The breathtaking views and brilliant landscapes of America’s national parks will leave you captivated and awestruck long after you’ve left their boundaries. Every year, millions of visitors drive, hike, camp, and bike through the 63 national parks in the U.S., and the widespread draw to the wilderness is only growing stronger over time, according to the National Park Service. Each park boasts a variety of unique landmarks, scenic lookouts, and wildlife, so you’re sure to find something to pique your interest no matter which one you visit.
From cascading waterfalls to snowcapped mountains to dense forests, these naturally occurring wonders cause visitors to stop in their tracks in every season. Their beauty is a credit to the diversity of the protected lands and efforts made to keep them in pristine condition. Visits to these recreational havens provide the ideal escape for anyone seeking more peaceful surroundings.
Here are 12 of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.
Sequoia National Park, California
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Home to the world’s largest tree, the 275-foot General Sherman, Sequoia National Park is teeming with sequoia groves on the western side of California’s Sierra Nevada. The towering sequoia trees that comprise its Giant Forest are a mighty sight to behold, standing hundreds of feet tall. The splendor of this park shines through the extraordinary views from the many hiking trails and granite domes, including Moro Rock. Be sure to also visit neighboring Kings Canyon National Park—both parks are connected by the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
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Named for the ubiquitous fog covering its peaks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the U.S. The majesty of its rivers and streams is amplified by its lush forests and plentiful wildlife. Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this verdant park is open year-round, but is at its colorful peak come October, when fall transforms the leaves to bright hues of red, orange, and yellow. Visit Cataloochee Valley during dawn or dusk for a chance to catch elk roaming the area, and drive through Cades Cove to scope out black bears, waterfalls, and historic cabins.
Denali National Park, Alaska
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Alaska’s enormous Denali National Park consists of 6.1 million acres and is home to North America’s tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. Although it’s one of only three Alaskan national parks that are reachable by car, some visitors opt instead to take a bus tour to traverse deeper into the park with a trusted guide. Bursting at the seams with impressive wildlife, sparkling rivers and lakes, and distinctive tundra vegetation, Denali National Park’s rugged terrain is best appreciated in the summertime.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
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Across approximately 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado has everything from flowering meadows to breathtaking mountains to alpine lakes, in addition to more than 300 miles of hiking trails. The park is also home to a vast array of wildlife—including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears—and forests. Spend some time fishing on Sprague Lake, or take in the magnificence of a sunrise at Bear Lake.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
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Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park is named for the tallest volcano in the Cascade Range. With dozens of glaciers, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. This national park is an enchanting place with more than 275 miles of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, lakes, and wildflower meadows. Take in the panoramic views of Mount Rainier at the Sunrise viewing point, the highest place in the park that’s accessible by car.
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
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No list of stunning national parks would be complete without Hawaii’s Haleakalā National Park. The park’s center is a massive shield volcano, which covers a great portion of the island of Maui, and also includes abundant waterfalls and rain forests. Drive to the summit of the Haleakalā crater for the most picturesque sunrise above the clouds. Remember to make a reservation in advance, as spaces are limited, and plan to stick around after sunrise to explore some of the dozens of hiking trails.
Yosemite National Park, California
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Best known for its multitude of waterfalls and famous granite formations, Yosemite National Park in California is one of America’s oldest and most beloved national parks. Prepare to be mesmerized by Yosemite’s renowned landmarks—El Capitan and Half Dome—as well as Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Many visitors camp in Yosemite Valley, which is the best way to experience all the natural beauty this park offers.
Arches National Park, Utah
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Whether you prefer to hike moderate trails or enjoy a scenic drive, Arches National Park will leave you breathless while you take in the vast red rock landforms and natural arches. With its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, this park is mostly known for its Windows Section and Delicate Arch viewing points. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a less crowded environment, and stick around after sunset for the ultimate stargazing under crystal-clear night skies.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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The soaring Teton Range of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is just one of the astonishing features that make this park so popular. Located in Jackson Hole, this serene landscape is home to glistening lakes, jagged terrain, and beautiful moose, mule deer, bison, and elk. Spend your time here climbing or hiking in the Teton Range, fishing for trout, and cruising around the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
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Located on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park covers more than 600,000 acres of glacial paradise. This remote park is known predominantly for the grandiose Harding Icefield—the largest in the U.S.—as well as the many coastal fjords. Follow the Exit Glacier View Loop trail for a closer look at the glacier and Harding Icefield. Check out the tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife by taking a boat tour from nearby Seward, or spend the day fishing on a charter boat as you explore the park’s waters.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
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As America’s first established national park, Yellowstone stretches across more than 2.2 million acres and is known for its iconic geysers and hot springs, most notably Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Seeking to preserve the grandeur of its wilderness, Yellowstone ensures its visitors maintain their distance from the native animals, including bison, black bears, elk, and moose. Not to worry—if you spend time driving through the park, hiking the many trails, and sightseeing at Yellowstone Lake and Lamar Valley, you’re sure to catch sight of an array of wildlife safely from a distance.
Glacier National Park, Montana
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With its gorgeous mountains, pristine lakes, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails, Glacier National Park in Montana is affectionately known as the “Crown of the Continent,” and for good reason. A favorite among adventurous travelers, the park offers endless options for outdoor recreation: hiking, camping, biking, fishing, and boating, to name a few. For the quintessential Glacier National Park visit, take the Going-to-the-Sun Road for 50 miles of stunning vistas, bisecting the east and west sides of the park.
