7 Hidden Gems Among the Best National Parks to Visit in the US

The Grand Canyon ranks among the world’s seven natural wonders. Its breathtaking size and dramatic landscapes leave visitors speechless. This magnificent gorge will change your viewpoint on natural beauty forever.

Grand Canyon’s Breathtaking Vistas

best national parks to visit in the us best national parks to visit in the us The North Rim provides a more peaceful experience and receives only one-tenth of the South Rim’s visitors. The South Rim highlights the canyon’s depth, while the North Rim’s three developed viewpoints showcase its width with panoramic views that wrap almost completely around you.

Grand Canyon Hiking Trails

The South Rim features two well-managed trails that give hikers completely different experiences:

• Bright Angel Trail: This trail descends 4,380 feet to the Colorado River and features rest houses where water is available seasonally. It provides the most facilities to day hikers
• South Kaibab Trail: The trail gives the best views for shorter hikes. Hikers can reach it by shuttle bus and enjoy spectacular vistas at Cedar Ridge and Ooh Aah Point

Note that you should not attempt to hike from rim to river and back in a single day. The canyon’s conditions are best for hiking during April-May and September-November.

Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures

The Colorado River gives you a completely different point of view of this natural wonder as you raft through the Grand Canyon. Your trip can last 3½ to 14 days. You’ll feel pure excitement one moment and total peace the next. The canyon walls echo with rushing water while fresh coffee brews each morning.

The river takes you to hidden waterfalls and paradise-like side canyons that you can reach only by water. Stars fill the night sky above your campsite. The morning sun paints the towering canyon walls with warm light while you tackle mighty whitewater rapids.

The 6-7 day rafting trip gives you the best experience possible. You’ll cover almost 200 miles of the Grand Canyon from Lee’s Ferry to Lava Falls. A helicopter ride marks the end of your adventure. Each day brings something new – from waterfall grottos in side canyons to world-famous rapids that test your courage.

Yosemite National Park

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Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite fascinates visitors with its towering granite monoliths and pristine wilderness. America’s crown jewel among national parks showcases nature’s grandeur and leaves visitors speechless.

Yosemite’s Iconic Landmarks

Your experience in Yosemite puts you face-to-face with El Capitan, which towers 3,600 feet above the valley floor. This magnificent granite formation draws climbers from around the globe and requires seven to ten days to climb. Half Dome, the park’s most distinctive feature, reaches nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and stands 8,800 feet above sea level. Visitors at Glacier Point, 3,000 feet above the valley floor, can marvel at some of the most breathtaking sunset views of Half Dome.

Yosemite Waterfalls and Hiking

Yosemite National Park’s over 750 miles of trails are a great way to get adventures that match any skill level. Notable waterfall hikes include:

• Lower Yosemite Falls: A family-friendly 1-mile loop that welcomes all ages
• Vernal Fall via Mist Trail: A moderate 3-mile round trip that reveals the majestic 317-foot waterfall
• Nevada Fall: A demanding 7-mile round trip that leads to a spectacular 594-foot cascade

Best Seasons to Experience Yosemite

Your visit timing affects your Yosemite experience a lot. May and June are the best months to visit as waterfalls reach their peak flow and wildflowers bloom everywhere. Yosemite Valley’s summer temperatures reach 87°F (31°C), which makes it perfect for hiking and climbing. The park’s grandeur stays intact even though most waterfalls slow to a trickle by August.

The park becomes less crowded in fall with pleasant temperatures. October treats visitors to amazing fall colors. The valley turns into a peaceful winter wonderland with January temperatures between 26°F to 50°F. Melting snow brings the waterfalls back to life in spring, but the weather can be unpredictable.

Tunnel View gives photographers one of the park’s most iconic shots that perfectly captures El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall together. The park’s location away from city lights makes it a perfect spot to stargaze on clear nights.

Glacier National Park

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Glacier National Park ranks among the finest national parks in the US. This wilderness sanctuary features pristine lakes that mirror snow-capped peaks while diverse wildlife roams freely. Visitors can find an impressive population of 1,000 bears in the park’s boundaries. These include 600 black bears and 300 grizzlies. The park’s magnificent landscape has earned its nickname as the “Crown of the Continent”.

Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road

The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road starts your Glacier experience, stretching 50 miles across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet). This engineering marvel welcomes visitors by early July and provides access to the park’s most spectacular vistas. The road’s path reveals impressive glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often appear near Logan Pass, making wildlife viewing exceptional.

Glacier’s Alpine Lakes and Trails

Glacier National Park features 762 lakes across its vast landscape. Lake McDonald stands as the crown jewel, spanning 6,823 acres with depths reaching 464 feet. These stunning alpine lakes offer remarkable experiences:

• Cracker Lake dazzles visitors with the most breathtaking turquoise waters that ever spread across the mountains
• Iceberg Lake lives up to its name with real icebergs drifting through its pristine alpine waters
• Avalanche Lake beckons adventurers through an ancient forest filled with towering western hemlocks and red cedars

Wildlife Spotting in Glacier

Your best chance to spot wildlife comes during early morning or late evening hours. Safety requires you to keep specific distances from animals:

• 100 yards from bears and wolves
• 25 yards from other wildlife, including moose and mountain goats

Many Glacier Valley gives you excellent chances to spot grizzlies, especially when you have ripe huckleberries in July and August. Fishercap Lake proves perfect to see moose – a quick hike from the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn rarely disappoints visitors. The park’s iconic mountain goats gather frequently at the Goat Lick along Highway 2 during early season.

The park’s waters maintain their crystal-clear appearance because temperatures rarely exceed 50° Fahrenheit, which limits plankton growth. These pristine conditions let you witness the park’s natural wonders in their purest form.

Zion National Park

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Zion National Park stands majestically in Utah’s red rock country. This natural wonder showcases America’s most dramatic canyon landscapes in the national park system. Sandstone cliffs tower 1,000 feet above the canyon floor and create an adventure that remains unmatched in any other park.

Zion’s Unique Slot Canyons

The highlight of your trip through Zion’s slot canyons awaits at The Narrows. The canyon walls tower 2,000 feet high and squeeze to just 20-30 feet wide. Hikers wade directly in the Virgin River, which makes this remarkable gorge a perfect summer destination. Adventurous visitors can hike the 10-mile round-trip to Big Spring, though a shorter walk still delivers an amazing experience.

Zion’s Most Popular Hikes

Angels Landing trail ranks among the world’s most breathtaking hikes that climbs 1,500 vertical feet to reach an elevation of 5,790 feet. Hikers must obtain a permit since April 2022, which has made the challenging adventure safer and more enjoyable. The following safety guidelines will help you explore Zion safely:

• Weather conditions need checking before any canyon hike
• Adequate water and proper footwear are essential
• Early morning starts help avoid afternoon heat
• Trail regulations and permit requirements must be followed

Best Times to Avoid Crowds in Zion

Your choice of timing will shape your Zion experience. The park runs a shuttle system from March through November, and shuttles arrive every 5 to 10 minutes at peak times. Here’s how to get the most out of your visit with fewer crowds:

• Get there before 8:00 AM to skip long shuttle lines
• Schedule your trip during shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November)
• Take advantage of evening hours – shuttles run until 9:00 PM
• Winter visits offer the most peace and quiet, though some services might be limited

The free shuttle system helps manage the park’s 4.3 million annual visitors during summer months. Looking for a quieter experience? Head to less busy areas like Kolob Canyons, where you’ll find breathtaking views without the main canyon’s crowds.

The monsoon season runs from July through September. Afternoon thunderstorms during this time can trigger dangerous flash floods in slot canyons. Check the weather forecast and follow ranger warnings before you start any canyon adventures.

Grand Teton National Park

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The Teton Range towers above the valley floor and creates one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the best national parks to visit in the US. Your experience in Grand Teton National Park features pristine lakes that mirror snow-capped peaks while abundant wildlife roams across expansive meadows.

Grand Teton’s Majestic Mountain Views

Jenny Lake welcomes visitors with its crystal-clear waters that mirror the surrounding peaks. The east shore reveals breathtaking views of Teewinot Mountain and Mount St. John. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of Jackson Hole valley from the west shore. The Chapel of the Transfiguration is a great way to get some of the park’s most stunning views of the Teton Range.

The Snake River Overlook, immortalized by Ansel Adams’ 1942 photograph, showcases the river’s graceful path beneath the mountains. Signal Mountain rewards early risers with sweeping views of Jackson Lake, the Gros Ventre Mountains, and Antelope Flats at sunrise.

Grand Teton Wildlife Encounters

Grand Teton National Park welcomes a variety of wildlife species, and your chances to spot them change with each season. These locations offer amazing wildlife viewing experiences:

• Moose Wilson Road beckons with its beaver ponds and willow marshes where moose gather regularly
• Willow Flats Overlook showcases small streams that create the perfect moose habitat
• Oxbow Bend transforms into a wildlife hotspot at dusk with excellent moose and elk sightings

Your safety comes first, so stay 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. This becomes particularly important during summer as they search for cooler spots.

Grand Teton Scenic Drives

The 42-mile Scenic Drive through Grand Teton’s most spectacular landscapes creates an unforgettable experience. Between May 1st and October 31st, visitors can explore 24 designated stops that showcase the park’s natural beauty. The best way to see everything is to start from Moose, Wyoming and drive counter-clockwise. This route lets you take in the full panorama of the Tetons before getting closer views along Teton Park Road.

The drive features several must-see locations. Jackson Lake Dam provides stunning river views, while Signal Mountain Summit opens up to sweeping valley vistas. The historic Mormon Row district presents iconic structures against the mountain backdrop. Wildlife enthusiasts should stop at Blacktail Ponds Overlook, a popular gathering spot for moose, deer, elk, and bears.

Joshua Tree National Park

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Joshua Tree National Park sits where two distinct desert ecosystems meet. The park creates a surreal landscape that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. This remarkable wilderness, spanning 800,000 acres, displays nature’s most extraordinary desert adaptations and geological wonders.

Joshua Tree’s Unique Desert Landscape

Two incredible deserts meet at this location: the Mojave Desert, covering 270,000 square kilometers, and the Sonoran Desert, spanning 260,000 square kilometers. The park stretches from 900 to 3000 meters in elevation and creates ecosystems that support distinctive plants and animals.

Joshua Trees stand as icons of this supernatural landscape. Their sharp, bold limbs reach toward the sky and give the park its name. These extraordinary plants have a remarkable bond with the Yucca Moth, which serves as their only pollinator. The park features stunning rock formations that millions of years of geological activity have sculpted. Rock climbing enthusiasts worldwide come here to test their skills on these world-class climbing and bouldering spots.

Joshua Tree Stargazing Opportunities

Joshua Tree stands proud as an official International Dark Sky Park and offers some of America’s clearest night skies. Stargazers will find their perfect spot on the park’s eastern side, over 200 miles away from any major city lights.

The park offers ideal viewing conditions when you:

• Plan your visit during new moon phases to catch stunning Milky Way views
• Pick Cottonwood Campground to experience the darkest skies
• Set up your viewing spot at least 1 mile from any backcountry trailhead
• Use red light flashlights to protect your night vision

Best Seasons for Joshua Tree Exploration

Joshua Tree shows a different side in each season. Spring months (March-May) welcome visitors with pleasant temperatures between 74-90 degrees and beautiful wildflower displays. Hikers should hit the trails early in summer mornings before 9 AM or wait until after 5 PM to escape the intense heat.

The park shines brightest during fall (October-November). Temperatures stay comfortable in the 70s and 80s, making it perfect weather for rock climbing and hiking adventures. Winter days cool down to around 60 degrees. You might spot snow on higher ground and enjoy more solitude, giving you a different view of this desert haven.

Spring brings the most dramatic changes to Joshua Tree. Desert wildflowers paint the landscape with vibrant colors. The Cholla Cactus Garden becomes magical at sunrise as yellow cacti glisten and shimmer in the early morning light.

Acadia National Park

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Acadia National Park stretches along Maine’s rugged coastline. This natural wonder stands out as one of the most unique national parks in the US. Massive waves crash against towering granite cliffs and create nature’s perfect symphony where land meets sea.

Acadia’s Coastal Beauty

Thunder Hole stands as the centerpiece of your coastal journey. This natural inlet puts on a spectacular show as waves surge upward to 40 feet with powerful, thunderous roars. Nature’s display comes with breathtaking views of Otter Cliff and the Schoodic Peninsula. Sweet-scented wild roses perfume the surrounding area throughout summer. The most dramatic moments happen as incoming tides send waves crashing against the rocky cavern, creating nature’s own percussion show.

Acadia’s Carriage Roads and Hiking Trails

The historic network of carriage roads in Acadia’s interior stretches across 45 miles of motor-free pathways. These remarkable routes, constructed between 1913 and 1940, showcase the park’s natural beauty in a variety of ways:

• 17 unique stone-faced bridges spanning streams and waterfalls
• 16-foot-wide broken-stone surfaces perfect for cycling and walking
• Thoughtfully planned routes that protect hillsides and arrange with scenic vistas

Acadia’s Fall Foliage Experience

Early October brings a stunning transformation to Acadia as it becomes a canvas of spectacular colors. The first three weeks of October showcase the most vibrant displays. Jesup Path stands out with colors “as colorful as a Skittles bag”. You can enhance your fall experience by combining foliage viewing with a sunrise trip to Cadillac Mountain. This spot lets you be among the first people in North America to see daybreak.

The park’s trail system stretches across 158 miles and offers adventures for every skill level. The Ocean Path, a stunning 2.2-mile trail, leads you along Maine’s bold coast and provides access to Thunder Hole and Otter Point. The park’s western side, known as “the quietside,” offers a peaceful alternative to busy routes. This area gives you a different view of the park’s beauty.

The free Island Explorer shuttle service helps you avoid traffic, especially when you visit popular spots like Thunder Hole. Coastal weather patterns change faster here, so stay updated through National Park Service alerts and local radio updates.

Olympic National Park

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Olympic National Park showcases nature’s incredible diversity in the Pacific Northwest corner of Washington State. The park provides three distinct ecosystems under one roof. Visitors can experience everything from towering mountains to pristine coastline and ancient rainforests to alpine meadows. This combination creates a unique experience that few other national parks can match.

Olympic’s Variety of Ecosystems

A trip through Olympic reveals six principal biotic communities with unique characteristics. The park features dramatic elevation changes that create distinct environments. These range from sea-level coastal regions to the impressive peak of Mt. Olympus at 7,980 feet. Western hemlocks and silver firs dominate the windward slopes in the montane forest zones between 1,500 and 4,000 feet, while Douglas firs thrive in the drier eastern areas.

Olympic’s Rainforests and Beaches

The Hoh Rain Forest welcomes you to one of North America’s most remarkable temperate rainforests. This natural wonder receives an astounding 140 inches of annual rainfall. The forest reveals:

• Massive trees covered with moss and ferns
• Roosevelt Elk wandering through the wilderness
• The Hoh River’s endless journey from Mount Olympus
• Rich wildlife including black bears and river otters

The park’s 73 miles of coastline features dramatic shorelines that make perfect spots for beachcombing and wildlife watching. Beach 4 reveals amazing tide pools filled with:

• Giant Green Anemones
• Ochre Sea Stars
• Dungeness Crabs

Olympic’s Mountain Ranges and Hiking

Hurricane Ridge welcomes you as the most available mountain area in the park. The park features over 600 miles of trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry paths. Clear weather rewards you with spectacular views all year long. Spring transforms the landscape with wildflower-covered subalpine meadows where blacktail deer often feed.

The park’s trails span three unique environments to match every hiker’s preference:

• Mountains: The Obstruction Point Trail challenges hikers with a 9-mile roundtrip path and 2,100 feet of elevation gain
• Rainforest: The Hoh River Trail winds 10.6 miles roundtrip through enchanting moss-covered forests
• Coast: The Rialto Beach trail offers a gentle 4-mile roundtrip coastal walk with no elevation gain

Mountain weather can change quickly without warning. To make the most of your visit, check local weather conditions before heading to Hurricane Ridge, the Quinault Rainforest, or Rialto Beach.

Rocky Mountain National Park

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Rocky Mountain National Park stands majestically at 12,000 feet, showcasing America’s highest continuous paved highway and spectacular alpine scenery. The park’s remarkable landscape unfolds from dense forests to windswept tundra. Visitors can spot wildlife in a variety of settings and marvel at the breathtaking mountain views that stretch endlessly.

Rocky Mountain’s Alpine Tundra

The journey up to the park’s alpine tundra shows nature’s incredible ability to thrive in extreme conditions. Trail Ridge Road takes you above treeline for 11 miles into a world where only the toughest plants can survive. This road stands as North America’s highest continuous paved highway and reaches heights of 12,000 feet. The elevation gives visitors a rare chance to experience this unique environment.

The alpine tundra’s harsh environment begins at 11,000 to 11,500 feet. Powerful winds and cold temperatures create conditions where plants rarely grow taller than your ankle. You’ll see:

• Cushion plants that hug the ground to escape fierce winds
• Perennial wildflowers protected by dense hair coverings
• Tough grasses and sedges that flourish in the tundra’s rich soil

Rocky Mountain Wildlife Viewing

The best time to spot wildlife is early morning or late evening. These quiet hours bring out the park’s amazing animals. The park’s impressive elk herd grows to 600 to 800 members during winter and is a great way to get an unforgettable wildlife experience in USA’s national parks. Here’s how to make the most of your wildlife watching:

• Moraine Park becomes an elk-watching hotspot during fall’s rutting season
• Willow Park provides excellent chances to see grazing elk
• Stay safe by keeping 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife

Rocky Mountain Scenic Drives

The park features three spectacular routes that show different views of the park.

Trail Ridge Road: This engineering marvel connects Estes Park and Grand Lake across 50 miles. It stands as North America’s highest continuous paved road. You can drive this road from Memorial Day through mid-October when weather allows.

Bear Lake Road: This year-round route stretches 23 miles round trip. You’ll pass several picnic areas and the must-visit Moraine Park Discovery Center. The journey ends at Bear Lake where a paved trail circles the sparkling water beneath Hallett Peak.

Old Fall River Road: Built in 1920, this historic one-way dirt road winds through hairpin turns to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet. The route gives you close-up views of subalpine forests. Wildlife sightings are common at Willow Park.

Summer visitors can use the free shuttle system on Bear Lake Road since parking lots fill up early morning. The best time to visit is during shoulder seasons. Getting there before 8:00 AM helps you find parking at popular trailheads.

High-altitude adventures need good planning. Weather changes faster at these elevations. The alpine section of Trail Ridge Road feels 20-30 degrees colder than the valley floor. Keep an eye on weather forecasts to stay safe and enjoy your visit.

Conclusion

America’s national parks are living monuments to nature’s grandeur. Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders and Acadia’s rugged coastline tell amazing stories. These ten remarkable parks showcase nature at its finest with towering granite cliffs, pristine wilderness, dramatic canyons, and thriving ecosystems. Every destination creates its own adventure. Visitors can watch geysers burst into pristine skies, walk through ancient rainforests, and see the dramatic clash where mountains meet the sea.

Smart planning helps visitors get the most out of these exceptional experiences. Each park shows its best features in different seasons. Weather patterns, wildlife movement, and visitor numbers affect the experience in these protected spaces. These natural treasures show us why preservation matters. They protect magnificent landscapes for future generations and give us a chance to connect with America’s most spectacular wild places.

FAQs

What is considered the top national park in the United States?
Yellowstone National Park is widely regarded as the premier national park in the US. Located primarily in Wyoming, it is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and unique geothermal features.

Which national park is the most beautiful in the US?
Zion National Park in Utah is often ranked as the most beautiful national park in the United States. Other contenders include Badlands National Park in South Dakota, Canyonlands National Park in Utah, and Redwood National and State Parks in California.

If I’m new to visiting national parks, which one should I go to first?
Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic starting point for first-time visitors to national parks. Its diverse landscapes, including hot pools and mud pots, make it a captivating destination.

Which national park receives the most visitors annually in the US?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most visited national park in the US. It attracts significantly more visitors than the Grand Canyon, which is the second most visited.

What is your favorite national park and what makes it special?
One popular favorite is Zion National Park, particularly for the experience of hiking The Narrows, which involves walking through massive canyons. The park’s unique landscapes and the adventure it offers make it a top choice for many nature enthusiasts.