Top 20 National Parks for Adventure Seekers & Nature Enthusiasts

Looking for the best national parks to visit? Our list narrows it down to the top parks across the country, highlighting what makes each one special—from the big canyons to the geysers. Whether you want peaceful, stunning hikes or adrenaline-fueled fun, this list of the US’s best national parks has you covered. Get ready to mark your map with these must-see natural wonders.

Quick Hits

• From big landscapes with trails for all skill levels to river rafting and other scenic adventures, the National Park System has a lot to offer.

• Whether you’re looking down into the Grand Canyon or up to the top of the Rocky Mountains, there’s a national park for every climate in the US.

Grand Canyon National Park: A Natural Wonder

First up, we head to the Grand Canyon National Park, a classic. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon is a natural wonder. Its massive scale—226 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, over a mile deep—will blow your mind. After the Grand Canyon, consider adding on the Great Basin National Park for more.

This natural wonder, with its stunning views and hiking trails, draws nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the world.

Hiking Trails & Viewpoints

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual tourist, the Grand Canyon has trails for you. From the popular Bright Angel Trail with rock arches and Native American pictographs to the peaceful North Rim trails, each trail offers a different view of the canyon.

The South Rim gets over 4 million visitors a year, more than the North Rim. The park also has trails for families and those with mobility issues so everyone can see the canyon.

River Rafting

For some adrenaline, try rafting the Colorado River. The river has it all—whitewater rapids and float trips. Multi-day rafting trips offer a deeper dive into the Grand Canyon, with nights under the stars and meals prepared by guides.

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a beginner, the Colorado River is an adventure.

North Rim & South Rim

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year round but the North Rim has a seasonal schedule due to its higher elevation. Open from mid-May to mid-October, the North Rim is less crowded.

No matter when you go, each rim has its own character and beauty so you’ll have a great time no matter the season.

Yellowstone National Park: America’s First Playground

Up next is Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park. Yellowstone has geothermal wonders galore—hot pools and geysers. It’s also a wildlife sanctuary so it’s a must-see for animal lovers.

With over 900 miles of trails, Yellowstone is a playground for adventure seekers. Ready to get started? Let’s get into it.

Geysers & Hot Springs

Yellowstone has over 10,000 hydrothermal features including over 500 geysers. It has hot springs like the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest in the park, with its bright colors. These geothermal features are a result of the park’s volcanic activity and contribute to the diversity of the ecosystems.

Tall geysers to colorful hot springs, Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders.

Wildlife Encounters

In Yellowstone, every day is a safari. The park has:

• bison

• bears

• wolves

• bald eagles

One of the best places to see this wildlife is Lamar Valley, called ‘America’s Serengeti’.

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer or just love to see animals in their natural habitat, Yellowstone is a wildlife viewing experience like no other.

Scenic Drives & Hikes

Yellowstone isn’t just about wildlife and geysers; it’s also a hiker’s and road tripper’s paradise. The park has many scenic drives and hikes for all levels of adventurer. The Grand Loop Road is a scenic drive that hits all the highlights of Yellowstone.

For hikers, Uncle Tom’s Trail to Lower Falls and the Mount Washburn Trail are two of Yellowstone’s most famous hikes. Get on the road or lace up your boots and get into the Yellowstone landscapes!

Yosemite National Park: Climber’s Mecca

Now we head west to Yosemite National Park, a climber’s dream. The park is world famous for its great and difficult climbing with Half Dome and El Capitan as the ultimate climbing test for climbers everywhere.

But don’t worry, even if you’re not a climber, the park has plenty of other outdoor activities and views to blow your mind.

Half Dome & El Capitan

Half Dome and El Capitan are not just famous landmarks in Yosemite National Park but also famous climbs for climbers worldwide. The hike to Half Dome is a 14–16 mile round trip with 4,800 feet of elevation gain. It’s a tough hike but the views from the top are worth it.

El Capitan is a climber’s paradise. The granite walls are so big they require extensive training and experience to conquer. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just looking for an adventure, these rock formations are a must see.

Waterfalls & Valley Floor

Yosemite National Park isn’t just about rock formations and climbing; it also has waterfalls and a beautiful valley floor. The park’s waterfalls, like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, are spectacular during peak flow in the spring.

The valley floor, with its meadows and wildlife, is a peaceful oasis from the big walls. Explore Yosemite’s waterfalls and valley floor for a relaxing and scenic experience.

High Country Adventures

The adventures in Yosemite aren’t just limited to the valley floor. The high country has plenty of options for the adventurous. From hiking to rock climbing to skydiving you can do it all.

Whether you want to climb or just take in the views, the high country is endless adventure.

Zion National Park: Utah’s Desert Playground

Next up we have Zion National Park, Utah’s desert playground. Famous for its unique landscapes it has:

• Tough hikes

• Solitude in its vast wilderness

• Hiking the Narrows

• Gazing at Kolob Canyons

• Stargazing under the desert sky

Zion is an adventure you won’t want to miss, like Voyageurs National Park, Death Valley National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

The Narrows & Angels Landing

For hikers, Zion National Park has trails for all skill levels and interests. The Narrows, one of the park’s most popular hikes, takes you through a river deep in the canyon and into River Gorge National Park.

Angels Landing is a tough hike that ascends a knife-edge ridge and rewards brave hikers with 360 degree views of the entire park. Both are unforgettable experiences that showcase the park’s natural beauty.

Kolob Canyons

While the main canyon of Zion National Park gets all the attention, the Kolob Canyons area is a quieter alternative. Accessible from a separate entrance, Kolob Canyons is a hidden gem with scenic drives, hiking trails and climbing and canyoneering.

If you want to escape, Kolob Canyons is a must see and don’t forget to check out Arches National Park for more Utah rock formations.

Slot Canyons & Stargazing

Zion National Park is not just about canyons and hiking; it’s also a world of exploration under the stars. The park’s dark skies are perfect for stargazing like you would at Bryce Canyon National Park.

And the park’s slot canyons are a one of a kind geological feature to explore. Whether you’re a night sky enthusiast or a lover of unique landscapes, Zion has a lot to offer.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Alpine Majesty

Next up we have the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. Famous for its alpine beauty the park has:

• Scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road

• Wildlife watching

• Exploring alpine lakes and tundra

So grab your hiking boots and get ready to experience the alpine of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Ridge Road

One of the main attractions of Rocky Mountain National Park is Trail Ridge Road. It reaches 12,183 feet and has spectacular views of the alpine. This is a must see when you visit the park.

But remember the road is only open from late May to October.

Alpine Lakes & Tundra

Beyond the scenic drives Rocky Mountain National Park has an ecosystem to explore. The park’s alpine lakes and tundra are home to unique flora and fauna. Wildflowers to wildlife, there’s a lot to see.

So don’t forget your binoculars and camera to capture the park’s natural beauty.

Wildlife Watching

Rocky Mountain National Park is not just about landscapes; it’s also a wildlife haven. The park has over 60 species of mammals, 280 species of birds and countless other fauna. Elk in the fall, bighorn sheep in the summer, wildlife viewing is year round.

So whether you’re a wildlife photographer or animal lover you’re in luck.

Acadia National Park: Coastal Charm & Rugged Beauty

Next up we have the northeast coast and Acadia National Park. Famous for its coastal charm and rugged beauty the park has:

• Historic lighthouses

• Tallest mountains

So are you ready to get beachy? Let’s go into Acadia.

Cadillac Mountain & Park Loop Road

One of the main attractions of Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. east coast. The mountain has views of the glaciated coastal and island landscape and is a must see in the park.

Another is the Park Loop Road, a scenic drive that gets you to all the major attractions. Whether you drive or hike Cadillac Mountain and Park Loop Road are a must do.

Carriage Roads & Hiking

Acadia National Park also has a network of carriage roads, a gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. These roads were designed for horse drawn vehicles and allow you to explore the park and preserve it.

In addition to carriage roads the park has trails that connect all the major attractions. From strenuous climbs to gentle scenic routes there’s a trail for every hiker in Acadia.

Island Exploration

Beyond the mountains and carriage roads Acadia National Park has island exploration.

You can:

• Hike

• Tide pool

• Bird watch

• Stargaze

Whether you’re an experienced explorer or a first timer the islands of Acadia National Park are an experience you won’t forget.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Biodiversity Hotspot

Next up we have the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a biodiversity hotspot. Over 19,000 species and believed to have up to 100,000 more this park is proof of the abundance of life on earth. From dense forests to vibrant wildlife the Great Smoky Mountains are a nature lover’s paradise.

Lets get started!

Waterfalls & Hiking Trails

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has many waterfalls.

Some of the waterfalls in the national park and preserve are:

• Laurel Falls

• Mouse Creek Falls

• Rainbow Falls

• Abrams Falls

• Grotto Falls

Each one is a natural wonder.

The park also has many hiking trails for every level of hiker. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual stroller the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains will blow your mind.

Cades Cove & Wildlife Viewing

Cades Cove is the best place in the park to see wildlife.

Here you can see:

• white-tailed deer

• black bears

• coyotes

• turkeys

in their natural environment. The park’s varied elevations add to the biodiversity.

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer or just a nature lover the Great Smoky Mountains have a wildlife viewing experience you won’t forget.

Fall Foliage & Wildflowers

The Great Smoky Mountains have:

• Fall color

• Diverse elevation levels for color

• Backcountry to explore and photograph

• Wildflowers to add color to the landscapes

Whether you visit in the fall or spring the Great Smoky Mountains are a sight to see.

Glacier National Park: Crown of the Continent

Up next we have Glacier National Park the Crown of the Continent. The park has glacier capped mountains and pristine lakes for an alpine experience. From scenic drives to glacier adventures Glacier National Park is a nature lover’s must see.

Lets get started.

Scenic Drives & Overlooks

One of the main features of Glacier National Park is the scenic drives. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50 mile transmountain highway with glacier carved mountains and valleys. Along the road are many scenic overlooks with alpine views.

But remember the road is only open late May to October due to the high elevation.

Hiking & Wildlife Encounters

Beyond the scenic drives Glacier National Park has many hiking trails. From short hikes to long backpacking trips there’s a trail for every kind of adventurer.

The park also has many species of wildlife from mountain goats to bighorn sheep so there are wildlife encounters for everyone. So whether you’re an experienced hiker or a wildlife lover Glacier National Park has something for you.

Glacier Adventures & Boat Tours

For a special adventure Glacier National Park has glacier tours and boat cruises. The Glacier Park Boat Company has been offering scenic boat tours on the park’s lakes since 1938 so it’s a long time tradition in the park.

From the park’s lakes to the glacier capped peaks Glacier National Park has many adventures that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. If you want an experience on a sleeping volcano in Oregon check out Crater Lake National Park for more scenery.

Denali National Park: Alaska’s Untamed Wilderness

Next up we have Denali National Park Alaska’s wild country. Named after North America’s highest peak Denali the park has wildlife viewing and photography and backcountry experiences.

Let’s get into Denali National Park.

Mount Denali & Tundra Wilderness

Mount Denali is not only the highest peak in North America but also the main attraction in Denali National Park. The mountain rises to 20,310 feet and offers views of the surrounding landscape. The next highest US national peak is Mt. Whitney at 14,505 feet which is the highest peak in the lower 48 but no match for the summit of Mt. Denali.

Besides Mount Denali the park has a tundra wilderness for the adventurous hiker. From the summit of Mount Denali to the tundra there’s a lot to see in this park.

Wildlife Viewing & Photography

Denali National Park is also a wildlife haven. The park has many species from grizzlies to moose so wildlife viewing and photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an animal lover Denali National Park has something for you.

So don’t forget your camera and binoculars and get ready for a wildlife adventure like no other.

Backcountry Exploration

For a true wilderness experience Denali National Park has backcountry opportunities. With 6 million acres of wild land the park has a lot of landscape for off trail hiking. The park encourages hikers to make their own adventures and create their own routes so they can explore the vast wild country without a predetermined path.

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a first timer the backcountry of Denali National Park is challenging and rewarding.

Olympic National Park: A World of Ecosystems

Now we head back to the west coast to Olympic National Park a world of ecosystems. The park has many different landscapes from rugged coastline and tide pools to temperate rainforest and glacier capped mountains.

Whether you’re beachcombing the coast, climbing the mountains or wandering the rainforest there’s a world of adventure waiting for you in Olympic National Park.

Coastal Beaches & Tide Pools

Olympic National Park’s coastal beaches and tide pools are a marine ecosystem to explore. From sandy beaches to rocky shores each coastal area has its own natural wonder. The tide pools are especially cool with sea stars, rock crabs and wolf eels.

So whether you’re an experienced explorer or a first timer the coastal beaches and tide pools of Olympic National Park are an experience you won’t forget.

Mountain Peaks & Hiking

Beyond the coastal beaches Olympic National Park has many mountain peaks. The mountains have many hiking trails for every level of adventurer. Whether you’re looking for a tough climb or a casual walk the mountains of Olympic National Park have something for every adventurer.

So lace up your hiking boots and get into the mountains of Olympic National Park.

Rainforest

And finally Olympic National Park has rainforest adventures. The park’s rainforests like the Hoh Rain Forest are an ecosystem to explore. From trees draped in moss to diverse wildlife there’s a lot to see and do in these rainforests.

So whether you’re an experienced explorer or a first timer the rainforests of Olympic National Park are an experience you won’t forget.

More National Parks

We’ve covered a lot but there are many more national parks to see. Some of those are:

• Saguaro National Park cacti

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park fall colors

• Joshua Tree National Park hiking

• North Cascades National Park mountains

Each is special and worth seeing.

So whether you’re an experienced explorer or a first timer there’s a national park out there for you to explore and the national park service will help you make the most of it.

Conclusion

From the geology of the Grand Canyon to the biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountains from the alpine of the Rocky Mountains to the coastal of Acadia National Park we’ve seen many landscapes and many adventures.

Each of these national parks is a wonder in itself of what America has to offer. Whether you’re an experienced explorer or a first timer we hope you’ve been inspired to lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera and get out there and see America’s national parks.

FAQs

What are the 3 big national parks?

The three most visited national parks in the US are Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon each with natural wonders to explore. These three are a must see for an outdoor adventure.

Which national park should I go to?

You should go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee & North Carolina as it has something for every visitor. Hiking, wildlife or scenic drives this park has it all.

#1 national park?

#1 national park is Great Smoky Mountains National Park with 14.2 million visitors in a year.

When to visit Yellowstone National Park?

Best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is April to June or September to November when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. Enjoy!

Can I hike in Denali National Park?

Yes you can hike in Denali National Park it’s all off trail. Enjoy!