The top 10 best national parks in the USA are a must-visit for any nature lover. From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone, these parks offer stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. For more than 100 years, the National Park Service has managed millions of acres solely for the “enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.” Today, 63 designated national parks in the United States draw millions of visitors a year to witness jaw-dropping natural wonders and unforgettable terrains. To determine the best U.S. national parks, U.S. News considered scenic beauty, range of activities and the opinions of both travel experts and recent park visitors. Do you have a favorite park? Cast your vote below to help us determine next year’s ranking.
There are 63 national parks in the United States, which are protected places that have been authorized by Congress and are managed by the National Park Service, a division of the Interior Department. National parks are established “because of some outstanding scenic feature or natural phenomenon,” generally for its “natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities.” Although all of the National Park System’s units are regarded equal by law and share the same objective, national parks tend to be larger and more popular tourist destinations, and hunting and other extractive activities are not allowed.
On the other hand, national monuments are typically safeguarded due to their historical or archaeological importance. Eight country wide parks (six of which can be in Alaska) are joined through a country wide preserve; those included areas, that have various tiers of management however are though seemed as separate units, aren’t blanketed in the following maps. Although most of the National Park System’s 425 units have various official names, they can all be generically referred to as national parks. Yellowstone National Park opened its doors in 1872 when President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation creating it, long before the U.S. National Park Service was established in 1916.
Nature’s Playground: Top 10 Best National Parks in the USA
The National Parks in the US are the perfect destination for anyone craving adventure, excitement, and, above all, breath-taking scenery. These places have stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife waiting for you. Each park is different and has something about it that makes visiting it a unique experience. It may be the bison in Yellowstone or the delicate arch in Arches National Park.
If you have not been to a National Park then now is the time to go see the wonders they hold. If you have been to some of them, then now is the time to go and explore the others. These 10 parks are all very popular, and for good reason; they are some of the most amazing national parks in the USA.
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho)
A national park called Yellowstone National Park is situated in the western United States, primarily in Wyoming’s northwest corner and spreading into Montana and Idaho. With the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, the 42nd U.S. Congress created it, and President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law on March 1st, 1872.
In addition to being the first national park in the United States, many people believe Yellowstone to be the first national park ever created. The Old Faithful Geyser, one of the park’s most well-known geothermal phenomena, is among its many wildlife attractions. Over 10,000 geothermal features, such as geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles, can be found in Yellowstone National Park.
A wide range of species, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep, call it home. Over 4 million people travel to Yellowstone National Park each year, making it a well-liked tourist attraction. Although the park is available year-round, summer is the ideal time to go.
2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Grand Canyon National Park is a national park located in the state of Arizona. It is known for its steep-sided canyon, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters).
The Grand Canyon was established as a national park on February 26, 1919. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, with over 6 million visitors each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon, including hiking, camping, rafting, and sightseeing. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
3. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite National Park is a national park located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It is known for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. The park was established on October 1, 1890, making it the third national park in the United States.
Yosemite National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including sequoia trees, pines, and wildflowers.
Yosemite National Park is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 4 million people each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Yosemite National Park, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and fishing. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
4. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion National Park is a national park located in southwestern Utah. It is known for its sandstone canyons, including The Narrows, a slot canyon that can only be accessed by hiking. The park was established on November 19, 1919, and is the second-oldest national park in Utah.
Zion National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including Joshua trees, yuccas, and cacti.
Zion National Park is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 4 million people each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Zion National Park, including hiking, camping, canyoneering, and horseback riding. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
5. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Grand Teton National Park is a national park in northwestern Wyoming, United States. It is located just south of Yellowstone National Park and is home to the Teton Range, a group of mountains that rise over 13,000 feet (4,000 m). The park was established on February 26, 1929, and is known for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Grand Teton National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, moose, and bears. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including aspen trees, wildflowers, and sagebrush.
Grand Teton National Park is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 3 million people each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Grand Teton National Park, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in north-central Colorado, United States. It was established on January 26, 1915, and is known for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The park is home to over 350 peaks over 10,000 feet (3,000 m), including Longs Peak, the highest mountain in the park at 14,259 feet (4,345 m). The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, and bears.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 4.5 million people each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
7. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier National Park is a national park located in the northwest corner of Montana, United States. It was established on May 11, 1910, and is known for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The park is home to over 130 named glaciers, including Grinnell Glacier, the largest in the park. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and wolves.
Glacier National Park is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 3 million people each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Glacier National Park, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
8. Arches National Park (Utah)
Arches National Park is a national park located in southeastern Utah, United States. It is known for its towering sandstone arches, including the delicate arch, landscape arch, and double arch. The park was established on April 12, 1929, and is home to over 2,000 natural arches, making it one of the most concentrated areas of arches in the world.
Arches National Park is also home to a variety of other geological features, including canyons, fins, and monoliths. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, rabbits, and lizards.
Arches National Park is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 1.8 million people each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Arches National Park, including hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
9. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park located in southwestern Utah, United States. It is known for its amphitheaters of colorful rock spires, called hoodoos. The park was established on February 25, 1928, and is home to over 2,000 hoodoos, making it one of the largest concentrations of hoodoos in the world.
Bryce Canyon National Park is also home to a variety of other geological features, including canyons, mesas, and waterfalls. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and owls.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 2.4 million people each year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Bryce Canyon National Park, including hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
10. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are two adjacent national parks located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. They were established in 1890 and 1940, respectively, and are known for their towering sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume.
The parks are home to a variety of other wildlife, including black bears, deer, and coyotes. The parks are also home to a variety of geological features, including granite cliffs, waterfalls, and caves.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are popular tourist destinations and are visited by over 3 million people each year. The parks are open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild.
There are many ways to experience Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, including hiking, camping, fishing, and sightseeing. The parks have a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. There are also several campgrounds in the parks, as well as lodges and hotels in the nearby towns.
FAQs: Best National Parks in the USA
Q. What are the criteria for the top 10 best national parks in the USA?
- Natural beauty
- Wildlife
- Recreation opportunities
- Historical significance
- Accessibility
Q. How are the top 10 best national parks in the USA chosen?
The top 10 best national parks in the USA are typically chosen by a panel of experts, such as National Park Service staff, scientists, and journalists. The panel will consider the criteria mentioned above and other factors, such as the popularity of the park, to make their selection.
Q. Can I visit all of the top 10 best national parks in the USA in one trip?
It is possible to visit all of the top 10 best national parks in the USA in one trip, but it would be a very long and expensive trip. The parks are located all over the country, so you would need to fly or drive between them. You would also need to stay in hotels or other accommodations, which can add up to a lot of money.
Q. What are some of the most popular activities at the top 10 best national parks in the USA?
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Wildlife watching
- Photography
Q. What are some tips for visiting the top 10 best national parks in the USA?
- Plan your trip in advance
- Be prepared for the weather
- Bring plenty of water
- Leave no trace
- Be aware of your surroundings
Conclusion
The United States has some of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the world. Whether you are looking for stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, or challenging hiking trails, you are sure to find a park that you will love. These parks are home to some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, and they offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the best of what the United States has to offer.
English