The Ultimate Guide to the Best National Parks in the U.S.
The U.S. National Park System protects some of the most incredible landscapes and ecosystems in the world. Whether you’re a hiker, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or nature lover, there’s a park for you!
In this guide, we’ll explore:
🏞 Top 6 national parks you must visit
🚶♂️ Best hiking trails & activities
🦅 Wildlife to watch for
📌 Travel tips for visiting national parks
Let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through America’s greatest natural wonders!
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) – The First National Park in the World
📍 Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
🎟 Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Why Visit?
Yellowstone is America’s first national park and one of the most famous. It features geysers, hot springs, deep canyons, and diverse wildlife.
Best Attractions & Activities
🌋 Old Faithful Geyser – Erupts every 90 minutes, shooting water over 100 feet in the air
🛁 Grand Prismatic Spring – The largest and most colorful hot spring in the U.S.
🐻 Lamar Valley – The best place to spot bison, wolves, and bears
🏞 Yellowstone Lake – Great for kayaking, fishing, and boating
📌 Best Time to Visit: May–September (for warm weather and open roads)
2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) – One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
📍 Location: Arizona
🎟 Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Why Visit?
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth, with its massive rock formations, deep valleys, and stunning sunsets.
Best Attractions & Activities
⛰ South Rim Viewpoints – Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hopi Point offer breathtaking canyon views
🥾 Bright Angel Trail – A scenic hike descending into the canyon
🚁 Helicopter Tour – Experience the Grand Canyon from the sky
🌅 Horseshoe Bend – A stunning Colorado River overlook
📌 Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November (cooler weather, fewer crowds)
3. Yosemite National Park (California) – A Paradise for Hikers & Climbers
📍 Location: California
🎟 Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Why Visit?
Yosemite is famous for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees.
Best Attractions & Activities
🧗♂️ El Capitan & Half Dome – Legendary climbing spots
🌊 Yosemite Falls – One of the tallest waterfalls in North America
🌲 Mariposa Grove – Walk among giant sequoia trees
📸 Tunnel View – The best place to capture Yosemite’s beauty in one shot
📌 Best Time to Visit: May–June (for waterfalls) or September–October (for hiking)
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina) – The Most Visited National Park in the U.S.
📍 Location: Tennessee & North Carolina
🎟 Entry Fee: Free
Why Visit?
The Great Smoky Mountains offer lush forests, misty peaks, and incredible biodiversity, making it a haven for hikers and nature lovers.
Best Attractions & Activities
🏔 Clingmans Dome – The highest point in the park, with panoramic views
🚗 Cades Cove – A scenic drive through historic cabins and wildlife-filled meadows
🌿 Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – A beautiful drive with waterfalls and wildlife
🐻 Wildlife Watching – Spot black bears, deer, and wild turkeys
📌 Best Time to Visit: Spring (for wildflowers) or Fall (for colorful foliage)
5. Zion National Park (Utah) – A Desert Wonderland of Sandstone Cliffs
📍 Location: Utah
🎟 Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Why Visit?
Zion is one of the most stunning desert landscapes in the U.S., known for its massive red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and epic hikes.
Best Attractions & Activities
🥾 Angels Landing – A thrilling, steep hike with breathtaking views
🌊 The Narrows – A unique hike through a river-filled canyon
🚴♂️ Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – A must-do drive with incredible rock formations
🏕 Camping & Stargazing – Experience Zion’s stunning night sky
📌 Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall (mild temperatures, fewer crowds)
6. Glacier National Park (Montana) – The Crown Jewel of the Rockies
📍 Location: Montana
🎟 Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Why Visit?
Glacier National Park is a dream destination for hikers, featuring pristine alpine lakes, rugged mountains, and over 700 miles of trails.
Best Attractions & Activities
🛣 Going-to-the-Sun Road – One of the most scenic drives in the world
🏞 Lake McDonald – A crystal-clear lake perfect for kayaking and photography
🥾 Grinnell Glacier Trail – A spectacular high-altitude hike
🐏 Wildlife Watching – Spot mountain goats, grizzly bears, and elk
📌 Best Time to Visit: July–September (for warm weather and open roads)
Essential Tips for Visiting National Parks
✅ Get an America the Beautiful Pass – Unlimited entry to all U.S. national parks for $80/year
✅ Arrive Early – Avoid crowds and secure a good parking spot
✅ Pack Essentials – Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks
✅ Respect Nature – Follow Leave No Trace principles and protect wildlife
✅ Plan for Weather Changes – Many parks have unpredictable climates
Explore America’s National Parks with GoUSAExpress!
At GoUSAExpress, we make it easy for international travelers to explore U.S. national parks by offering:
🏞 Visa assistance for adventure seekers
🚗 Customized national park itineraries
🏕 Discounted lodging & travel packages📌 Ready to embark on a national park adventure? Contact us today to start planning your trip!
