America’s 10 Most Stunning National Parks: A Guide to Must-See Attractions, Trails, and Seasons

From towering granite cliffs and ancient redwood forests to otherworldly desert landscapes and pristine alpine lakes, America’s national parks showcase the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. With 63 national parks spanning diverse ecosystems, these protected treasures offer unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Join us as we explore America’s 10 most stunning national parks, complete with must-see attractions, recommended hiking trails, and the best seasons to visit each breathtaking destination.

1. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Valley with El Capitan and Half Dome at sunrise

Must-See Attractions

Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls create one of the most iconic landscapes in America’s national park system. No visit is complete without experiencing these natural wonders:

• Yosemite Valley – The heart of the park featuring El Capitan and Half Dome
• Yosemite Falls – North America’s tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet
• Glacier Point – Panoramic views of the valley and High Sierra
• Mariposa Grove – Home to over 500 giant sequoias
• Tunnel View – The classic postcard vista of Yosemite Valley

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Late spring (May-June) offers the most spectacular waterfall displays as snowmelt reaches its peak. Summer (June-August) provides access to all areas of the park but brings the largest crowds. Fall (September-October) offers pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter transforms the valley into a snow-covered wonderland, though many high-elevation roads close.

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Sunrise illuminating the layers of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim

Must-See Attractions

The Grand Canyon’s immense scale and colorful rock layers create a landscape that simply cannot be captured in photographs. These viewpoints offer the most breathtaking perspectives:

• Mather Point – The classic first view for many visitors
• Desert View Watchtower – Panoramic vistas and cultural significance
• Bright Angel Point – North Rim’s premier viewpoint
• Havasu Falls – Stunning turquoise waters (requires permit and hiking)
• Colorado River – Experience the canyon from below on a rafting trip

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal temperatures and smaller crowds. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat at the bottom of the canyon (often exceeding 100°F) but allows access to the North Rim. Winter provides a unique snow-dusted perspective on the South Rim with significantly fewer visitors, though some services may be limited.

3. Zion National Park, Utah

The dramatic slot canyon of The Narrows in Zion National Park

Must-See Attractions

Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons create an intimate experience unlike any other national park. Don’t miss these spectacular features:

• Zion Canyon – The park’s centerpiece with 2,000-foot walls
• The Narrows – Iconic slot canyon with the Virgin River as your trail
• Angels Landing – Thrilling chain-assisted climb to panoramic views
• Emerald Pools – Tiered pools and waterfalls in a desert oasis
• Kolob Canyons – Less-visited section with finger-like red rock canyons

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful colors. Summer (June-August) is hot but ideal for The Narrows as water levels decrease. Winter brings solitude and the possibility of snow dusting the red rocks, creating a magical contrast, though some trails may be icy.

4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

The vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park

Must-See Attractions

As America’s first national park, Yellowstone offers an unparalleled concentration of geothermal features and wildlife viewing opportunities:

• Old Faithful – The world’s most famous geyser
• Grand Prismatic Spring – Largest hot spring in the US with rainbow colors
• Yellowstone Lake – Largest high-elevation lake in North America
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Dramatic waterfalls and colorful canyon
• Lamar Valley – “America’s Serengeti” for wildlife viewing

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Summer (June-August) offers access to all park roads and facilities but brings the largest crowds. Spring (May-early June) and fall (September-October) provide fewer crowds and opportunities to see wildlife, though weather can be unpredictable. Winter (December-February) transforms the park into a snow-covered wonderland with unique opportunities to see steaming geysers against snowy backdrops, though access is limited to snowcoach or snowmobile tours.

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Wild Goose Island in St. Mary Lake with mountain backdrop in Glacier National Park

Must-See Attractions

Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park features some of the most pristine mountain scenery in the United States:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road – Engineering marvel with spectacular views
• Many Glacier – Alpine lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife
• Lake McDonald – Crystal clear waters reflecting mountain peaks
• Logan Pass – Continental Divide with mountain goats and wildflowers
• Two Medicine – Sacred area to Blackfeet with stunning mountain scenery

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Mid-June to mid-September offers the best access, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road typically fully open from late June to mid-September. July and August provide the most reliable weather and access to high-country trails. Early season (June) features rushing waterfalls and fewer crowds but limited high-elevation access. Fall brings beautiful colors and wildlife activity but unpredictable weather and service closures.

6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Sunrise reflection of the Teton Range at Schwabacher Landing

Must-See Attractions

Grand Teton National Park features some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the United States, with the jagged Teton Range rising abruptly from the valley floor:

• Schwabacher Landing – Perfect reflections of the Tetons
• Mormon Row – Historic barns against mountain backdrop
• Jenny Lake – Crystal clear alpine lake with mountain views
• Snake River Overlook – Ansel Adams’ famous photo location
• Oxbow Bend – Iconic sunrise spot with Mount Moran reflection

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather and access to all trails, though with larger crowds. Fall (September-October) brings beautiful colors, active wildlife, and fewer visitors. Spring (May-early June) features wildflowers and newborn wildlife but potentially snowy trails. Winter offers solitude and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with dramatic snow-covered peaks.

7. Olympic National Park, Washington

Moss-draped trees in the enchanting Hoh Rainforest

Must-See Attractions

Olympic National Park is unique for encompassing three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforest, wild coastline, and alpine mountains:

• Hoh Rain Forest – One of the few temperate rainforests in the US
• Hurricane Ridge – Alpine meadows and panoramic mountain views
• Ruby Beach – Dramatic sea stacks and driftwood-strewn shores
• Lake Crescent – Deep blue glacial lake surrounded by mountains
• Sol Duc Falls – Picturesque waterfall in lush forest setting

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Summer (July-August) offers the driest weather and access to high country trails. Spring (April-June) brings lush greenery and wildflowers but more rainfall. Fall (September-October) features fewer crowds and beautiful colors. Winter brings heavy rainfall to the rainforests and snow to the mountains, with Hurricane Ridge offering winter recreation opportunities.

8. Arches National Park, Utah

The iconic Delicate Arch glowing at sunset

Must-See Attractions

Arches National Park contains the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches, creating a surreal landscape of red rock formations:

• Delicate Arch – Utah’s most famous natural landmark
• Landscape Arch – One of the world’s longest natural stone arches
• Double Arch – Impressive dual spans in the Windows section
• Balanced Rock – Precariously perched 3,600-ton boulder
• Fiery Furnace – Labyrinth of narrow passages (permit/tour required)

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat, often exceeding 100°F, making early morning hikes essential. Winter provides a unique perspective with occasional snow dusting the red rocks, dramatically reduced crowds, and mild daytime temperatures, though nights can be below freezing.

9. Redwood National and State Parks, California

Sunlight filtering through ancient redwood trees

Must-See Attractions

Home to the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National and State Parks protect 45% of all remaining old-growth redwood forests:

• Lady Bird Johnson Grove – Accessible old-growth forest
• Fern Canyon – 50-foot walls covered in ferns (featured in Jurassic Park)
• Tall Trees Grove – Home to some of the world’s tallest trees
• Enderts Beach – Tide pools and coastal views
• Howland Hill Road – Scenic drive through old-growth forest

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather, though coastal fog is common. Spring (April-May) brings lush greenery and wildflowers. Fall (September-October) features pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (November-March) is the rainy season, creating atmospheric misty forests but potentially challenging hiking conditions.

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse perched on Acadia’s rugged coastline at sunset

Must-See Attractions

As the only national park in the Northeast, Acadia offers a unique blend of rocky coastline, mountain forests, and crystal-clear lakes:

• Cadillac Mountain – First place to see sunrise in the US (certain times of year)
• Jordan Pond – Pristine water with the Bubbles mountains backdrop
• Thunder Hole – Natural rock formation creating thunderous sounds
• Park Loop Road – 27-mile scenic drive past major attractions
• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – Iconic coastal Maine lighthouse

Best Hiking Trails

Ideal Visiting Seasons

Fall (mid-September to mid-October) offers spectacular foliage and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) provides warm temperatures but the most visitors. Spring (May-early June) brings wildflowers but potentially cool, wet weather. Winter offers solitude and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though many facilities close.

Planning Your National Park Adventure

America’s national parks offer some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth, from towering redwoods and dramatic coastlines to otherworldly geothermal features and majestic mountain ranges. Each park has its own unique character and attractions, making them perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

When planning your visit, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80, which provides access to all national parks for a full year—a great value if you plan to visit multiple parks. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, check current conditions before your trip, and make reservations well in advance for popular parks during peak seasons.

Whether you’re standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon, hiking among ancient redwoods, or watching Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, America’s national parks offer experiences that will create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for our natural heritage.