America’s National Parks are filled with natural treasures that deserve appreciation. United States currently has a total of 59 National Parks, each very unique and magnificent, offering its own special gifts to visitors from all over the world.
National Parks are found in almost every corner of the United States. They offer camping, hiking, education and awe-inspiring vistas, and when it comes to family vacations, few destinations can compete with these parks.
These parks are popular travel destinations, specially for any outdoor lover…also consider the Great Lakes.
Read on to discover a handful of the National Parks that should be at the top of your list.
5 National Parks in the USA and one Honorable Mention
Rocky Mountain National Park
This park boasts over 400 square miles of gorgeous scenery that includes 17 mountains that rise above 13,000 feet. Hundreds of miles of trails allow visitors to spot mule deer and the park’s signature bighorn sheep.
Rocky Mountain National Park
You’ll find this park in northern Colorado with most people driving from Estes Park and taking the majestic Trail Ridge Road.
The Emerald Lake Trail is a highlight as is the Alpine Visitor Center which describes life at this extreme elevation.
Zion National Park
One of Utah’s best loved attractions, Zion provides diverse landscapes ranging from desert to mountains with plenty of spectacular rock formations. This is a wonderful destination for canyoneering, kayaking or rock climbing. Hiking is also popular.
Zion National Park
Try the Archeology Trail from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to see where prehistoric buildings once stood.
There are nine different formations in this park, some of the most popular being Angel’s Landing and The Narrows.
Crater Lake National Park
This breathtaking spot in Oregon is best visited during the summer when the roads are open.
A dormant volcano with a deep blue lake in its caldera is the main attraction.
Crater Lake National Park
People come here to hike, camp and fish, often while staying the historic lodge or camping in one of the campgrounds.
Many visitors can’t resist hiking down the Cleetwood Trail to get close to the lake’s shore. Others choose a leisurely boat tour.
Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Yellowstone National Park
Perhaps America’s best known park, Yellowstone was also the country’s first National Park. Most of its 3,500 square miles are located in Wyoming, with small bits of the park extending into Idaho and Montana.
The park is famed for its geysers and other geothermal features.
It’s easy to take a look at Old Faithful, which sits just outside two of the park’s most notable lodges. There are beautiful hikes in the area too.
The Mammoth Hot Springs are another must see thanks to their spectacular travertine formations.
Denali National Park
Located in Alaska, Denali is America’s most remote park – a magnificent place for wildlife viewing. Its untamed wilderness is unique in the park system since access by humans is limited.
Only one road goes through the park, and it’s closed to all traffic except for approved tour buses.
The result is an unspoiled landscape where the wildlife lives just as it has for many centuries.
One of the best experiences to be had is simply getting off the bus to stroll through the tundra.
It’s an adventure that would be difficult to replicate anywhere else. Visitors might also climb Mt. McKinley or raft the Nenana River.
Are any of these National Parks on your travel bucket list?
Have to give an honorable mention to Gulf Island National Seashore.
Gulf Island National Seashore includes mainland areas and multiple islands located along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Visitors enjoy the white sandy beaches, many recreational opportunities, boating, camping, great cuisine, fishing and of course awesome golf packages. Along with many nature preserves and historic sites present great affordable family vacations.
Heather says
I hope to make it to them all!
Agness says
Crater Lake National Park is definitely the most challenging and beautiful of all of them. As Heather, I hope to make it to them all one day :).
Basha says
Wow! Beautiful places & beautiful pictures 🙂
Brittany @ Paws for Beer says
Great list! I have been to both Yellowstone and Zion and they are both stunning. Hoping to make it to Crater Lake and Rocky Mountain next year.
Annie@GreenTravelReviews says
So many beautiful places in USA, I keep hearing about Denali. Thought it was in India first time i heard about it 😉 But now I know where to go for my holiday!
Rachelle says
We have been to all except Denali (hope to do that soon) at least 2 times and we live within two miles of Rocky Mountain National Park. All of our national parks are treasures to be enjoyed for years to come.
Traveling Ted says
There are so many amazing national parks in the U.S. it is difficult to catch all of them. I have been to Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion: need to make it to the other 3.
Rod Austin says
Might I interest you in adding Glacier National Park on the list?