With beautiful landscapes based on lush green valleys, mighty canyons, rivers, and lakes with crystal-clear waters, the US is one of the most picturesque countries in the world. It is a land where nature thrives. So, whether you are seeking adventure or planning a weekend trip with your family, there are plenty of places you can visit, especially the national park territories around the country.
In this article, we have rounded up the best national parks in the USA you have to take a trip to if you are desiring a refreshing break from your day-to-day routine.
Now, let’s get started with the list!
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park represents the best of America’s natural beauty. The grand valley is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and has been protected and given the status of a national park since 1864.
The national park is best known for the vegetation of giant sequoia trees, which are very unique and ancient. The granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan are also among many noteworthy natural features of Yosemite National Park. It is one of the most beautiful national parks in the US.
Yellowstone National Park
This national park is very famous for its geothermal features, rugged landscape, and of course, wildlife. The animal species found here include wolves, bison, bears, antelope, and elk among others. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the US and probably in the world.
It spans over 3,500 square miles and is mostly located in Wyoming while parts of it spread into Idaho and Montana. The most amazing natural features are lush forests, hot geysers and springs, picturesque canyons, and rivers with crystal clear waters.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the USA you should visit. As the name suggests, this natural reserve is home to a large part of the very famous Grand Canyon. It is located in Arizona and is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world on a regular basis.
This national park territory in the US is also frequented by geologists as its vast rugged landscape reveals the secrets of the earth’s natural history dating back to millions of years. With a whole lot of hiking, trekking, and exploration opportunities, this Grand Canyon National Park is also a hot favorite of adventure seekers.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Considered among the most famous natural reserves in the US, Bryce Canyon National Park is a famous natural attraction in Southern Utah. This park is extremely famous for its pink cliffs, red rocks, and crimson-colored irregular column of rocks known as hoodoos.
The national park has been named after Bryce Canyon, which is also one of its most prominent natural attractions. It would take you from 1 to 2 days max to explore the entire territory of this natural reserve as it spans only 55 square miles.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the US. It was established in the late 19th century. The landscape of this wildlife reserve is mostly based on forested mountainous terrain, which makes it a perfect natural getaway.
It is also known as the “Land of Giants” locally. Sequoia National Park is home to the giant sequoia tree species grown in a place called the Giant Forest. This forest is home to five of the ten largest trees on earth by volume. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada, the park covers a huge area and spreads over 630 square miles.
Arches National Park
One of the most popular natural attractions in the state of Utah, Arches National Park falls in the north of Moab and is bordered by the very famous Colorado River. Some people consider it as a wonderland that is filled with breathtaking natural features including red rocks.
The entire area feels as if it is blanketed with blue skies. The most famous geological feature of the Arches National Park is a thin arch-shaped rock formation located in Devils Garden, which is also a very famous camping site. Another amazing natural attraction located right next to the park’s main road is Balanced Rock, overlooking the rugged landscape of this natural reserve.
Hawaii Volcano National Park
The two active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcano National Park are Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. As the name suggests, this wilderness recreation area has been established on an active geological area of the Hawaiian Islands right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
This natural reserve protects some of the most unique geological attractions, and wildlife species features, and mountainous landscapes in the world. Hawaii Volcano National Park starts from sea level and goes all the way to the height of Mauna Loa’s summit. With a lot of attractive natural features, it is one of the best national parks in the USA you must visit.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park has been established in one of the hottest regions in the country. Covering an area of about 3000 square miles, it is a vast natural reserve that is partially located in the states of California and Nevada.
The park is one of the driest and remotest places in the region. It receives a very little amount of rainfall all year round. Travelers visiting the area need to pack all necessary supplies as the remote wilderness could stretch miles long without any sign of humans.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Known as one of the most popular natural attractions in Alaska, Denali National Park and Preserve covers a large portion of the region’s most prominent mountain ranges. Temperatures in winters are below freezing, which is why it is very popular for activities and adventure sports during summers, such as backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering.
The vast wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve is dotted with many hidden tourist attractions. It is a land of picturesque valleys and glaciers, which makes it one of the most beautiful national parks in the US.
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks is about six hours drive from San Francisco in the state of California. The natural reserve was formed in the late 1960s. It is also famous for being home to some of the tallest trees on earth.
The park preserves hundreds of thousands of acres of Redwood rainforest. The territory of Redwood National and State Parks also covers around 50 miles of beautiful coastal area in Northern California.
Joshua Tree National Park
A land of rugged formation and stark barrenness against the clear blue sky, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA you should take a trip to. It is a vast protected wilderness located in southern California.
As the name suggests, Joshua trees grow in this natural reserve, which is the largest of yucca plants with tree-like habits. Joshua Tree National Park can be visited in all seasons. If you want to enjoy the most comfortable temperatures, you should visit this park either in spring or fall.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is one of the most famous natural attractions in West Texas. It shares a border with Mexico. Due to its remote location, it was one of the least explored destinations in the country until recent years. Now, it is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Big Bend National Park can only be visited by miles of dirt road, which makes it a perfect destination for adventure seekers. Along with outdoor adventure, the place is also famous for its wildlife, picturesque vistas, historic sites, and clear blue skies.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a sprawling natural reserve based on lush forests, an amazing collection of wildlife flowers that bloom the entire year, and a lot of other incredible natural features including rivers, mountains, and valleys.
It is one of the most famous national parks in the US, frequented by a lot of local and international tourists each year. The local authorities are also upgrading the infrastructure to add to the convenience of travelers to this wonderful natural site. Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses an area of about 816 square miles.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Did you know there are more than 100 peaks that are above 11,000 feet within the Rocky Mountain National Park jurisdiction? This makes it one of the most unique natural reserves in the US. With an elevation of over 14,000 Longs Peak is the tallest peak in the area.
Rocky Mountain National Park is best known for its picturesque landscape based on lush green forest and for being home to a wide variety of animal species including elks, deers, and chipmunks. The national park is located in north-central Colorado near the town of Estes Park.
These were some of the best national parks in the USA you have to visit. Visiting one of these places will help you get close to nature.
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