20 Best National Parks in the USA That Are Worth Taking A Trip To!

USA National Parks

Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Olympic National Park, Denali National Park, North Cascades National Park and more.

The national parks in USA are popular vacation destinations that attract millions of visitors to enjoy the natural splendor of landscapes along with witnessing abundance of wildlife. All these parks are spread across the country and preserve different sets of geographical landscapes. While the Zion and Grand Canyon are known for their vast erosional landforms, the Grand Teton and Glacier National Park offers the best mountainous temperate and alpine features. Visitors can get around the parks in free bus tours or go on a long scenic drive using their private vehicle.

Almost every park is well-equipped with a research center which helps in preserving the diverse flora and fauna of the parks.The national parks of the USA like Katmai and North Cascades have over 200 bird species spotted and popular animals like brown bears residing, thus making them important for the environment. Visitors would have an authentic experience of interacting with the natural elements while indulging in several adventurous activities like bicycling on a hill, rock climbing, horseback riding and much more. The months of spring and autumn offer the best climatic conditions to make a visit to these parks. But, Denali Park and Heritage Ridge of Olympic National Park are most suitable destinations for a moderate winter outing and enjoy activities such as sledding, sliding, skating and skiing.

Here is the list of best national parks in the USA:

01

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park located in California and is internationally known for the granite lids and the clear streams of water. This is a park with almost 95 percent of its territory being designated as wilderness. It has also been a world heritage site since 1984 and is one of the most sought after parks in the US. From the best views to hiking trails to even camping, there are a lot of things to do in the park.

Top Experiences To Do in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco

37 Ratings

13H

Starting from € 116 € 115 per Adult

02

Zion National Park

What makes Zion one of the most interesting national parks in USA is its diverse geographical and topographical features.

Be part of the wilderness of this park which is located 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, comprising 35 hiking trails and a great treasure of plant species.

The park houses around 78 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and amphibians, 291 species of birds and 8 species of fish.

The popular Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel surrounded by remarkable terrains including a maze of narrow, sandstone canyons, the Virgin River and its tributaries makes a perfect location to unwind.

Location- Utah, United States

Zion National Park Tour, Las Vegas

24 Ratings

11H

Starting from ₹ 25,378 ₹ 17,003 per Adult

03

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is the oldest and one of the largest national parks of the USA.

It is home to around 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals.

Spread over an area of 2.2 million acres, the park has several geothermal features like active glaciers, lakes and mountain ranges.

The intact ecosystem of the park allows you to explore its diverse wildlife, thus making it one of the most popular national parks in USA.

In addition to hiking, one can try several other outdoor activities like catching a fish, camping, riding a horse and more in this park.

Location- Wyoming, USA

Things To Do In Usa Explore All (573)

Welcome to the Universal Studios Orlando

1D

234 Ratings

Universal Studios Florida Tickets

$ 160 $ 130 per adult

Enjoy the combo tickets to Orlando Madame Tussauds & Sea Life Aquarium

3H

29 Ratings

Orlando Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Aquarium Combo Tickets

€ 50 € 38 per adult

Experience a ride on the tallest observation wheel on the eastern coast of the USA

93 Ratings

The Wheel At Icon Park Tickets, Orlando

€ 35 € 33 per adult

Explore All (573)

04

Glacier National Park

Since its establishment, the park has been pleasing visitors with its rugged topography and scenic mountains.

The park is an ideal place for a holiday vacation, where you can enjoy several activities, take accommodation around scenic landscapes and explore nature.

It is one of the best national parks of the USA that is home to over 6 species of amphibians, 276 species of birds, three species of reptiles and around 71 species of mammals.

The other activities to be explored at the park are guided hikes, horseback rides, boating and rafting tours.

Location- Montana, United States

05

Grand Teton National Park

The Grand Teton Park has an immensely rich wildlife, pristine lakes and alpine vegetation that makes it one of the best national parks which you must visit when in the USA.

Take in the natural beauty of the snow-covered mountains and the snake river that add more charm to its beauty.

At different sites of the park like the moose area, colter bay area, jenny lake, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, etc., guests can indulge in several activities.

Grizzly and black bears, bison, moose, elk, and pronghorn are just some of the wildlife which you will frequently see inside the park.

Location- Wyoming, United States

06

Arches National Park

The rock wonderland of Arches attracts thousands of guests to its beautiful landscape which comes with multiple viewpoints like the Courthouse towers, the windows section, delicate arch and devils garden.

During your exploration, you will come across several animals including birds, lizards, and some small mammals.

Over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of pinnacles, natural finns and giant balanced rocks give the park its charismatic outlook which makes it one of the finest national parks of the USA.

Star-gazing is the most enchanting activity to enjoy at the park, other interesting things to do at the park include camping, canyoneering, biking, etc.

Location- Utah, United States

07

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Popularly known as the land of extremes, the park is spread over a vast area whose topography varies from a spectacular range of green mountains to rocky hilly terrain.

Visitors would like to explore the Holzwarth district in Kawuneeche Valley, take a scenic drive and indulge in trekking along the 300 miles hiking trails.

Every year in April, the park celebrates Earth Day with National Park Week and National Junior Ranger Day, when several activities are organized.

While performing different activities visitors will be able to spot the diverse wildlife of the park like mammals, butterflies, insects, amphibians, etc.

Location- Colorado, United States

08

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyons National Park is known to have the largest concentration of Hoodoos, irregular columns of rock, in the world.

From the top of the high plateau of Grand Staircase, eye-catching sites of geological wonders like Aqua Canyon, Natural Bridge and Ponderosa Canyon are visible.

Alongside enjoying its natural splendor visitors can engage in hiking in the countryside, explore the trails on a horse back and take an impressive virtual tour.

Spot various wildlife in the park from around 59 species of mammals, 175 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, butterflies and other insects, which makes the attraction counted among the most popular national parks in USA.

Location- Utah, United States

09

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vital sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife and comprises some of the greatest wilderness areas in the East.

Approximately 65 species of animals, more than 200 bird species, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 different types of reptiles and amphibians call the park their home.

At the Cades Cove, Deep Creek, Hen Wallow Falls, Grotto Falls, etc., you will encounter the unparalleled beauty of open fields, caves and waterfalls.

Be a part of the Firefly shows in which you can spot hundreds of them in open fields.

Location- On the border of the states of North Carolina and Tennessee.

10

Olympic National Park, Washington

The vast geographical area, glacier capped mountains and temperate rainforests makes this place one of the famous USA national parks.

The park is an all season place, its temperate rainforests are for spring and autumn and the 70 miles long Pacific coastline is perfect for summers.

Heritage Ridge of the park is an idyllic destination for performing outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, tubing, etc.

Most popular attractions of the park are its Elwha Valley, Hoh Rain Forests, Kalaloch & Ruby Beach and Lake Crescent, along with many others.

Location- 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, United States

11

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon has been wildly popular for its distinguished geographical features formed due to erosion by the Colorado River.

One can take part in multiple outdoor activities such as backcountry hiking, river trips, bicycling, etc, in this park which is one of the best national parks of the USA.

Visitors can view the wildlife found inside the park such as mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and more.

While at the park, visitors must take a look at its popular attractions like desert view drive, desert view, north rim, phantom ranch, etc.

Location- Arizona, United States

12

Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Spread over an area of 4 million acres, the Katmai National Park is surrounded by Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and is popular for its brown bears and salmon fishes.

There is a research and outdoor laboratory at the park that studies the effects of volcanism, climate change and other land formation processes.

Its varied topography can be explored performing activities like bear watching, sport fishing boasting, hiking and camping.

Visitors here can spot brown bears enjoying a fresh bath at the mouth of Brook River and the shore of Naknek Lake.

Location- King Salmon, AK 99613, United States

13

Denali National Park, Alaska

Get ready to witness the beauty of one of the finest national parks in USA at its iconic mountain vista area, river bank and the wonder lake.

Here, travelers enjoy views of the taiga forests, high alpine tundra, snowy mountains and spot different wild animals.

The Denali National Park is home to 39 species of mammals, 169 species of birds, and 1 lonely species of amphibian.

Dog lovers would love meeting the snowy fur friends at the park and taking a sledding ride from them.

Location- Alaska, United States

14

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

The adventure wonderland of Voyageurs covers an area of 218,055 acres and exposes its diverse topography of rock ridges, cliffs, wetlands, forests, etc., to its visitors.

More than 100 species of birds, including eagles and loons, and more than 50 species of mammals, including moose, beavers, and wolves call this place their home.

A surreal experience of auroras is the biggest highlight of the park, visitors can catch the sight of northern lights in the winters.

Catching a sight of colorful subtropical and temperate birds, stargazing in a clear atmosphere and houseboating are some of the popular activities at the park.

Location- Minnesota, United States

15

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is basically thousands of acres and acres of forested mountainous terrain. This park is known to have the highest peak in the contiguous United States called Mount Whitney.

This place is also notable for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman tree that is known as the largest tree on earth by volume.

Location: Adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountain

Entry Fee: $70

Death Valley National Park

A desert valley in Eastern California constitutes much of the Death Valley National Park. This valley is famous for its telescope peak in the Panamint Range which forms the highest peak in the Death Valley with an average elevation of 11043 feet.

Some of the notable attractions here are bad water basin, china ranch, devil's hole, Oasis at Death Valley, sailing stones, Scotty’s castle, tecopa hot springs and many more.

Location: Eastern California and Nevada

Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades is amongst the largest subtropical national parks in USA that protects the abode of several endangered species like manatee and the Florida panther.

It would be enthralling to spot some of the birds from a large pool of over 300 species that are present in the park.

Exciting and adventurous programmes at Flamingo district , Gulf Coast, Royal Palm and Shark Valley would spark the journey of visitors.

Availability of different accessibility options like hearing, mobility and sight makes it easier for people with disabilities to enjoy the park’s premises as well.

Location- Florida, United States

18

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The park houses the active volcano of Mount Rainier, it has been covered fully in glaciers and gives birth to five rivers.

An elevation of 14,410 feet above sea level brings the park its subalpine meadow vegetation and wildlife.

A wide range of geographical features like volcanoes, waterfalls, aggradation, sunrise geology, etc., marks the varied topography of the park

It’s a perfect destination to begin with an adventure consisting of trails, hiking, spotting wildflowers, bicycling on hills and climbing.

Mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects and other species of animals can be spotted here in the park.

Location- Washington, United States

19

Redwood National and State Parks, California

It’s home to the tallest trees on Earth along with housing vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers and a 40 miles long coastline.

The diverse landscape of the park allows you to perform different outdoor activities like tidepooling, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, etc.

Visitors here can spot various wildlife including California sea lions, giant green sea anemone, bald eagles, Roosevelt elk, salamanders, and of course, a banana slug.

There are several schools at the park like the Howland Hill Outdoor School and the Wolf Creek Education Center which works for the cause of environment protection.

Location- California, United States

20

North Cascades National Park, Washington

The alpine vegetation of North Cascades makes its standout amongst all the USA national parks.

Rugged landscapes, jagged peaks, flowing rivers, freshwater lakes and over 300 glaciers add further to the beauty of North Cascades.

Known for its camping location, visitors may check out the locations for Boat-In Camping or Wilderness Camping.

North Cascades is home to several aquatic invasive species, over 200 bird species from 38 families and geographical features like alpine meadows and wetlands.

Location- It’s portions are located in the portions of Whatcom, Skagit and Chelan counties of Washington, USA

Trending in USA

Adventure in USA

Explore All (21)

Click pictures with your friends after having this amazing activity

1H

36 Ratings

Jet Ski Miami

₹ 7,870 ₹ 4,958 per adult

Thwu8qro0rthz80es6h2sahc3rlh 1588321559 1

1D

33 Ratings

Las Vegas Race Car Driving Experience

₹ 25,000 ₹ 19,610 per adult

Have fun at Hot Air balloon in Napa Valley

1H

36 Ratings

Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Tour, San Francisco

₹ 17,237 ₹ 11,549 per child

In8snu7i4m9g0v72t3rfc80yp61f 1588249913 ballon1

3H

29 Ratings

Hot Air Balloon Ride Las Vegas

€ 290 € 280 per adult

Go snorkeling and see the only living Coral Reefs of North America up close

6H

36 Ratings

Key West Watersports Adventures Miami

€ 57 € 56 per adult

Experience a new Watersport, flyboard miami

37 Ratings

Flyboarding Adventure in Miami

₹ 13,377 ₹ 8,829 per adult

Hot Air Balloon Orlando Ride, Book Now @ Flat 8% off

1H
Orlando

36 Ratings

Hot Air Balloon Orlando Ride, Book Now @

₹ 13,620 ₹ 12,420

Pyyczwx2i0i39szrqhpk6mb9jelf 1588659875 parasailing1

1H

24 Ratings

Parasailing Key West Book Now

₹ 5,400 ₹ 4,700 per adult

Explore All (21)

USA Top Attractions

Places To Visit In USA

Explore USA

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando features a total of three parks, namely Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. The Universal Studios Florida is home to a theme park and a working studio that offers visitors a glimpse into the work that goes on in the filmmaking industry. This park is packed with a series of wet rides and exhilarating roller coasters. Islands of Adventure is a conglomeration of 8 distinctly themed islands, namely Marvel Superhero Island, The Lost Continent, Jurassic Park, Seuss Island, Toon Lagoon, and Skull Island: Reign of Kong. The newest addition to Universal Orlando is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which offers visitors a glimpse into the dreamy world built by the legendary author J.K. Rowling. There is also a vast entertainment district here, known as City Walk, which houses a myriad of posh shopping destinations, restaurants, and theaters.

More USA Attractions

Disneyland Park, anaheim Hollywood Sign, usa Madame Tussauds Hollywood, usa Palm Beach, usa Statue Of Liberty, new york city Paris Hotel And The Eiffel Tower, las vegas Walt Disney World, orlando SeaWorld Orlando National Gallery Of Art, washington d.c. Times Square, new york city Jungle Island, miami Zoo Miami The Museum Of Modern Art, new york city 9/11 Memorial And Museum, new york city Niagara Falls Observation Tower Shedd Aquarium, chicago Death Valley National Park, california Washington Square Park, new york city The Atomic Museum, las vegas Jamestown Settlement, usa Chicago Park District Theatre Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, usa Anchorage Farmer’s Market, united states Waipio Valley , hawaii National Museum Of Women In The Arts, washington d.c. Citizens Bank Park, usa Mt. Hood National Forest, usa Pioneer Plaza, usa Nawiliwili Harbor, hawaii Lake Isabella, california George Washington Memorial Parkway, washington d.c. Ghostbusters Headquarters, new york Mercer Island, usa Butler Street, usa Garden of the Gods, united states Downtown Container Park, las vegas Klyde Warren Park, usa Oregon Society of Artists, usa Omega Mart, las vegas Vizcaya Museum And Gardens, miami Icon Park, orlando Wonderworks Orlando Disneyland Park, anaheim

USA Travel Guides

15 Top Zoos In The USA for Experience Wildlife Encounter!

15 Zoos In the USA

15 Best Aquariums in USA For An Unforgettable Experience!

15 Aquariums in USA

15 Amusement Parks in USA

15 Honeymoon Places in USA For An Ultimate Romantic Escape!

15 Best Honeymoon Places in USA

USA Reviews

Dwaipayan Bhattacharya 10 Days Romantic Honeymoon Package Usa

Excellent

Booking our trip and planning the trip duration, accommodation, transportation, and ticket for the attractions within USA was easy...The team who took care of us across USA was extremely friendly, knowledgable and gave us detailed info about every site we visited...Even though the trip was well-organized and the attractions were well-selected but the most happier moments were the scenic helicopter trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas...We enjoyed or honeymoon trip, it was a joyous moment of our life to be always remembered...We absolutely recommend Thrillophilia to anyone planning an international trip and will use them again in the future

Dayaananda Varrier Best of Usa Tour in 14 Days

Excellent

We highly recommend working with Thrillophilia, We took the longest tour this time and we were so surprises that the tour went as planned by the expert. We really enjoyed our time at this place. Moving from one place to the other without hassle at all. The place is truly beautiful with its amazing attractions. The highlights of our tour were the visit to Miami and Niagara Falls. By the way, Arrangements of hotels were super superb, picked-up and dropped-off were on time. Great service from the team by 24/7. It was a marvelous trip to be remembered forever.

Vaijayanthi Talwar Exotic Usa 14 Days Tour Package

Excellent

Every aspect of our itinerary either met or exceeded our expectations. Right from the beginning, we contacted them they always responded to our queries and answered all our questions. The way they organized the trip was true with perfection. We had a great sightseeing in New Your City, Washington Dc, Niagara Falls, NASA, and many more attractions we visited even we had lots of amazing thrilling, and fun activities at this place really it was such a huge experience for me and my family in the USA. Talking about the accommodations, picked-up and dropped and the service was all EXCELLENT.

Draupadi Varma 7 Days Usa Tour - Vegas La San Francisco

Excellent

Thank you so much for this memorable trip, It was such an excellent experience and an awesome journey we had for completely 7-days...We travel from one place to the other and each place we visited we were wow by it and had a great time at each attraction. The operator and the team who is looking for our trip were prompt, responsive, and helpful and every little thing was taken care of which we had a better vacation trip...Right from the start, the day tours were well-arranged like the places we visited. On this trip, we get to learn and witness their culture, tribal dance performance, and on the day tour to Joshua Tree National Forest we explore along with an informative guide who shared with us all details about the place, we even had an exciting city sightseeing tour in a Hop-on-hop-off which we covered all the major sightseeing of the place...Overall the hotel we stay-in was good and the service we get too, picked-up and dropped-off was on-time and the transport was comfortable and spacious though...All-over lots of fun and memory we had on this tour which was hard to explain and described each...But Only Can Experience it.

Ahilya Bhat Amazing Usa 17 Days Tour Package

Excellent

I heard about the place since childhood and seen in pictures but never thought that one day I will get a chance to visit my dream place that also for 17-days I am excited and so happy with this trip... First of all, I would like to thanks Thrillophilia for arranging this amazing trip... From the beginning of the planning of the trip itself, I was very okay with what the professionals planned for my trip. I did the booking and the mode of payment with Thrillophilia was very secure...Reaching my dream place I was full of joy in my heart and witness it with my own eyes really the place took a special place in my heart... The hotels were very well-maintained, clean, and good service...Nice transfers were arranged, we had a good and knowledgable guide who introduces us to all the major sightseeing of the place... I'm so excited about the visit to New York, Washington, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles really my dream comes true and the attractions of each place were truly " WOW"... Really all my investment worth it more than anything... Thanks alot Thrillophilia will get in touch for future booking from you.

Rajinder Kaur USA East Coast Tour

Excellent

The East cost of USA is completely filled with monuments and we being history freak enjoyed it thoroughly. The accommodation and the transportation were up to the expectation,and we felt there was nothing the package lacked at. Loved it guys!!

Chandraketu Bharadwaj West Coast USA Tour

Excellent

The beaches and the coastlines of USA are amazing, with everything being covered we could definitely say that we did explored it all with the best staff and the time management of driver was amazing which gave us our time as well as a lot time to spend at places.

Udit Sethi USA Tour Package From India

Excellent

I booked this as a family trip, as it had places as per the taste of every member. Additionally it was easily managed and and was comfortable enough for one to travel through! It was lovely being there also the team was really cooperative.

Ghanaanand Bandopadhyay Ultimate Usa 20 Days Tour Package

Superb

The trip was satisfying and all the money we spent was totally worth it...it was exactly as planned by the team from the beginning to the end of the trip...don't worry you won't miss anything from this package as we too we didn't... All your requirements were arranged which was up to the mark...A nice operator with a professional team who was always there the entire tour...I love this tour will love to plan another tour with you guys again.

Kailash Kaul Ultimate Honeymoon in Usa - 20 Days

Excellent

Special thanks to Thrillophilia for planning and arranging our honeymoon trip and creating a lifetime memorable trip for my partner and I. The agent who helps us for this trip was professional and helpful and had considered all my request and customized the trip as per my wish which at last it came out with the amazing itinerary. Execution of all planned activities was excellent and hassle-free...Really it was the longest trip for the span of 20-days but we never knew the time pass so soon and we completed the entire 20-days, We had a great and unforgettable time in the USA... All places we covered were "AWESOME"... We had a wonderful experience in New York City... Which we had a great hop-on-hop-off city sightseeing tour and we visited all the popular spots... There are some day tours which the team arranged with a guide which was interesting one... We had great pictures at each... We explored the nightlife, street food tours, and markets for shopping which was " AMAZING" Great fun and adventure activities in Disneyland for full-day, A nice arrangement of candlelight dinner as per request... All arrangements were top-class which we had no complaints at all. Thanks alot...