getting There: Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Most visitors take the Yankee Freedom III ferry from Key West, which covers the 2.5-hour journey to Garden Key.
Where to stay: Oceans Edge Key West
Everglades National Park
State: Florida • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: December – April
Everglades National Park protects one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. This vast subtropical wilderness features slow-moving waters, sawgrass marshes, and a rich variety of wildlife (we’re talking alligators, manatees, and rare birds). The park offers endless opportunities to explore wetlands and coastal mangroves.
Start at the Anhinga Trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop where you can spot alligators and wading birds up close. For a deeper journey, paddle through Nine Mile Pond or take a guided airboat tour to experience the park’s expansive waterways. Don’t miss Flamingo, the park’s southernmost point, where you can kayak through mangrove tunnels and spot manatees in the marina.
Getting There: Everglades National Park has three main entrances. The Homestead entrance, about 40 miles southwest of Miami, provides access to the Royal Palm and Flamingo areas. The Shark Valley entrance lies 40 miles west of Miami, while the Gulf Coast entrance is near Everglades City on the park’s western edge.
Where to stay: Flamingo Lodge
Glacier National Park
State: Montana • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: July – September
Glacier National Park in Montana is worth travelling to. This U.S. national park dazzles with its rugged mountains and over 700 miles of hiking trails – so much so, it has earned the moniker Crown of the Continent.
Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile route that winds through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views. We recommend the Hidden Lake Overlook trail, a 2.7-mile round trip leading to panoramic views and frequent mountain goat sightings (so cute!). Make sure you explore Many Glacier, a remote region known for crystal-clear lakes and excellent wildlife watching, including bears and moose.
Getting There: Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana near the Canadian border. The West Glacier entrance is about 30 miles northeast of Kalispell, while the St. Mary entrance on the east side provides access to Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier.
Where to stay: Lake Mcdonald Lodge
Grand Canyon National Park
State: Arizona • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: March – May, September – November
We’re not being dramatic when we say Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon stretches 277 miles and reveals layers of colourful rock formations that tell the story of Earth’s geological past.
Explore the South Rim, the most accessible and popular section, where the Bright Angel Trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike into the canyon. Or, for a shorter walk, follow the Rim Trail to pass Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. The North Rim, open between May and October (dates vary), offers a quieter experience with dramatic views from Bright Angel Point.
Getting There: The South Rim entrance is about 80 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, and is open year-round. The North Rim, located 220 miles from the South Rim, is open from mid-May to mid-October due to snow closures.
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
If you want to extend your trip, we highly recommend you visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Both are located near the city of Page, not too far from Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Teton National Park
State: Wyoming • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: June – September
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming features jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The imposing Teton Range dominates the landscape, offering breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Hike the Jenny Lake Trail, a scenic 7.5-mile loop that leads to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, both offering stunning views of the mountains and valley. For a shorter option, take the Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat to cut the hike in half. Explore Schwabacher Landing for a peaceful spot to photograph the Tetons reflected in the water. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Oxbow Bend, a prime area to spot moose, elk, and bald eagles.
Getting There: Grand Teton National Park is located just south of Yellowstone National Park and about 5 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming. The Moose entrance is the most popular access point, connecting visitors to key trails and scenic areas.
Where to stay: The Cloudveil
Great Sand Dunes National Park
State: Colorado • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $25.00 • When to Go: May – September
Fancy spotting the tallest sand dunes in North America? Head to Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, some of these dunes reach up to 750 feet high.
Climb the High Dune, a challenging 2.5-mile round-trip hike that rewards you with sweeping views of the dunes and surrounding landscape. For a more relaxed experience, rent a sand sledge or sandboard to glide down the dunes. Explore Medano Creek when it flows in spring, where you can wade and cool off in the shallow waters.
Getting There: Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado, about 35 miles east of Alamosa. The park is easily accessed via U.S. Highway 160.
Where to stay: Hampton Inn Alamosa
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
State: Hawaii • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $30.00 • When to Go: April – October
Witness the raw power of nature at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Home to two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, the Big Island park showcases ever-changing landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
Hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile loop that takes you across a solidified lava lake and through lush rainforests. Don’t miss the Crater Rim Drive, which offers access to Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and stunning viewpoints over the lava-filled caldera. Nearby, explore the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), where you can walk through a fascinating tunnel carved by ancient lava flows.
Getting There: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island. You can access the park via Hawaii Route 11; the main entrance is located near the Kīlauea Visitor Center.
Where to stay: Volcano Retreat
Joshua Tree National Park
State: California • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $30.00 • When to Go: March – May, October – November
Joshua Tree National Park is a personal favourite – it’s equally perfect for cosy weekends as it is hiking holidays. This park is famous for its surreal landscape of twisted Joshua trees, rugged boulders, and striking desert vistas. The park lies at the intersection of two unique desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado.
Don’t skip the Hidden Valley Trail, an easy 1-mile loop that takes you through rock formations and Joshua tree groves. Make sure you also visit Keys View, the highest point in the park. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mexico.
Getting There: Joshua Tree National Park is located about 45 minutes from Palm Springs and about 2 hours from Los Angeles. The park has multiple entrances, with the West Entrance (Joshua Tree Village) and North Entrance (Twentynine Palms) being the most popular.
Where to stay: This Adorable Airbnb
Redwood National Park
State: California • Entry Fee: Free • When to Go: May – September
Redwood National Park in northern California is home to the tallest trees on Earth. These ancient redwoods, some reaching over 350 feet tall, create a magical forest landscape that feels otherworldly. Don’t miss the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, where you can take a leisurely drive and enjoy views of the soaring trees and lush greenery.
Explore the Tall Trees Grove, a 4-mile round-trip hike that leads you through a secluded section of the forest, showcasing some of the park’s most impressive giants. For a shorter trek, take the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, a 1.5-mile loop offering a peaceful walk through the heart of the redwoods.
Getting There: Redwood National Park is located along the northern California coast, about 5 miles north of Orick. The Kuaya Visitor Center serves as a main hub and is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 101.
Where to stay: Requa Inn
Rocky Mountain National Park
State: Colorado • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: June – September
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, which offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and the chance to spot wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep.
If you’re here to hike: tackle the Bear Lake Trail, a short 0.6-mile loop around a crystal-clear lake with views of the surrounding peaks. For a more challenging hike, try the Longs Peak Trail, a strenuous 15-mile round-trip hike to the summit of one of the park’s most iconic mountains.
Getting There: Rocky Mountain National Park is located just 1 hour northwest of Boulder and about 70 miles from Denver. The main entrance is through Estes Park, a charming mountain town that offers easy access to the park’s main trails and scenic drives.
Where to stay: Estes Park Resort
Saguaro National Park
State: Arizona • Entry Fee: $15.00 – $25.00 • When to Go: March – May, September – November
Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow over 40 feet tall and live for more than 150 years. The park offers a stunning desert landscape, with unique plant life, scenic trails, and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Explore the Valley View Overlook Trail, a short 0.8-mile hike that provides sweeping views of the surrounding desert and interesting cacti. For a more immersive experience, hike the Rincon Mountain District, where the Mica View Trail offers a 3-mile loop with fantastic views of the desert and surrounding mountain ranges. The park is also great for stargazing, as its remote location provides some of the darkest skies in the country.
Getting There: Saguaro National Park has two main sections, the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. Both are easily accessible from Tucson, Arizona.
Where to stay: Tanque Verse Guest Ranch
Sequoia National Park
State: California • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: May – October
Sequoia National Park in California is home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the world-famous General Sherman Tree. The park is home to a remarkable combination of giant sequoias, rugged mountain landscapes, and alpine lakes. In other words, bring your camera.
Visit the Giant Forest, where you can see General Sherman, the largest tree by volume, standing over 275 feet tall. For stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, take the Moro Rock Trail, a short but steep climb that rewards you with panoramic vistas. We also recommend the Tokopah Falls Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Getting There: Sequoia National Park is located about 200 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. The Ash Mountain Entrance is the main access point, located just outside the town of Three Rivers.
Where to stay: Wuksachi Lodge
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
State: North Carolina/Tennessee • Entry Fee: Free • When to Go: April – October
One of the most popular parks in America, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The area is famed for its lush forests, mist-covered mountains, and rich biodiversity – plus, the park transforms into a moody wonderland with vibrant fall foliage in October.
Hike the Alum Cave Trail, a 5-mile round trip that leads you to a stunning rock arch with sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains. Explore the Clingmans Dome – the highest point in the park – accessible via a paved road and a short trail to an observation tower with panoramic mountain views.
Getting There: The park is located along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The Gatlinburg Entrance in Tennessee and the Oconaluftee Entrance in North Carolina are the two main access points, with plenty of scenic routes to explore once inside the park.
Where to stay: Berry Lodge
White Sands National Park
State: New Mexico • Entry Fee: $25.00 • When to Go: March – May, September – November
White Sands National Park is severely underrated, we think. This surreal landscape of gleaming white gypsum dunes stretches across 275 square miles of desert, with stunning views and a wide range of activities to enjoy.
Hike the Interdune Boardwalk, a short, 0.4-mile trail that provides easy access to the dunes and offers fantastic photo opportunities. For a more adventurous trek, take the Alkali Flat Trail, a 5-mile round-trip hike that leads you deep into the vast dunes.
Getting There: White Sands National Park is located about 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo, New Mexico. The park is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 70, which runs through the southern part of the park.
Where to stay: Quality Inn & Suites
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
During the warmer months, you can even sledge down the dunes at the Alkali Flat trailhead. You can buy a board at the NPS Visitor Centre. Be warned: You will ZOOM.
Yellowstone National Park
State: Wyoming/Montana/Idaho • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: June – September
Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, is a geothermal wonderland set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The park spans across three states and offers diverse landscapes, from deep canyons to lush forests and crystal-clear lakes.
Visit the iconic Old Faithful, where the famous geyser erupts every 90 minutes, shooting steam and hot water high into the air. Explore Grand Prismatic Spring, the park’s largest hot spring, where vibrant colours swirl across the surface.
Ready to stretch your legs? Hike the Uncle Tom’s Trail, which descends into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, offering breathtaking views of the canyon and its stunning waterfalls. Wildlife lovers will enjoy a trip to Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America,” where you can spot bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.
Getting There: The park has five entrances: North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana), Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana), West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana), South Entrance (Grand Teton National Park), and East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming).
Where to stay: Yellowstone Lodge
Yosemite National Park
State: California • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: May to September
No list of the best national parks in the USA is complete without Yosemite National Park. Peppered with granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and majestic waterfalls, the park is known for its iconic landscapes – El Capitan and Half Dome, to name a couple of standout landmarks.
Hike the Mist Trail to reach Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, where you’ll be surrounded by mist from the powerful waterfalls. For more challenging terrain, tackle the Half Dome Trail, a strenuous 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike that rewards you with panoramic views from the top.
Yosemite Valley provides easy access to key landmarks like Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan. Visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to see some of the largest trees in the world, including the famous Grizzly Giant.
Getting There: Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The park is accessible via Highway 140 from Mariposa (for the Arch Rock Entrance), Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Entrance), and Highway 41 (South Entrance).
Where to stay: The Ahwahnee
Read Next: Unmissable Things to do in Yosemite National Park (+ Map)
Zion National Park
State: Utah • Entry Fee: $20.00 – $35.00 • When to Go: March to May, September to November
Southern Utah’s Zion National Park is truly a paradise for hikers, known for its towering red rock cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning desert landscapes. Hike the famous Angels Landing, a 5.4-mile round-trip trail that offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon from the top (for experienced hikers only, due to its steep and exposed sections).
For a less strenuous adventure, follow The Narrows, a 10-mile out-and-back trail that follows the Virgin River through a narrow slot canyon. The Canyon Overlook Trail is another great option for panoramic views of the park, requiring only a short 1-mile hike.
Getting There: Zion National Park is located near Springdale. The South Entrance provides the easiest access to popular sites in the park, while Kolob Canyons offers a quieter, less crowded experience on the park’s northern edge.
Where to stay: Red Cliffs Lodge Zion
