America has no shortage of national parks. In fact, there are 63 official national parks in total. There are incredible sights and things to do in all of these parks. But just which ones are most worthy of your bucket list? Here are 10 national parks that should be on your ‘must-visit list’ , if you love the great outdoors.
Arches
Arches National Park in Utah gets its name from its thousands of natural sandstone arches. It also boasts many other impressive rock formations. Some of the most popular sites include Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden and Fiery Furnace. For desert hiking, it’s arguably the best national park in the US. You can book a hotel in Moab and go exploring from here.
Big Bend
Big Bend National Park in Texas features a mixture of canyons and mountains. It’s a popular national park for hikers because of its many diverse and scenic trails. Santa Elena Canyon Trail is the most popular trail, which follows the Rio Grande through a dramatic canyon. You can also paddle through this canyon in a kayak. It’s worth noting that Big Bend is also one of the top-rated locations in the US for stargazing due to its brilliantly clear night skies.
Everglades
The unique swampland of Florida’s Everglades National Park is home to many incredible animals including pythons, turtles and of course alligators. You can spot this Everglades wildlife by walking the hiking trails or by taking boat trips. Popular attractions in the Everglades include Shark Valley and the Anhinga Trail. There is no overnight lodging inside Everglades National Park, however there are many hotels just outside the park.
Joshua Tree
This national park is known for its impressive desert landscapes dotted with Joshua trees (hence its name, Joshua Tree National Park). Skull Rock and Cholla Cactus Garden are just two popular attractions in this park that you have to see. There aren’t many settlements in Joshua Tree National Park itself, but plenty around it. When it comes to eating out, check out some of these fantastic restaurants near Joshua Tree.
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park’s most famous feature is of course the Grand Canyon. This world-renowned immense canyon is Arizona’s most popular attraction. There are many ways you can explore the canyon from hiking trails to helicopter rides. A lot of people don’t know where to stay when visiting this park – these eccentric towns near the Grand Canyon are all worth considering.
Grand Teton
For those that love outdoor adventure sports, Grand Teton National Park is a must. It’s home to Jackson Hole valley – a hotspot for skiing, hiking, rafting and fishing. Fancy a more leisurely trip? A scenic drive from Jackson Hole to the iconic jagged Grand Teton mountains could be a great way to explore the park. Jackson has the best selection of hotels in Grand Teton, but there are other places to stay overnight throughout the park.
Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US. In 2021, over 14 million people visited this park. Why is it so popular? Like other national parks listed above, it has some incredible dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife, as well as being home to a popular section of one of the world’s most famous hiking trails – The Appalachian Trail. Clingmans Dome is known to be the most famous viewpoint, allowing you to see into 7 states on a clear day. When it comes to hotels, consider staying in Gatlinburg.
Rocky Mountain
If you love mountains, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is a must. The snow-capped peaks here are known for their Alpine feel – there are some incredible scenic drives here through the mountains and plenty of mountain treks for those that fancy something more physically challenging. Longs Peak and Bear Lake are two of the most popular sights.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park stretches over two million acres across three states: Wyoming, Montana and Nevada. It arguably has the most impressive wildlife of any national park – the sheer amount of wildlife here is incredible. The park is also unique for being on the site of a sleeping super volcano and there are hot springs and geysers that you can visit here (including the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful).
Yosemite
California’s most popular national park, Yosemite National Park, has a lot going for it. On top of taking in the impressive Sierra Nevada mountains, visitors can take in the breathtaking Bridalveil Fall and get up close to 300ft giant Sequoia trees. Make sure to also visit Tunnel View Outlook for some of the best vistas in the entire park.
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