5 Best USA National Parks

America is a nation blessed with an abundance of breathtaking national parks. From the south to the north and the west to the east, there’s a stunning collection of forests, rivers, mountain ranges, plains, deserts, glades and lakes ripe for exploration. Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions is choosing which are the best national parksin the US to visit. With so many options and such a scintillating array of landscapes and geographical wonders on offer, it’s tough to create a shortlist of the top American national parks. Be inspired with these top 5 contenders and some handy USA national park holiday planning tips.

1. Yellowstone National Park

One of America’s most high-profile parks, Yellowstone is famed for its diverse geography, its rich history, and its mind-blowing natural features. The world’s first official national park, this undisputed gem boasts everything from explosive springs and geysers to tranquil alpine lakes, verdant forests and domineering rocky outcrops. Stretching more than 3,400 square miles across Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, the park is home to an intriguing collection of wildlife species, including moose, bears, wolves and bison. The highlights for many visitors are the vividly-coloured pools and unpredictable geysers. Steamboat Geyser is currently the world’s tallest active geyser. When it blows, jets of steamy water can be thrown more than 300 feet in the air. Many visit Yellowstone with a desire to see Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser. Visitors can expect to wait around 60-110 minutes to see an eruption – as that is how long the spectacle takes to naturally reset itself – and the show usually lasts around 1.5 minutes.

Yellowstone National Park is a truly wonderful place to roam around and explore at leisure, but there’s a host of activities on offer for those who want to discover different ways of seeing the park. Away from the well-trodden hiking tracks that wind their way towards Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Dunraven Pass and Mammoth Hot Springs, visitors are able to enjoy the views on a horseback trek or set their pulses racing on the river rapids. Discover Yellowstone and more on our 9 day guided tour National Parks Wonders.

2. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the most popular of Utah’s national parks, and it’s not hard to see why. A magical, mystical land that is scattered with unique rock formations, plunging canyons and intricately-carved gorges, a visit to Zion guarantees once in a lifetime experiences and memories that will be cherished forever. In 2016, 4.5 million people visited Zion, casting their eyes over sharp cliffs, burning sandstone valleys and rumbling rivers. The area is expansive, and there’s a vast list of things to see and do. Highlights include the East Zion Tunnel, Cathedral Mountain, Zion canyon, The Grotto and Weeping Rock. One of the most eagerly anticipated attractions is Angel’s Landing. A hiking trail, which is approximately 5 kilometres long, this infamous track treats intrepid explorers to scintillating views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail is not for the faint-hearted, as it does involve scaling precipices, but for those who are prepared to test their mettle, the nerve-jangling moments are most definitely worthwhile.

Zion plays host to adventurers from all over the globe, and this natural playground is an ideal base for outdoor activities of all kinds. From canyoning and climbing to horseback riding and hiking, there’s scope to enjoy an array of different experiences. For an authentic adventure in the great outdoors, camp out and enjoy some of the best stargazing opportunities in the US. Combine Zion National Park with our must-see spots on our America’s Magnificent National Parks Escorted Tour.

3. Yosemite National Park

California has a reputation for golden beaches and sun-drenched, palm-lined promenades, but it also boasts an awe-inspiring collection of national parks. It’s difficult to establish an order of the best national parks in California, but visitor numbers would suggest that Yosemite takes the title. Spanning more than 1,300 square miles, Yosemite is a land of giant sequoia trees, thundering falls and valleys carved by rivers and shaped by glaciers. Most of the park’s 4 million annual visitors make for Yosemite Valley, a giant canyon that measures a mile in width and 7 miles in length. The sheer size and scale of the valley and the surrounding parkland makes it possible to spend several days at the park, but not everyone has time to linger. If time is of the essence, must-see highlights include Mirror Lake, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Guided tours are available and it is possible to explore on foot, on horseback or on two wheels.

Yosemite National Park is ideally located for those keen to see the best of California’s National Parks and can easily be combined with trips to Sequoia National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. Alternatively, combine Yosemite with the great cities of California on our 14 day self drive itinerary California Dreaming.

4. Grand Canyon National Park

Mention America in a game of word association and it won’t take long for somebody to shout out the words ‘Grand Canyon’. The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic attractions in the world. In 2017, more than 6 million people visited this giant gorge, highlighting its popularity and iconic status. In places, the canyon stretches up to 18 miles in width and a mile in depth. The sheer scale of this natural wonder means that it’s impossible for visitors to appreciate its beauty and magnificence before their trip, no matter how many photographs they have seen or guidebooks they have read. Nothing can really prepare tourists for that moment they first set eyes on the rugged red rock walls and the valley floor lying metres below. The size of the canyon makes it a challenge to enjoy the view from every angle, so most visitors head for either the South Rim or the West Rim as a main vantage point. The West Rim is home to the Skywalk, a glass walkway that protrudes 70-feet into the canyon, while the South Rim arguably affords the best views. The North Rim, which is only open during the drier summer months, tends to be a lot quieter because it’s less accessible.

The Grand Canyon is ideally located for those staying in Las Vegas, and it can also be combined with trips to some of the best US national parks, including Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave Desert, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley and Zion National Park. Many also choose to take tours that include a stop-off at the Hoover Dam. Don’t miss the best spots with our Canyon Explorer Self Drive Itinerary.

5. Big Bend National Park

Located in the south west of Texas, Big Bend National Park is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the US. An enchanting place where the night sky is as black as coal and desert sands glisten in the sunshine flanked by a backdrop of carved canyons and mountain peaks, Big Bend has the power to captivate visitors within seconds. This is an area famed for stargazing, due to the clarity of the dark night sky, and it’s an ideal base for camping adventures and sharing tales and toasting marshmallows. As the sun rises, make the most of the cooler dawn temperatures and explore on foot, discovering the many walking and hiking trails and keeping an eye out for the features that have put Big Bend on the map and encouraged visitors to flock through the gates year after year. At the heart of the park lies the Chisos Mountain Range, which measures 20 miles in length. Other highlights include Boquillas Canyon, Mariscal, Rio Grande Canyons, the Santa Elena nature trail and the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The visitor centre is always a good place to start to create a rough itinerary and make sure nothing gets missed.

 

National Park Planning Tips

When visiting national parks, it’s always wise to plan ahead, do some research and work out the best way to get around and see the natural wonders in all their glory. Sunrise and sunset are often the most magical times of day, and camping is a great way to make the most of these more tranquil periods. The geography of the parks can create issues for tourists when it comes to logistics and adverse weather conditions, so it’s always best to check for updates before setting off. Heavy rain, for example, can cause tracks and entrances to close temporarily. The conditions can change very quickly with little warning, so it’s always wise to pack a backpack with extra layers, waterproofs, drinks and snacks. When time is limited, guided tours are an excellent option, as they take in the best bits and eliminate the risk of wasting time due to getting lost.

America is a vast country, and it offers such an extensive range of experiences and adventures for tourists. While many visit to soak up the sun, enjoys the thrills and spills of world-famous theme parks or embrace city life, America’s national parks are most definitely a draw. Consulting a US national parks map gives an idea of the number of parks, and the diverse geography America boasts. From alpine lakes and rugged mountains to starry-skied deserts, babbling rivers and canyons that stretch for miles, it’s fair to say that those with an interest in the great outdoors are truly spoiled for choice when considering which parks to visit in the US. Every park offers something unique and the landscapes have to be seen to be enjoyed and appreciated fully.

Check out our 15 day National Park Splendour Self Drive now.