This post is about the best national parks in the US ranked in 2025.
So you’re ready to explore the best national parks in the U.S.—but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got your trail map. Whether you’re looking for the top hikes, jaw-dropping scenic drives, or just a solid excuse to ditch your phone and stare at mountains for a while, this list is your go-to guide for nature’s greatest hits.
From the red rock playgrounds of Utah to the waterfall wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest, we’ve rounded up the 15 best U.S. national parks for first-time visitors. You’ll find park highlights, must-see landmarks, pro tips, and what to know before you go—no ranger hat required.
Ready to plan your next national park trip? Let’s hit the trail.
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Best National Parks in the US
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yellowstone isn’t just America’s first national park—it’s basically the Beyoncé of parks. It’s got geysers that go off on schedule (hi, Old Faithful), technicolor hot springs that look like alien art projects, herds of bison casually owning the road, and enough jaw-dropping scenery to max out your phone storage.
If you’re into hiking, start with Uncle Tom’s Trail—short, steep, and packed with waterfall views. For wildlife, head to Lamar Valley where bison, wolves, and bears are known to casually stroll by like they own the place (because they kind of do).
Don’t miss Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, and make time for a drive on the Grand Loop Road, which ties together all the greatest hits. You’ll feel like you’re on your own personal Nat Geo tour.
Best time to visit
May to September for ideal weather and open roads; go in June or September to dodge the summer crowd.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass); or go big with the America the Beautiful Pass for $80/year.
Pro tip
Stay on the boardwalks in thermal areas—those pretty pools are scalding hot. Also, bring binoculars for epic wildlife sightings.
Know before you go
Spotty cell service, limited gas stations, and bear spray is highly recommended (and rentable nearby). Lodging fills up fast—book early.
2. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite is the land of dramatic granite cliffs, sky-high waterfalls, and that feeling of “wow, am I in a screensaver right now?” It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys jaw-drops with a side of trail dust.
Hit the Mist Trail for an unforgettable (and slightly soggy) hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls—it’s steep, slippery, and stunning. If you want a calmer option, Mirror Lake is chill, easy, and very photo-friendly.
Be sure to stop at Tunnel View, where you’ll get that iconic shot of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all photobombing each other. Driving the Glacier Point Road gives you top-down views of the valley without needing to scale a wall.
Best time to visit
May and June for waterfall season, or September for fewer crowds and cooler weather.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Reservations are required to drive in during peak season (May–September), so plan ahead.
Pro tip
Get there early—parking fills up fast, especially in Yosemite Valley. And pack layers, even in summer.
Know before you go
Limited cell service, bear-proof food lockers are mandatory, and Tioga Pass may still be snowed in until summer.
3. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
It’s a giant hole in the ground—and somehow, it still manages to be mind-blowingly beautiful. Whether you’re staring over the rim or hiking into the depths, the Grand Canyon is nature showing off big time.
For hikers, the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point offers epic views without committing to a full canyon descent. Don’t want to hike? No shame—just cruise along Desert View Drive and stop at every overlook until your camera begs for mercy.
The South Rim is the most visited and open year-round; the North Rim is more remote and only open May–October.
Best time to visit
Spring and fall for cooler temps and manageable crowds. Summer = hot and packed. Winter = quiet but snowy.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass).
Pro tip
Bring more water than you think you need—and don’t try to hike to the river and back in a day. That’s a one-way ticket to exhaustion.
Know before you go
No shade on the trails, cell service is limited, and altitude + dry air = serious dehydration if you’re not careful.
4. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion is all red rock walls, narrow canyons, and hikes that make you feel like you’re walking through an ancient stone cathedral. It’s Utah’s superstar park—and for good reason.
Thrill-seekers can tackle Angels Landing (permit required) for a death-defying hike with insane views. If you’d rather get your feet wet, hike The Narrows—you’ll literally be walking in a river between 1,000-foot cliffs.
Hop on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (shuttle-only most of the year) for easy access to all the big sights without having to deal with parking chaos.
Best time to visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot and crowded, and flash floods can be a risk in the canyons.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass). You’ll need a shuttle reservation in peak season and a permit for Angels Landing.
Pro tip
Water shoes and a walking stick make The Narrows way more enjoyable. And yes, flash flood warnings are a big deal—check before you go.
Know before you go
Lodging books fast, especially in Springdale. Cell service is decent near the visitor center but fades in the canyons.
5. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Acadia is the perfect mix of mountains, forests, and ocean views—with lobster rolls and lighthouses on the side. It’s compact, charming, and super beginner-friendly.
The Beehive Trail is a short, thrilling hike with metal rungs, open cliffs, and sweeping ocean views. Want something gentler? Try Ocean Path, which is long, flat, and filled with pretty spots like Thunder Hole.
Drive up Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch the first sunrise in the U.S. during certain months. Bonus: it’s a view you don’t have to hike for (unless you want to).
Best time to visit
September and October are gorgeous with fall colors. Summer is great too, just be ready for crowds.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass). You’ll need a vehicle reservation to drive up Cadillac Mountain during peak hours (May–October).
Pro tip
Don’t sleep on Jordan Pond House—they’ve been serving popovers and tea with a view since the 1800s.
Know before you go
Bring layers—it can be chilly by the water even in summer. Cell service is decent. Bar Harbor is the main town for food, lodging, and all things touristy.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Welcome to alpine heaven. Rocky Mountain National Park is all about towering peaks, glassy lakes, and hikes that make you feel like you’re in a Colorado postcard (because you basically are).
For a great hike without going full mountain goat, check out Emerald Lake Trail—a 3.2-mile round-trip stunner that takes you past multiple lakes and has serious bang-for-buck scenery. If you’re up for more of a challenge (and thinner air), Sky Pond is a local favorite.
Don’t miss the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. It climbs above 12,000 feet and delivers nonstop “pull over for a photo” vibes.
Best time to visit
June to September for full access to high-elevation trails and open roads. Snow lingers late here!
Entrance fee
$30 per vehicle (1-day pass) or $35 for 7 days. Timed entry reservations are required May–October.
Pro tip
Altitude is real—drink water, take it slow, and don’t be surprised if you feel winded just tying your shoes.
Know before you go
Cell service is spotty, and weather can shift fast (think sunny → hail in 20 minutes). Estes Park is the main base town with food, lodging, and gear shops.
7. Glacier National Park (Montana)
They call it the “Crown of the Continent” for a reason—Glacier is straight-up jaw-dropping, with turquoise lakes, snowcapped peaks, and wildlife just casually doing their majestic thing.
One of the most iconic hikes is Highline Trail, where you’ll walk along a cliffside path with nonstop views. For a less intense but equally gorgeous option, hike to Avalanche Lake through a magical cedar forest.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must—it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world, hands down. Waterfalls, glaciers, and sweeping mountain views? Yes, please.
Best time to visit
Late June through mid-September for snow-free hiking and fully open roads.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass). A separate vehicle reservation is required for Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer.
Pro tip
The road opens late in the season due to snow. Check before you go or risk a detour and some sad-face moments.
Know before you go
No cell service in most areas. Bring bear spray and know how to use it. Lodging is limited—book way in advance or try nearby Whitefish or Kalispell.
8. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Can’t decide between mountains, beaches, and rainforests? Olympic says: why not all three? This park is a choose-your-own-adventure dreamland.
Hike the Hoh Rain Forest for moss-covered magic, then drive out to Rialto Beach for tidepools, sea stacks, and dramatic PNW vibes. Craving a mountain view? Head to Hurricane Ridge for alpine scenery without much effort.
Best time to visit
Summer (June–September) is driest and best for hiking. Spring and fall are moodier but magical.
Entrance fee
$30 per vehicle (7-day pass).
Pro tip
Olympic is HUGE and not all parts connect directly. Plan your route and give yourself time to explore different zones.
Know before you go
Cell service varies a lot. Bring layers—it can go from warm to damp and chilly in an hour. Port Angeles is your main launchpad.
9. Arches National Park (Utah)
If Mars had a vacation destination, it would look like Arches. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, this park is a red rock wonderland of weird, wild, and wow.
Hike to Delicate Arch at sunrise or sunset for that classic photo op—it’s 3 miles round trip with some uphill work, but 100% worth it. Don’t skip Devils Garden, which has multiple arches and fewer crowds the farther in you go.
The Arches Scenic Drive hits most of the park’s top sights in a loop, with plenty of pullouts for quick stops and views.
Best time to visit
Spring and fall (April–May or September–October). Summer is extremely hot and shade is…not really a thing.
Entrance fee
$30 per vehicle (7-day pass). Timed entry reservations are required March–October.
Pro tip
There’s basically no shade—bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least a gallon of water per person per day.
Know before you go
No gas, food, or lodging inside the park. Stock up in Moab, which is super close and full of cool restaurants and gear shops.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)
The Smokies are the most-visited national park in the U.S.—and for good reason. Think rolling mountains, misty mornings, waterfalls, and more wildflowers than you can shake a trekking pole at.
Alum Cave Trail is a fan favorite—moderate and scenic, with cliffs, streams, and views galore. Want something easier? Try Laurel Falls, a paved hike to one of the park’s prettiest waterfalls.
The Newfound Gap Road is a scenic drive that cuts across the park, connecting you to epic overlooks, trailheads, and the Clingmans Dome observation tower (highest point in the park!).
Best time to visit
Fall (October) for peak leaf peeping. Spring is also gorgeous with wildflowers everywhere.
Entrance fee
Free! But as of 2023, a parking tag ($5/day or $15/week) is required if you plan to leave your car for more than 15 minutes.
Pro tip
Weather changes fast in the mountains—bring layers and check forecasts. And yes, bears live here, so follow the rules.
Know before you go
Cell service is limited. Gatlinburg and Cherokee are the main gateway towns with plenty of food and lodging options.
11. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Bryce Canyon looks like someone went wild with a drip castle kit and then turned it into a full-blown amphitheater. The orange and pink hoodoos (those spiky rock formations) are surreal—and they’re even better in person.
Start with the Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail, a 3-mile combo that takes you down into the canyon and back up with just enough huff-and-puff to make you feel like a hero. Want a broader view? Bryce Point gives you a panorama that’ll make your phone camera cry happy tears.
Drive along the Scenic Byway 12 through the park for tons of overlooks and spots to stop and stare at rocks dramatically.
Best time to visit
May through October is ideal. Winter is also gorgeous (and less crowded) if you’re cool with snow and colder temps.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass).
Pro tip
The elevation here is 8,000+ feet—hydrate, wear sunscreen, and take it slow on the uphill climbs.
Know before you go
Layers are key—temps swing wildly between day and night. Closest town is Bryce Canyon City, which has food, gear, and cozy lodging.
12. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
If the mountains in Grand Teton look extra dramatic… it’s because they are. There’s no slow fade-in—they just rise straight up from the valley floor like someone hit the “epic” switch.
Jenny Lake Loop + Hidden Falls is a must-do hike for first-timers. Or take the boat across the lake to skip some steps and go straight to the good stuff. For a challenge, hit Cascade Canyon Trail for alpine views and actual serenity.
Teton Park Road is the scenic drive to take, with views of the range, wildlife spotting, and access to the park’s biggest hits.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early fall (June–September). July and August are peak months, but fall has gorgeous colors and fewer crowds.
Entrance fee
$35 per vehicle (7-day pass).
Pro tip
Wildlife is everywhere—bring binoculars and give moose and bears space. Like, way more space than you think.
Know before you go
Cell service is spotty. Jackson, WY is nearby and has tons of food, lodging, and cowboy hats.
13. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
Mount Rainier is a snow-capped giant that demands attention—like a 14,000-foot beacon for hikers, climbers, and flower-chasers.
The Skyline Trail from Paradise is a must-do loop with glacier views, wildflowers (in season), and Rainier stealing the spotlight in every photo. For waterfalls and forest vibes, Narada Falls or Grove of the Patriarchs are great short hikes.
Take a drive on the Paradise Loop Road for alpine meadows, overlooks, and all the mountain majesty you can handle.
Best time to visit
July and August are peak wildflower and hiking months. Snow sticks around late here, so spring hikes may still be snowy.
Entrance fee
$30 per vehicle (7-day pass).
Pro tip
Start early—parking fills fast and fog rolls in by afternoon. Also, Rainier likes to hide behind clouds. Don’t take clear skies for granted.
Know before you go
No gas or food inside the park. Closest towns are Ashford and Packwood. Download offline maps—service is almost nonexistent.
14. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Where the Mojave meets the Colorado Desert, you get a place that looks part sci-fi movie, part rock climber’s playground. Oh, and those funky Dr. Seuss trees? Yep, those are the Joshua trees.
Try the Hidden Valley Trail for a short, sweet intro to desert hiking. If you want views, head to Ryan Mountain, a moderate 3-mile trek with panoramic desert goodness. Or just scramble up Skull Rock—it’s right off the road and weirdly fun.
The Park Boulevard loop takes you through boulder fields, tree clusters, and all the funky desert charm.
Best time to visit
Fall through spring (October–April) for cooler temps. Summer is 🔥 (like, don’t-even-try hot).
Entrance fee
$30 per vehicle (7-day pass).
Pro tip
Bring all the water—there’s almost none in the park. Also, no lights at night = insane stargazing.
Know before you go
No gas or food inside. Cell service is super limited. Closest town is Joshua Tree (the town, not just the park), with cute shops and taco joints.
15. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Badlands is like hiking on another planet—with striped rock formations, deep canyons, and views that shift colors with the sunlight. It’s weird, wild, and wonderful.
Hike the Notch Trail for a short, adventurous route with a log ladder and a cliffside view. For something less spicy, the Door and Window Trails are easy and scenic.
The Badlands Loop Road is a 39-mile scenic drive that hits all the major viewpoints, wildlife areas, and trailheads.
Best time to visit
Late spring or early fall. Summer is scorching and super exposed.
Entrance fee
$30 per vehicle (7-day pass).
Pro tip
Sunrise and sunset are pure magic here—the colors pop and the park feels otherworldly. Also, keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep.
Know before you go
No shade, no water—bring plenty. Wall, SD is the closest town (and yes, check out Wall Drug for a quirky roadside stop).
Conclusion
There you have it—15 of the best national parks in the United States, each with their own unique wow factor. Whether you’re hiking through glacier-carved valleys, watching geysers erupt on schedule, or just cruising down a scenic drive with the windows down and snacks in hand, there’s a national park with your name on it.
Before you head out, remember to check for entrance fees, park passes, reservation systems, and seasonal conditions. A little planning goes a long way when you’re heading into the wild (or at least, places with limited Wi-Fi). And hey—don’t forget to leave no trace, respect wildlife, and bring extra snacks. Always extra snacks.
Looking for more U.S. travel inspiration? Check out our guides on scenic road trips, beginner hiking tips, and the best times to visit each park.
Now grab your boots, your camera, and maybe a bear bell. It’s time to hit the great American outdoors.
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