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Top 20 National Parks in the USA
Grab your hiking shoes and step into the living postcards of nature’s finest work in the USA!
From the fog-covered peaks of the Smokies to the red rocks of Utah’s canyons, every trail tells a story of adventure and wonder. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Yosemite, standing beside the geysers of Yellowstone, or sleeping under the stars in Death Valley, the National Parks in the USA redefine what “a breath of fresh air” truly means.
So, if your heart craves mountain air, rustling forests, and endless horizons, this guide to the best USA National Parks will be your ultimate compass. Ready to exchange city lights for starry nights? Let’s explore America’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Grand Canyon National Park
Located in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles along the Colorado River and reaches depths of over a mile. Carved by millions of years of erosion, its layered red and amber cliffs attract nearly four million visitors annually. The South Rim features Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail, while the North Rim offers serene wilderness and remote campsites for adventurous explorers.
Some top hotels to stay near Grand Canyon National Park:
8.6
Very good
7.8
Good
Yosemite National Park
Spanning nearly 1,200 square miles in California’s Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park embodies the wild beauty of America’s landscapes. Towering granite cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome rise above meadows and pine forests, while powerful waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall fill the valley with mist. The heart of the park, Yosemite Valley, offers countless trails, scenic viewpoints, and climbing routes that attract hikers, adventurers, and photographers from around the world.
Some top hotels to stay near Yosemite National Park:
9.1
Superb
5.0
Fabulous
Yellowstone National Park
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a geological wonder stretching across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. With vibrant hot springs, erupting geysers, and herds of bison, it’s a top destination among parks to visit in the USA. Don’t miss Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Yellowstone Lake — or a peaceful hike along the Lewis River Channel.
Some top hotels to stay near Yellowstone National Park:
7.8
Good
7.0
Good
Acadia National Park
Located on Maine’s rugged coastline, Acadia National Park offers granite cliffs, pine forests, and panoramic Atlantic views. Spanning 47,000 acres, it’s ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. After a day of exploration, unwind in nearby Bar Harbor, known for its charming cafés and seaside charm.
Some top hotels to stay near Acadia National Park:
10.0
Superb
8.1
Very good
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Stretching across the Tennessee and North Carolina border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park unfolds in a landscape of blue-hazed peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and flower-filled valleys. Visitors can drive or cycle through Cades Cove, hike to Abrams Falls, or stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center to discover exhibits on the park’s wildlife and pioneer past. Encompassing more than 522,000 acres of forest, it remains the most-visited national park in the United States and a timeless symbol of Appalachian beauty.
Some top hotels to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
8.0
Very good
7.1
Good
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park spans 265,000 acres of alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows. Hike more than 350 miles of trails, spot elk in the wild, or relax in Estes Park, the scenic gateway town known for its old-fashioned ice cream parlors. Its highest summit, Longs Peak, rises to an impressive 14,259 feet.
Some top hotels to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park:
7.2
Good
10.0
Superb
Sequoia National Park
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada, this park is home to the world’s largest trees — the giant sequoias. Stand before the General Sherman Tree, measuring 275 feet tall and 36 feet wide at its base. Visitors can also explore crystal caves, hike to Moro Rock, or snowshoe during winter.
Some top hotels to stay near Sequoia National Park:
9.0
Superb
9.0
Superb
Mount Rainier National Park
Dominated by the 14,411-foot Mount Rainier, this park in Washington state bursts with waterfalls, glaciers, and wildflower-filled meadows. During summer, hiking trails like Skyline Loop come alive with color, while autumn brings vibrant gold and crimson tones. Wildlife sightings include elk, deer, and marmots.
Some top hotels to stay near Mount Rainier National Park:
8.2
Very good
6.9
Pleasant
Arches National Park
Just north of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Take a scenic drive, hike to Balanced Rock, or explore the challenging Fiery Furnace trail. At night, gaze at the Milky Way shining bright above the desert.
Some top hotels to stay near Arches National Park:
9.3
Superb
8.0
Very good
Olympic National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this vast wilderness includes glaciers, temperate rainforests, and over 70 miles of rugged Pacific coastline. Explore the Hoh Rain Forest, kayak on Lake Crescent, or relax at Rialto Beach under starlit skies.
Some top hotels to stay near Olympic National Park:
9.0
Superb
6.7
Pleasant
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Northern California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park is alive with geothermal energy. Home to all four types of volcanoes, it features bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and crater lakes. Hike Lassen Peak Trail for sweeping mountain views or visit the surreal Sulphur Works area.
Some top hotels to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park:
8.5
Very good
9.3
Superb
Grand Teton National Park
Just south of Yellowstone, Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is defined by its jagged peaks and glacial lakes. Enjoy kayaking on Jenny Lake, hiking along the Snake River, or spotting wildlife like moose and grizzly bears. Autumn paints the park in shades of gold and amber, creating postcard-perfect views.
Some top hotels to stay near Grand Teton National Park:
8.1
Very good
7.9
Good
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon’s natural amphitheater in Utah is filled with towering limestone spires called hoodoos. Rising over 9,000 feet, the park’s overlooks — Sunrise Point and Sunset Point — offer breathtaking views of fiery red and orange rock formations that change hues throughout the day.
Some top hotels to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park:
8.4
Very good
9.2
Superb
Zion National Park
One of Utah’s most iconic USA National Parks, Zion is known for its soaring cliffs and emerald valleys. Hike the thrilling Angels Landing trail or wade through The Narrows in the Virgin River. As night falls, the starlit sky adds the perfect ending to a day of exploration.
Some top hotels to stay near Zion National Park:
6.7
Pleasant
8.9
Very good
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
On Hawaii’s Big Island, this park showcases the volcanic might of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Witness active lava flows, walk through volcanic craters, and enjoy sweeping ocean views from the Kealakomo Overlook. It’s a rare experience of Earth’s creation in real time.
Some top hotels to stay near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park:
8.7
Very good
9.7
Superb
Canyonlands National Park
Utah’s largest park is carved by the Colorado River into a desert maze of canyons, arches, and mesas. Drive the Island in the Sky route, photograph Mesa Arch at sunrise, or raft along the river’s bends. It’s an adventurer’s dream within the American Southwest.
Some top hotels to stay near Canyonlands National Park:
8.7
Very good
9.3
Superb
Redwood National and State Parks
Home to the tallest trees on Earth, these parks in northern California protect ancient redwood forests, coastal prairies, and 40 miles of Pacific shoreline. Stroll through Lady Bird Johnson Grove, drive Howland Hill Road, or camp beneath towering redwoods illuminated by starlight.
Some top hotels to stay near Redwood National and State Parks:
4.2
Average
7.2
Good
Denali National Park and Preserve
In Alaska, Denali National Park covers six million acres of raw wilderness surrounding Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak. Spot grizzlies and caribou, take guided hikes, or embark on the Denali Park Road bus tour for spectacular glacier and mountain views.
Some top hotels to stay near Denali National Park and Preserve:
Kenai Fjords National Park
Another Alaskan gem, Kenai Fjords is known for its icy fjords, glaciers, and abundant marine life. The Harding Icefield, over 23,000 years old, spans roughly 700 square miles. Hike to Exit Glacier or kayak among seals and whales — a true Arctic adventure.
Some top hotels to stay near Kenai Fjords National Park:
9.2
Superb
8.4
Very good
Glacier National Park
Bordering Canada, Glacier National Park in Montana dazzles with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. Highlights include Grinnell Glacier, Trail of the Cedars, and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s also part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some top hotels to stay near Glacier National Park:
8.0
Very good
10.0
Superb
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