With over 60 National Parks in the USA to explore, it can be hard to know which ones are the best National Parks in America. Whether you want deep canyons, glaciers, lakes or mountains, there’s a park for all adventure tastes.
You can find a park by each state here, or check out the very best with our handy guide.
Best National Parks in America 2019
1. Badlands National Park – South Dakota
Its dramatic landscapes feature rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Drive the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) to cruise past scenic lookouts.
2. Acadia National Park – Maine
One of the most visited parks in the United States, it’s located on Mount Desert Island and has endless scenic landscape photography options.
3. Yosemite National Park – California
Home to Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, and some of the world’s biggest and oldest trees, this iconic national park is unmissable.
4. Glacier National Park – Montana
The magnificent Glacier Park is where you’ll find the beautiful Wild Goose island rising from the middle of the lake and surrounding mountains.
5. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
You’ll find the Morning Glory pool here: a hot spring in the Yellowstone Upper Geyser Basin of the United States that’s a kaleidoscope of colours. It looks different every time you see it – so pretty.
6. The Grand Canyon – Arizona
Does this need any explanation? It’s easily Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark—a natural wonder you must see to believe. This will always be considered one of the best National Parks in America.
7. Mount Rainier – Washington
This National Park is famous for its yearly Superbloom. Mount Rainer’s renowned wildflowers bloom for a limited amount of time every year, around July. The beautiful flowers blanket the mountain in every colour of the rainbow.
8. Canyonlands National Park – Utah
A gorgeous dramatic rocky landscape that merges with the desert. When the sun is at its brightest there’s some wonderful photo opportunities. This is a great spot for hiking. You’ll soon agree it’s one of the best national parks in America.
9. Big Bend National Park
This magical park in Far West Texas is one of the most iconic places in the whole of the USA and a place you could spend hours wandering around admiring. A highlight here is taking the short walk into Santa Elena Canyon.
10. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. With huge peaks in every direction, it’s breathtaking. It can get busy during summer, so arrive before 9am or after 3pm to beat the crowds.
I think the Grand Canyon should be ranked much higher than number 6. It is one of the seven wonders of the world