1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

As America’s first national park established in 1872, Yellowstone remains one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. Spanning over 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, this vast wilderness is home to the world’s largest collection of geysers and an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Must-See Attractions

The world-famous Old Faithful Geyser should top your list, erupting approximately every 90 minutes and shooting water up to 185 feet into the air. Don’t miss the Grand Prismatic Spring, a rainbow-colored hot spring that’s the third-largest in the world, where vibrant blues blend with oranges and yellows created by heat-loving bacteria.

Best Hiking Trails

• Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail – 1.2 miles round trip, moderate difficulty. This trail offers spectacular aerial views of the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring.
• Mount Washburn Trail – 6.4 miles round trip, moderate to difficult. Climb to 10,243 feet for panoramic views of the park and potential wildlife sightings including bighorn sheep.
• Fairy Falls Trail – 5 miles round trip, easy to moderate. This pleasant hike leads to a 200-foot waterfall and passes the Grand Prismatic Spring.

Ideal Visiting Season

Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather and access to all park facilities, though crowds are at their peak. For fewer visitors, consider May or September when wildlife is active and most attractions remain accessible. Winter transforms Yellowstone into a snow-covered wonderland with unique opportunities to see steaming geysers against snowy backdrops, though many roads close to regular vehicles.

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Few natural wonders capture the imagination like the Grand Canyon. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this massive chasm stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and reaches depths of over a mile. Its colorful rock layers tell Earth’s geological story spanning nearly two billion years.

Must-See Attractions

The South Rim’s Mather Point offers perhaps the most iconic view of the canyon and is perfect for first-time visitors. For a more immersive experience, Bright Angel Point on the North Rim provides spectacular vistas with fewer crowds. Sunrise and sunset transform the canyon walls into a canvas of shifting colors and shadows that photographers dream about.

Best Hiking Trails

• Rim Trail – 13 miles one-way (accessible sections available), easy. This mostly paved trail follows the South Rim with numerous viewpoints and is perfect for all ability levels.
• Bright Angel Trail – Various distances (1.5 to 12 miles round trip), moderate to difficult. This well-maintained trail descends into the canyon with rest houses and water stations along the way.
• South Kaibab Trail – 3 miles round trip to Cedar Ridge, difficult. Offers some of the most dramatic views with less shade than Bright Angel.

Ideal Visiting Season

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. Summer brings intense heat at the bottom of the canyon, often exceeding 100°F, though the rims remain cooler. Winter visitors to the South Rim are rewarded with snow-dusted canyon views and solitude, while the North Rim closes from mid-October to mid-May due to snow.

3. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes have inspired artists, photographers, and nature lovers for generations. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, this park is renowned for its towering granite monoliths, spectacular waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias.

Must-See Attractions

Tunnel View provides the quintessential Yosemite vista, showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall in one sweeping panorama. Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet, is most impressive in spring when snowmelt creates thundering cascades. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias houses some of the world’s largest living trees, including the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant.

Best Hiking Trails

• Mist Trail – 3 miles round trip to Vernal Fall, 7 miles to Nevada Fall, moderate to strenuous. This signature Yosemite hike takes you alongside two powerful waterfalls.
• Sentinel Dome Trail – 2.2 miles round trip, moderate. Offers 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.
• Mirror Lake Loop – 2-5 miles round trip, easy. A gentle trail leading to a seasonal lake that reflects Half Dome when water levels are right.

Ideal Visiting Season

Late spring (May-June) showcases waterfalls at their peak flow while summer (July-August) offers reliable weather and access to high-country trails. Fall brings golden colors and fewer crowds, while winter transforms the valley into a quiet wonderland with opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park showcases some of the most dramatic scenery in the Southwest, with massive sandstone cliffs in shades of cream, pink, and red rising thousands of feet above the valley floor. The Virgin River has carved this spectacular canyon over millions of years, creating a paradise for hikers and photographers.

Must-See Attractions

The Narrows, where the Virgin River flows between towering walls up to 1,000 feet tall and at times just 20-30 feet apart, offers one of the most unique hiking experiences in America. Emerald Pools presents a desert oasis with hanging gardens and waterfalls cascading from red rock cliffs. Canyon Overlook provides a spectacular vista of Zion Canyon that’s accessible via a relatively short hike.

Best Hiking Trails

• Angels Landing – 5.4 miles round trip, strenuous. This famous trail climbs 1,488 feet to a spectacular viewpoint, with chain-assisted sections along narrow ridges (permit required).
• The Narrows – Various distances, moderate to strenuous. Wade upstream through the Virgin River between soaring canyon walls (check conditions before attempting).
• Riverside Walk – 2.2 miles round trip, easy. A paved trail following the Virgin River to the entrance of The Narrows, accessible to most visitors.

Ideal Visiting Season

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful colors. Summer brings hot temperatures but allows access to The Narrows when water levels are typically lower. Winter provides a unique perspective with occasional snow dusting the red rocks, though some trails may be icy.

5. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is a land of incredible diversity, encompassing three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforest, wild Pacific coastline, and alpine meadows. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects nearly a million acres of wilderness on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

Must-See Attractions

The Hoh Rain Forest receives up to 14 feet of rain annually, creating an enchanted landscape of moss-draped trees and lush ferns. Ruby Beach features dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn shores that epitomize the rugged Pacific Northwest coast. Hurricane Ridge offers panoramic views of glacier-capped mountains and subalpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer.

Best Hiking Trails

• Hall of Mosses Trail – 0.8 miles round trip, easy. This short loop showcases the magical atmosphere of the temperate rainforest.
• Hurricane Hill Trail – 3.2 miles round trip, moderate. Offers spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island.
• Hoh River Trail – 17.4 miles one way (shorter options available), moderate. Follows the Hoh River through ancient forest to the base of Mount Olympus.

Ideal Visiting Season

Summer (July-August) provides the most reliable weather and access to high-elevation areas like Hurricane Ridge. Spring brings vibrant green growth to the rainforests, while fall offers solitude and beautiful colors. Winter limits access to some areas but showcases the rainforests at their most lush and atmospheric.

6. Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park and Preserve is a true wilderness encompassing six million acres of untamed Alaska. At its heart stands Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet. This vast landscape of tundra, taiga forest, and glaciers supports incredible wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou.

Must-See Attractions

The Denali Park Road offers the primary access to the park’s interior, with increasingly spectacular views of Denali (weather permitting) as you travel deeper. Wonder Lake provides classic reflections of Denali on clear days. Savage River area offers accessible hiking just beyond the park entrance with excellent opportunities to spot wildlife in natural settings.

Best Hiking Trails

• Savage Alpine Trail – 4 miles one way, moderate to difficult. Climbs from forest to alpine tundra with panoramic views.
• Mount Healy Overlook Trail – 2.7 miles round trip, moderate. Offers expansive views of the park entrance area and Alaska Range.
• McKinley Station Trail – 1.6 miles round trip, easy. This interpretive trail follows the Hines Creek with historical exhibits about the area’s mining history.

Ideal Visiting Season

The park is primarily accessible from late May through early September. July offers wildflowers and the best weather, while August brings vibrant fall colors to the tundra. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the summer season, with moose and bears most active in early morning and evening hours.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park preserves over a million acres of forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and rugged peaks in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. The park is home to 26 glaciers (rapidly diminishing due to climate change), over 700 lakes, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America.

Must-See Attractions

Going-to-the-Sun Road is an engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, offering breathtaking views around every curve. Many Glacier area features some of the park’s most dramatic scenery and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Lake McDonald, the park’s largest lake, reflects surrounding mountains in its crystal-clear waters and is famous for its colorful stones.

Best Hiking Trails

• Hidden Lake Overlook – 2.8 miles round trip, moderate. Starting from Logan Pass, this trail crosses alpine meadows with mountain goat sightings almost guaranteed.
• Highline Trail – 11.8 miles one way, moderate. This spectacular ridge-top trail offers constant views and wildlife sightings.
• Grinnell Glacier Trail – 7.6 miles round trip, strenuous. Leads to one of the park’s most accessible glaciers with stunning views of turquoise lakes below.

Ideal Visiting Season

Mid-June through mid-September offers the most reliable access, with Going-to-the-Sun Road typically fully open from late June to mid-September. July and August provide the best hiking conditions, though crowds are at their peak. Early September offers fewer visitors while maintaining good weather and access to most areas.

8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and extraordinary wildlife. The jagged Teton Range rises abruptly from the valley floor, creating one of the most dramatic mountain fronts in the world without foothills to diminish their grandeur.

Must-See Attractions

Oxbow Bend offers iconic reflections of Mount Moran in the Snake River, especially beautiful at sunrise. Mormon Row Historic District features historic barns and homesteads that create perfect foregrounds for Teton photography. Jenny Lake, a crystal-clear glacial lake at the base of the mountains, serves as a hub for many of the park’s most popular activities.

Best Hiking Trails

• Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls – 2-3 miles round trip, moderate. Accessible via boat shuttle across Jenny Lake or by hiking the lakeshore trail.
• Taggart Lake Loop – 3.8 miles round trip, easy to moderate. Offers beautiful lake and mountain views with relatively little elevation gain.
• Cascade Canyon – 9 miles round trip, moderate. Extends beyond Inspiration Point into a spectacular U-shaped glacial valley.

Ideal Visiting Season

Summer (June-August) provides ideal conditions for hiking and water activities, though with peak crowds. September and early October offer spectacular fall colors, wildlife activity, and fewer visitors. Winter transforms the park into a quiet wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with the Teton Range creating a dramatic snow-covered backdrop.

9. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses 415 square miles of spectacular mountain environments, with elevations ranging from 7,500 to 14,259 feet. The park protects diverse ecosystems from montane forests to alpine tundra, along with an abundance of wildlife including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and marmots.

Must-See Attractions

Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, crests at over 12,000 feet and offers spectacular alpine views. Bear Lake serves as a hub for some of the park’s most popular hiking trails and provides beautiful reflections of surrounding peaks. Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park are excellent locations for wildlife viewing, especially during the fall elk rut.

Best Hiking Trails

• Emerald Lake Trail – 3.5 miles round trip, moderate. Passes three beautiful alpine lakes (Nymph, Dream, and Emerald) with stunning mountain backdrops.
• Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge – 9.4 miles round trip, difficult. Leads past Alberta Falls and The Loch to a spectacular alpine lake beneath sheer cliff faces.
• Alpine Ridge Trail – 0.6 miles round trip, moderate due to elevation. A short but steep trail from the Alpine Visitor Center offering panoramic tundra views.

Ideal Visiting Season

Summer (July-August) provides the most reliable access to all areas of the park, including the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge Road. September offers spectacular fall colors and the elk rut, while wildflowers peak in late June and early July. Winter offers solitude and snow-based recreation in the lower elevations, though many areas become inaccessible.

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park preserves the rugged beauty of Maine’s Atlantic coast, combining rocky headlands, dense woodlands, and crystal-clear lakes. Located primarily on Mount Desert Island, this park offers a perfect blend of mountain and maritime environments that have drawn visitors for generations.

Must-See Attractions

Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, offers spectacular sunrise views and is often the first place in the United States to see the morning sun. Park Loop Road provides access to many of the park’s highlights, including Thunder Hole where incoming waves create thunderous sounds and spectacular splashes. Jordan Pond offers serene reflections of the rounded mountains known as the Bubbles.

Best Hiking Trails

• Ocean Path – 4 miles round trip, easy. Follows the dramatic coastline from Sand Beach to Otter Point with numerous opportunities to explore the rocky shore.
• Precipice Trail – 2.5 miles round trip, strenuous. A challenging iron-rung route up the face of Champlain Mountain (closed during peregrine falcon nesting season).
• Jordan Pond Path – 3.3 miles loop, easy. A scenic trail circling Jordan Pond with views of the Bubbles mountains.

Ideal Visiting Season

Summer (June-August) offers pleasant temperatures and full access to all park facilities, though with significant crowds. September and early October showcase spectacular fall foliage with fewer visitors. Spring (May-early June) provides opportunities for solitude, though some facilities may be limited and black flies can be present.

Plan Your National Park Adventure

America’s national parks offer some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, preserving our natural heritage for future generations. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the rugged coastline of Acadia, each park provides unique opportunities to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

When planning your visit, consider the ideal seasons highlighted in this guide, and remember that many popular parks now require advance reservations for entry or specific attractions. Pack appropriate gear for the environments you’ll encounter, respect wildlife by maintaining safe distances, and always follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these treasured landscapes.