America has some of the best national parks in the world which draws millions of visitors every year to explore the natural wonders. There are over 62 national parks in the country and it would be difficult to cover them all in a single visit. This is the reason why we are sharing the list of top 10 national parks in United States to help you narrow down your choices.
1. Yosemite National Park
This park is home to some of the most iconic sites in the country. The stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, plunging waterfalls, and giant trees make this one of the best national parks in United States. It’s also a major hub for cultural activities such as the Sierra Art Trails and the Yosemite Music Festival.
The Yosemite National Park spreads over 1,200 square miles and has over 4 million visitors annually. If you want to see the largest granite slab in the world, then you should head to El Capitan which you will be able to find in this national park. The Tunnel View provides you the view of all the highlights of this national park simultaneously. You can swim in the Merced River, rent a raft, hike, stargaze and also visit the Tunnel View here.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
This national park is home to the top natural wonders in the world and is also the most visited park in America. The magnitude of this 277-mile long deeply eroded river gorge has millions of visitors every year. El Tovar is the favorite place in this park to watch the sunset.
You can explore the marvels of nature at a luxury camp hosted by Under Canvas, which is built at the base of Bill Williams Mountain. Don’t forget to try the zip line and hiking the canyon from one end to another to get a better view of the national park. You can also raft on the Colorado River or just enjoy the view from the Skywalk Observation deck while you are here.
3. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is popular for its unique geological features. It has everything from bubbling mud pots to steaming vents, and colorful pools to geysers. In fact, this national park has the largest collection of geysers in the world. The park is imminently beautiful in all weather and across all seasons.
The iconic attractions of this park can be experienced on a scenic drive. Spanning two million acres, Yellowstone is home to several shaggy animals and herds of bison. You can also hear wolves howling if you are camping at night.
4. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
These two national parks in United States lying adjacent to each other, are home to some of the largest and the oldest trees on the planet. General Sherman, the biggest tree in the world measuring 60 feet wide and 275 feet tall has made this national park its home. The massive 3,200-year-old giant sequoia tree is absolutely breathtaking. The parks are also popular for underground stalagmites and stalactites.
Both parks offer hiking trails that take you into remote areas. They do have consolidated management structure and have been jointly administered since 1943.
5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Want to witness bubbling lava, sulfurous steam, and black landscapes? Then the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is where you need to be. It has some of the most unique cultural, geographical, and biological landscapes in the world. It encompasses the summits of the two most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The park has also earned the status of World Heritage Site in 1987 and also an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980.
6. Olympic National Park
Majestic mountains, rugged coastlines, and dense forests define the Olympic National Park. Whether you want to explore tide pools, engage in adventurous activities, or just walk on the beach, you can do it all at here. This park is a haven for nature lovers, stargazers, hikers, and photographers.
Spanning across 1 million acres, this national park is home to temperate rainforests and over 70 miles of wide coastline. It is both an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site today.
7. Death Valley National Park
This park occupies an interface zone between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. It has a diverse environment of sand dunes, salt flats, canyons, badlands, mountains, and valleys. It is the lowest, driest, and hottest of all national parks in the United States. About 91 % region of this park has been designated as a wilderness area.
If you are lucky, you can spot coyotes, bighorn sheep, creosote bush, and the Death Valley pupfish while exploring this national park. The Titus Canyon is a prominent attraction for its colorful rocks and a ghost town. The Zabriskie Point is another must-visit place as it offers some of the most stunning colorful rock formations in entire California.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to explore alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, tundra wildflowers, and majestic mountains, then Rocky Mountain National Park is where you need to head. Within the boundaries of this spectacular park, over 100 mountain peaks rise above 11,000 feet in altitude. The Trail Ridge Road is the most scenic vehicle route you can take. It is the highest continuously paved highway in North America.
You can spot mule deer and chipmunks here every day. The western region of this park is more lush and green while the eastern side is mountainous, scrubby, and arid. The park is home to over 150 lakes and there are 359 hiking trails for you to explore its majestic beauty.
9. Arches National Park
Another of the most popular national parks in United States, the Aches National Park is known for its otherworldly and visually arresting natural scenic beauty. The red sandstone formations shaped by the wind and water over time are the most captivating regions. The impressive natural archways and rock ways steal the show at this national park. You will come across over 2,000 arches exploring this region. It is easier to explore this national park as most of the prime sights can be found right along the main road.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The sprawling landscape of lush forests and the wildly charm of this national park attracts over 11 million visitors throughout the year. The waterfalls, rivers, streams, and hiking routes are the prime attraction of this park. There is an Observation tower on the highest peak which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mist-covered mountains. This park is also home to black bears which you can spot while hiking.
