The best national parks in USA offer a stunning array of landscapes, from towering mountains to dramatic canyons, making them perfect for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, or family fun. With 63 national parks across the country, these natural wonders welcomed over 325 million visitors in 2024, and 2025 promises even more excitement with improved accessibility and new reservation systems. Whether you’re chasing the best national parks in USA for hiking or searching for the best national parks in USA for families, this guide from Blog Sphere Hub highlights the top five parks, based on scenic beauty, activities, and traveler reviews from U.S. News Travel. Discover why these parks are must-visit destinations and learn the best time to visit national parks in USA for an unforgettable trip.
Why Explore the Best National Parks in USA?
America’s national parks are more than just scenic spots—they’re gateways to adventure, history, and connection with nature. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the serene lakes of Glacier, each park offers unique experiences. In 2025, expect enhanced visitor services, like timed-entry systems to manage crowds, making planning essential. The America the Beautiful pass ($80 annually) provides access to all parks, ideal for road trippers hitting multiple destinations. Whether you’re a solo hiker, a family, or a photographer, the best national parks in USA deliver memories that last a lifetime.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, nestled in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, is a top pick among the best national parks in USA for its pristine wilderness and hiking opportunities. Spanning over 1 million acres, it boasts 700+ miles of trails, 700 lakes, and wildlife like grizzly bears and mountain goats. In 2024, it drew over 3 million visitors, captivated by its glacier-carved peaks and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Top Hikes: The Highline Trail (11.8 miles, moderate) offers sweeping views of Bearhat Mountain, while Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles, easy) is ideal for families seeking the best national parks in USA for hiking.
- Activities: Drive the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road for jaw-dropping vistas or join a ranger-led boat tour on Lake McDonald.
- Wildlife: Spot bighorn sheep and elk in Logan Pass, especially at dawn.
Best Time to Visit National Parks in USA – Glacier:
Early summer (June–July) for open trails and blooming wildflowers, or early fall (September) for fewer crowds. Timed-entry reservations are required May 23–September 7, 2025, via recreation.gov. Winter visits offer snowshoeing but limited road access.
Tips:
- Stay in Whitefish (20 miles away) for budget-friendly hotels or camp at Apgar Village.
- Pack bear spray and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
- Check weather forecasts, as conditions change rapidly.
Glacier’s trails and scenery make it a standout for adventurers seeking the best national parks in USA for hiking.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is synonymous with the best national parks in USA. Its 277-mile-long, mile-deep gorge drew nearly 6 million visitors in 2024. Whether you’re hiking, rafting, or soaking in panoramic views, this park is a bucket-list must and one of the best national parks in USA for families due to its accessible trails and ranger programs.
- Top Hikes: Bright Angel Trail (9.5 miles round-trip, strenuous) descends into the canyon, while the South Rim Trail (13 miles, easy) offers family-friendly viewpoints.
- Activities: Book a helicopter tour ($200–$300) for aerial views or try whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
- Family Fun: Join free ranger talks or visit the Yavapai Geology Museum for kid-friendly exhibits.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for mild weather (50–70°F) and fewer crowds. Summer is hot (100°F+ in the canyon), and winter brings snow but quieter trails.
Tips:
- Book lodging in Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan 6–12 months in advance.
- Use the free South Rim shuttle to avoid parking hassles.
- Carry 2 liters of water per person for hikes to prevent dehydration.
The Grand Canyon’s scale and family-friendly options cement its status among the best national parks in USA.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite, located in California’s Sierra Nevada, is a crown jewel among the best national parks in USA, known for its granite peaks, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Covering 750,000 acres, it welcomed 3.5 million visitors in 2024. It’s a top choice for those seeking the best national parks in USA for hiking, with trails for all skill levels.
- Top Hikes: Half Dome (14.5 miles, strenuous, permit required) rewards with 360-degree views, while Vernal Fall via Mist Trail (3 miles, moderate) showcases spring waterfalls.
- Activities: Bike through Yosemite Valley ($15–$30 rentals) or ski at Badger Pass in winter.
- Family Fun: The Junior Ranger Program and accessible Glacier Point viewpoints make it one of the best national parks in USA for families.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–May) for peak waterfalls or fall (September–October) for colorful foliage and fewer crowds. Timed-entry reservations are required April 12–October 26, 2025. Winter offers skiing but limited trail access.
Tips:
- Stay in Oakhurst or Mariposa for affordable lodging outside the park.
- Book Half Dome permits early via recreation.gov.
- Check for seasonal road closures, especially Tioga Pass.
Yosemite’s blend of adventure and accessibility makes it a favorite among the best national parks in USA.
4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, spans 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Famous for Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, it’s a geothermal and wildlife paradise, hosting 4.5 million visitors in 2024. It’s among the best national parks in USA for families due to its accessible boardwalks and educational programs.
- Top Attractions: Old Faithful Geyser Loop (0.7 miles, accessible) is perfect for all ages, erupting every 90 minutes. The Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalk (1.2 miles) stuns with vibrant colors.
- Wildlife: Drive Lamar Valley to spot bison, wolves, and bears, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Activities: Camp at one of 12 campgrounds or join a guided photography tour ($100–$200).
Best Time to Visit:
April or September for fewer crowds and mild weather (40–60°F). Summer is busy, and winter offers snowmobiling but requires guided tours for most areas. No vehicle reservations are needed, but popular spots fill fast.
Tips:
- Stay in West Yellowstone or Gardiner for budget accommodations.
- Book campsites 6 months in advance via recreation.gov.
- Keep a safe distance (100 yards) from wildlife like bison.
Yellowstone’s unique features make it a top contender among the best national parks in USA.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in southern Utah is a compact (148,000 acres) yet thrilling destination, known for its red cliffs and slot canyons. It’s a favorite for those seeking the best national parks in USA for hiking, with trails like Angels Landing drawing 3 million visitors in 2024.
- Top Hikes: Angels Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous, permit required) offers heart-pounding views, while The Narrows (9.4 miles, moderate) involves wading through the Virgin River.
- Activities: Take the free Zion Canyon Scenic Drive shuttle to see landmarks like Weeping Rock.
- Family Fun: The Riverside Walk (2.2 miles, easy) is accessible and great for kids, making Zion one of the best national parks in USA for families.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for temperatures of 60–80°F and fewer crowds. Summer is hot (90°F+), and winter may close trails due to ice. Permits for Angels Landing are required year-round.
Tips:
- Stay in Springdale for dining and easy park access.
- Rent water-resistant gear ($20–$50) for The Narrows.
- Use the shuttle to avoid parking issues.
Zion’s dramatic landscapes and manageable size make it a standout among the best national parks in USA.
Planning Your Visit to the Best National Parks in USA
To ensure a seamless trip to the best national parks in USA, consider these tips:
- America the Beautiful Pass: For $80, get unlimited access to all national parks for a year, perfect for multi-park trips.
- Reservations: Book timed-entry tickets for Glacier, Yosemite, and Zion via recreation.gov. Angels Landing and Half Dome require separate permits.
- Gear Up: Pack sunscreen, water (2 liters per person), sturdy shoes, and layers for changing weather.
- Road Trips: Combine Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches for a Utah “Mighty Five” adventure, or pair Yellowstone and Grand Teton for a Wyoming-Montana loop.
- Leave No Trace: Stick to trails, pack out trash, and respect wildlife to preserve these parks.
The best time to visit national parks in USA varies, but spring and fall generally offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Check park websites for seasonal closures and reservation details.
FAQs
- What are the best national parks in USA for hiking?
Glacier and Zion lead with extensive trails. Glacier’s Highline Trail and Zion’s Angels Landing offer thrilling hikes for all levels. - Which are the best national parks in USA for families?
Yellowstone and Grand Canyon shine with accessible trails, ranger programs, and kid-friendly attractions like Old Faithful and South Rim viewpoints. - What is the best time to visit national parks in USA?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) provide mild weather and fewer crowds. Check park-specific reservation requirements. - Do I need reservations for the best national parks?
Yes, Glacier, Yosemite, and Zion require timed-entry tickets during peak seasons. Book via recreation.gov. - Can I visit multiple national parks in one trip?
Definitely! Plan a Utah road trip (Zion, Bryce, Arches) or a Montana-Wyoming loop (Yellowstone, Grand Teton) for efficiency.
Start Your National Park Adventure
This offers endless opportunities for adventure, from Glacier’s alpine trails to Yellowstone’s geysers. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or exploring with family, 2025 is the perfect year to visit. For more travel tips and itineraries, check out Blog Sphere Hub and plan your dream trip today!