The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Top 25 National Parks in the US
Planning your first trip to a U.S. national park? With over 60 parks to choose from, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming. Here’s a detailed review of the top 25 national parks in the U.S., complete with essential travel tips, must-do activities, and nearest airports to make your trip smooth and memorable.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Activities: Watch geysers erupt (Old Faithful), explore geothermal features, wildlife viewing (bison, bears, wolves).
Nearest Airport: Yellowstone Airport (WYS) or Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Tips for First-Timers: Stay at least 3 days. Start early to avoid crowds, and don’t miss the Grand Prismatic Spring.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
Activities: Hiking (Bright Angel Trail, Rim Trail), helicopter tours, rafting on the Colorado River.
Nearest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Tips for First-Timers: Visit the South Rim for the best views and infrastructure. Bring plenty of water if hiking.
3. Yosemite National Park
Location: California
Activities: Hiking (Half Dome, Yosemite Falls), rock climbing, photography at Tunnel View.
Nearest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Tips for First-Timers: Book campsites or lodges well in advance. Visit in spring for waterfalls or fall for fewer crowds.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Activities: Scenic drives (Cades Cove), hiking, camping, wildlife spotting (elk, black bears).
Nearest Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Tips for First-Timers: Take the Newfound Gap Road for incredible views. Visit in fall for vibrant foliage.
5. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Activities: Hike Angel’s Landing, explore The Narrows, stargazing.
Nearest Airport: St. George Regional Airport (SGU) or Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Tips for First-Timers: Arrive early or take the shuttle. Wear water-friendly shoes for The Narrows.
6. Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Activities: Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking, boat tours.
Nearest Airport: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Tips for First-Timers: Visit in summer as roads and trails close in winter. Reserve lodging early.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
Activities: Hiking (Bear Lake Trail), wildlife watching, scenic drives (Trail Ridge Road).
Nearest Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Tips for First-Timers: Acclimate to the altitude before strenuous hikes. Visit in July for wildflowers.
8. Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Activities: Drive Park Loop Road, hike Cadillac Mountain, tidepooling.
Nearest Airport: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)
Tips for First-Timers: Visit in summer for warm weather and whale watching. Arrive early to find parking.
9. Grand Teton National Park
Location: Wyoming
Activities: Boating on Jenny Lake, hiking, wildlife spotting.
Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Tips for First-Timers: Combine with a Yellowstone trip. Sunrise at Schwabacher’s Landing is a must.
10. Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Utah
Activities: Sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater, hiking (Queen’s Garden Trail), stargazing.
Nearest Airport: Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)
Tips for First-Timers: Wear layers as temperatures vary. Visit in winter for snow-covered hoodoos.
11. Arches National Park
Location: Utah
Activities: Photography at Delicate Arch, hiking, scenic drives.
Nearest Airport: Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY)
Tips for First-Timers: Arrive at sunrise for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
12. Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
Activities: Airboat tours, kayaking through mangroves, birdwatching, and spotting alligators.
Nearest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit during the dry season (November–April) for cooler weather and fewer mosquitos.
- Explore Shark Valley for a guided tram tour or rent a bike for up-close wildlife encounters.
13. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Location: Big Island, Hawaii
Activities: View active volcanoes, hike lava tubes, and visit the Jaggar Museum.
Nearest Airport: Hilo International Airport (ITO) or Kona International Airport (KOA)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit the Kīlauea Visitor Center first to learn about eruptions and trail conditions.
- Pack sturdy shoes and a rain jacket, as weather changes quickly.
14. Death Valley National Park
Location: California, Nevada
Activities: Explore Badwater Basin, view the colorful Artist’s Palette, stargaze, and hike Golden Canyon.
Nearest Airport: McCarran International Airport (LAS) or Furnace Creek Airstrip (for private planes)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit in winter or early spring to avoid extreme summer heat.
- Stay hydrated and carry more water than you think you’ll need.
15. Denali National Park
Location: Alaska
Activities: Take a bus tour to see Denali (North America’s tallest peak), spot grizzly bears, and go hiking.
Nearest Airport: Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) or Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Plan a guided wildlife tour for the best chances of spotting animals.
- Dress in layers to prepare for fluctuating temperatures.
16. Joshua Tree National Park
Location: California
Activities: Rock climbing, hiking to Skull Rock, and stargazing in the desert sky.
Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit in spring or fall for pleasant temperatures.
- Pack plenty of water and a detailed map, as cell service is spotty.
17. Olympic National Park
Location: Washington
Activities: Explore the Hoh Rain Forest, hike Hurricane Ridge, and relax on Ruby Beach.
Nearest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Spend at least three days to experience the diverse ecosystems (mountains, forest, and coast).
- Bring rain gear, as this area receives heavy rainfall.
18. Sequoia National Park
Location: California
Activities: See the giant sequoias (General Sherman Tree), hike Moro Rock, and visit Crystal Cave.
Nearest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit in late spring or early fall to avoid crowds.
- Drive carefully on winding mountain roads.
19. Canyonlands National Park
Location: Utah
Activities: Explore Island in the Sky, hike Mesa Arch, and go white-water rafting in Cataract Canyon.
Nearest Airport: Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Start with the Island in the Sky district for easy access and breathtaking overlooks.
- Carry a GPS device or map, as trails are less marked.
20. Shenandoah National Park
Location: Virginia
Activities: Drive Skyline Drive, hike Old Rag Mountain, and see waterfalls.
Nearest Airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit during fall for vibrant foliage.
- Arrive early to secure parking at popular trailheads.
21. Badlands National Park
Location: South Dakota
Activities: Drive the Badlands Loop, hike Notch Trail, and spot prairie dogs.
Nearest Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and golden lighting.
- Watch for bison along the loop road.
22. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Location: New Mexico
Activities: Tour the caverns, witness the bat flight program, and hike the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.
Nearest Airport: El Paso International Airport (ELP)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Reserve tickets for the guided cave tours in advance.
- Visit at sunset to watch bats emerge from the cave.
23. Mount Rainier National Park
Location: Washington
Activities: Hike to Paradise Meadows, visit Reflection Lakes, and go snowshoeing in winter.
Nearest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Check the weather, as trails can be snowy even in summer.
- Arrive early for parking, especially near Paradise or Sunrise areas.
24. Katmai National Park
Location: Alaska
Activities: Watch bears at Brooks Falls, fish in the rivers, and hike volcanic landscapes.
Nearest Airport: King Salmon Airport (AKN)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Book a floatplane or guided tour to access the park.
- Visit in July for prime bear viewing.
25. Big Bend National Park
Location: Texas
Activities: Hike Santa Elena Canyon, stargaze, and kayak on the Rio Grande.
Nearest Airport: Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF)
Tips for First-Timers:
- Visit in spring or fall for milder weather.
- Bring plenty of water and fuel, as services are limited.
How First-Time Visitors Should Travel
- Research Your Park:
Each park has unique landscapes and logistics. Check park websites for seasonal closures, permits, and trail conditions. - Pack Essentials:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water bottles and snacks
- Maps (offline versions)
- Travel Off-Peak:
Avoid weekends and holidays for fewer crowds. - Plan Accommodations:
Reserve lodges, campgrounds, or nearby hotels months in advance, especially in popular parks like Joshua Tree or Olympic.
Plan Ahead:
National parks can get busy, especially in peak seasons. Book accommodations, shuttles, and permits (if required) well in advance.
Pack Smart: Essentials include water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and layers for changing weather conditions.
Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting activities early in the day.
Use Park Shuttles: Many parks offer shuttle services to reduce traffic and enhance the experience.
Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Don’t feed wildlife or stray from marked trails.Research Accessibility: Check park websites for accessible trails and services if traveling with young children or individuals with disabilities
.Don’t Overpack the Itinerary: Focus on quality over quantity. Spend more time in fewer places to fully enjoy the experience.
The U.S. national parks system offers something for everyone, from towering mountains to serene deserts and lush forests. By planning strategically, you can create memories to last a lifetime.
Which park are you most excited to visit? Share your thoughts below!
