Visiting the National Parks is a beautiful way to explore the United States and a great way to get outdoors. Whether you’re interested in some serious hiking or just touring the national parks, there’s so much beauty in these landscapes to explore!

Maybe you want to put most or even all of the National Parks on your bucket list. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place! I’ve gathered up all of the National Parks and listed them by state so that you can easily decide what National Parks to add to your bucket list and help you decide on your next National Parks adventure!

I created a map for you to help you plan your next National Parks bucket list trip! Some of the National Parks are somewhat close to each other, so you may be able to visit several National Parks during one road trip. Seeing it visually always helps me plan road trips, so hopefully it will help you too.

Below, I’ve grouped the National Parks by region, as is shown in the Passport To Your National Parks, so the National Parks are color-coded by region, making it easier to plan a trip in one region.

Be sure to grab your own Passport To Your National Parks if you don’t have one yet, to collect your stamps at each of the National Parks! It’s a fun memorabilia to keep as you explore each park. You can purchase stickers at the gift shop of each park to stick on and/or just use the park stamp to stamp into your booklet, like a real passport!

I also love having a scratch-off map of the National Parks to visually remind us where we’ve been and where we still need to go. I bought one of these for each of my kids so they can have their own scratching off experience! It’s a fun way to get kids excited about visiting National Parks, especially if they are more interested in theme parks than nature. This 12″ magnetic hanger is super handy to make it easy to hang up on your wall.

There’s also a Junior Ranger Passport To Your National Parks that you can purchase at gift shops at one of the National Parks, or you can find one online. There’s an area for stickers and photos, information about each region, and checklists that kids can check off to keep track of where they’ve been!

Kids can become a Junior Ranger by visiting a National Park, exploring the park by participating in Junior Ranger activities, and taking a pledge to be inducted as a Junior Ranger and receive a badge!

Now, onto the actual list of all of the National Parks by state and U.S. Territory, listed in alphabetical order.

There are 63 National Parks in total. You can find the official list on the National Park Service website. Now, let’s get into an overview of each of the different U.S. National Parks, what you can expect, and ways you can explore them.

Alaska

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is known for having the highest peak in the United States, with Mount McKinley’s peak at 20,301 feet high. Denali National Park was created in 1917 to protect Dall sheep and has expanded to include Mount McKinley. There are 6 million acres to explore at Denali National Park with wild animals, such as moose, caribou, bears, sheep, and wolves, and beautiful landscapes to see.

One thing to note is that there is only one road that travels through it — the Denali Park Road. Only the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road are paved, even though it is 92 miles long. During the summer, the public can drive the first 15 miles. Bus transportation is available for the rest of the road. During the winter, only the first 3 miles are open for the public to drive due to snow. Buses only operate during the summer.

If you want to go on a tour, there are flightseeing tours, a naturalist walking tour, ATV Adventures, Fat truck tours, a backcountry ATV tour, and even a horse-drawn covered wagon ride! For adventure, you can go on a zipline adventure, go rafting, or go on a photo excursion if you’re a photographer. You can see all the tours available here.

If you want to see the Northern Lights, you can take a Northern Lights tour about 2 hours away from Denali National Park.

You can find more information to plan your trip to Denali National Park here.

See Denali National Park on a map.

Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park is a nearly untouched wilderness and has no roads or trails. It resides at the northern tip of the Rocky Mountains, north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. Visitors come to this park to see remote wilderness, but need to be prepared with skills, knowledge, and the right equipment for self-sufficiency in the backcountry.

If you aren’t looking to take on a full-blown expedition into this park, you can view the Gates of the Arctic National Park with air taxis that can take you on flight-seeing trips. There are also options for day trips or overnight camping in various remote locations.

Get your NPS passport stamps at the Bettles Visitor Center or the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center.

Find more information to plan your trip to Gates of the Arctic National Park here.

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Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is a mountainous park in southeast Alaska with glaciers, icy fjords, and abundant wildlife. It is a protected wilderness area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Glacier Bay National Park is mostly water, and the tidewater glaciers are the main attraction. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some humpback whales and sea otters!

There are no roads in the park, so you’ll have to make arrangements to arrive on a cruise, boat, or plane. Cruise ships and scenic boat tours are the most popular ways to see the glaciers, but you can also go on a charter boat or kayak through Glacier Bay, too. Every summer, the Glacier Bay Lodge operates daily tours, or you can go on a whale-watching tour from Hoonah. Alaska Airlines and air taxis travel daily from Juneau to Gustavus if you’d like to travel by plane.

Find more information about Glacier Bay National Park here.

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Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park was established to protect a region devastated by the 1912 Novarupta volcano eruption, and includes the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. It is a remote park located in southern Alaska that can’t be accessed by car. In order to visit, you must arrive by plane or boat. You can take flightseeing tours to view the park by plane, or hike if you’re truly daring.

Katmai National Park is famous for its brown bears at Brooks Falls, which is home to thousands of brown bears and salmon. You can watch salmon leaping up waterfalls and brown bears fishing for them on a live cam during the summer. The best time to go is during July and September, when you can see brown bears fishing during salmon runs. If you’re looking for a tour, you can book a tour with Alaska Bear Expeditions for the ultimate bear watching.

Find more information about Katmai National Park here.

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Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park, located outside of Seward, Alaska, is known for its stunning fjords carved by glaciers, beautiful mountains, and the diverse wildlife that can be found both in the water and on land. You may be able to see humpback whales, puffins, orcas, sea lions, and otters.

You can reach most of the park by boat; you can take a boat tour from Seward to explore the remote fjords and glaciers. For glacier views, you can hike the Harding Icefield trail. Exit Glacier is a popular tourist destination and one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. View the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on a cruise, a half-day boat tour from Seward, a six-hour journey by boat, or by helicopter.

For more adventure, you can go on a flight and kayak adventure, go ice hiking, or go on a snowmobile tour. See all the various cruise and tour options here.

Find more information about Kenai Fjords National Park here.

See Kenai Fjords National Park on a map.

Kobuk Valley National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park in northwestern Alaska is the land of caribou and sand dunes, where thousands of caribou migrate through, leaving their tracks on the dunes, and can be seen swimming in the Kobuk River. It is located above the Arctic Circle and has no roads or developed trails. You can reach it by taking a small plane with one of these authorized charter companies that provide flights from Kotzebue or Bettles.

Make a stop at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to see the museum, and ask your chartered flight company to take you on a flight to see the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.

Find more information about Kobuk Valley National Park here.

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Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is named after its turquoise lake, Lake Clark. It’s known for brown bear viewing in Alaska in places like Crescent Lake, Chinitna Bay, or Silver Salmon Creek. You can also go kayaking and boating on Lake Clark. It’s surrounded by mountains and has glaciers, rivers, forests, and two active volcanoes — Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is located about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage and can only be accessed by small plane or boat. There are no roads that come into the park. Go flightseeing to see the coastline, volcanoes, and waterfalls. You can find a list of Air Taxi Services here.

Find more information about Lake Clark National Park here.

See Lake Clark National Park on a map.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is America’s largest National Park. At 13.2 million acres, it’s larger than Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Switzerland combined. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and its two Canadian neighbors–Kluane National Park & Reserve and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park.

You can go flightseeing to see mountains and glaciers, hiking, mountaineering, river rafting, hunting, fishing, or watch wildlife. See all the things to do here. Most of the park is accessed by bush plane since the two gravel roads, McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road, provide limited access to the park. You can see more photos of the park here.

Explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with a St. Elias tour guide, take a flightseeing day trip, go on a glacier hike with a guide, go on a river raft tour, or try oar rafting!

Find more information about Wrangell-St. Elias National Park here.

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American Samoa

National Park of American Samoa

National Park of American Samoa is unique because it’s located in the tropical islands in the South Pacific in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. The National Park is located across the three islands of Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū. You can take a flight there from Hawaii or another Pacific island.

Expect to see coral reefs, tropical rainforests, colorful birds, beautiful beaches, and maybe even some fruit bats. You can go snorkeling, take a walk on the beach, and learn more about the history and culture of the Samoan people. Try some Samoan food that is cooked using an umu, a traditional earth oven.

Find more information about the National Park of American Samoa here.

See the National Park of American Samoa on a map.

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of those breathtaking places that you have to see for yourself. Visiting during sunrise or sunset will give it the warm glow that makes the most beautiful pictures– Yaki Point and Hopi Point are favorite viewing spots. You can visit the two main rims: the South Rim and the North Rim. South Rim is the most popular area with visitor centers and the famous viewpoints of Desert View and Mather Point.

The North Rim is cooler due to its higher elevation and is less crowded and only open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October. The rims can be much cooler than the canyon floor, sometimes 20-30 degrees F cooler. Because temperatures can vary widely, be prepared with clothing in layers. The South Rim can be very busy, so be sure to book lodges and campsites in advance.

Some unique experiences at the Grand Canyon are mule trips, whitewater rafting trips, riding the Grand Canyon Railway, and stargazing. For a relaxing day, view the canyon by taking a Desert View Drive or using the park’s free shuttles to explore the scenic overlooks. You can also take a motor coach tour from Las Vegas, go on a half-day private hiking tour, a sunset tour of the Grand Canyon, or a biblical creation tour. You can even take a 45-minute helicopter flight to see the Grand Canyon from an aerial view. See all the tours available.

Find more information about Grand Canyon National Park here.

See Grand Canyon National Park on a map.

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is a unique park in northeastern Arizona that is famous for its petrified logs that look like they are glittering from having turned to stone over millions of years. You’ll also find the Painted Desert, which has striped badlands in various shades of red, orange, and purple, which look especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

One of the great features of this park is that it’s easy to explore by car. You can take a 28-mile road to view overlooks, take a short hike, and see historic sites. Popular trails to hike are the Crystal Forest Trail, which has the sparkling petrified wood, the Giant Logs Trail, which has the largest logs in the park, and the Blue Mesa Trail, where you can see the badlands.

Petrified Forest is less crowded than other National Parks, which makes it feel peaceful and open. Don’t forget to bring sun protection as there’s very little shade in this park. You can purchase a self-guided audio tour for some interesting information and stories about the park as you drive through, or if you want a private tour, you can find a guided private tour from Sedona.

Find more information about Petrified Forest National Park here.

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Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is located just outside Tucson, Arizona, and is known for its giant saguaro cacti. The park is separated into two different districts, with Tucson Mountain District in the west and Rincon Mountain District in the east. The west side is best for short hikes and quick visits, and incredible sunset views. If you’re looking for longer hikes and scenic drives, you can head over to the east side.

If you’ve been to Arizona during the summer, you’ll know that it gets hot during the summer. Unless you are used to 100-degree weather, it’s best to plan your trip for the fall or spring, when you can hike with much more temperate weather. In the spring, you can see the spring wildflowers on the east side (Rincon Mountain District). You can take a self-guided driving audio tour, go on an e-bike tour through the desert, or go on a wildlife tour to view Saguaro National Park.

Find more information about Saguaro National Park here.

See Saguaro National Park on a map.

Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is famous for its natural hot springs that attract visitors to experience its thermal waters in the middle of a historic town. Hot Springs National Park is part city and part nature, with a walkable downtown area near Bathhouse Row, and scenic trails and drives you can take to view the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. You can also view the Ouachita Mountains from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

Whether you’re looking to explore the park with some hikes, soak in thermal hot springs, or explore the downtown area, there’s a lot to do in Hot Springs. Hot Springs also offers a lot of activities for kids. You can take a self-guided audio tour or go ziplining in Hot Springs.

Read about our trip to Hot Springs and kayaking in the Ouachita River if you’re looking to plan a weekend getaway in Arkansas.

Find more information about Hot Springs National Park here.

See Hot Springs National Park on a map.

California

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of Southern California and comprises five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa Islands. The islands are only accessible by boat and have sea caves, hiking trails, wildlife, and beaches for a unique adventure that feels like you’re on a remote island.

You can go kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, surfing, tidepooling, and sightseeing. There are no stores or hotels on the islands, so plan to bring everything with you, including all food and water. You can go camping on the islands with a reservation for the campground and transportation. The visitor centers are located on the mainland in Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Find more information about Channel Islands National Park here.

See Channel Islands National Park on a map.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park has some of the hottest places on Earth, with summer temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C), so be sure to plan your trip during fall, winter, or spring. It is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and is known for its colorful badlands, salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged mountains.

With over three million acres, there is so much to explore. Stop by the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to get some information to help you customize your trip. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America (it is below sea level) and has unique salt flats you can walk on. Artist’s Palette has colorful hills from vibrant minerals due to past volcanic activity. Zabriskie Point is where you can take the iconic photos of Death Valley, and Dante’s View boasts one of the best views of the park.

Use a self-guided audio tour as you drive through the National Park, or join a small group day tour or the VIP tour from Las Vegas.

Find more information about Death Valley National Park here.

See Death Valley National Park on a map.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California, is famous for its twisted Joshua trees and includes two deserts–the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. There are about 300 miles of hiking trails to walk, and Joshua Tree National Park is known to be a world-class destination for rock climbers. Overnight camping is available, and the park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, which makes it a great place for stargazing.

Taking photos at the park during sunset is beautiful with the pink skies, but be sure to bring enough clothing layers as temperatures drop considerably in the evening. You can take a half-day Joshua Tree National Park Tour that leaves from Palm Springs, explore the park in an open-air Hummer adventure, or take an off-road tour. If you are looking for more adventure, try rock climbing, go on an electric motorbike tour, or go rappelling inside the park. You can also go on a guided half-day hike or a full-day hike.

Find more information about Joshua Tree National Park here.

See Joshua Tree National Park on a map.

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is located adjacent to Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. You can visit both of these parks in one trip. Kings Canyon National Park is known for its namesake, Kings Canyon, which is one of the deepest canyons in North America. You can see high alpine peaks, meadows, and forests in the park.

Popular hikes at Kings Canyon National Park include the Mist Falls Trail, which takes you to a stunning waterfall, the General Grant Tree Trail, which takes you to see the massive sequoia, and the Rae Lakes Loop, which is a multi-day backpacking trip. You can also enjoy scenic drives on Cedar Grove Road and Highway 180 to view waterfalls, river canyons, meadows, and possibly see wildlife. Use a self-guided audio tour to learn about the area as you drive.

If you’re looking for a tour guide, you can go on a half-day trip to Kings Canyon National Park from Fresno, California, or a 2-day tour of Kings Canyon National Park and Yosemite from Los Angeles.

Find more information about Kings Canyon National Park here.

See Saguaro Kings Canyon National Park on a map.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park protects active volcanoes in Northern California, and its most famous landmark is a dormant volcano named Lassen Peak. Hiking to the summit of Lassen Peak is strenuous, but it will give you an amazing view of the surrounding landscape. Easy trails around lakes and meadows are also available.

Take a drive on Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, a 30-mile stretch with designated parking areas and turnouts where you can enjoy the highlights that the highway has to offer. Use a self-guided driving audio tour to learn more about the park as you take in the scenery.

Some of the easy trails to visit are Sulpher Works, one of the hydrothermal areas, the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail that introduces you to the eruption that created the area, and the Manzanita Lake Trail, which is an easy hike that is great for families with young children.

Find more information about Lassen Volcanic National Park here.

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Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park has 30 miles of scenic trails to explore in Central California. It is known for its unique rock formations and is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing. Pinnacles National Park is one of the smaller national parks, so it’s less famous than others, but it’s a great place for beautiful views and a hike.

You can explore caves like Bear Gulch Cave and Balconies Cave, or hike the High Peaks Trail to see the panoramic views. See all the hiking trails here.

Stop by a visitor center before you hike at Bear Gulch Nature Center or the West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station.

Find more information about Pinnacles National Park here.

See Pinnacles National Park on a map.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is located in northern California, along the Pacific coast, and is famous for its tall redwood trees — the tallest trees on earth! Visit the Tall Trees Grove, where you’ll see some of these trees, and be sure to apply for a free reservation, which is required to visit. Here’s a recommendation on how to spend a full day at the Redwoods.

Some of the best ways to see the park are to go on a scenic drive, take a hike, or go on a bike ride on one of the trails. You can use a self-guided driving audio tour to take a scenic drive, or go on a unique walk through a Rotorua high ropes course and zipline to see the redwood trees from a unique vantage point.

Find more information about Redwood National Park here.

See Redwood National Park on a map.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is home to some of the world’s largest trees, including General Sherman Tree, the biggest tree in the world by volume, and General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree in the world. Visitors usually visit the neighboring Kings Canyon National Park along with Sequoia National Park, where you can see giant forests, mountains, canyons, and lakes.

You can use a self-guided audio tour of Sequoia National Park or buy the combo self-guided audio tour with Kings Canyon National Park to tour both of them in one trip.

Sequoia National Park also has the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States–Mount Whitney. You can enjoy a scenic drive that takes you to lookouts with amazing views, hike a variety of trails, and see Crystal Cave, a marble cavern. To avoid crowds, you can go on a small group tour, a private tour, or a private guided hiking tour. For a truly unique experience, try a private stargazing tour to see the amazing night skies.

Find more information about Sequoia National Park here.

See Sequoia National Park on a map.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular parks because of its majestic waterfalls, large sequoia trees, valleys, wilderness, and meadows. Located in the Sierra Nevada region of California, the most popular destination at Yosemite National Park is Yosemite Valley, where you’ll see the famous waterfalls, unique rock formations, cliffs, and meadows.

You can also visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to see a sequoia grove with over 500 sequoia trees! There’s a shuttle service you can use from mid-April to November to get there. See more things to see at Yosemite. Aside from hiking, you can also go on a guided tour, go biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, birdwatching, rock climbing, stargazing, and even enjoy winter sports! Be sure to book reservations in advance during peak season.

To navigate the park, you can use a self-guided driving audio tour, go on a bus group tour, or go on a private guided hiking tour or a private family hike to beat the crowds. If you want to be picked up from your hotel, you can take a semi-private tour with lunch included.

Find more information about Yosemite National Park here.

See Yosemite National Park on a map.

Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado. It has a canyon that is very steep and narrow, making the Gunnison River appear “black” in certain areas. The park is divided into two rims — South Rim, which is more accessible and has a visitor center, and North Rim, which is quieter and takes a longer drive to get to.

Drive on Scenic Drive to see incredible views at different overlooks. Stop by Painted Wall, where you’ll see the tallest cliff in Colorado! You can use a self-guided driving audio tour to learn some interesting information on your scenic drive.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is not a park with easy hiking trails due to its rugged terrain, but it will give you dramatic views without the crowds. There are trails you can hike, which you can find here.

Find more information about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park here.

See Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on a map.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in Southern Colorado and has the tallest sand dunes in North America. Try sandboarding or sledding down the dunes with rental boards. No reservations are required to visit.

There’s also a creek, Medano Creek, that flows at the base of the dunes, where you can enjoy some shallow water amidst all the sand. It’s like playing at a beach surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and sand dunes. Peak water flow is typically in May and slowly decreases, and may dry up by the middle of June. Read more about Medano Creek here.

Find more information about Great Sand Dunes National Park here.

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Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, where the Ancestral Pueblo lived until the 1200s. The Mesa Verde National Park is most famous for its cliff dwellings — Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House.

You can take a half-day tour, a full-day tour, or a self-guided audio driving tour. Take a drive on Mesa Top Loop Drive to view scenic overlooks, go hiking on trails, and visit mesa-top sites. If you’re short on time, you can take the Mesa Verde Highlights Tour which will take you to see Mesa Verde National Park’s highlights.

Find more information about Mesa Verde National Park here.

See Mesa Verde National Park on a map.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Northern Colorado, just a couple of hours away from Denver, and is famous for its mountain views. You can see alpine lakes, beautiful meadows, and over 300 miles of trails to explore. If you’re lucky, you may even see wildlife such as bighorn sheep, various birds, moose, elk, and marmots.

Timed reservations are required from May to October, allowing visitors to be spread out throughout the day. You can use the free Bear Lake Shuttle and Moraine Park Shuttle to explore the park. There are various visitor centers you can visit for more information.

If you’d like to join a tour to make things easier, the all-day Discover Rocky Mountains National Park tour from Denver or Boulder is a popular choice, or the Safari Tour. If you’re looking for something more private, take a private driving tour to have a route customized just for you. You can also take a private tour focused on wildlife or geology, and when it snows, you can even go on a private snowshoe tour!

Find more information about Rocky Mountain National Park here.

See Rocky Mountain National Park on a map.

Florida

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is unique because, unlike other national parks that boast majestic mountains and scenery, this national park is mostly underwater. It is located just south of Miami, and Biscayne National Park protects coral reefs, emerald islands, mangrove forests, and its aqua waters. Many enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving at this national park. You can even see a shipwreck.

Guided tours are available for water adventures. Biscayne National Park is home to more than 500 species of fish and diverse animals, and plants. Start your adventure at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. There is also a Biscayne National Park self-guided audio tour you can use to explore the park yourself.

For boat rides in Biscayne Bay, you can go on the Biscayne Bay Millionaire’s Row Skyline Boat Tour or the Biscayne Bay Miami Skyline Boat Cruise.

Find more information about Biscayne National Park here.

See Biscayne National Park on a map.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island, seventy miles west of Key West, that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. It is best known for the 19th-century coastal fortress, Fort Jefferson, that takes up most of Garden Key. The waters surrounding the fort are perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can see tropical fish, coral reefs, and shipwrecks.

To get to Dry Tortugas National Park, you can take the Yankee Freedom Ferry, charter a seaplane from Key West, or take a catamaran from Key West. You can also bring your own boat if you have one in Florida!

Find more information about Dry Tortugas National Park here.

See Dry Tortugas National Park on a map.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is located in South Florida and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Here, you’ll find wetlands, mangrove forests, and rivers, and lots of wildlife — crocodiles, alligators, dolphins, manatees, and hundreds of birds.

You can take a walk along Anhinga Trail to view wildlife, go on a 15-mile tram ride at Shark Valley, take a self-guided driving audio tour, go on an airboat tour, go kayaking, or take a boat tour to the flamingo area. If you’re looking for a tour that is a little longer, you can go on a half-day Everglades National Park tour, or go on an Everglades National Park adventure led by a biologist that takes you on a cruise, a hike, and an airboat.

Find more information about Everglades National Park here.

See Everglades National Park on a map.

Hawaii

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park is a 30,000-acre national park that is located high above on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is home to a dormant volcano. It is popular for its beautiful views at the summit, especially for catching sunrises and sunsets, and the view of the crater below. You can go hiking into the crater and you’ll feel like you’re on another planet, with clouds floating below.

There is another section to the park, the Kīpahulu District near Hana, which is a tropical rainforest that will require a separate day of travel. It’s famous for its waterfalls, rainforests, and bamboo groves, all with stunning views.

To experience Haleakalā National Park, go on a sunrise tour, a self-guided audio tour, a helicopter tour, or a full-day adventure tour. See various tours available for Haleakala National Park.

Find more information about Haleakalā National Park here.

See Haleakalā National Park on a map.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, which have shaped the landscape. When visiting the national park, see the summit of Kīlauea, hike the Kilauea Iki Trail, and tour the Thurston Lava tube to see inside an active volcano, and walk across lava lake. Visit the Kilauea Overlook and see the steam vents.

Drive down Chain of Craters Road for views of the coast, petroglyphs, Holei Sea Arch, and some crater overlooks. If you have time, visit Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, and stop by Kahuku, which is located further out. Use a self-guided driving audio tour to learn more about the island as you travel to the different sites.

If you’re looking for a tour guide to eliminate the stress of planning, tour the Big Island, including the volcanoes and waterfalls, on a popular day tour of Big Island that includes transportation, lunch, and snacks. Another popular tour is the Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour if you want to see the volcano at night. See other tours available.

Find more information about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park here.

See Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on a map.

Idaho

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is the most popular national park visited in the United States, and for good reason! It is a geologic wonder with grandiose landscapes, geysers, mud pots, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and hot springs to see. It’s also a sanctuary for wildlife. You may be fortunate to see elk, bison, and deer walking on the roads. You may even be able to see bears or wolves!

Expect to spend a few days (or even longer) to see everything. Be sure to visit Old Faithful, the most famous geyser that erupts regularly, and Grand Prismatic Spring (shown in the image above), the Lower Falls (waterfall), and Mammoth Hot Springs, which is a unique hot spring that flows down layers of white rock, giving it an otherworldly appearance.

If you’d like an organized tour to explore Yellowstone National Park, you can take a one-day small group tour from Jackson Hole, a one-day tour from Bozeman, or a 2-day tour to explore the park. You can also purchase a self-directed driving audio tour if you’d like to explore the park on your own. Be aware that it can get crowded in the summer, and cell service can be very limited in the park.

Find more information about Yellowstone National Park here.

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Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is located in northwest Indiana, along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, about an hour or so from Chicago, depending on traffic. It is known for its sandy beaches and dunes, especially Mt. Baldy, which is the park’s largest dune, but it can be restricted because it can still move and shift. To hike the summit of Mt. Baldy, you will need to go on a ranger tour.

There are 20 miles of sandy shoreline on Lake Michigan where you can play in the sand and swim in the water on warmer days, with a view of industrial steel plants nearby. If you’re going for a hike during the summer, be sure to use bug repellent. Indiana Dunes National Park also has wetlands, prairies, and forest trails, and even some interesting houses to explore. You can go kayaking on Lake Michigan and waterways such as the Little Calumet River and Burns Waterway.

You can use a self-guided driving tour to help you navigate. Be sure to give yourself some extra time to also visit the Indiana Dunes State Park nearby during your visit.

Find more information about Indiana Dunes National Park here.

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Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky and has 400 miles of passageways that you can explore through a guided tour — a short, easy walk known as the Frozen Niagara Tour, or a more challenging tour, diving deep underground, called the Grand Avenue Tour. There are many other tour options available, and you can even visit without a tour, but you’ll need to make reservations at recreation.gov.

There are trails above ground that you can hike through hills, forests, and river valleys.

This cave is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as an International Biosphere Region. Tours can sell out quickly in the summer, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Find more information about Mammoth Cave National Park here.

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Maine

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, most of which is located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, also spans across Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and 18 other islands. Acadia National Park is most famous for its iconic rocky coastline, and one of the most popular spots to watch a sunrise is Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the Atlantic coast. Timed reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road to Cadillac Mountain in peak season.

Drive along Park Loop Road for a scenic drive, and go hiking, bicycling, birdwatching, stargazing, boating, sightseeing of historic places, exploring tidepools, or swimming on Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach, or Lake Wood. You can use a self-guided audio tour, or go on a 3.5-hour bus tour of the park, or a shorter 2.5-hour bus tour. You can also tour Acadia National Park on an e-bike tour or a self-guided e-bike tour.

Find more information about Acadia National Park here.

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Michigan

Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is one of the least visited National Parks. It’s an island located in northern Lake Superior, close to Michigan and Minnesota. This is not a day-trip destination, and you will need a few days to spend here, especially because you can only get here by a ferry, private boat, or seaplane. There are no roads that take you here, so it feels remote and offers a tranquil solitude that might be difficult to find elsewhere.

At Isle Royale National Park, you can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and scuba diving (if you can handle the frigid cold waters). The ferry, called Ranger III, offers service from late May through early September. It takes about 6 hours to cross Lake Superior each way, so there are no one-day trips that can be made. Check the ferry schedule here.

Find more information about Isle Royale National Park here.

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Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, 40% of which is covered by lakes. This park is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in the lower 48 states, especially in the fall and winter. Voyageurs National Park celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.

You can explore Voyageurs National Park by boat, kayak, or canoe. In the summer, you can go paddling, fishing, houseboating, and camping, or go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing in the winter. See all the services available at Voyageurs.

Find more information about Voyageurs National Park here.

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Missouri

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and within it is the iconic Gateway Arch landmark, a free history museum at its base, the Old Courthouse, and 90 acres of land surrounding it. You can ride on a tram up 630 feet to visit the observation space at the top of the Arch. The tram is a one-of-a-kind, unique in its design to accommodate the constraints of the Gateway Arch to move up to 11,000 people in a 14-hour day.

At the top of the arch, you can see views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Be sure to buy tram tickets in advance as they can sell out. If you want to go on a guided tour, there is a walking tour that includes the tram ride, a river cruise and St. Louis Arch walking tour combo, a driving tour with a boat ride, and even a helicopter ride, river cruise, and driving tour for the ultimate experience!

Find more information about Gateway Arch National Park here.

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Montana

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is known as the “Crown of the Continent” and is located in northern Montana, near the Canadian border. The best way to see this park is by driving on Going-to-the-Sun Road, which traverses the park for 50 miles from east to west. You’ll see clear blue glacial lakes, green cedar forests, and alpine tundra at the top of Logan Pass, a “pass” that was used to get through mountains.

You can purchase a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the park as you drive.

There are trails for all fitness levels, but the most popular routes are the path to Iceberg Lake (4.5 miles) or a shorter trail to Sherry Glacier. You can take a scenic float on the Flathead River, located on the boundary of Glacier National Park, or rent a kayak to explore one of the lakes yourself. Boat rides on Lake McDonald are also available.

A free shuttle is available on Going-on-the-Sun Road, which you can take on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer a tour guide, you can take a driving tour of Glacier National Park.

The best time to visit is July – September, when all the trails and roads are open.

Find more information about Glacier National Park here.

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Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park spans multiple states, so it’s listed here under Montana as well as under Idaho and Wyoming. Yellowstone is the world’s first National Park and is famous for its geothermal wonders, welcoming several million visitors each year. Did you know that more than half the world’s geysers are located within Yellowstone?

Plan to spend at least a few days to see everything at Yellowstone. Key highlights are:

• Old Faithful – the most famous geyser that erupts regularly
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• the Lower Falls (a waterfall)
• Mammoth Hot Springs – a unique hot spring that flows down layers of white rock, giving it an otherworldly appearance.

For an organized tour to explore Yellowstone National Park, take a one-day small group tour from Jackson Hole, a one-day tour from Bozeman, or a 2-day tour to explore the park.

Purchase a self-directed driving audio tour if you’d like to explore the park on your own. It can get crowded in the summer, and cell service can be very limited in the park.

Find more information about Yellowstone National Park here.

See Yellowstone National Park on a map.

Nevada

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park spans across California and Nevada, and is named Death Valley because it’s the hottest place in North America. It’s also the driest and lowest, and is best visited in the cooler months (the most popular time to visit is spring) to avoid the heat. Be sure to visit Zabriskie Point, where you can see Manly Beacon, one of the most iconic vistas of Death Valley, and one of the most photographed spots.

You’ll also want to visit the rainbow-colored Artist’s Palette, and Dante’s View, a viewpoint terrace, see the white flats at Badwater Basin, located at the lowest point in the park, see Ubehebe Crater, with a surface that looks like Mars, Scotty’s Castle, a Spanish-Mediterranean mansion, and hike Golden Canyon, the most popular short hike.

There’s a lot to see here. You can even take a self-guided Star Wars Driving Tour to learn about the locations where Star Wars was filmed. Try a self-guided audio tour to learn more about Death Valley as you drive around the park.

If you want a guided tour, these are some popular options:

• Take an expedition with the Las Vegas to Death Valley Tour.
• There’s even a tour From Las Vegas: Death Valley Sunset Night and Starry Night Tour.

Find more information about Death Valley National Park here.

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Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is located on the eastern side of Nevada, about a 4-6 hour drive from Reno, Las Vegas, or Salt Lake City. It is made up of 90 small basins that make up the Great Basin (hence the name), Wheeler Peak, caves, and is home to the world’s oldest tree species.

Tour Lehman Caves to see limestone stalactites, stalagmites, and more filling its grand marble caverns. Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a 12-mile road with overlooks and pull-offs, where you can stop to admire the views. If you’re very adventurous, you can climb Wheeler Peak, which is a 5-8 hour trek each way.

Trout fishing is popular during the spring and snowshowing or skiing in the winter. You can gather pinyon pine cones in the fall, and walk among bristlecone pine trees. Great Basin National Park is one of the best stargazing locations in the country with its clear night skies and is certified as an International Dark Sky Park.

Find more information about Great Basin National Park here.

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New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southern New Mexico and has over 119 caves that have been discovered. You can go on a self-guided trail or go on a ranger-led tour that will take you into less-traveled areas of the cave. The Chihuahuan Desert is above ground and is also protected by Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where you can see prickly pear cacti, desert wildflowers, and maybe even some wildlife.

Timed tickets are required to enter Carlsbad Caverns. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The last ticket sold is for 2:15 pm, so be sure to plan your tour to start before then. Currently, there are no ranger-guided tours available.

Find more information about Carlsbad Caverns National Park here.

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White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is famous for its white sand, the largest gypsum dune field on the Earth. The dunes were formed after the sea evaporated, leaving gypsum (a type of calcium sulfate) behind in the form of selenite crystals. Over time, weather and erosion broke down the crystals into grains, which created the white dunes.

What Sands National Park is one of America’s youngest national parks, only been established in 2019.

It’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong reflection from the sun. Bring some food and go on a picnic at one of the picnic tables around the park, hike along the Alkali Flat Trail, and purchase a white plastic snow saucer to go sledding in the white sand. It’s sledding without the cold!

We tried sledding down dunes at Monahans State Park. It’s super fun, but I’d recommend bringing some goggles to keep sand out of your eyes as you go down!

You can take a self-guided audio tour to drive around the park.

Find more information about White Sands National Park here.

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North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in North Carolina and Tennessee and is America’s most visited national park. More than 12 million people visit each year to experience the misty mountains, view the lush forests, see views from Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point, and hike part of the Appalachian Trail.

Be sure to drive up Newfound Gap Road, take a hike to Ramsey Cascades, drive on Cades Cove Loop Road, and stop by Cades Cove, a historic valley, and visit Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which has waterfalls and short hikes. You can use a self-guided audio tour to guide you.

There are so many ways to tour the Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you’re looking for a tour guide. From a classic tour of the park to a helicopter ride, pink van tour, you can take your pick. If you’re looking for adventure, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to take on Fontana Lake, go ziplining near waterfalls in Sevierville, or go white water rafting on the Upper Pigeon River.

Find more information about the Great Smoky National Park here.

See Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a map.

North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in western North Dakota and is named after the 26th president. In this park, you’ll see colorful badlands and possibly see bison, elk, wild horses, prairie dogs, and possibly even golden eagles. There are three main areas to the park:

1. South Unit (near Medora) – the most visited part of the park
2. North Unit – has dramatic canyon views
3. Elkhorn Ranch Unit – where Roosevelt once lived

Drive the Scenic Loop Drive, a 36-mile loop, and hike Painted Canyon Nature Trail or one of the many other trails available. You can use a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the park as you drive. This park is also great for stargazing at night because of its clear skies.

Find more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park here.

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Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located between Cleveland and Akron in Ohio. At its center is the Cuyahoga River, and one of the most popular spots is Brandywine Falls (seen in the photo above), a 65-foot waterfall.

Walk or take a bike ride on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, or take a train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to see the scenery. You can also use a self-guided driving audio tour to guide you around the park.

Find more information about Cuyahoga Valley National Park here.

See Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a map.

Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

At the center of Crater Lake National Park is Crater Lake, which was formed with the eruption of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago, and is now the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake is known for its clear blue color, which is due to the lake’s purity, since no rivers flow into or out of it.

The best way to view Crater Lake National Park is to drive the 33-mile scenic loop of Rim Drive and stop by all the overlooks for some stunning photo opportunities. You can use a self-guided driving audio tour to guide you around the park.

You can also take a hike on Watchman Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, or one of the many other trails, take a boat tour to Wizard Island, or go in the winter to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Find more information about Crater Lake National Park here.

See Crater Lake National Park on a map.

South Carolina

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is located in central South Carolina and was established in 2003 to protect the largest hardwood forest left in North America. Inside the park, you’ll see bald cypress and loblolly pines that are hundreds of years old.

To view the park, take a walk on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, a 2.4-mile wooden path that will take you through the forest and the swamp. You can ride a canoe or kayak on Cedar Creek for a fun way to experience Congaree National Park.

If you come in the spring, you might be able to catch the thousands of synchronous fireflies that appear for a few weeks. Reservations are required. Be sure to bring bug spray and waterproof shoes for your visit!

Find more information about Congaree National Park here.

See Congaree National Park on a map.

South Dakota

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and is known for its dramatic, colorful sedimentary rock formations that seem otherworldly. The color variations come from different deposits layered over time, and then eroded by wind and water. It is also one of the richest fossil beds in the world, where fossil discoveries of ancient rhinos, horses, and saber-toothed cats have been found.

Drive the Badlands Loop Road to see beautiful overlooks, and hike short trails such as Fossil Exhibit Trail, Door Trail, Window Trail, and Notch Trail, which is famous for its views of the canyon, and climb up a log ladder. View the Badlands during sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful views. Badlands is also a designated Dark Sky Park, making it a great place for stargazing.

You can take a self-guided driving tour, a small airplane tour to see the Badlands from an aerial view, or a small group tour from Rapid City.

Find more information about Badlands National Park here.

See Badlands National Park on a map.

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and is famous for having one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Wind rushes in and out of the small entrance to the cave, which is where the name of the national park came from. Above the cave, you’ll see miles of prairie and pine forests.

Popular activities at Wind Cave National Park are to take a cave tour, hike Rankin Ridge Trail, and drive through Wind Cave Canyon. You can use a self-guided audio tour to guide you on your drive.

If you want a unique experience about an hour away from this park, you can take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.

Find more information about Wind Cave National Park here.

See Wind Cave National Park on a map.

Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in North Carolina and Tennessee, is America’s most visited national park, with more than 12 million people visiting each year. The misty mountains, lush forests, and views from Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point, draw visitors to see the beautiful views that the Smoky Mountains have to offer.

To view the Great Smoky Mountains, drive the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road and see the historic cabins, churches, and barns in Cades Cove. See some beautiful waterfalls, like Grotto Falls or Abram Falls, which are located near Cades Cove.

Take a drive up Newfound Gap Road and hike part of the Appalachian Trail or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which has waterfalls and short hikes. You can use a self-guided audio tour to guide you.

If you’re looking for a tour guide, you can take a classic tour of the park, or even a helicopter ride, or a pink van tour. For adventure, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to take on Fontana Lake, go ziplining near waterfalls in Sevierville, or go white water rafting on the Upper Pigeon River.

Find more information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park here.

See Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a map.

Texas

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas along the Rio Grande River, the border between the U.S. and Mexico for 118 miles, and gets its name from the big bend of the Rio Grande. Big Bend is known for its diversity of environments– river, desert, and mountains — and its diversity of plants and animals. It’s a huge park, so be prepared for a lot of driving.

Santa Elena Canyon (seen in the photo above) is one of the most iconic sights in the park. You can hike up the Santa Elena Canyon Trail for some incredible views of Big Bend. Grapevine Hills Trail is where you’ll find Balanced Rock, and Chiso Basin is where you can find the Chisos Mountains and some hiking trails.

Enjoy the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive with some beautiful overlooks to stop at. If you have time, stop by Hot Springs Historic District to soak in a natural hot spring at Boquillas Hot Springs.

Find more information about Big Bend National Park here.

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Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in far West Texas near the New Mexico border and is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. The hike to Guadalupe’s Peak is a strenuous 8.5-mile round-trip hike where you can see a panoramic view. El Capitan is an iconic landmark of the park, a limestone cliff that is located at the southern tip of the Guadalupe Mountains.

For a less strenuous hike, hike up McKittrick Canyon, famed for its fall foliage, on the easy 2.4-mile round-trip hike to Pratt Cabin. You can take a self-guided audio tour to navigate you through the park.

Find more information about Guadalupe Mountains National Park here.

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Utah

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located just outside Moab, Utah, known for its red rocks, and has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, with the most famous landmark being Delicate Arch. It’s a 3-mile hike to see it, and the best views are during sunrise or sunset. Some other arches to go see are: Landscape Arch, Double Arch, The Windows and Turret Arch, and Balanced Rock.

Drive on Scenic Drive to see many overlooks and trails. You can use a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the park. Reservations are required during certain dates. Be sure to check if you need a timed reservation before going.

Temperatures can change drastically at this park because it’s located at a higher elevation. Be sure to bring plenty of layers for when the temperature dips at night. Arches National Park is also a Dark Sky Park, so see the stars once the sun sets.

Tours are available from Moab — Choose from a 4-hour sightseeing tour, a morning adventure tour, a sunset tour, a 4×4 driving tour, or a photography and stargazing hike. A tour of the best of Moab is also available, where you can visit Canyonlands, Arches, and Dead Horse, all in one day.

Find more information about Arches National Park here.

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Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is famous for its hoodoos, the tall and thin rock spires shaped by erosion. The main highlight of the park is the Bryce Amphitheater, which has the park’s most iconic view. Go to one of the many viewpoints to see the stunning vistas. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best color on the rocks.

To hike into the hoodoos themselves, hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. Take a drive on the 18-mile park road for a scenic drive that takes you to many overlooks. You can use a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the park.

If you come in the winter, you’ll see a dusting of snow on the hoodoos, and at night, you can do some stargazing since the park is a designated Dark Sky Park.

Many tours are available for the park. You can take a scenic tour of Bryce Canyon, or tour the canyon in some more unique ways, such as a horseback riding tour in Red Canyon, taking a wagon ride to the rim of Bryce Canyon, taking an ATV/RZR tour, or a helicopter ride – 15 min, or 30 min ride.

Find more information about Bryce Canyon National Park here.

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Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest national park, which was carved out by two rivers — the Colorado and Green Rivers — creating canyons, arches, mesas, and buttes. There are four different districts to visit, but it may take more than one trip to explore them all: Island in the Sky (the most popular district), the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers.

You can use a self-guided audio tour to guide you through the park. If you prefer to have a tour guide, you can take a half-day tour or a 4×4 adventure of Canyonlands National Park from Moab. A tour of the best of Moab is also available, where you can visit Canyonlands, Arches, and Dead Horse, all in one day.

Find more information about Canyonlands National Park here.

See Canyonlands National Park on a map.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s hidden gems that has natural arches, red rock cliffs, and canyons, all without the crowds. It gets its name from the white sandstone domes that look like the U.S. Capitol building and the “reef” of rocky ridges.

Waterpocket Fold is the name for the “wrinkle” rising out of the desert that’s thousands of feet high and a hundred miles long. Erosion created the spires, canyons, and arches we see today.

You can use a self-guided audio tour that gives you tours to 5 of Utah’s National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.

If you’re looking to take a tour, some great options are the Cathedral Valley Day Trip Tour, Half Day Tour of Temple of the Sun (Great for Family), or the Moonscape, Factory Butte, and Capitol Reef Park Tour.

If you’re really looking for adventure, you can even go canyoneering at Capitol Reef National Park.

Located just under an hour away, you can also book a tour of Bentonite Hills, which has a very unique, otherworldly landscape. Or, you can opt for a photography and drone tour of Bentonite Hills to capture the Martian-like landscapes.

Find more information about Capitol Reef National Park here.

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Zion National Park

Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and is Utah’s first national park, known for its slot canyons, red rock cliffs, and deep emerald pools. Zion means “a place of peace and refuge,” which is the feeling you get as you hike around the majestic views.

Visit the red cliffs of Zion Canyon, hike Angels Landing, and walk through The Narrows, where you’ll be walking in water most of the time with stunning views. You can take a shorter family-friendly hike at Canyon Overlook Trail or see pools and waterfalls at Emerald Pools. Kolob Canyons is a quieter part of the park with fewer crowds. The Zion Canyon Shuttle runs from spring through fall since private cars are not allowed in the main canyon.

There are so many tours at Zion National Park to give you an amazing guided adventure. Here are a few highly rated tours you can go on:

• Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour
• Great Chamber/Peekaboo Slot Canyon UTV Tour
• East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike + ATV Tour
• Private slot canyon tour
• Private guided hike through the Narrows

To take a tour during sunset for some golden light views, you can take a Sunset UTV Tour. There’s even stargazing at night with a Dark Sky UTV Tour.

If you’re looking for adventure, here are some fun activities to enjoy at Zion:

• Sand Hollow Dunes ATV Tour
• Slot Canyon Tour & Sandboarding UTV Adventure
• Go Horseback Riding in East Zion, White Mountain
• Canyoneering and Rappelling Adventure
• E-Bike Tour in Zion

To see an aerial view of the park, you can even take a 10 or 20-minute Helicopter Ride! There are so many ways to enjoy this beautiful park.

Find more information about Zion National Park here.

See Zion National Park on a map.

Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is in the Caribbean, with part of it on St. John and its surrounding waters. It’s a tropical national park with a lush rainforest, sandy beaches, a turquoise bay, and coral reefs. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or diving, hike some trails, visit historic sites, such as Annaberg Plantation, which was the largest sugar-producing estate, and take a boat or kayak ride.

You can take a full-day sailing tour of the Virgin Islands National Park, which includes snorkeling, lunch, and time at Honeymoon Beach. There’s also a national park snorkeling excursion if you want a boat to take you to the top spots where you can see turtles, tropical fish, and colorful coral.

If you want to go island hopping in the Virgin Islands, check out the island hop & food boat tour, where you can order pizza from a floating pizza restaurant.

Find more information about Virgin Islands National Park here.

See Virgin Islands National Park on a map.

Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It has over 105 miles of scenic drive on Skyline Drive, where you can see panoramic views from 75 overlooks. Three of the best views can be found on Hogback Mountain Overlook, Crimora Lake Overlook, and Brown Mountain Overlook.

Fall is a popular time to see this national park, when the trees turn into beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold. There are many trails to hike on, including a long stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Take a self-guided driving audio tour to learn about the history of the park and its landmarks.

Find more information about Shenandoah National Park here.

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Washington

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainer National Park is located in Washington state and is named after the active volcano that resides there. The most famous area of the park is named Paradise, where trails wind up the mountainside through a field of colorful wildflowers. Hike the popular Skyline Trail to Panorama Point for a 5.5-mile round-trip hike, or if you’re one of the serious hikers, you can train one day and try the legendary 93-mile loop of the Wonderland Trail.

You can use a self-guided audio tour to learn more about Mount Rainier National Park. If you prefer to go on a guided tour, there is a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle, and even an all-inclusive tour from Seattle.

For an epic experience you won’t forget, go on a sunrise hot air balloon flight and see the beautiful views at sunrise.

Find more information about Mount Rainer National Park here.

See Mount Rainer National Park on a map.

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state near the Canadian border, is one of the least visited national parks in the U.S. You won’t have to fight crowds here, but you’ll see the untouched wilderness with the most glaciers outside Alaska, alpine lakes, mountain peaks, wildflower meadows, and beautiful red-gold foliage in the fall. The views are so beautiful here that you’ll be able to capture photographs for your own postcard.

Diablo Lake, one of the park’s most scenic sights, is famous for its turquoise water. Stop by the Diablo Lake Vista Point to take in the scenery, and go kayaking or boating on the lake. You can also ride a canoe on Ross Lake, or go paddling, fishing, or backcountry camping.

You can use a self-guided audio tour to navigate the park and learn about history, geology, and wildlife.

Find more information about North Cascades National Park here.

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Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is located in Washington state and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses nearly a million acres with rainforests, coastlines, and snow-capped mountains. View the Olympic Mountains, step into Hoh Rain Forest, one of the few rainforests in the U.S., visit one of the beaches–Rialto, Ruby, Shi Shi, Second, and more–to view the rugged coastline.

Go boating or paddling, fishing, tidepooling, or go on a hike on one of the many trails. To guide you, use a self-guided audio tour to explore the park, or go on a full-day small group tour, or a private tour of the park.

A small group tour is also available from Seattle.

Just outside the park, you can go on an e-bike tour on the Olympic Discovery Trail, which isn’t technically inside the park, but runs along the northern edge and is a great way to see the beautiful views of the Olympic Peninsula.

Find more information about Olympic National Park here.

See Olympic National Park on a map.

West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in southern West Virginia, near Fayetteville, and is one of the newest additions to the National Parks System, designated in 2020.

The park’s most iconic landmark is the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-arch bridges in the world. Take some photos on the Bridge Overlook, or if you’re daring, try the Bridge Walk, where you can walk under the bridge using a safety harness.

You can use a self-guided audio tour to guide yourself through the park, or you can join a half day hike tour to see the best parts of the New River Gorge National Park.

There are so many activities to do at this park — family rafting, treetop ziplining, paddleboarding or kayaking, ATV adventures, trying an aerial park course, and more! There are so many adventures to choose from.

Find more information about New River Gorge National Park and Preserve here.

See New River Gorge National Park and Preserve on a map.

Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park, and is famous for the Teton Range, the mountain skyline that is one of the most photographed landscapes in America. The name, Grand Teton, is named after the tallest peak, standing at 13,775 feet.

Be sure to stop by popular viewpoints where you can take some of these iconic photographs, such as Schwabacher Landing, where you can get a photo of the Tetons and their reflection in water, Oxbow Bend, and Snake River Overlook (Ansel Adams’ famous photo).

You can use a self-guided audio driving tour to guide your adventure. If you’d like a guided tour, you can go on a day trip from Jackson Hole or enjoy the river on a scenic float trip.

Find more information about Grand Teton National Park here.

See Grand Teton National Park on a map.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park spans multiple states, so it’s listed here under Wyoming as well as under Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone is the world’s first National Park and is famous for its geothermal wonders, welcoming several million visitors each year. Did you know that more than half the world’s geysers are located within Yellowstone?

Plan to spend at least a few days to see everything in Yellowstone. Key highlights that you won’t want to miss are Old Faithful, the most famous geyser that erupts regularly, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Lower Falls (a waterfall), and Mammoth Hot Springs, a unique hot spring that flows down layers of white rock, giving it an otherworldly appearance.

For an organized tour to explore Yellowstone National Park, take a one-day small group tour from Jackson Hole, a one-day tour from Bozeman, or a 2-day tour to explore the park.

Purchase a self-directed driving audio tour if you’d like to explore the park on your own. It can get crowded in the summer, and cell service can be very limited in the park.

Find more information about Yellowstone National Park here.

See Yellowstone National Park on a map.

How to Purchase a National Parks Pass

Types of Passes

There are three different types of passes you can purchase to visit the U.S. National Parks.

1. Standard Pass (Price varies by Park) – For 1 National Park
2. Annual Pass (Price varies by Park) – For 1 National Park or park group
3. America the Beautiful Pass ($80) – For 1 year entrance to National Parks and recreational sites

The America the Beautiful–the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass gives you entrance into more than just the National Parks. You also have access to parks managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army of Corps of Engineers.

Each park may have different entrance fees. You can see the full list of entrance fees by park here.

To purchase a National Parks pass before you go, you can visit the USGS Store.

Certain parks with lots of traffic require timed reservations. Check with the park you are looking to visit.

Discounts

Discounts are available for U.S. Citizens or permanent residents that are 62 years old or older. You can purchase an annual pass for $20: America the Beautiful–the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

For $80, you can purchase the Senior Lifetime Pass.

Free Passes

Free national parks passes are available if:

• You’re active military or a veteran or dependent – Military Pass or Military Annual Pass
• Gold Star US Military Families and Veterans – Military Lifetime Pass
• You’re with a fourth-grader – 4th Grade Pass
• You have a permanent disability – Access Pass
• You have 250 Federal recreational site volunteer hours – Volunteer Pass

Passes ordered online have an additiona $10 shipping or you can get these passes free in person at these pickup locations.

Track Your Adventures

If you like to keep track of all the National Parks you’ve visited on a wall, you may want a scratch-off map of the National Parks along with a magnetic hanger to hang it up.

I’ve also created a free National Parks Bucket List printable that you can use to check off the National Parks you have gone to. All 63 are included in the list.

The National Parks are a beautiful way to explore the United States. In addition to the National Parks, there are also so many outdoor places to explore within the National Park Service system, including historical parks and sites, national monuments, national preserves, recreational areas, seashores, and more! Be sure to see the other places that you can explore.

I hope this post inspires you to take some new national park adventures. I know I was inspired while researching and writing about all that the U.S. National Parks system has to offer.

Happy travels to all your national parks bucket list adventures!

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