The U.S. is home to some of the most mesmerizing and memorable national parks in the world. Here are 10 parks in 10 different states that should be on your bucket list:
The Grand Canyon in Arizona
If you haven’t yet seen The Grand Canyon, pencil a trip into your calendar now. If you’ve already seen it, go see it again. The Grand Canyon is the ultimate National Park—President Teddy Roosevelt even recommended it. Formed by the slow and creeping erosion of the Colorado River over thousands of years, this park is a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
Zion National Park in Utah
Zion is a hiker’s paradise—amazing canyons, hot springs and pools, and unforgettable sunsets and sunrises culminate to make one of the single best retreats in Utah. It’s also just a couple of hours away from Las Vegas, so take some time to break away from the hum and buzz the next time you visit Sin City.
Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite is home to some of the most impressive natural granite structures in the nation. Nestled among the granite is Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point and an innumerable amount of towering sequoia and redwood trees, making this woodland paradise one you won’t want to miss.
Crater National Park in Oregon
Once upon a time, deep in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, a volcano erupted. And then it collapsed in on itself and formed one of the most impressive landmarks in the world: Crater National Park. This unforgettable destination is like no other, and you’ll be glad you added to your must-see list.
Glacier National Park in Montana
One of the few spots you can see actual glaciers in the U.S., this park boasts picturesque vistas you won’t soon forget. The spring and summer months are amazing here, with a thriving nomadic tourist industry pours in and brings the area to life with music and festivals.
The Everglades National Park in Florida
The subtropical destination of the Everglades is a must-see for anyone that finds Florida’s swamplands fascinating. Boat tours, camping, hiking and unforgettable wildlife make this fantastic National Park as unique as it is memorable.
Denali National Park in Alaska
Denali National Park is home to the highest mountain in North America—Mount McKinley. Additionally, this winter wonderland is fantastic for outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For those that enjoy winter sports, Denali should be on the list.
Badlands National Park in South Dakota
For nature lovers, Badlands National Park offers the largest mixed-grass prairie in the nation, and it’s teeming with wildlife like bison and bighorn sheep. It’s also stunningly beautiful, boasting a rugged terrain of buttes and other rock structures that will permanently etch their way into your memory.
Acadia National Park in Maine
Located on Mount Desert island in Maine, Acadia National Park is an amazing retreat of nature that hosts everything from moose and bears to birds and whales. The island is carved from the dance between granite and glacier, and it’s home to the highest mountain on the East Coast—Mount Cadillac.
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
No list about U.S. National Parks would be complete without mentioning Yellowstone. Home to the infamous Old Faithful geyser, this park is also a veritable hotspot of wildlife, offering unforgettable lush forests and the beautiful Lake Yellowstone for endless outdoor retreats.
