Both my husband and I are major nature nuts, probably to the extreme (especially if you ask our family and friends). And since he films national parks for a living, we spend most of our free time in search of the most beautiful national parks in America.
Thankfully, with over 63 nationals parks, and counting, there’s no shortage of stunning American national parks to explore.
With the summer season in full swing, I wanted to share our personal list of our favorite national parks in the United States for those planning a visit.
So whether you’re looking for a tropical paradise, jaw-dropping alpine views or fantastical groves of monolithic trees, this helpful guide will have you covered!
With that said, let’s take a look at America’s backyard and explore the best of America’s national parks!
Most Beautiful National Parks in America
Tips for visiting the prettiest national parks in US
National Park Pass
- All national parks charge an admission fee for a 7 day pass (typically $30). The cheapest route is to purchase an annual pass for $80 and you will have access to ALL national Parks for an entire year, plus 2,000 recreational sites throughout the US.
Practice Leave No Trace
- If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.
You + Sunscreen = Best Friends (Forever)
- I swear by this sunscreen, I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. It works like a charm and doesn’t leave strange residue or smells, you’ll NEVER catch me without it!
Wear hiking boots with good traction
- Even though the trails are well maintained, exposed roots are common. It’s easy to trip in the woods, so set yourself up for success by wearing proper shoes.
- These are my hiking boots, and I’d sleep in them if I could.
Stay on the trail
- The stunning meadows are for all to enjoy, stay on the trail to ensure you don’t hurt delicate flora or fauna.
- Stepping on the exposed tree roots actually harms the trees and causes them to degrade over time. Step over roots whenever possible.
Be prepared
- Bring insect repellent during summer months and a light rain jacket regardless of the season. Also, don’t forget to stock up on water!
Crowds
- No way around this, my friends. America’s national parks are loved by all and many of them average several million visitors per year. All this to say, prepare for crowds – especially during the warm summer months.
- To avoid crowds and congestion, make an effort to visit during weekdays whenever possible and start your hikes early (before 8am is a safe bet).
Hiking with pups
- Dogs are NOT allowed on trails, snow, wilderness or in buildings in most national parks in the US. Essentially, pups can only go where cars can go. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen hikers prep their cute pups for a hike before a Ranger notices and tells them dogs aren’t allowed on trails – heartbreaking to watch.
The 15 Most Beautiful National Parks in America
#15. Sequoia National Park
There’s no denying that Sequoia National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in America. Whenever I find myself talking to locals during international trips, I can’t help but reach for my phone to show them photos of Sequoia National Park while trying to explain more about the country I’m lucky enough to call home.
It’s impossible to fathom the size of these striking monoliths until you see them in person — and even then, you’ll still pinch yourself. We visited the park in winter and the fresh blankets of snow wrapped around the bases of the tree’s signature red bark was breathtaking.
All told, we spent five days exploring Sequoia National Park in winter and promptly made plans to return again, it’s impossible to stay away from this incredible US national park.
Did you know? Sequoia National Park is home to the three largest trees in the entire world!
Best things to do in Sequoia National Park:
- See the General Sherman Tree (largest tree in the world)
- Hike the Congress Trail
- Giant Forest hike
Crowd sizes: 5/10
Best time to visit Sequoia National Park: June through August for ideal hiking temperatures. If you’d like to see this drastic landscape in the snow, I highly suggest visiting Sequoia National Park during winter.
Read: A Stunning Guide to Sequoia National Park in Winter
#14. Bryce Canyon National Park
Last summer, my husband and I decided road trip through all five of Utah’s national parks (known as the Mighty 5 Road Trip). Make no mistake, all of Utah’s national parks are jaw-dropping, but Bryce Canyon National Park surprised me the most and ended up being the most memorable from the trip.
Bryce Canyon National Park is smaller than most US national parks so in many ways it feels, dare I say, manageable. You can easily hike the 6 most epic hikes in the park within one day.
Best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Hike the Navajo Loop Trail (my favorite hike in America’s national parks)
- Hike the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail
- Catch sunrise at Sunrise Point
Why Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in America:
- The hoodoo formations are other-worldly
- The hiking opportunities in this red-rock national park are incredible!
Crowd sizes: 5/10
Best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park: May through September
Read: Best Hikes Bryce Canyon National Park
#13. Haleakala National Park
As if anyone would be surprised to see one of Hawaii’s parks listed as one of the most beautiful national parks in America, right? Hawaii is sheer paradise and Haleakala National Park is no exception.
This tropical wonderland is chock-full of exciting activities. You’ll find everything from jaw-dropping waterfalls to breathtaking sunsets and lush bamboo forests. But the icing on the cake is catching sunrise from Haleakala summit, I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like it — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best things to do in Haleakala National Park:
- Catch sunrise at Haleakala summit (permits required)
- Hike Haleakala Crater
- Hike to Waimoku Falls (400 foot waterfall!)
- Drive the Road to Hana
Why Haleakala National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
Haleakala is one of two volcanoes that makes up the island of Maui. The mountain summit is 10,023 feet but when measured from the base of the ocean floor the summit is actually 30,000 feet tall — making it one of the tallest mountains in the world. P.S. Hawaii is home to the three tallest mountains on earth!
Crowd sizes: 4/10
Best time to visit Haleakala National Park: December through February because there’s less crowds and the temperatures are mild.
Read: 6 Amazing Things to Do in Haleakala National Park
#12. Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for a scenic national park in America to clear your mind and take in some fresh alpine air, Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to fit the bill, especially in the fall. Thankfully, this national park has a plethora of incredible hiking trails to choose from and the wildlife spotting opportunities only add to the magic of this place!
Best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Drive the Trail Ridge Road
- Emerald Lake Trail (best hike in the park)
- Rocky Mountain is one of the best wildlife watching destinations in the world!
Why Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- At elevations up to 14,259 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest-elevation national parks in the US. In fact, 77 mountains within the park’s boundary exceed 12,000 feet. Alpine lakes mixed in with towering peaks create the perfect conditions for alpine enthusiasts and eager for glorious mountain scenery.
Crowd sizes: 7/10
Best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park: November through April for mild temperatures and less crowds. The fall color is incredible!
#11. Great Smoky Mountains
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee is America’s most visited national park — Great Smoky Mountains! A spectacular park for anyone interested in plants, animals, mountains and colorful autumn foliage, this is easily one of the most beautiful national parks in America during the fall season.
Best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Hike to Rainbow Falls
- Hike Charlie’s Bunion
- Chimney Tops Hike
Why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in America, it offers ample outdoor opportunities for visitors. Endless hiking trails, towering waterfalls and incredible vistas — you name it, this pretty national park has it.
Crowd sizes: 8/10
Best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Summer and fall seasons (the fall color is breathtaking).
Read: The Complete Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains
#10. Death Valley National Park
If you’re not a desert person you may find yourself tempted to scroll past this information but hear me out. I’m not much of a desert person myself but within a day of exploring this beautiful national park, we made plans to return again for a longer trip.
The result? A total of two (blissful) full weeks spent in Death Valley National Park and we barely scratched the surface — the park is that big! At 3 million acres, Death Valley is the biggest US national park outside of Alaska.
The drastic vast barren landscape is broken up by incredible dune fields, striking mountains and even one waterfall (yes really). Needless to say, you won’t want to miss this ethereal landscape.
Best things to do in Death Valley National Park:
- Catch sunrise at Zabriskie Point
- Sunset from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- Explore the Badwater Salt Flats
- Drive through Artist’s Drive
Why Death Valley National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48 states
- This US national park hold the world record for hottest and driest place on earth
- Death Valley is home to the largest dune field in North America (Eureka Dunes)
Crowd sizes: 4/10
Best time to visit Death Valley National Park: November – February. Death Valley National Park holds the world record for the hottest recorded temperate on earth, avoid the summer months!
Read: 10 Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park
#9. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is one of my favorite national parks in the US for one very special reason — we got engaged in the park! And let me tell you, the striking Olympic Range looming in the background was the perfect backdrop for a photo that will last a lifetime.
Covering 1 million acres, this stunning American national park is the epitome of pristine Pacific Northwest beauty and the reason so many adventure enthusiast flock to this corner of America.
Best things to do in Olympic National Park:
- Hike Hurricane Ridge
- Catch sunrise over Crescent Lake
- Explore the Hoh Valley Rain Forest
- Hike Marymere Falls
Why Olympic National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- The Hoh Valley Rain Forest is one of the few remaining temperate rain forests in the world (averaging 14 feet of rainfall a year!)
- The world’s largest dam removal took place in Olympic National Park.
Crowd Sizes: 6/10
Best time to visit Olympic National Park: Late spring and early summer for ideal hiking temperatures and less chance of snow
#8. Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park has to be one of the most jaw-dropping national parks in America. Redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet and there’s no place in the world with such an expansive (and healthy) grove like the one in Redwood National Park.
Best things to do in Redwood National Park:
- Hike the Stout Grove
- Hike Fern Canyon
- Drive through a Redwood tree
Did you know? Hyperion, the tallest tree in the entire world, is located in an undisclosed location within Redwood National Park.
Crowd Sizes: 6/10
Best time to visit Redwood National Park: Temperatures are mild year-round, I suggest visiting during the off-seasons of spring and fall to avoid crowds.
Read: The 9 Most Epic Hikes in Redwood National Park
#7. Mt. Rainier National Park
We can’t talk about the most beautiful national parks in America without mentioning Mt. Rainier National Park (a personal favorite of mine). When we lived in Portland, Oregon we would travel to Mt. Rainier every weekend during the summer months three years in a row (what can I say?).
In that time, we hiked over 80% of the trails and completely fell in love with this beautiful US national park. Since moving out to New York City, I can honestly tell you that the thing I miss most about our life in Portland was the proximity to Mt. Rainier National Park, I feel homesick for it!
Think panoramic views of distant mountains + healthy forests, glaciers galore, pristine alpine lakes and breathtaking wildflowers — it’s an absolute treat to visit this national park.
Best things to do in Mt. Rainier National Park:
- Hike the Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail for sunrise
- Hike the Skyline Loop Trail (my favorite hike in the park)
- Catch wildflowers at peak bloom
- Stargaze
Why Mt. Rainier National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- Mt. Rainier is the most heavily glaciated mountain peak in the contiguous US
- Mt. Rainier National Park is America’s fifth national park (making it one of the oldest), it was the first national park in America to allow cars.
Crowd Sizes: 6/10
Best time to visit Mt. Rainier National Park: July through August for snow-free trails and STUNNING wildflowers.
Read: 13 Badass Hikes at Mt. Rainier National Park & 10 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do at Mt. Rainier National Park
#6. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park’s claim to fame is being the first national park in the United States (actually the world). It’s no wonder this enchanting landscape was awarded such a prestigious designation, the geothermal activity in this area is known the world over — we’re talking prismatic spring pools and towering geysers, folks!
Best things to do in Yellowstone National Park:
- Explore Mammoth Hot Spring
- Hike Fairy Falls Trail
- See Old Faithful!
Why Yellowstone National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- Yellowstone National Park is the very first national park in the world.
- This US national parks is home to 500 active geysers (more than half the world’s geysers!)
- Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America
Crowd Sizes: 10/10
Best time to visit Yellowstone National Park: April – May, September – October
#5. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic national parks in America, you simply can’t create a list about America’s national parks without mentioning it for good reason.
It’s not uncommon for the Grand Canyon to evoke strong emotions out of visitors. I’ve heard so many folks mention they cried the first time they saw it. After visiting this national park for myself, I now understand. The expansive landscape is carved by the snake-like Colorado River and creates a striking environment that borders on terrifying yet induces trance-like fascination.
How can a place like this exist?! It’s absolutely incredible! Grand Canyon National Park is one of those places where photos can never do it justice, you have to feel it for yourself (and boy, brace yourself!).
Best things to do in Grand Canyon National Park:
- Take the Desert View Drive
- Walk the Trail of Time
- Check out the Visitor Center
Why Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- At 1,904 square miles, Grand Canyon National Park is bigger than the state of Rhode Island
- Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited national park in the United States
Crowd Sizes: 6/10.
Best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park: Fall and spring, avoid summer due to heat.
Read: Best Hikes North Rim of the Grand Canyon
#4. Glacier National Park
In many ways, Glacier National Park feels like a landscape a talented artist conjured up for the sake of impressing nature enthusiasts. It’s hard to believe that a place can be so beautiful, and even harder to believe that it’s in America’s backyard, ripe for exploration!
What’s more, Glacier National Park is home to one of the most scenic drives in the country — Going-to-the-Sun Road, which cuts through the hearts of the park.
Best things to do in Glacier National Park:
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Hike the Highline Loop Trail
- Hike to Iceberg Lake
- Grinnell Glacier Hike
Why Glacier National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- The alpine wilderness found in Glacier National Park, coupled with numerous pristine lakes, is tough to beat.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road is a marvelous architectural feat, it took more than two decades to complete planning and construction!
Crowd Sizes: 8/10
Best time to visit Glacier National Park: July – August
#3. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park neighbors Yellowstone National Park but doesn’t get as many visitors because it’s not as well known. Less crowds? You won’t hear me complaining! It’s hard to imagine these imposing mountains being a stone’s throw from Old Faithful, but it exists.
Easily one of the most beautiful national parks in America, Grand Teton is bursting with things to do. One of the most popular (and enjoyable) activities is taking the 42-Mile Scenic Loop Drive, which pops off at some of the most iconic lakes in the park.
Best things to do in Grand Teton National Park:
- Catch sunset from Mormon Row
- Hike Cascade Canyon
- Oxbow Bend Viewpoint
Crowd Sizes: 7/10
Best time to visit Grand Teton National Park: May – September
#2. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the 4th most visited national park in America, but let me tell you — this American national park is completely worth the hype because there’s no place in the world quite like it, that’s for sure.
As mentioned earlier, if you’re in an adventurous mood, I strongly suggest taking a road trip through all five of Utah’s National Parks (famously known as the Mighty 5 Road Trip).
Word to the wise: We learned the hard way that the Zion Shuttle is the lifeline of this national park. We didn’t book our shuttle tickets early enough and had to wait until the second day to get them. You can’t get into the most scenic portion of Zion National Park without shuttle tickets. We selected the 7am option and avoided the crowds altogether. And even with an early morning wake up, it was completely worth it.
Learn from our mistake and book tickets for the shuttle in advance. All the information you need about the Zion Shuttle can be found here.
Best things to do in Zion National Park
- Hike to Observation Point
- Explore the Narrows
- Hike Angel’s Landing Trail (the most iconic hike in the park)
Time Needed: 2 full days, ride the shuttle one day and hike around the other parts of the park during the second day. Zion National Park is incredible, soak it in and don’t rush the experience. You’ll be thinking of this place for years to come!
Crowd Sizes: 10/10. Zion National Park is as crowded as it gets, my friends (the shuttle system tells you all you need to know about the park’s popularity). Zion is incredible and people know it. Show up early (before 8am) to avoid the crowds, otherwise prepare to wait in long lines.
Best time to visit Zion National Park: May through November (summer gets SUPER busy, heads up!).
Read More: A (Very) Helpful Guide to Utah’s National Park Road Trip
#1. Yosemite National Park
As you can expect, Yosemite National Park is easily one of the most beautiful national parks in America and swells with visitors for good reason. We’ve visited this park more than 15 times and still find ourselves drawn to it regardless.
The towering granite cliffs take center stage in this stunning national park while soaring waterfalls pepper a landscape surrounded by resounding sequoias – in terms of dreamy landscapes, it doesn’t get better than this. Hence the reason Yosemite is often considered the most beautiful national park in America.
Best things to do in Yosemite National Park:
- Hike Bridalveil Falls
- Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
- Explore Mariposa Grove
- Glacier Point Drive
Why Yosemite National Park is one of the best national parks in America:
- Yosemite is so beautiful it attracts hordes of visitors every year, making it the third most visited national park in America.
- Over 400 species of wildlife call this national park home.
- These iconic granite towers are known the world over for their breathtaking beauty.
Crowd Sizes: 10/10 (as crowded as it gets)
Best time to visit Yosemite National Park: April & May, September & October to avoid crowds
Most Beautiful National Parks in America (Post Summary)
And there you have it, my personal list of the most beautiful national parks in America.
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Mt. Rainier National Park
- Redwood National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Haleakala National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Sequoia National Park
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Until next time,
Antonina
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You somehow forgot Arches National park, which is AMAZING!
Where was the picture below the title taken? The lush forest with vines. Thanks so much!
Hi Thomas,
The photo is of a hiking trail in Maui
What is the picture under the title? Can you tell me where that is? Beautiful, thank you!
It’s from Maui, Hawaii! A little trail we found en route to a beach. 🙂
family? buy a medium size pop-up camper. Load the kids and take at least 2-3 around the west vacation. The kids will experience how amazing the national park system is and have a lifetime of memories.at every break in college, I’d pack a tent and sleeping bags and head west. The only thing that would clear my head. My best friend and I went b/c he had never seen the west. He passed away just recently and always said the trip we took was the most awsome momentws of his life..
Have you ever visited one of the least visited National Parks in the United States? Least visited because it lies in the beautiful and remote waters of Lake Michigan, it’s called Isle Royale National Park. Have you ever been?