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US National Parks are special places preserved for all – both Americans and international visitors. In these parks we discover America’s story, and see landmark areas preserved as national treasures. The United States has a total of 63 national parks, designated for their natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
US National Parks history
Yellowstone was the first National Park, created in 1872. And Great Smokey Mountains National Park has been the most visited park since 1944. Both are on our recommended list of 10 US National Parks to visit found below.
Over 325 million people visit US National Parks each year. Will you be one of them this year?
Our favorite 10 US National Parks
These 10 US National Parks will take you to 11 states: Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii. From east coast to west coast, the north, south with a bit in the middle, we’ve got you covered for touring and planning your time in these favorite US National Parks.
We’ve summarized some of the top highlights from each park below, but the real planning tips magic can be found in the post links that take you to deep dive articles on each of these National Parks destinations.
Zion National Park, Utah
If we had to pick an absolute favorite US National Park, Zion National Park would be near, or at the top of the list. The geology, history and scenery are quite simply spectacular and frankly a little outer worldly.
We have two posts which dive deep into what there is to see and do in Zion. Hiking should be at the top of your list, and in this first article you’ll get a great overview of ALL of the hikes available in the park (Angels Landing, Watchman Trail, Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, Observation Point and Weeping Rock Trail). But of course, if you’re keen on doing Angels Landing, this post also goes into deep details on what to expect, including a video crossing the infamous bread knife slim passage where you navigate with chains.
Of course you can also do Angels Landing just to Scouts Lookout, which many people do, and the view is still spectacular.
Is Angels Landing Really That Scary? (plus other top hikes in Zion National Park)
We’ve also toured through Zion National Park by motorbike. For road trip tips, including short hikes accessible along the road into Zion, check out the post below.
Zion National Park by motorbike
The post also includes recommended places to stay while planning a road trip through the area.
Learn when to visit, how to get there, and where to hike. Plus where to stay, what to wear and pack, and recommended guide books.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most highly visited of all US National Parks. That’s partly because of its proximity to heavily populated areas, making it a great destination for many people. However it is likely also due to the fact that the area has spectacular views and history, plus entrance to the park is FREE! Yes, one of the only US National Parks not requiring an entrance fee per car, makes it a draw. Be cautious though, since if you plan to stop in the park with a car, you will need a day pass on your windshield. Fortunately those are inexpensive and can be purchased at park information centers.
For a deep dive into what awaits you, including a run down of sites to see and hikes not to miss in Smoky Mountain National Park, check out this article. It also includes instructions for accessing a great day hike along the Appalachian Trail, Cades Cove Loop, Newfound Gap Road, Clingman’s Dome Lookout, Chestnut Top Trail and Appalachian Trail.
This post takes you on a deep dive, day hiking along the Appalachian Trail, accessed from the Newfound Gap parking lot.
Day hiking in Tennessee on the Appalachian Trail
The post includes tips on planning your time in the park, where to stay, ways to avoid the crowds, as well as additional highlights of things to see outside the park while in Tennessee – including driving The Tail of the Dragon, visiting Oak Ridge and its secret WWII Manhattan Project ties, plus a secret live music venue in the rolling hills of Louisville that you’re not going to want to miss.
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park was the first US National Park ever established. Once you visit the park, it’s not hard to understand why this massive geographic area was preserved for all to enjoy. This post covers all the things to see and do in the park during a 2-day visit. We cover a lot of ground, including where to stay and how to access the park.
Driving the Beartooth Highway is a spectacular way to access the park, and this post also includes a complete rundown, including video, or what to expect while driving this legendary highway.
Yellowstone National Park + Beartooth Highway: Ultimate 2-day road trip
There’s no guarantees that you’ll spot wildlife, but bison are seemingly everywhere (often causing traffic jams!) and it’s certainly not uncommon to spot a black bear, or even a grizzly as shown here.
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
Death Valley National Park routinely makes the news for record setting high temperatures. This post covers what to see and do in the park over a 2-day visit, during the spring – one of the best times to visit. Highlights include Rainbow Canyon and Father Crowley Vista Point, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artists Drive, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Dantes View, Harmony Borax Works and Devils Gold Course.
Death Valley in the Spring: a two day guide
We also give tips on several hikes in the park, including Golden Canyon Trail, Mosaic Canyon, and Ubehebe Crater. We also make recommendations on where to stay, what to bring, and precautions while driving or hiking in the park. Be sure to check out Delights Hot Springs Resort (photos and details in post) for a unique natural hot springs experience.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Sticking with the California theme, if you’re road tripping in the Death Valley area, be sure to also include a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Spring is also a great time to visit the park, since you have a rare chance of seeing the Joshua Tree in bloom.
We cover the history of the park as well as several hikes in the post below: Hidden Valley hike, Ryan Mountain, Arch Rock and Heart Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden and Lookout, Skull Rock, and Keys View. Although we didn’t do Forty-nine Palms or Lost Palms Oasis Trail, we give you the goods on how to access and what to expect.
The post also contains suggestions for sites to see outside the park, including Pioneer Town, and Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Museum or Assemblage Sculpture. That last one? It’s a pretty crazy place where art is created from discarded junk. It also makes for a good back up plan if the weather turns nasty in the park.
Spring in Joshua Tree: A blooming good time to visit
We cover where to stay, including a run down on the Harmony Motel, where Bono and U2 stayed while filming the music video for their Joshua Tree album.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
If you’ve never experienced the grandness of first growth redwood trees in northern California, you really must plan your trip. This post covers in detail the Damnation Creek Trail which goes through a redwood forest of massive trees, out to the Pacific Coast.
Damnation Creek Trail in Redwood National Park: Mammoth trees to the coast
Also included in the post are suggested places to stay and driving Avenue of the Giants a little further down the coast.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
There’s no better way to experience the Grand Canyon than on a road trip. This post covers the ultimate route circumnavigating the entire park from the south to the north rim. We based this trip out of Las Vegas, since that is where we rented a motorbike to do the trip. Also included in this post is details on how to access and ride part of old Route 66, which is pretty cool!
We make suggestions for exploring the canyon, as well as sights to see along the route. Post includes a video, plus tips on where to stay along the way.
Route 66, the Grand Canyon & Zion National Park by motorbike
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
If you’re traveling in the area of Zion National Park, be sure to also plan to visit Bryce Canyon. This post includes what to see and do during a day trip to the park. We include a run down on the following hikes too: Navajo Loop, Queen’s Garden Trail, Peekaboo Loop Trail, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, and the Rim Trail Hike. History of the park included plus tips on accessing ranger interpretive talks, where to park, what to wear and pack.
Bryce Canyon in one day: hikes and sites not to miss
We also provide accommodation suggestions when making it a road trip, combined with a visit to Zion, when touring from Las Vegas.
Everglades National Park, Florida
While other US National Parks may flex their mountains, oceans, rivers, lakes, vast forests or ancient trees, the Everglades is a whole lot more than a flatland swamp – which you might easily dismiss it for initially.
This post dives deep into all the reasons why Everglades National Park is indeed worth visiting. From crocodile and alligator spotting and other amazing wildlife, to the Nike Nuclear Missile Base (now decommissioned), there is something here for everyone.
Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting?
There’s something in Everglades National Park for everyone, including a surprising number of recreational activities – boating, kayaking, hikes, camping and bird watching.
Mauna Kea National Park, Hawaii
Mauna Kea is a sacred place on Hawaii’s Big Island. And there is no more spectacular way to visit than to plan your time to allow watching the setting sun.
How to Visit Mauna Kea at Sunset: Hawaii’s Big Island 13,579ft sacred peak
Check out this post for tips on planning your trip there, including things you need to know about weather, rental car restrictions to SUV only, and any health concerns with driving to a high altitude.
US Parks Pass
Learn more about how to get your US Parks Pass here. The pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for the pass holder and all passengers in a personal vehicle. In addition to covering US National Parks, the pass also is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
You can also purchase per vehicle day entrance for parks individually, but if you’re visiting multiple parks, or traveling over multiple days, a US Parks Pass savings will add up quickly. Link here to learn more about how the pass works. Passes can be purchased within the US, Canada or internationally. Check the link for payment and shipping timing details.
accommodations
We’ve noted camping and accommodation options for each park within the deep dive article links above. Many articles contain accommodation maps with booking options as a direct link from the map. For a quick search about any of the parks locations, check out Booking.com or Expedia.
Camping
For camping options within US National Parks, check out this link, and search by park of interest. Sites can be searched and booked through this link https://www.recreation.gov/
If you’d like to rent an RV to enhance your camping and road trip experience, be sure to check out RV Rentals with RV Share.
Activities
Park rangers and park information centers are a wealth of information for activities in US National Parks. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to check for interpretive programs, talks and displays, plus receiving any safety updates and maps for the park. Recreation activities are often operated within parks by outside businesses, so be sure to check on that as well. To search for private operators, their tours and activities, check out GetYourGuide. Just search by the park name, and you will see any available tours listed. You can register and pay directly on the site, and you’ll receive all necessary details from the operator after that.