27 Most Beautiful National Parks in America

Each of the major 63 official national parks can be considered some of the most beautiful national parks in America.

But if you’re finding it hard to pick just one, I hope this list could help you decide based on what the park offers, what attractions you can see there, and if the park fits the ideal getaway you have in mind.

27 Most Beautiful National Parks in America You Should Visit at least Once in Your Life

I consider these 27 the prettiest national parks in USA, but I know people can get loyal to other parks, and that’s fine too.

I encourage you to visit each major national park at least once in your life, starting with any of these:

1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

I am in awe of the vastness of the Grand Canyon. Visiting this park just once isn’t enough to appreciate the vibrant layers of rock formations.

What makes the Grand Canyon a favorite is that you get to see it in a different light if you decide to visit during a different:

• season (winter in Grand Canyon isn’t the most famous, but spring totally brings the park back to life)
• viewpoint (it can be challenging to pick one outlook from either the south rim or north rim),
• time (sunsets in Grand Canyon are epic, but so are sunrises)
• mood (visiting Grand Canyon when you’re heartbroken gives the place a gloomy light, but go here at your highest and you’ll feel you’re on the top of the world)

If you’re artistic, you’ll be inspired with the magical hues of Grand Canyon that combine reds, oranges, deep purples, blues, and all nature colors from the cliffs, ridges, and canyons.

2. Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite National Park has everything you’ll want for a memorable nature trip.

From the iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan towering over the entire park, to the ancient giant sequoia trees that you can’t find anywhere else, Yosemite offers many unique natural attractions.

Pick what your heart is looking for.

Yosemite has stunning waterfalls or Bridalveil or Vernal Falls, picturesque Tuolumne Meadows, the clearest, mirror-like “Mirror Lake,” Native American rock art and petroglyphs, and acres of space for all the hiking, camping, fishing, water sports, and other activities under the sun.

3. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Montana’s world-renowned Glacier National Park is home to the Rocky Mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes and multiple ice-carved landscapes.

But Glacier National Park isn’t just a winter destination.

Once snowmelt begins, the glacially-fed waterfalls like Trick Falls and Virginia Falls cascade dramatically with awe-inspiring backdrops.

Glacier National Park also has one of the biggest population of wildlife like mountain goats, black and grizzly bears, moose, bighorn sheep, elk, and more.

And the sunsets and stars! Oh, the skies at the Glacier are one for the books (no matter what season). So if you’re a sucker for amazing sunsets or brightly-lit stars like me, you’re going to appreciate the Glacier skies just waiting for your jaw to drop.

4. Zion National Park (Utah)

If you’re looking for a place that could wow you in Utah, Zion takes the cake. It is included in many bloggers’ top 10 most beautiful national parks in the world.

Those who simply just want to go somewhere magical and take photos could aim for numerous hiking-friendly, vantage points that lets visitors see breathtaking canyons and cliffs.

If you’re lucky to get there at the right time, you’ll be able to double your appreciation for Zion National Park thanks to the stunning sunrises or sunsets against the park’s reddish, pinkish, orangey landscapes.

Pro hikers are in for a treat as they could get a closer look at Emerald Pools, the Virgin River, and one of my favorite places – The Narrows.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

Many people come to Bryce Canyon for its main attraction – the Bryce Amphitheater that showcases otherworldly spires of rock in varied sizes, shapes and shades.

When you visit during sunset, the hues of pink, orange and red blend to make one of the most spectacular scenes at Bryce.

Of course, it can be just as whimsical in the winter and at night. Bryce is after all a designated ‘International Dark Sky Park‘. If you’re obsessed with stargazing, this place is a must-stay for your next camping destination.

That’s not all what Bryce Canyon National Park offers – there’s also the remarkable old-age Natural Bridge and the Mossy Cave Arch.

I adore Bryce Canyon’s ancient bristlecone pine trees, which look like they came out of Tim Burton’s world. They’re some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, too!

6. Olympic National Park (Washington)

Olympic National Park makes it to my list of most beautiful national parks in the United States for its old-growth forest, 60+ named glaciers, and the massive 922,651 acres of wilderness.

Washington’s Olympic National Park has an extremely diverse landscape.

One one side, the park is home to many rugged coastal beaches like the Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach.

It is also where you’ll find the Olympic Mountains, whose majestic snow-capped peaks are covered in snow year-round. It makes a dramatic contrast especially with the bluest blue skies and green rainforests like Quinault and Hoh.

The park also has several pristine glacial lakes (like Lake Quinault), high alpine meadows (like Hurricane Ridge), gorgeous whimsical waterfalls (like Sol Duc Falls), and vast areas of remote wilderness for those in soul-searching mode.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Colorado has always been a dream destination for me.

Maybe because every picture I see of the Rocky Mountain National Park’s wilderness is so inviting.

From the stunning snow-capped Rocky Mountain range to the area’s crystal-clear lakes and unique tundra landscapes (just check it out on the picture above), it just looks like a nature photographer’s playground.

Whether you’re down to chasing waterfalls, or watch awesome Rocky Mountain wildlife in their environment, or marvel at the jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets, Rocky Mountain National Park is bound to give you an amazing nature trip.

Even if you’re just passing by (and have no time to hike or see the pretty kaleidoscope of colors at Rocky Mountains’ meadows up-close), this Colorado park still offers plenty of scenic drives.

8. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

This picture truly describes the rugged beauty of Grand Teton National Park, especially if you’re looking for a summer and autumn destination.

The Snake River winds through the park, giving kayakers, white-water rafters and fishing hobbyists amazing views of the Grand Teton mountain range.

Grand Teton turns into a vibrant park with colorful wildflower meadows greeting visitors in the spring and warmer months.

The park isn’t just a home to many lakes (there’s also the peaceful Taggart Lake and the crystal-clear String Lake), Grand Teton also has an abundant wildlife.

Perfect for nature and wildlife photography, you can stalk wolves, elk, moose, bison, or even grizzly bears in their natural environment at Grand Teton National Park.

9. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park is Maine’s most spectacular and most visited park.

Aside from having the tallest peak on the Atlantic coast (thanks to the Cadillac Mountain), Acadia boasts a perfect mix of history and natural resources.

History buffs would appreciate the picturesque Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Maine’s historic carriage roads.

This park also provides never-ending views of dramatic cliffs, rocky shores, and amazing coastal views. If you’re a fan of crashing waves, Thunder Hole and its impressive display of natural “thundering” is a must-visit (just make sure you get there at the perfect time in winter, after storms, or right after low tide).

For hikers and nature explorers, Acadia National Park gives you plenty of opportunities. The park also features lush forests, and crystal clear lakes (like Jordan Pond).

Acadia is also a designated Dark Sky Park, so if you plan on staying overnight, prepare to be in awe of breathtaking skies.

10. Everglades National Park (Florida)

Everglades National Park boasts of a unique landscape – it is the largest tropical wilderness in the country with the most expansive wetland ecosystem.

Yes, this park is where you’ll be able to explore never-ending forests of mangroves, the River of Grass, and Everglases’ iconic sawgrass prairies.

While most of the park is explored by kayaks, canoes or small boats, this doesn’t mean you won’t get to see special views. In fact, you’re bound to be amazed by one-of-a-kind sunsets and sunrises, exceptional stargazing opportunities, and unique birds and wildlife you can only see at Everglades National Park.

11. Arches National Park (Utah)

Arches National Park is one of those parks you cannot visit just once. It has sooo many wow-inducing landscapes that your single visit won’t be enough to see all of them.

From the park’s over 2,000 natural sandstone arches (with the Landscape Arch and Delicate Arch leading the pack), to the famous Balanced Rock perched atop a pedestal and the Windows Section (home to iconic arches like North Window and Double Arch).

You can explore Arches National Park in multiple ways – from a boat, hiking up the rock formations, or even just from your car (via Arches Scenic Drive).

I’m a fan of the sunsets and sunrises that bounce off the park’s rock formations.

Just wait until it gets dark and you’ve got the clear views of the starry skies – makes you feel you have the celestial wonders all for yourself.

12. Joshua Tree National Park (California)

• The picture-perfect views of Joshua Tree National Park on any side of the road…
• Its breathtaking sunsets during summer, winter, spring or fall…
• Its desert backdrop with whimsical Joshua trees…

All of these are reasons why I include this as America’s most beautiful national parks.

Joshua Tree National Park is also home to a peaceful valley and other striking rock formations like monoliths and boulders.

And if you’re a fan of desert terrains and cactus gardens, you’ll enjoy the views of cholla cacti that glow golden under the sun.

Joshua Tree offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and landscape photography. It has panoramic vistas of the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea and Coachella Valley.

13. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is an absolute nature-packed destination, ideal for those on the quest of finding the perfect escape.

Imagine being surrounded by vibrant layers of rock formations that’ll make you go “wow” at every turn. Shenandoah National Park got some breathtaking canyons and cliffs that’ll leave you stunned.

• Old Rag Mountain is a must – a bit of a climb, but the views are worth it.
• Skyline Drive offers breathtaking vistas right from your car.
• Don’t miss Dark Hollow Falls – a short hike ending in a picturesque waterfall.

Shenandoah trails cater to various levels of hikers, and the best part is you can conquer your fear of heights by taking on trails that offer a bit of a challenge. It’s all about stepping out of that comfort zone, right?

This park has a special place in my heart because I’m a sucker for stunning sunrises, sunsets, and pretty night skies. Shenandoah’s canvas of colors perfectly contrasts the setting/rising of the sun, then will leave you breathless once the night sky comes alive with twinkling stars.

14. Redwood National and State Parks (California)

Redwood National Park in California is one of those places that can give you a new perspective in life. Standing beside one of these jaw-dropping ancient giants will leave you with a sense of scale (how small we really are in the world) and time (how old these trees are).

If you can only visit for a few hours, don’t you dare miss the fairytale-like Fern Canyons and its enchanted forests. This is also shares a path going to some Redwood waterfalls, so chase them if you’ve got some extra time.

Home to the world’s tallest trees, Redwood National Park also showcases a ton of hidden gems, from the awesome Lady Bird Johnson Grove to the Hidden Beach. Hikers (beginners to professionals) will be in for a treat of spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean or along the redwoods.

Camping here is indescribable. The night skies at Redwood are an attraction by itself, especially if you’re a stargazing lover. Plus, the park is teeming with birds and wildlife, too! From bobcats to black bears, Roosevelt elk, and even the spectacularly elusive mountain lion.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventurer, or just looking for a serene escape, Redwood National Park has it all. Pick what your heart is looking for, and let Redwood’s beauty leave you in awe.

15. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

Yup, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks looks similar to Redwood National Park thanks to the giant trees both parks are known for, but there are actually several distinct differences.

• Tree species: Those giant trees are actually two different species. The ones in Redwood are redwoods (the tallest trees on Earth), while the ones here are giant sequoias (the largest trees on Earth by volume).
• Presence of canyons: While Redwood is more coastal and forest-rich, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to dramatic canyons like Kings Canyon and impressive mountain landscapes.
• Cave system: If you’re ticking off your bucket list of caves in the country, Sequoia and Kings Canyon is where you’ll find Crystal Cave, a popular marble cavern open for tours. Redwood, meanwhile, has no cave system.

Of course, there are other notable Sequoia and Kings Canyon attractions like General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock.

Both are worthy contenders for my list of most beautiful national parks in America though, so if you have an extra day or two to explore both, I truly wish you do.  If you’re just passing by either the Sierra Nevada Mountains (where Sequoia and Kings Canyon) or northern California coast (where Redwood park is located), both national parks have opportunities for scenic drives.

16. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

If you’re looking for the most beautiful national park in America that you can visit year-round, Mount Rainier is a must-see.

This National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. The main star, of course, is Mount Rainier – a snow-capped picture-perfect mountain that loves wow-ing people no matter what time. Just look at it – Mount Rainer looks amazing whether you catch the sunset or sunrise, or just any other day.

If you love hiking, you’ll have several trail options – some that leads to Narada Falls and a few lakes that showcase mirror-like reflection of Mount Rainier, then another that leads to the Longmire Historic District.

Whichever path you decide to take, if you committed to camping out in Mount Rainier, you’ll witness pure magic once the stars put on a show.

For those who can only pick just one route, I recommend you take the Ohanapecosh route in the southeastern part of the park. There’s a campground here amongst the ancient forests, hot springs and cool blue river.

17. Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is probably one of my top 3 favorite mountain with that snow-capped look and colossal size.

Like Mount Rainer above, the star of the show at the Denali National Park is Mount Denali…North America’s tallest peak.

If you’ve always dreamt of camping in the wild, Denali is one of the parks you should consider. This place is a wildlife lover’s dream, from wolves to grizzlies, moose to caribous, wolverines and a whole lot more.

Denali National Park has several spots that look like heaven on earth. Go to the Eielson Visitor Center for the least effort, but still epic views of Mount Denali.

For some challenge, hike to one of the trails in the area. I recommend the trail to Wonder Lake, which gives you one of the most picture-perfect reflection shot of Mount Denali.

If you’re just passing by and prefer not to go out of your car, you can drive to the Savage River area for a scenic, painting-like view of Denali’s rock formations. There’s also the Polychrome Pass with breathtaking views of Denali’s hills and canyons.

Denali is the only national park with a kennel of sled dogs. If you can, you have to see these awesome dogs (and their just-as-awesome rangers) play and work together. In the summer, you can join 30-minute programs three times a day (from June to September).

18. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)

This list of most beautiful national parks in the USA won’t be complete without a mention of a Hawaiian park. The Aloha State simply offers something magical that you can’t find anywhere else in the country.

There are not a lot of places where you can witness lava up-close. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of them – and offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime, surreal experience.

When you visit, make sure to include these 3 areas:

• Thurston Lava Tube – Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is a world of its own. Guests are welcomed by hundreds of native singing birds at a rainforest entrance, then into a 500-year-old lava tube where a river of 2000 degree Fahrenheit used to flow.
• Chain of Craters Road – A seemingly normal road, but look closely to the side and reach the end and be mesmerized by the layers upon layers of rock formations that tell the area’s volcanic history.
• Kilauea Caldera – Also known as Kilauea Crater, this caldera is an active shield volcano. Even if it isn’t erupting, you’ll still be able to witness steam rising from the Earth here.

If you’re visiting with kids (or just find the volcanoes and lava super-fascinating), head over to the Thomas A. Jagger Museum.

You’re lucky if your trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lasts until nighttime, or you plan to stay overnight. Aside from the clear starry nights thanks to the lack of light pollution in the area, the flow from the active lava also lights up the night in an extraordinary way.

19. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

There’s something for everyone (no matter time of the year) at the scenic Rocky Mountain National Park. 

If you’re looking for spots to take your postcard-like photos, the blue-green Lake Louise is one of those perfect spots. Nestled at the foot of Victoria Glacier, this alpine lake doesn’t just offer an epic backdrop – it also displays a gorgeous reflection of the Rocky Mountains.

Hikers have a wide range of trails to choose from, whether they’re interested in a casual stroll (like the Bear Lake Loop trail) or on a mission to reach one of the Rockies’ highest peaks (such as the Longs Peak trail).

No matter the trail of choice, you’ll still get to witness varied scenes, from wildflowers scattered on one side to wildlife like mule deer and elk hiding in plain sight.

Everything gets intensely more beautiful at sunset or once darkness fall and the sky lights up. Stargazing at Rocky Mountain National Park is a pretty cool experience any kid or kid-at-heart who loves astrology should experience.

If you don’t have time to roam the park, you can always opt for scenic drives around the Rockies – it’s the next best thing!

20. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

There a several ways you can appreciate the natural wonders of Badlands National Park:

• Fossil Exhibit Trail (with awesome fossils along the way) or Door Trail (a beginner-friendly hike through the park’s canyons) both give guests an up-close look at Badlands’ surreal landscape.
• Pinnacles Overlook – If you go crazy for sunset views, you’ll definitely want to witness how the sky turns the Badlands landscape into some otherworldly scene.
• Loop Road – For those who would rather stay in their cars, this scenic drive gives you the best views of Badlands’ canyons and cliffs.

Stargazers and nature photographers will never run out of angles to take Badlands, but the views at Yellow Mounds Overlook, Big Badlands Overlook and Badlands Wilderness Overlook all let you capture the park’s landscapes in all its glory.

21. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

North Cascades National Park has got it all – whether it’s jaw-dropping scenery, heart-pumping hikes, or a serene escape into nature, you have several things to do with your kids, partner, dogs, and other loved ones.

Here are my favorites:

• Diablo Lake Overlook is an absolute stunner. The turquoise waters framed by those rugged mountains is like a postcard in real life. It’s pure magic.
• Ross Lake: Rent a kayak, and let the serene waters of Ross Lake carry you away. It’s like therapy, but with paddles.
• North Cascades Institute: Learn a thing or two about the local flora and fauna.
• Stehekin: Accessible by boat or floatplane, this charming community is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

Hiking enthusiasts won’t be left out. Cascade Pass Trail takes you through wildflower meadows with views that are nothing short of spectacular. Hidden Lake Trail, as the name suggests, is a bit of a secret gem but with jaw-dropping views of glaciers and alpine landscapes. Ladder Creek Falls Trail is a short trail, but the rewards are fantastic since it leads to the gorgeous Ladder Creek Falls waterfall.

If you’re planning to camp, pitch a tent and wake up to the symphony of nature at Colonial Creek Campground. For memorable sunsets and twinkling skies, choose to stargaze at Lone Fir Campground instead. Be mindful of bears, marmots and eagles though – they call North Cascades National Park their home, but you can marvel and go wildlife-watching from afar.

22. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Alaska’s Glacier Bay is definitely one of the most beautiful national parks in America, especially if you’re chasing for wow-worthy, icy landscapes you won’t find elsewhere.

As its name suggests, Glacier Bay is known for the massive, ancient glaciers gracefully flowing into the sea. For the best front-row seat to one of nature’s most epic performances, you have to check the glaciers out at the Lamplugh Glacier Viewpoint.

Two notable glaciers at the park are Johns Hopkins Glacier and Margerie Glacier, both majestic in their own ways and definitely in-your-face memorable.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve may seem isolated, but it is actually home to wildlife like whales, seals, and otters.

If you’re feeling more adventurous than the ordinary sightseeing tourist, you can paddle through icy waters surrounded by towering peaks (there are kayaking adventures available for this!).

Those who cannot visit a park and skip hiking – you have a couple of hiking trail options at Glacier Bay. If you went with a guided hike, check for sunset tours where you get to witness a one-of-a-kind celestial spectacle once sun sets and the stars come out to play.

If you’re lucky, you can even learn a thing or two about the rich culture of the Tlingit people, and other interesting trivia about Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

To cap off your exciting glacier tour, go to the serene Bartlett Cove.

23. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

One of the most beautiful national parks on the east coast in my opinion is Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park uniquely blends waterfalls, lush trails, and cultural landmarks, offering an accessible escape into diverse landscapes and vibrant ecosystems in the heart of Ohio.

If you’re into hiking, this park has several trails that lead you to spectacular places.

Brandywine Falls Trail, for instance, brings you to this Ohio waterfall that lets you feel the mist up-close while you stand on the boardwalk.

If you’d like a more low-key waterfall, there’s a trail going to the Blue Hen Falls as well. It’s not as crowded, but just as breathtaking as Brandywine.

Ledges Trail leads you to a memorable area where giant rock formations tower over you as you walk.

Looking for a bike trail? The Towpath Trail cruises along the canal, passing by historic locks and scenic landscapes.

For those who can’t explore by foot much, you can head over to the Observation Deck at Beaver Marsh, the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, or go aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Sure, the park may not be one of the 111 Dark Sky Parks in the world (there’s 2 in Ohio – Fry Family Park in Stark County and Geauga Park District in Chardon). But, the night sky at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is still a celestial masterpiece that every stargazer would appreciate.

24. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

The star of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is the Mammoth Cave tours, where visitors can go into the subterranean playground and get wowed by the mysterious and epic natural wonders waiting for them underground.

You can experience the caves in a number of different ways, from lantern-lit adventures to history-focused tours.

My favorite is the Frozen Niagara Tour, where gorgeous limestone cascade like a chandelier inside the cave.

If you can’t get enough of these formations, there’s also the “Drapery Room” – a part of the Domes and Dripstones Tour that showcases more stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave.

Fat Man’s Misery is a narrow passage inside the cave. It’s like a nature’s obstacle course, which is quite challenging, but totally doable even for first-timers.

Not all activities at Mammoth Cave National Park are underground. You can take a mini cruise via the Green River Ferry and check out the park from a totally different angle.

For a relaxing hike, you can explore the woods and witness the sunset by following the Turnhole Bend Nature Trail. 

River Styx Spring and Echo River Springs are two other cool places to visit outside the caves.

25. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)

There is something magical about the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.

When you visit, it feels like you’re in several worlds at once. The park even transforms through the seasons: wildflowers in the summer, frozen Medano Creek in winter, flowing water of Zapata Falls in the spring, and gorgeous fall colors all over.

Of course, sand is everywhere and makes awesome sandboarding and sledding spot anytime of the year. The tallest sand dunes at the park towers at over 750 feet tall – they’re the tallest in North America.

If you’re up for a hike, head over to High Dune for a bird’s eye view of the dunes and mountains.

If you can stay the night, spend the night camping in the Pinyon Flats Campground. This is the perfect spot for stargazing at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. You do have to make reservations in advance.

It’s up to you if you wish to explore by yourself, or join a ranger-guided walk of Great Sand Dunes so you could learn about the park’s unique landscapes, plants, birds, and wildlife like elk, deer, coyotes, and bison.

Most Beautiful National Parks in America that stretches between 2 or more States

Some of the most beautiful parks in USA aren’t located in just one state. A few of them are so massive that they take up two or more states.

Visiting these parks could take weeks (even months or years) if you plan to see every inch of the park. But if you’re in search of a uniquely beautiful park, you have to visit the Smokies, Yellowstone and Canyonlands. Here’s why:

26. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, Tennessee)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most visited national park. It straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.

If you’re visiting in late spring, check out how you can witness the synchronous fireflies that light up in unison during their mating season. It’s a sight you’ll remember for a long time and these awesome fireflies only pick a few locations in the world – and the Smokies is one of them.

For those whose bucket lists include chasing as many waterfalls they can chase, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 100 waterfalls for you to pick, explore and enjoy.

My favorites Smokeys waterfalls are the Grotto Falls and Ramsey Cascades, but if you can’t hike and prefer to see them from afar, there’s the roadside views of Mingo Falls for you.

For more hiking adventures and explorations, there’s the Alum Cave Trail or the Clingmans Dome Trail.

The Great Smoky Mountains also one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, with over 19,000 documented species of plants and animals.

Go to this park in either spring or summer if you’ve always dreamt of seeing black bears up-close – the Smokies has one of the largest black bear populations in the Southeast.

If you have time, make sure to visit historical homesteads, churches, and other structures of the Appalachian people, perfectly preserved within the park.

27. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone is one of the most scenic national parks in USA. While majority of the park is found in Wyoming, some areas are within Montana and Idaho.

Renowned for its unique geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park is home to:

• Old Faithful Geyser (a captivating geyser that erupts about every 90 minutes, sending water over 100 feet high),
• Norris Geyser Basin (the hottest and oldest geyser in the park),
• Mammoth Hot Springs (features cascading terraces of travertine formations and hot pools), and
• Grand Prismatic Spring (a brightly colored hot spring with blue center surrounded by rainbow rings).

Explore the Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley if you’re into nature photography – there are elk, bison, grizzly bears and bighorn sheep in these areas.

This national park also has some of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints you can find. From its own Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (with dramatic canyon carved by the Yellowstone River) and never-ending trails that would give you a closer look at wildlife and landscapes, everyone can find a spot in Yellowstone that would speak to your soul.

Most Beautiful National Parks in America

Of course, determining the “most beautiful” national parks in the world can be subjective. What I think are the most beautiful national parks in USA may not be what you think are the top-tier pretty national parks… and I respect that.

The US National Park System maintains all of these beautiful national parks in America. If you plan to travel to any of these stunning parks, make sure to always check with the US NPS sites for the most up-to-date information. This is especially true if you’re worried about road blocks and weather forecasts.

If you wish to donate or volunteer in keeping the parks above clean and well-preserved, visit the NPS nearest you.