Are you ready to explore the best of America’s wild, breathtaking landscapes?
From towering mountains to stunning deserts, the U.S. is home to some of the most incredible national parks in the world.
But with so many amazing parks to choose from, which ones truly stand out?
To help you out, we’ve put together this definitive ranking of the top 15 national parks in the USA, ranked from “worst” (still amazing!) to best.
Keep reading to find out which parks made the cut and why they deserve a spot on your bucket list!
Keep in mind that all of these parks are extraordinary but this list focuses on their unique offerings, popularity and diversity of experiences.
15. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Coming in at number 15 on the list is Dry Tortugas National Park which is a truly unforgettable spot located 70 miles west of Key West.
It’s famous for its stunning crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and the massive, historic Fort Jefferson which is a huge coastal fortress.
This park is a dream for snorkelers as it offers up-close views of tropical fish, coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Anyone who loves history will be thrilled to explore Fort Jefferson, which once housed prisoners during the Civil War.
But there’s a catch—it’s pretty remote!
You can only reach it by boat or seaplane, which makes it a bit harder to visit, and that’s why it’s ranked a little lower in our list.
14. Redwood National & State Parks, California
Redwood National & State Parks is home to the tallest trees on Earth – the magnificent coastal redwoods that soar into the sky.
In fact, their tallest tree, Hyperion, reaches nearly 380 feet!
Walking through these ancient forests feels like stepping into another world, with massive trees towering over you and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
It’s a peaceful, almost magical place where you can hike, camp and spot wildlife like elk and banana slugs.
Plus, the park has stunning coastal views that are perfect for a scenic drive or a quiet picnic.
However, it’s a bit off the beaten path, and its main draw is the redwoods, so it may feel less varied compared to other parks with mountains, lakes and deserts.
Still, the sheer awe of standing among these giants makes the trip totally worth it!
13. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is a wild, breathtaking adventure where you can see North America’s tallest peak, the mighty Denali which stands at 20,310 feet.
The park is a great place to spot wildlife, giving you the chance to spot grizzly bears, moose and caribou in their natural habitats.
With its rugged alpine landscapes, rolling tundra and sparkling rivers, Denali feels like an untouched paradise.
Hiking, camping and even dog sledding are popular activities for those ready to explore this vast wilderness.
However, it’s pretty remote as it’s located about 240 miles north of Anchorage, and limited access can make getting there a bit tricky, which is why it’s ranked a bit lower.
Still, for those seeking epic views and true wilderness, Denali is an unforgettable experience!
12. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a coastal gem, where rugged cliffs meet the crashing Atlantic Ocean.
It’s famous for Cadillac Mountain, where you can be one of the first in the U.S. to watch the sunrise—an unforgettable sight!
The park is perfect for outdoor adventures as it features scenic hiking trails, beautiful kayaking spots and the chance to see wildlife like seals and peregrine falcons.
However, it’s on the smaller side, and the park can get pretty crowded during peak seasons which is why it’s ranked a little lower.
Still, the stunning views and coastal charm make Acadia a must-visit!
11. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the U.S., with a depth of 1,943 feet, and its bright blue waters are truly jaw-dropping!
Formed in the crater of an ancient volcano approximately 7,700 years ago, the lake looks like something out of a dream, especially on a sunny day when the water sparkles.
The 33-mile scenic drive around the rim offers breathtaking views and you can even take a boat tour to explore more closely.
However, the park is pretty remote, located far from major cities and while it’s stunning to look at, it’s more about sightseeing than outdoor adventures.
Still, the mesmerizing views of Crater Lake are worth the trip!
10. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is famous for its massive, snow-capped Mount Rainier towering over the landscape, an active stratovolcano that stands at 14,410 feet.
The park is also known for its stunning alpine meadows, where colorful wildflowers bloom in the summer, and its 25 impressive glaciers that shine against the blue sky.
Hikers will love the trails that lead to incredible views of waterfalls, forests and mountain peaks.
It’s a peaceful escape into nature, where you can truly get lost in the great outdoors.
However, it’s often overshadowed by more famous parks, and the weather can be unpredictable, with clouds hiding the mountain on many days.
But when the skies are clear, the views of Mount Rainier are absolutely unforgettable!
9. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in West Texas is a hidden gem, with its remote desert landscapes stretching along the Rio Grande.
The park is perfect for adventurers as it offers some of the best hiking trails in the country including rugged canyons like Santa Elena and vast deserts.
At night, the dark skies light up with stars and often the Milky Way, making it one of the top spots in the U.S. for stargazing.
The main downside is that it’s pretty isolated and the scorching summer heat can be intense, often reaching over 100°F, which might deter some visitors.
But for those who love solitude and desert beauty, Big Bend is a top destination, especially in fall or spring when the heat is manageable!
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is known for its dramatic Teton Range, with peaks like the Grand Teton towering above 13,000 feet, and numerous alpine lakes such as Jenny Lake and String Lake.
The park offers over 100 miles of hiking trails, wildlife watching and kayaking, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Teton Range.
With its close proximity to Yellowstone, you can easily combine two amazing parks in one trip!
The park is also famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, particularly from locations like Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row and Snake River Overlook.
However, it often gets overshadowed by Yellowstone, which tends to draw most of the crowds.
But for those who venture here, the peaceful beauty and adventure make it an unforgettable experience!
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a jaw-dropping park with its dramatic mountain landscapes, sparkling lakes and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road that offers breathtaking views at every turn.
The park is great for hiking with trails leading to hidden waterfalls, alpine meadows and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like mountain goats and bears.
If you’re looking for postcard-worthy scenery, Glacier delivers!
However, its famous glaciers are sadly shrinking due to climate change and scientists estimate that many of the park’s glaciers could disappear within a few decades.
It’s worth noting though that the park is harder to access during the winter months due to snow, making it more of a summer destination for most visitors.
But for those who visit, Glacier’s beauty is absolutely unforgettable and will leave a lasting impression!
6. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park features breathtaking towering red rock formations and deep canyons that look like they’re straight out of a movie.
The park is famous for thrilling hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, where you can trek through stunning landscapes and even wade through a river!
Photographers love Zion for its dramatic cliffs, glowing sunsets and endless photo opportunities.
The main downside is that Zion gets extremely crowded during peak seasons, and the summer heat can be intense.
Despite this, the breathtaking scenery makes Zion one of the most unforgettable parks in the U.S.!
5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park genuinely feels like stepping onto another planet, thanks to its incredible rock formations called hoodoos that rise like spires from the canyon floor.
The park is famous for its otherworldly landscape, and it’s a dream come true for stargazers, with some of the clearest night skies in the country.
Hiking through the maze of hoodoos is a magical experience, and the sunrises and sunsets here are absolutely stunning.
However, Bryce Canyon is a bit more remote and smaller than other parks, which means it offers fewer activities.
It’s more about soaking in the scenery than packing in adventures.
Still, the unique beauty of Bryce makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Utah!
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
At number 4 we have the incredible Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most-visited national park in the U.S. for a reason!
It’s famous for its misty, rolling mountains, vivid fall colors and an incredible variety of plants and wildlife.
People from all over love hiking its accessible trails, spotting elk in the Cataloochee Valley and maybe even catching a glimpse of a black bear.
The park’s beauty shines in every season, but fall is especially breathtaking with the fiery reds and golds of the changing leaves.
However, its popularity means it can get pretty crowded, especially in hotspots like Cades Cove.
Still, the Smokies offer a magical escape into nature that keeps people coming back year after year!
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone National Park is the original national park, established in 1872, and a true wonderland of nature!
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including famous geysers like Old Faithful, hot springs like Grand Prismatic Spring and bubbling mud pots.
These features make Yellowstone one of the most geothermally active places on Earth!
You’ll also be thrilled to spot bison, elk and even wolves roaming the park’s wide open spaces.
Yellowstone’s epic landscapes and unique natural features make it one of the most awe-inspiring parks in the U.S.
However, its sheer size can make it tough to explore, and summer crowds can be intense.
Still, Yellowstone’s magic is undeniable, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves adventure and nature!
2. Yosemite National Park, California
At number 2, we have Yosemite National Park which is world-famous for its breathtaking granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome.
The park is also home to majestic ancient sequoia trees and stunning waterfalls like Yosemite Falls, which are perfect for a photo op or a cool mist on a hot day.
The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from the challenging Half Dome hike to wildlife watching opportunities, where you might spot bears and deer throughout the valley.
The beauty of Yosemite is truly awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors.
However, the park can get seriously overcrowded during peak times, particularly in Yosemite Valley during the summer months, which can take away from the peaceful nature experience.
Still, Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes make it one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S.!
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
And finally, coming in at number 1 is the iconic Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona!
This place is truly one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, with its mind-blowing size and colorful rock layers that stretch as far as the eye can see.
You’ll be amazed by the sweeping panoramic views, and adventurers can take on challenging hikes down into the canyon or even go white-water rafting on the mighty Colorado River.
Its immense size and beauty make it one of the top-ranked parks, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Whether you’re standing on the rim or trekking below, the Grand Canyon is unforgettable.
There’s no other place quite like it on Earth!
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