The United States is home to 63 national parks protecting some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth from towering red canyons to geothermal wonderlands and ancient sequoia forests If you're planning an American road trip built around nature here are the best national parks in the USA to add to your list along with practical tips for visiting each one
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Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years the Grand Canyon is one of the most awe inspiring natural landmarks in the world The South Rim is the most accessible and popular entry point open year round while the North Rim offers a quieter experience but closes seasonally due to snow
Best time to visit Spring (March May) or fall (September November) to avoid extreme summer heat
Yellowstone National Park Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
America s first national park is famous for the Old Faithful geyser colorful hot springs and abundant wildlife including bison wolves and grizzly bears Yellowstone s sheer size means it s worth allocating at least 3 4 days to explore its major regions
Best time to visit Late spring through early fall many roads close in winter
Yosemite National Park California
Known for its dramatic granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome along with towering waterfalls Yosemite is a favorite for hikers climbers and photographers alike Yosemite Valley gets extremely busy in summer so early morning visits are recommended
Best time to visit: Late spring for peak waterfall flow or fall for smaller crowds
Zion National Park Utah
Zion s narrow slot canyons and dramatic sandstone cliffs make it one of the most visually striking parks in the country The Narrows and Angels Landing are two of its most famous and most challenging hikes
Best time to visit Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures
Glacier National Park Montana
Often called the Crown of the Continent Glacier National Park features pristine alpine lakes dramatic mountain passes and the iconic Going to the Sun Road. Its remaining glaciers are shrinking, making a visit sooner rather than later all the more meaningful
Best time to visit July and August when Going to the Sun Road is fully open.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tennessee/North Carolina
As the most visited national park in the country the Great Smoky Mountains offer misty forested ridges abundant wildlife and a rich Appalachian cultural history Unlike many western parks entry is completely free
Best time to visit Fall for spectacular foliage or spring for wildflowers
Acadia National Park Maine
Acadia offers a rare combination of rocky Atlantic coastline granite peaks and dense forest all within a relatively compact and easy to explore area Cadillac Mountain is famously one of the first places to see the sunrise in the continental United States
Best time to visit Summer for warm weather or early fall for changing leaves
Tips for Visiting US National Parks
- Get an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit three or more parks in a year it covers entry to all federal recreational lands for a flat annual fee
- Book lodging and campsites months in advance for popular parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone during peak season
- Download offline maps before arriving as cell service is unreliable or nonexistent in most parks
- Start hikes early to avoid both crowds and in desert parks dangerous afternoon heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
From the vast silence of the Grand Canyon to the geothermal wonder of Yellowstone America s national parks offer some of the most rewarding travel experiences on the planet Whichever park you choose plan ahead respect wildlife and trail guidelines and give yourself enough time to actually slow down and take it all in
Looking for more UK inspiration? Check out our guides to Best Things to Do in London and Hidden Gems in the UK Click here for more