11 Spectacular US National Parks for Your Bucket List

If you want a great US National Park bucket list, then you’ve come to the right place. The United States is a beautiful country, with tons of national parks. To highlight some of the best of them, here is a list of 11 wonderful US national parks that you should see.

1. Yosemite National Park

In the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of northern California, Yosemite National Park is an iconic US national park that you must see. Yosemite Valley has beautiful mountains, granite cliffs, rivers, streams, and meadows. With 1,169 square miles of majestic views, you can be entertained for weeks. Be sure to go there in the spring and summer months for the most comfortable experience, though it is stunning in the winter months.

Here are some top attractions at Yosemite National Park:

• Half Dome
• El Capitan
• Yosemite Falls
• Glacier Point

2. Rocky Mountain National Park

In northern Colorado, you’ll find the 358 square miles of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its mountains and high-elevation lakes, the Rocky Mountains have countless breathtaking views that you won’t forget. At this US national park, you can hike, bike, or just drive around. With many recreational activities (fly fishing, kayaking, etc.), you won’t want to leave. When going there, you should probably keep it to months other than the winter months; roads can be closed due to thick snow, which can be a bummer.

Here are some top attractions at Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Trail Ridge Road
• Longs Peak
• Bear Lake
• Sprague Lake
• Dream Lake
• Pikes Peak

3. Yellowstone National Park

Known as being the first of many US national parks, Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in America. In its 3,471 square miles, you’ll see ample wildlife, along with many natural wonders. There are geysers, canyons, rivers, fields, and mountains in the park. Though famous for Old Faithful the geyser, the national park, a large supervolcano, has weeks worth of activities to do in its diverse landscape.

Here are some top attractions at Yellowstone National Park:

• Old Faithful
• Yellowstone Caldera
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Yellowstone Lake

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With over 800 square miles of forests and mountains, you can feel at peace in the Great Smoky Mountains. Both in Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is relatively easy to access. The national park has more visitors than any other US national park, at 11 million per year. In the park, you’ll find picturesque mountains, trees, rivers, and waterfalls. The views are especially stunning in fall with the changing of the leaves. Since it isn’t very far north, the park can be great in all seasons. However, watch out for road closures.

Here are some top attractions at Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

• Clingmans Dome
• Cades Cove
• Ober Gatlinburg

5. Grand Canyon National Park

As one of the most famous US national parks, Grand Canyon National Park has five million visitors per year, making it the second most visited of all US national parks. At over 1,900 square miles, the Grand Canyon is very large. You can have a wonderful weekend looking at the beautiful geological formations and rivers. For the most iconic view of the Grand Canyon, be sure to check out the South Rim. If you’re looking for recreation, many people enjoy hiking the canyon or doing white water rafting on the Colorado River.

Here are some top attractions at Grand Canyon National Park:

• Grand Canyon Village
• Bright Angel Trail
• South Rim
• South Kaibab Trail

6. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a very diverse US national park on the west coast of Washington state. On its 1,442 square miles of beautiful land, you’ll have opportunities to swim, hike, mountain climb, bike, and more! With mountains, lakes, and beaches, you’ll find memories everywhere you go! When visiting, keep in mind that the weather is most ideal from April to September.

Here are some top attractions at Olympic National Park:

• Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
• Hurricane Ridge
• Lake Crescent
• Ruby Beach

7. Glacier National Park

In these 1,583 square miles of wilderness in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, you’ll find many recreational activities. You can participate in hiking, biking, kayaking, mountain climbing, and more. Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, lakes, and mountain views. When those three views come together, you get a majestic experience. Whether just looking for a great day trip, or planning on a week of vacation, you won’t be disappointed with Glacier National Park. The best times to visit are from May to August.

Here are some top attractions at Glacier National Park:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Lake McDonald
• Logan Pass
• Grinnell Glacier

8. Zion National Park

Though it is less than 230 square miles, you can easily spend weeks at Zion National Park. At the park, you’ll see rivers, canyons, rock formations, and more. Rock climbing, kayaking, swimming, and hiking are among the many activities you can do there. By climbing to the top of rock formations, such as Angels Landing, you’ll get wonderful views that are worth the effort. It is best to visit in April and May or September and October.

Here are some top attractions at Zion National Park:

• The Narrows
• Angels Landing
• Emerald Pools Trail

9. Acadia National Park

As the seventh most visited US national park, Acadia National Park has a lot of character. Though it is less than 75 square miles (at 47,000 acres), it has many opportunities for recreation and enjoyment on its granite mountains, rocky cliffs, and rough waters. Boating, hiking, kayaking, and biking are permitted. The coastline is the most popular and iconic part of the park, so don’t miss it. Best times to visit are from September to October.

Here are some top attractions at Acadia National Park:

• Cadillac Mountain
• Jordan Pond
• Sand Beach
• The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

10. Badlands National Park

With amazing geological features, and the world’s richest deposits of fossils, you’ll find Badlands National Park well worth your time. By taking the Badlands Loop on South Dakota Highway 240, you’ll have a chance to stop and look at the 380 square miles of Badlands. Remembered for its distinct land features and fossils, Badlands has a place in the hearts of everyone who has been there.

Here are some of the top attractions at Badlands National Park:

• Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
• Notch Trail

11. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Most people haven’t heard of this US national park, but it is truly amazing. Though only 166 square miles, it is extremely diverse. Known for being vocanically active, it has volcanoes, mud pots, hot springs, and other hydrothermal features. Bumpass Hell has the most concentration of those features. In the park, you’ll find mountains, ponds, and lakes. Try to go there in August or September, that way the roads won’t still be covered in snow.

Here are some of the top attractions at Lassen Volcanic National Park:

• Lassen Peak
• Lassen National Forest
• Lake Helen
• Cinder Cone

Read More:

If you wish to read more, here are some great books:

• National Geographic Complete United States National Parks
• Illustrated National Parks – Hardcover – Anniversary Edition
• Moon USA Complete National Parks
• National Geographic Guide United States National Parks

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Sources:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm