On March 1, 1982, President Ulysses S. Grant named Yellowstone the first National Park. Since then, many other beautiful national parks have sprung up all over America.
Today, there are 63 national parks in the United States, with each state laying claim to at least one. Each of these protected environments has unique attractions; no two parks are exactly alike, making it even better.
From Yellowstone to Yosemite, it is hard not to find at least one national park that speaks to you. Visiting one can be uplifting, and we are here to help you plan your next trip. This article will show you ten of the best national parks in America. So, get your road trip gang together and decide your next vacation stop.
Today, there are 63 national parks in the United States, with each state laying claim to at least one. Each of these protected environments has unique attractions; no two parks are exactly alike, making it even better.
From Yellowstone to Yosemite, it is hard not to find at least one national park that speaks to you. Visiting one can be uplifting, and we are here to help you plan your next trip. This article will show you ten of the best national parks in America. So, get your road trip gang together and decide your next vacation stop.
1. Yellowstone
It is only appropriate to start with the "pioneer" of national parks. This historic site spans about 2.2 million acres of land, and each inch of this vast land space is covered in something ethereal that is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Most of Yellowstone is in Wyoming, but it extends to Montana and Idaho. Its numerous mountain ranges and ocean views make it one of the best national parks in America. If you want to enjoy the serenity of this park, go around April, May, or September– there are usually fewer people at these times, too.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
This is named for the historical landmark - the Grand Canyon - that it houses. The Grand Canyon is enough of an attraction to make this national park worthy of a visit.
You can decide to tour this vast expanse of magnificent land via a helicopter as this gives a different and more encompassing perspective. At the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, there is infinite hiking space and an incredible view of the Colorado river. No wonder it made it to this list.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
We don't think the mountains here are actually smoky, although there are trails called the Chimney Top trails. This National Park is filled with wildflowers and plants that make seasonal changes even more beautiful.
A spring visit will look vastly different from a fall one. It is also usually accompanied by guided hikes to explore the blooms. Each season has its unique appeal.
4. Bryce Canyon National Park
A hoodoo is a column of rock, usually oddly-shaped, left standing due to forces of erosion. The Bryce Canyon National Park is full of these pillars of stone.
This National Park in Southern Utah gives you endless hiking choices. You can decide to visit it during the winter or summer. Each season is beautiful in its own right; it just depends if you like exploring views in warm weather or the snow.
5. Yosemite
Everyone knows Yosemite. However, if you don't, it is one of the most visited national parks in America. This is not without good reason, and the cascading waterfalls here are just about enough.
It also has a peerless granite formation and an unforgettable view of Yosemite valley. You can not only hike in Yosemite but can also camp there, and it is pretty accessible for something so beautiful.
6. Arches National Park
It is exactly what it sounds like. Yes, it is named for the impossible number of arches it contains. There is something about seeing or walking through an arch; it makes you feel like you may be transported to another world.
No matter how enchanting it may seem, the arches at Arches National Park are no portals to teleportation. They are, however, beautiful. Hikers, mountain climbers, and geology enthusiasts should find their way here.
7. Grand Teton National Park
Also in Wyoming, the Grand Teton offers miles and miles of trails. This park has everything; lush greenery, jagged mountains, and majestic waterbodies.
It's wild and enchanting. Sometimes, even the sky seems to cooperate with the wildness of this park. The Grand Teton national park is filled with history and culture; you should visit here at least once.
8. Glacier National Park
There are Glaciers everywhere in this park. Of course, there's space to walk, but Glacier National Park is actually home to an impossible number of stunning glaciers.
There are also snow fields, hiking trails, and mountain ranges here. You can do just about anything at Glacier National Park except maybe swimming.
9. Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rockies remain one of the most easily accessible National Parks, just 70 miles from Denver. If not for anything, visit this place because you can.
You will want to also visit this place because of the majestic landscape. It is beyond this world. There are lots of lakes and mountain peaks providing such scenic views.
10. Zion National Park
If heaven was green, this is what it would look like. The Zion National Park is an impeccable constellation of greenery and rivers. There are different ways to go about exploring this paradise.
You can decide to travel the Virgin River or walk the 1500-foot natural flight of stairs. Either way, you are bound to be enchanted. If you are a nature lover, add this to your list ASAP.