The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. From towering mountains to deep canyons, and from lush forests to barren deserts, our national parks offer a little bit of everything.
These parks aren’t just pretty places to look at – they’re full of adventure, history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just someone looking for a great family vacation, these 12 parks have something for everyone.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, erupts every 90 minutes. You might see bison, elk, and even bears roaming freely. The park’s colorful hot springs look like something from another planet.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a massive, colorful gorge carved by the Colorado River. It’s so big that you can see it from space. Hiking trails offer amazing views, but you can also see a lot from the rim. Watching the sunset over the canyon is an unforgettable experience.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is known for its towering waterfalls and giant sequoia trees. Half Dome and El Capitan are famous rock formations that attract climbers from all over. The valley floor offers easy walks with stunning views. Yosemite is beautiful in every season, but especially in spring when the waterfalls are fullest.
Zion National Park
Zion has tall sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons in beautiful colors. The Narrows hike takes you through a river between towering canyon walls. Angels Landing trail offers thrilling views for brave hikers. The park’s shuttle system makes it easy to get around and see everything.
Glacier National Park
Glacier is home to pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers amazing views as it winds through the park. You might see mountain goats and bighorn sheep on hiking trails. The park’s glaciers are shrinking, so visit soon to see them.
Acadia National Park
Acadia sits on the rocky coast of Maine, offering a mix of ocean and mountain views. The park has the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast of the US. You can watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain before anyone else in the country. The park’s carriage roads are great for biking and walking.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smokies are known for their diversity of plants and animals. Foggy mountain tops give the park its name. It’s a great place to see black bears and beautiful fall colors. The park is free to enter and is the most visited national park in the US.
Olympic National Park
Olympic has three different ecosystems: mountains, rainforest, and coast. You can hike on a mountain and walk on a beach on the same day. The Hoh Rainforest gets up to 14 feet of rain a year, making it lush and green. The park is home to unique animals like the Olympic marmot.
Arches National Park
Arches has over 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest concentration in the world. The Delicate Arch is the park’s most famous landmark. The park’s red rock formations look especially beautiful at sunset. Stargazing here is amazing due to the dark, clear skies.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is where two deserts meet, creating a unique landscape. The park is named after its twisted, spiky Joshua trees. Rock climbers love the park’s big boulders and rock formations. It’s a great place to see the Milky Way at night.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades is a huge wetland full of alligators, birds, and even panthers. You can explore by boat, canoe, or on raised walkways. It’s the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live together. The park helps protect many endangered species.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia is home to some of the biggest trees in the world. The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree on Earth by volume. You can drive through a fallen sequoia log on the park road. The park also has deep canyons and high mountain peaks to explore.
25 Common Mistakes Passengers Make Before Boarding
25 Common Mistakes Passengers Make Before Boarding
Cruise Ship Secrets You Wish You Never Knew
