Best National Parks to Visit in the US
Many people wonder about the best national parks to visit in the US. We explored all 63 national parks that are considered the best, as listed by the National Park Service. We are a group of three friends—Aida, Bekham, and I—who set out to experience the beauty and uniqueness of these incredible parks.
We are writing this blog based on our real-life experiences exploring the best national parks in the US. During our journey, we often asked ourselves, “Which is the best park to visit?” But it’s impossible to answer with just one name because each park is unique and special in its own way. In this blog, we will share our experiences and highlight the best national parks to visit in the US!
Top 10 Best National Parks to Visit in the US
Have you ever dreamed of going on a long road trip with your best friends? That’s exactly what we—Aida, Bekham, and I—decided to do! We wanted to explore the most beautiful national parks in the US., see amazing landscapes, and experience adventures we would never forget.
With a packed car, a road trip playlist, and lots of snacks, we started our journey. Here’s what happened when we visited top-rated national parks in America!
From Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite to Zion, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain, each stop was unforgettable. We also explored Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, Arches, and Everglades—every park was a new adventure!
Stop 1: Yellowstone National Park – Land of Geysers and Bison
As we entered Yellowstone National Park, we saw steam rising from the ground. “Are we on another planet?” Bekham asked. It really felt like that!
One of the best moments was watching Old Faithful Geyser. Every 90 minutes, it shoots boiling water high into the sky. We counted down—3, 2, 1—WHOOSH! Water exploded up like a rocket. “That was awesome!” Aida shouted.
Another highlight was the Grand Prismatic Spring. This hot spring has bright blue, orange, and yellow colors. It looked unreal, like a painting! We experienced the best national parks to visit in US.
Best Moments:
- Watching bison cross the road like they owned the place.
- Camping under the stars.
- Seeing a wolf in the wild (from a safe distance!).
Stop 2: Grand Canyon National Park – A Giant Hole in the Earth
Nothing prepared us for the Grand Canyon. It was so big and deep, stretching as far as our eyes could see. It is the 2nd best National Parks to visit in the US.
We decided to hike the Bright Angel Trail, a path that goes down into the canyon. “Going down is easy,” Bekham said. “Getting back up is the real challenge!” She was right—our legs were burning on the way up!
The best part? Watching the sunset over the canyon. The colors changed from gold to red to purple. “This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” I said.
Best Moments:
- Hiking deep into the canyon.
- Seeing the Colorado River from above.
- Eating the best tacos at a roadside stand.
Stop 3: Yosemite National Park – Home of Giant Rocks and Waterfalls
Yosemite felt like a magical valley, with huge mountains and tall waterfalls everywhere. According to us, we ranked 3rd best National Parks to visit in the US.
We hiked to Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The water roared as it crashed down. “I could stay here forever,” Aida said, taking pictures.
The scariest adventure? Climbing Half Dome. The last part of the hike has metal cables to hold onto because the rock is so steep. But when we reached the top, the view was breathtaking!
Best Moments:
Watching climbers on El Capitan, a giant rock wall.
Stargazing at Glacier Point.
Reaching the top of Half Dome (even though we were scared!).
Stop 4: Great Smoky Mountains – Foggy, Mysterious, and Full of Wildlife
The Great Smoky Mountains were covered in mist, making everything look mystical. We ranked great smoky mountains 4th best National Parks to visit in the US.
Driving along Newfound Gap Road, we saw a black bear just a few feet away! “Nobody moves,” I whispered. The bear looked at us, then walked away. “That was crazy!” Aida said.
The best part? Watching fireflies light up the forest at night. It was like tiny stars dancing in the trees.
Best Moments:
- Seeing a black bear in the wild.
- Driving through the misty mountains.
- Watching fireflies glow at night.
Stop 5: Zion National Park – Hiking the Most Dangerous Trail
Zion National Park is full of red rock canyons and steep cliffs. Bekham had one goal: to hike Angels Landing, one of the most dangerous trails in the world. Because of its beauty, it is ranked 5th best National Parks to visit in the US.
The last part of the hike was terrifying—a narrow path with steep drop-offs on both sides. We held onto chains to keep from falling. “Don’t look down!” I was warned.
But reaching the top? 100% worth it! The view of Zion Canyon was amazing.
We also hiked The Narrows, a river trail where we walked through water between giant canyon walls. “This is the coolest hike ever!” Aida said.
Best Moments:
- Surviving Angels Landing.
- Walking through a river in The Narrows.
- Watching the sunset over Zion Canyon.
Stop 6: Glacier National Park – Snowy Peaks and Blue Lakes
Glacier National Park looked like a dream—tall mountains, deep blue lakes, and fields of wildflowers.
We drove along Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic roads in the world. At Logan Pass, we saw mountain goats walking right next to us!
The best part? Kayaking on Lake McDonald, where the water was so clear that we could see the stones at the bottom.
Best Moments:
- Seeing a grizzly bear (from a safe distance!).
- Kayaking on Lake McDonald.
- Watching the sun set behind the mountains.
Stop 7: Rocky Mountain National Park – The High Altitude Adventure
Rocky Mountain National Park was cold and beautiful.
We drove up Trail Ridge Road, the highest road in the U.S. “My ears just popped!” Aida laughed. The air was thin, but the views were stunning.
We spent the day at Bear Lake, skipping stones and watching elk walk by. “This is the most peaceful place ever,” I said.
Best Moments:
- Seeing elk herds up close.
- Experiencing a sudden snowstorm in summer.
Stop 8: Acadia National Park – Mountains, Ocean, and Lobster Rolls
Acadia was completely different from the other parks. Here, mountains met the ocean.
We woke up at 4 AM to climb Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise. “Totally worth it,” Bekham said as the sky turned pink and gold.
Later, we ate fresh lobster rolls by the ocean. “Best meal of the trip!” Aida declared.
Best Moments:
- Watching the first sunrise in the U.S.
- Eating the most delicious lobster rolls.
Stop 9: Arches National Park – A Land of Stone Arches
Arches National Park was like nature’s playground, full of 2,000+ natural stone arches.
The best one? Delicate Arch. We hiked there just before sunset, and the sky turned pink and orange behind it.
At night, we lay under the arch and saw the Milky Way. “This is the best night sky I’ve ever seen,” Aida whispered.
Best Moments:
- Seeing the Milky Way from under an arch.
Stop 10: Everglades National Park – Swamps, Gators, and Airboats
Everglades National Park was hot, humid, and full of alligators.
We took an airboat ride, zooming through mangrove forests. Suddenly, a huge alligator swamped next to us. “That thing is massive!” Bekham shouted.
We also spotted a manatee swimming peacefully. “This is Florida’s wild side,” I said.
Best Moments:
- Riding an airboat through the swamps.
- Seeing a manatee up close.
Best National Parks to Visit in USA
| Season | Month | Best National Parks to Visit | Why Visit? |
|---|
| Winter | January | Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Everglades, Bryce Canyon | Mild weather in deserts, snow-covered landscapes in Bryce |
| February | Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches | Fewer crowds, great for winter hikes and wildlife |
| March | Big Bend, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, Death Valley | Spring bloom begins, waterfalls in Yosemite are at peak |
| Spring | April | Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon, Great Sand Dunes | Pleasant weather, waterfalls, and wildflowers start blooming |
| May | Yellowstone, Glacier, Acadia, Great Basin | Roads reopen, lush green scenery, and active wildlife |
| Summer | June | Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Olympic, Denali | Best hiking conditions, scenic drives, and mountain views |
| July | Glacier, Mount Rainier, Acadia, North Cascades | High-altitude parks are fully accessible with breathtaking views |
| August | Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Shenandoah | Ideal for camping, stargazing, and wildlife watching |
| Fall | September | Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, Rocky Mountain, Glacier | Beautiful fall foliage, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists |
| October | Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, Arches | Peak autumn colors, great hiking trails, and scenic drives |
| November | Joshua Tree, Saguaro, Death Valley, Everglades | Perfect desert weather, fewer visitors, and unique landscapes |
| Winter | December | Everglades, Big Bend, Saguaro, Death Valley | Warm weather, great for escaping the cold, and wildlife spotting |
Frequently Asked Question
Our journey through the best national parks to visit in the US. was truly unforgettable. From the boiling geysers of Yellowstone to the towering cliffs of Zion, every park had something unique to offer. We hiked through canyons, climbed mountains, kayaked on crystal-clear lakes, and even came face-to-face with wild animals.
What made this adventure even more special was sharing it with friends. Whether it was laughing around a campfire, gasping at breathtaking views, or pushing through tough hikes together, these moments turned into lifelong memories.
If you ever get the chance to explore these parks, go for it! Pack your bags, grab your best friends, and experience the magic of America’s great outdoors. You won’t regret it! They are the best National Parks to visit in the US.