Best National Parks in the USA (and How to Plan a National Parks Road Trip)
From Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to Zion and the Great Smoky Mountains, here are America's best national parks, plus classic national park road trip routes and tips.
In this article
America's national parks protect some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Yellowstone, established in 1872, is widely considered the world's first national park. Today the National Park Service manages more than 400 sites. Here are the best national parks to put on your list, and how to visit several in one road trip.
The best national parks
- Yellowstone (WY, MT, ID): geysers like Old Faithful, hot springs and bison herds.
- Grand Canyon (AZ): a mile-deep canyon carved by the Colorado River. The South Rim is open year-round.
- Yosemite (CA): granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, giant sequoias and waterfalls.
- Great Smoky Mountains (TN, NC): often the most visited national park, with misty mountains and historic cabins.
- Zion (UT): towering red cliffs, the Narrows and Angels Landing.
- Glacier (MT): the Going-to-the-Sun Road, alpine lakes and glaciers.
- Grand Teton (WY): jagged peaks rising above the Snake River, just south of Yellowstone.
- Rocky Mountain (CO): Trail Ridge Road climbs above 12,000 feet.
- Acadia (ME): coastal cliffs, carriage roads and Cadillac Mountain.
- Arches (UT): more than 2,000 natural stone arches.
- Olympic (WA): rainforest, rugged coast and mountains in one park.
- Bryce Canyon (UT): a forest of orange rock spires called hoodoos.
Classic national parks road trips
Utah's "Mighty 5"
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands can be linked in a loop of roughly a week or more. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton
These neighboring parks pair perfectly. Base yourself in Jackson, Wyoming, or West Yellowstone, Montana, and allow several days for Yellowstone alone.
The Grand Circle
Combine the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley (a Navajo Tribal Park) and Arches for a longer Southwest adventure.
Blue Ridge to the Smokies
Drive Shenandoah's Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway down to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Tips for visiting national parks
- Check NPS.gov before you go. Some popular parks have required timed-entry or vehicle reservations during busy seasons, and road and trail conditions change.
- Consider an annual pass. If you'll visit several fee-charging parks in a year, the America the Beautiful pass can save money. Discounted lifetime passes are available for U.S. seniors 62+, and free passes for military members, veterans and Americans with permanent disabilities.
- Watch for fee-free days, which the Park Service announces each year.
- Arrive early to beat crowds and find parking.
- Book lodging and campsites well in advance, often months ahead for in-park lodges.
- Keep your distance from wildlife. Follow each park's posted distance rules for animals like bison, elk and bears.
More inspiration: hidden gems in America and how to plan the perfect road trip.
