Best U.S. National Parks for 2025

For over a century, the National Park Service has been dedicated to managing millions of acres for the "enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Today, 63 designated national parks across the United States attract hundreds of millions of visitors each year, eager to experience breathtaking natural wonders and unforgettable landscapes. To identify the top U.S. national parks, U.S. News evaluated scenic beauty, variety of activities, and feedback from travel experts and recent park visitors. Cast your vote for your favorite park below to help shape next year's rankings. (Note: Some national parks on this list require reservations for timed entry, so plan ahead to secure your preferred visit date.)

Glacier National Park

Renowned as one of the world's premier destinations, Glacier National Park encompasses three mountain ranges and features over 700 lakes in northwest Montana. Take advantage of the park's extensive hiking trails, including popular routes like the Trail of the Cedars and Iceberg Lake Trail. Don't miss the scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road and a visit to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Canadian border. Plus, Glacier offers free ranger-led activities such as guided hikes and stargazing events suitable for all ages.

Yellowstone National Park

Even without its status as America's first national park, Yellowstone is a standout destination in its own right. Spanning 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it showcases unique natural attractions and stunning landscapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in Yellowstone's many lakes, mountains, bison-filled valleys, and its renowned hot springs and active geysers—home to about half of the world's geysers. To avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, consider visiting in May or October.

Yosemite National Park

California's most-visited national park is famous for its impressive waterfalls, including Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall, as well as its iconic granite formations like Half Dome and El Capitan. Yosemite National Park offers ample opportunities for scenic hiking and camping; however, be aware that campsites often sell out quickly, so keep an eye on booking schedules. Whatever your plans, don't miss the Tunnel View overlook, which provides spectacular views of Yosemite Valley and is easily accessible without any hiking.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is so breathtaking that even the finest photos can't capture its vast beauty—you need to see it in person. This UNESCO World Heritage Site measures 18 miles wide and 278 miles long, offering countless hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, along with opportunities to raft the Colorado River. For a quieter experience, visit the less-crowded North Rim, which is open from mid-May to mid-October. If you're looking for a unique perspective, consider taking a helicopter tour to see the Grand Canyon from above.

Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole's backcountry is a stunning playground waiting to be explored. Once inhabited by ranchers and fur trappers, this Wyoming park now boasts over 250 miles of trails that wind through forests, lakes, and the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Grand Teton mountain range. The Cascade Canyon trail showcases the park's breathtaking topography, featuring waterfalls and glacier-carved canyons. Be sure to stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center for maps, informative exhibits, and documentary films about the park.

Zion National Park

Utah's Zion National Park is a haven for thrill-seekers. For example, Angels Landing takes adventurous hikers along an exposed rock ridge with 1,000-foot drops on either side (permits are required for this popular trail and are issued through an online lottery). You can also hike The Narrows, a roughly 10-mile trek through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, which involves wading upstream through the Virgin River. For a more leisurely experience, hop on a shuttle bus to explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which passes many of the park's iconic landmarks.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Featuring glaciers, fjords, and icefields, Kenai Fjords National Park transports visitors to a time when ice covered much of the Earth. The Harding Icefield—formed over 23,000 years ago—is one of the park's main attractions, spanning 700 square miles and accessible via an 8.2-mile hiking trail. Explore the Glacier Overlook Trail and Glacier View Loop Trail for stunning views of Exit Glacier, which flows from the famed icefield. Alternatively, take a kayak or boat tour to experience the breathtaking landscapes from the water, and keep an eye out for humpback whales!

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its unique hoodoos—oddly shaped rock pillars formed by erosion—and boasts the largest collection of these formations in the world. Located in southern Utah, the nearly 36,000-acre park offers a variety of hiking trails, all of which provide surreal views of its stunning red rock formations. While Bryce Canyon is most popular from April to October, the park's snow-covered landscape juxtaposed with the orange-red rocks creates an unforgettable sight in winter. This season is also perfect for activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Arches National Park

Covering nearly 77,000 acres in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is filled with uniquely shaped sandstone formations that make it a paradise for backpackers, rock climbers, hikers, and photographers alike. The park is home to over 2,000 arches—the highest concentration of these natural structures in the world. Notable arches include Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double Arch. Be sure to visit the visitor center, which offers a wealth of information and exhibits about the history and geology of Arches National Park.

Olympic National Park

Spanning nearly 1 million acres, Olympic National Park invites visitors to explore the magical Hoh Rain Forest, hike to breathtaking overlooks, and unwind along over 70 miles of Pacific Northwest coastline. This Washington state gem is one of the best hiking destinations in the country, featuring top trails like Mount Storm King and Hurricane Hill. Additionally, be sure to try one of Olympic's other popular activities, from canoeing on Lake Crescent to exploring tide pools on Kalaloch Beach or bird-watching on Ruby Beach.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is defined by its towering sequoia trees, the largest trees in the world. Visitors can hike through this California park to admire its majestic trees, rivers, meadows, and diverse wildlife. No visit is complete without seeing the General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest, which stands nearly 275 feet tall and measures over 36 feet in diameter, making it the largest tree by volume. If time allows, also visit the General Grant Tree in nearby Kings Canyon National Park. After marveling at these magnificent giants, try your hand at rock climbing, horseback riding, or fishing.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Spanning 6 million acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve is as vast as it is captivating. Approximately one-sixth of the park is covered in glaciers, and it is home to North America's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. The park appeals to true adventurers, as there are few marked trails. However, free ranger-led hikes are available seasonally. Most visitors experience the park through a narrated bus tour along Denali Park Road. Only about 30 percent of bus tourists catch a glimpse of Mount McKinley's peak, but other scenic landmarks like Savage River and Sable Pass are sure to impress.

Redwood National and State Parks

As the name suggests, Redwood National and State Parks are famous for their towering redwood trees, which often soar over 300 feet tall. In addition to exploring the ancient redwood groves, visitors can hike past rivers, through prairies, and along more than 40 miles of Pacific coastline, spotting wildlife like elk, sea lions, and various bird species along the way. If you're short on time, scenic drives like Howland Hill Road and Enderts Beach Road highlight the park's beauty. For those wanting to camp, there are four developed campgrounds available.

Canyonlands National Park

Utah's stunning national parks are known for their geological wonders, and Canyonlands National Park is no exception. The park is defined by its immense canyons carved by the Green and Colorado rivers, along with its striated spires, arches, and buttes. Must-see attractions include driving around the rim of the vast mesa at Island in the Sky, stopping at Mesa Arch along the way, and hiking among the sandstone spires in The Needles district. For a different perspective, visitors can float through the canyons on a raft or canoe.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with two extraordinary volcanoes: Mauna Loa (the largest volcano on Earth) and Kīlauea (one of the most active in the world). The latter frequently erupts, and visitors can witness this spectacle from various points in the park, including overlooks along Crater Rim Drive and the famous Chain of Craters Road (though eruption sightings are not guaranteed). While driving along Chain of Craters Road, make sure to stop at the Kealakomo Overlook for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the historic village of Kealakomo.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park scores high for its accessibility, located about 65 miles northwest of Denver, making it a perfect day trip or an extended getaway. This Colorado park features a breathtaking landscape with over 350 miles of scenic trails, picturesque lakes, and numerous mountain peaks exceeding 10,000 feet. If you're short on time, the Emerald Lake Trail is a popular, less than 4-mile round trip that promises stunning alpine views. Alternatively, consider an auto tour along Trail Ridge Road for a leisurely exploration.

Mount Rainier National Park

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the tallest peak in the Cascade Range and the highest volcano in the contiguous United States. While thousands of visitors attempt the challenging hike to the summit each year, many prefer to drive to Sunrise, the park's highest accessible point by vehicle, to enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade Range and Emmons Glacier. Numerous shorter hikes are available at Mount Rainier National Park, allowing visitors to explore the temperate rainforests of Carbon River, enjoy the wildflowers in Paradise's meadows, or search for waterfalls in the old-growth forests at Ohanapecosh.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spanning over 500,000 acres in North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife-viewing and hiking opportunities, including the popular Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Chimney Tops Trail. The park is home to more than 1,500 species of flowers, which visitors can admire in spring during the festival of programs and guided hikes celebrating the blooms. If you visit in the fall, you'll be treated to vibrant foliage among the maple, beech, and birch trees lining the trails.

Acadia National Park

Known as the "crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast" and Maine's top tourist destination, Acadia National Park features nearly 160 miles of hiking trails on Mount Desert Island. If you're not up for the challenge of hiking the Beehive Loop, which involves scrambling up granite cliffs, there are plenty of easier sightseeing options throughout the park. For a more leisurely experience, drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road or enjoy a walk or bike ride along the 45 miles of carriage roads that wind through Acadia.