The Best National Parks to Visit in the United States

 The Best National Parks to Visit in the United States in 2025

As of April 2025, the United States boasts 63 national parks, each offering a unique tapestry of natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure. Managed by the National Park Service, these protected lands span from the rugged Alaskan wilderness to the sun-drenched deserts of the Southwest, attracting over 300 million visitors annually. Whether you’re a hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking stunning vistas, here’s a guide to the best national parks to visit this year, blending iconic classics with lesser-known gems that deserve your attention.

Yellowstone National Park: The Birthplace of the National Park System

Located across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone holds the distinction of being the world’s first national park, established in 1872. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, it’s a geothermal wonderland with more than 10,000 hot springs and geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. The park’s nickname, the “American Serengeti,” reflects its rich biodiversity, where visitors can spot grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers breathtaking views, while summer and fall bring optimal weather for exploring its vast trails and scenic drives. Spring can be muddy, and winter offers a quieter, snow-covered experience—perfect for cross-country skiing. Plan ahead, as timed entry reservations are often required during peak seasons.

Yosemite National Park: A Climber’s Paradise and Nature’s Masterpiece

Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is a bucket-list destination known for its towering granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, and the majestic 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America. Covering 1,200 square miles, 94% of the park is designated wilderness, offering world-class hiking, climbing, and biking. The Tunnel View lookout provides a postcard-perfect panorama, especially in spring when waterfalls are at their peak. Summer draws crowds, so consider a fall visit for vibrant foliage and fewer people. With its proximity to San Francisco (three hours’ drive), it’s accessible yet feels worlds away—though reservations are recommended during busy months.

Grand Canyon National Park: A Geological Marvel

Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the planet’s most iconic landscapes, stretching 277 miles and reaching depths of over a mile. The South Rim, with its visitor center and scenic Desert View Drive, is the most accessible and popular entry point, while the quieter North Rim offers a cooler, less crowded alternative. Hiking trails like South Kaibab and Bright Angel provide stunning vistas, though the National Park Service cautions against rim-to-river round-trips in one day due to the strenuous descent and ascent. Spring and fall offer mild weather, while summer heat can exceed 100°F. With nearly 5 million visitors in 2023, timing your visit is key to avoiding the crush.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: America’s Most Visited Wonderland

Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, this 522,427-acre park is the most visited in the U.S., welcoming over 13 million people in 2023. Its misty ridgelines, waterfalls, and 850 miles of trails showcase the oldest mountain range in the world, while its biodiversity—home to over 19,000 documented species—earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Clingman’s Dome offers panoramic views, and the Cades Cove loop is a must for wildlife spotting, including black bears and elk. Free admission and proximity to cities like Knoxville make it a year-round destination, though summer and fall peak with crowds and stunning fall colors. Winter provides a serene escape with fewer visitors.

 Zion National Park: A Vertical Symphony

Utah’s Zion, with its 1,000-foot red sandstone cliffs and the Virgin River carving through Zion Canyon, feels like a “holy place” for outdoor lovers. The Narrows hike, where you wade through the river, and Angels Landing, a thrilling ridge walk, are highlights for adventurers. Attracting 5 million visitors in 2023, its popularity means timed entries are common in peak season. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, while summer heat demands early starts. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from desert to forest, make it a year-round draw, with winter snow adding a magical touch to its rock formations.

Rocky Mountain National Park: The Roof of the World

Just 1.5 hours from Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park features 77 peaks over 12,000 feet, earning it the nickname “roof of the world.” Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. at 12,183 feet, offers jaw-dropping views and wildlife sightings like moose and elk. With over 350 miles of hiking trails, options range from beginner-friendly Dream Lake to the challenging Long’s Peak. Summer is busy, but spring and fall provide milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter snow transforms it into a skiing and snowshoeing haven, though some roads close.

 Olympic National Park: A Triad of Ecosystems

Washington’s Olympic National Park packs three distinct landscapes into its nearly 1 million acres: rugged Pacific coastline, temperate rainforests, and glacier-capped mountains. The Hoh Rainforest’s lush greenery and Hurricane Ridge’s panoramic views are standout experiences, while tide-pooling at Kalaloch Beach reveals marine life. With 2.9 million visitors in 2023, it’s a biodiversity hotspot, hosting sea lions, gray whales, and 280 bird species. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking, while winter offers solitude and skiing. Its proximity to Seattle makes it accessible, though ferry or road planning is essential.

Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos and Horizons

In southern Utah, Bryce Canyon is famed for its hoodoos—odd, eroded rock pillars—creating a surreal landscape across 36,000 acres. Hiking trails like Queens Garden and Navajo Loop offer close-up views, while winter snow enhances the orange-red contrast, perfect for snowshoeing. With 2.4 million visitors in 2023, it’s less crowded than Zion but still requires planning. Spring and fall provide mild weather, while summer evenings are ideal for stargazing in this International Dark Sky Park. Horseback riding tours add a unique twist to exploring its otherworldly terrain.

Glacier National Park: The Crown of the Continent

Montana’s Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans 1 million acres with over 700 lakes and rugged peaks shaped by ancient glaciers. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive, is a highlight, though reservations are needed in summer. The Highline Trail offers breathtaking hikes, and wildlife like grizzlies and mountain goats abound. Spring and fall mitigate summer crowds (over 2.9 million in 2023), while winter skiing appeals to adventurers. Its proximity to Canada adds a border-crossing allure, though check travel requirements.

Big Bend National Park: Texas’ Underrated Gem

In Texas, Big Bend covers 801,163 acres and welcomed just over 500,000 visitors in 2023, making it a serene escape compared to busier parks. Its canyons, including Santa Elena, and the Rio Grande offer hiking, rafting, and stargazing under the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. Spring wildflowers and winter clarity are peak times, while summer heat demands caution. Its remoteness—requiring a drive or flight to nearby cities—rewards with solitude and diverse wildlife, from roadrunners to javelinas.

Why Visit These Parks in 2025?

These parks stand out for their scenic diversity, accessibility, and range of activities, from easy drives to challenging backcountry treks. However, visitor numbers are rising, with some parks implementing timed entries to manage impact—check nps.gov for updates. Spring and fall often strike the best balance of weather and crowd levels, though each season offers unique charms. Whether you’re drawn to Yellowstone’s geysers, Zion’s cliffs, or Big Bend’s quiet canyons, these destinations embody America’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Pack your gear, plan your trip, and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the U.S. national parks.