Exploring the natural beauty of the United States is best experienced through its stunning national parks. From majestic mountains to serene forests, each park offers unique landscapes and activities.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the seven best national parks to visit in the US, their key features, and where to stay for a memorable trip. Let’s get started with our number one favorite.
1.) Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a geothermal wonderland filled with geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife. It’s one of the most diverse and fascinating parks in the United States, offering visitors a chance to witness nature’s raw power and beauty. Whether you’re standing in awe of the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring or spotting bison in the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s landscape is sure to captivate your senses.
In addition to its natural wonders, Yellowstone is rich in history and geological significance. The park sits atop a massive volcanic hotspot, which is responsible for its unique geothermal features. Exploring the park feels like stepping into another world, where every turn reveals something extraordinary.
Key Features:
- Old Faithful Geyser: Iconic geothermal feature erupting regularly. Watching Old Faithful erupt is a mesmerizing experience, showcasing the power of nature.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: Largest hot spring in the US with vibrant colors. The brilliant hues of the spring are a sight to behold, offering stunning photo opportunities.
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to bison, elk, bears, and wolves. Yellowstone is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, with ample chances to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
- Mammoth Hot Springs: Unique limestone terraces. These terraces are formed by hot water bubbling up through limestone, creating an ever-changing landscape.
Where to Stay:
- Old Faithful Inn: Historic lodge near Old Faithful. Staying here puts you right in the heart of the park, close to one of its most famous features.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Close to the hot springs and wildlife. This spot offers convenient access to Mammoth Hot Springs and is perfect for those looking to explore the northern part of the park.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel: Elegant lodging with lakeside views. For a more luxurious stay, this hotel provides beautiful views and a touch of elegance.
2.) Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that draws millions of visitors each year. Its immense size and intricate rock formations create a landscape that is both dramatic and breathtaking. From the towering cliffs of the South Rim to the more secluded North Rim, the Grand Canyon offers diverse experiences for all types of travelers.
The canyon’s vibrant colors and unique geological history make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Hiking the Bright Angel Trail or rafting on the Colorado River provides an up-close encounter with this incredible landscape, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
Key Features:
- South Rim: Panoramic vistas and popular hiking trails. The South Rim is the most accessible part of the Grand Canyon, offering breathtaking views and numerous hiking options.
- North Rim: Less crowded with equally stunning views. For a more tranquil experience, the North Rim provides serene landscapes and fewer visitors.
- Bright Angel Trail: Iconic trail for hiking enthusiasts. This trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views along the way.
- Colorado River: Rafting adventures through the canyon. Adventurous visitors can enjoy rafting trips that offer a unique perspective of the canyon.
Where to Stay:
- El Tovar Hotel: Historic hotel on the South Rim. This elegant hotel combines luxury with history, providing an unforgettable stay.
- Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim: Rustic charm with breathtaking views. Perfect for those seeking a quieter experience, with beautiful surroundings.
- Bright Angel Lodge: Cozy cabins and rooms near the canyon edge. This lodge offers a variety of accommodations and is close to many trailheads.
3.) Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a true gem of the American West, known for its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and towering waterfalls. The park’s diverse landscapes offer something for everyone, from rock climbers scaling El Capitan to families enjoying a picnic in the valley. Yosemite’s natural beauty is unparalleled, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park’s giant sequoias, especially those in Mariposa Grove, are some of the oldest living trees on Earth. Their sheer size and age are awe-inspiring, providing a tangible connection to the past. Whether you’re hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls or simply soaking in the views from Glacier Point, Yosemite offers endless opportunities for exploration and wonder.
Key Features:
- Yosemite Valley: Iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome. This valley is the heart of Yosemite, offering some of the most recognizable and stunning landscapes in the park.
- Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America. The roar of the falls is a captivating experience, especially during peak flow in spring.
- Mariposa Grove: Giant sequoias and ancient trees. Walking among these towering giants is a humbling experience.
- Glacier Point: Spectacular panoramic views. This viewpoint offers some of the best vistas in the park, particularly at sunset.
Where to Stay:
- The Ahwahnee Hotel: Luxurious accommodations in the heart of the park. Known for its grand architecture and history, The Ahwahnee provides a premium experience.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: Comfortable lodging near Yosemite Falls. Perfect for families and those looking for convenience.
- Wawona Hotel: Historic charm with close proximity to Mariposa Grove. This Victorian-era hotel offers a quaint and charming stay.
4.) Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a sanctuary of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Its unique topography and diverse ecosystems make it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The dramatic landscapes of Zion are best experienced by exploring its many trails, from the thrilling heights of Angels Landing to the serene beauty of the Emerald Pools.
Zion’s rich colors and striking formations provide a stunning backdrop for any adventure. The park’s variety of trails cater to all levels of hikers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its beauty. Zion’s unparalleled natural beauty and sense of adventure make it a must-visit destination.
Key Features:
- The Narrows: Unique hike through a river canyon. This hike is an adventure through the Virgin River, with towering walls on either side.
- Angels Landing: Thrilling hike with incredible views. Known for its steep drop-offs and stunning vistas, this hike is not for the faint of heart.
- Canyon Overlook Trail: Easy hike with stunning scenery. This short trail provides great views with minimal effort.
- Emerald Pools: Series of picturesque waterfalls and pools. A popular and beautiful hike for all skill levels.
Where to Stay:
- Zion Lodge: Only lodging within the park, offering convenience and comfort. Staying here means you’re right in the middle of the action, with easy access to all the park’s main attractions.
- Cable Mountain Lodge: Upscale lodging near the park entrance. This lodge offers modern amenities and is just a short walk from the park entrance.
- Flanigan’s Inn: Charming inn with easy access to Zion. A lovely place to relax after a day of exploring, with a spa and excellent dining options.
5.) Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, offering lush forests, misty mountain views, and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. Known for its rich biodiversity, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The Smokies’ rolling hills and abundant wildlife make it an enchanting destination.
Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, enjoy scenic drives, and visit historical sites within the park. The variety of activities and landscapes ensures that there’s something for everyone, from the seasoned hiker to the casual visitor. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and history.
Key Features:
- Clingmans Dome: Highest point with panoramic views. The observation tower offers 360-degree views of the Smokies and beyond.
- Cades Cove: Scenic valley with historic buildings and wildlife. This area is perfect for wildlife viewing and exploring historical sites.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Beautiful drive with lush forests and waterfalls. This one-way loop road offers a scenic drive with plenty of spots to stop and explore.
- Appalachian Trail: Iconic long-distance hiking trail. A segment of this famous trail runs through the park, offering great hiking opportunities.
Where to Stay:
- LeConte Lodge: Rustic cabins accessible only by hiking. For those who want a true adventure, staying here requires a hike but offers unparalleled views and serenity.
- Bearskin Lodge: Comfortable lodging in nearby Gatlinburg. Conveniently located with modern amenities and easy park access.
The Park Vista: Towering hotel with great views of the Smokies. This high-rise hotel offers stunning views and excellent facilities.
6.) Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park’s vast expanse provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Rocky Mountain National Park’s breathtaking landscapes make it a top destination for nature lovers.
The park’s Trail Ridge Road is one of the highest paved roads in North America, offering stunning views and access to alpine tundra. Whether you’re exploring Bear Lake or attempting to summit Longs Peak, the variety of experiences in Rocky Mountain National Park ensures an unforgettable adventure.
Key Features:
- Trail Ridge Road: Scenic drive reaching over 12,000 feet. This road offers spectacular views and is one of the highest paved roads in North America.
- Bear Lake: Beautiful alpine lake with easy hiking trails. A favorite spot for visitors, with trails suitable for all ages.
- Longs Peak: Challenging climb for experienced hikers. At over 14,000 feet, this peak offers a demanding but rewarding hike.
- Wildlife Viewing: Abundant elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. The park is teeming with wildlife, providing great viewing opportunities.
Where to Stay:
- The Stanley Hotel: Historic hotel in Estes Park with a rich history. Known for its beautiful architecture and spooky past, this hotel is a great base for exploring.
- YMCA of the Rockies: Family-friendly lodging with numerous activities. Ideal for families, with a range of activities and easy park access.
- Murphy’s River Lodge: Cozy cabins near downtown Estes Park. Offers a quaint, comfortable stay with easy access to local shops and restaurants.
7.) Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park offers a blend of stunning coastal landscapes, rocky shores, and forested hills. Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, the park is a haven for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Acadia’s diverse scenery makes it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The park’s Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the US East Coast and provides spectacular sunrise views. The Park Loop Road offers an easy way to explore many of Acadia’s highlights, from the serene Jordan Pond to the picturesque Sand Beach. Acadia National Park’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination.
Key Features:
- Cadillac Mountain: Highest point on the US East Coast. Famous for being one of the first places to see the sunrise in the US.
- Jordan Pond: Serene pond with picturesque views. The clear waters and surrounding mountains make this a perfect spot for a leisurely walk.
- Park Loop Road: Scenic drive showcasing the park’s highlights. This 27-mile road offers access to many of Acadia’s top sights.
- Sand Beach: Beautiful coastal beach with hiking trails nearby. A unique feature, this beach is a lovely spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Where to Stay:
- Bar Harbor Inn: Elegant accommodations with ocean views. This inn offers luxury and comfort, with stunning views of Frenchman Bay.
- Atlantic Oceanside Hotel: Comfortable lodging with easy access to the park. Perfect for families and those looking for modern amenities.
- Harborside Hotel: Luxurious resort in nearby Bar Harbor. Offers top-notch facilities and close proximity to both the park and local attractions.
Each of these national parks offers unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Plan your stay with the suggested accommodations for a convenient and enjoyable visit!
