Top 10 Best National Parks to Visit in the US for 2025: Must-See Parks, Best Seasons & Activities

The United States is home to 63 national parks, each showcasing unique landscapes and natural wonders. From soaring mountains and lush forests to desert canyons and coastal shores, these parks offer unparalleled beauty and adventure. This guide highlights the top 10 best national parks to visit in the US—perfect for families, hikers, photographers, and travelers of all ages. Whether you’re searching for national parks for families with easy trails or scenic national parks USA for epic hikes and photo ops, these are the must-see parks for 2025.

• Camping Essentials Guide

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming • Montana • Idaho)

The world’s first national park is a geothermal wonderland, featuring the planet’s highest concentration of active geysers and hot springs—plus abundant wildlife like bison, elk, wolves, and bears.

• Best Time to Visit: Late May or September for mild weather and fewer crowds
• Top Attractions: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley
• Recommended Activities: Boardwalk strolls around geysers, scenic Grand Loop drive, wildlife watching at dawn in Lamar Valley, day hikes to waterfalls, ranger-led geology talks.

Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite’s sheer granite cliffs, thunderous waterfalls, and giant sequoias have inspired photographers and adventurers for generations, making it one of the top US national parks for dramatic scenery.

• Best Time to Visit: May for roaring waterfalls or September for crisp weather and thinner crowds
• Top Attractions: Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Recommended Activities: Hiking the Mist Trail or Half Dome (permit), rock climbing, biking flat valley trails, rafting the Merced River in summer, winter snowshoeing and ice-skating.

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

A mile-deep, 277-mile-long chasm carved by the Colorado River, Grand Canyon’s vastness must be seen in person to be believed. Sunrise and sunset reveal ever-changing colors on its layered cliffs.

• Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November for mild temperatures and manageable crowds
• Top Attractions: South Rim viewpoints (Mather Point, Yavapai, Desert View), Bright Angel Trail, North Rim’s Cape Royal (seasonal), Grand Canyon Village historic district
• Recommended Activities: Rim-to-rim scenic drives or shuttle tours, day hikes into the canyon, mule rides, multi-day white-water rafting trips, sunrise and sunset photography

Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion’s towering red-sandstone walls and slot canyons create a natural cathedral. Iconic hikes like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows attract adventurers, while easy riverside walks delight families.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Nov) for mild weather and colorful foliage
• Top Attractions: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angel’s Landing (permit), The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook Trail, Kolob Canyons section
• Recommended Activities: Hiking and canyoneering, shuttle sightseeing, river wading in The Narrows, horseback tours, wildlife spotting (bighorn sheep, condors)

Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

The jagged Teton Range rises abruptly above serene lakes and sagebrush flats, creating postcard-perfect views. Wildlife such as moose, elk, and grizzlies roam freely in this alpine paradise.

• Best Time to Visit: Late June to early October; September offers spectacular fall colors and elk rutting
• Top Attractions: Jenny Lake, Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row barns, Oxbow Bend, 42-Mile Scenic Loop, Snake River Overlook
• Recommended Activities: Hiking Cascade Canyon or Hidden Falls, scenic raft trips on the Snake River, sunrise photography, wildlife safaris, biking multi-use pathways

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Home to more than 100 peaks above 10 000 ft, this park showcases alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. Trail Ridge Road climbs above treeline for jaw-dropping panoramas.

• Best Time to Visit: June–August for full trail access; September for golden aspens and elk rut
• Top Attractions: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Alpine Visitor Center, Old Fall River Road
• Recommended Activities: Day hikes to Emerald or Sky Pond, scenic drives, wildlife viewing (elk, bighorn sheep, moose), stargazing programs, winter snowshoe treks

Glacier National Park (Montana)

Called the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier features rugged peaks, turquoise lakes, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

• Best Time to Visit: July and August when Going-to-the-Sun Road and high trails are fully open
• Top Attractions: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, Hidden Lake Overlook, Grinnell Glacier, Many Glacier Valley, Lake McDonald
• Recommended Activities: Hiking Highline Trail or Grinnell Glacier, boat tours on Lake McDonald, wildlife watching for mountain goats and grizzlies, backcountry camping, night-sky photography

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia blends granite peaks, spruce forests, and Atlantic shoreline. Cadillac Mountain offers sunrise views, while historic carriage roads invite cyclists and equestrians.

• Best Time to Visit: September–early October for fall colors; June for wildflowers and lighter crowds
• Top Attractions: Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
• Recommended Activities: Hiking Beehive or Precipice Trails, biking carriage roads, kayaking along rugged coast, tide-pooling at low tide, sunrise on Cadillac Mountain

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee • North Carolina)

America’s most-visited park is famed for its misty ridges, diverse wildlife, and rich Appalachian history. Spring wildflowers and autumn foliage are major draws.

• Best Time to Visit: April–May for wildflowers; mid-October for peak fall colors
• Top Attractions: Cades Cove loop, Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Laurel Falls
• Recommended Activities: Scenic drives, day hikes on the Appalachian Trail, waterfall chasing, elk and black-bear spotting, synchronous firefly viewing in late spring

Arches National Park (Utah)

With more than 2000 natural sandstone arches, this compact park near Moab is a red-rock playground of fins, spires, and balanced rocks against desert skies.

• Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–October for pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds
• Top Attractions: Delicate Arch, Windows Section, Double Arch, Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch, Fiery Furnace (permit/ranger tour)
• Recommended Activities: Sunrise or sunset photography, short family walks to roadside arches, Delicate Arch hike, ranger-guided Fiery Furnace explorations, stargazing under dark desert skies

Which Park Are You Visiting Next?

These top US national parks showcase the country’s astonishing natural diversity—from Yellowstone’s geysers and Grand Canyon’s vast chasm to Acadia’s Atlantic vistas and Arches’ red-rock sculptures. Visiting in the optimal seasons—often spring or fall—maximizes scenery and minimizes crowds. Whether you’re a family seeking easy nature trails, a hiker chasing summits, or a photographer hunting golden-hour light, America’s national parks promise unforgettable adventures. Plan ahead, respect wildlife and park guidelines, and savor the extraordinary landscapes protected for future generations. Happy exploring!