Many people choose to travel abroad when they decide to take a vacation and do some sight-seeing. But while you may find other countries boast older architecture and historical sights, there aren’t many nations in the world with as many natural beauties as the United States. There are more national parks here than you could see in one lifetime — which is why we’re going to give you a quick rundown of the top 10 must-see ones right here!

Yellowstone

There’s no way we could begin a list of the best US national parks to visit without the almighty Yellowstone. First of all, it is noteworthy because it’s the first area to be designated as a national park in the entire world. On the other hand, this historical importance is far from the only attraction the park can offer. It has some of the most diverse geography as well as a slew of natural sights that would amaze anyone. 

It’s the perfect place to kick off your tour of the best US national parks — just make sure to have anything you might need shipped as freight if you’re planning to take a lot of stuff with you. National parks are places for long hikes, not tons of luggage. 

Yosemite

Next up, we’ve got another park that needs no introduction — Yosemite National Park. The most popular park in California, and one of the most often-visited ones in the entire United States!

Glacier National Park

Here’s a national park defined by mountains and water. It contains three gorgeous mountains and literally hundreds of lakes. Yes, you’ve read that right — Glacier National Park in Montana is home to more than six hundred lakes! It also contains a multitude of excellent hiking trails, as well as plenty of beautiful scenic spots. 

Grand Canyon

Many people go to national parks to see some nature — but let’s face it, many of us also like having the opportunity for a couple of amazing photos that you’ll cherish forever. That’s precisely what makes the Grand Canyon one of the best US national parks to visit! Plus, you can’t really say that you’ve seen the Canyon until you witness it in person. While you’re there, you can even raft down the Colorado River!

Zion National Park

One of the most renowned national parks in Utah, Zion National Park is a great place to go if you like a thrill. There’s a hiking trail dubbed Angel’s Landing, that contains a natural staircase nearly 1,500 feet long. The Zion Canyon also contains awesome treks like the harrowing Narrows, spanning ten miles across the thinnest canyon you’ve ever seen. Are you up for an upstream hike along the Virgin River? All of that is a possibility here!

People who don’t enjoy that much excitement can also do something fun here — there’s a 60-mile scenic drive here for you to drive through with your car. That’s the fastest and most relaxing way to experience the most interesting landmarks in the park. 

Grand Teton National Park

This part of the country is simply waiting for avid explorers. It still bears the spirit of frontier fur trappers, farmers, and ranchers, with hundreds of miles of awesome prairie hiking trails, as well as the most important natural landmark in the area, the eponymous Grand Teton mountains. 

Volcanoes National Park

If you want to visit a national park, it doesn’t all have to be snowy mountains and cold prairies. Hawaii has an awesome national park, whose main landmarks are active volcanoes. Yeah, you’ve absolutely read that right. Kilauea and the Mauna Loa are two of the most recently active volcanoes on the entire planet. The Kilauea is known to erupt to this day in various parts of the park. 

Arches Park

This is another excellent national park based in Utah. The Arches park was incorporated all the way back in the Roaring Twenties, though it didn’t actually contain its famous Arch back in the day. The park was expanded as time went on, and today it covers tens of thousands of acres. 

The park is filled with sandstone formations that riddle each piece of scenery, creating monument-shaped obelisks that have been the stuff of legends for centuries. This park is adored by tourists, hikers, and rock climbers alike. Of course, the group you’ll see most often are enthusiastic photographers, trying to capture that perfect image. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the reasons why this national park grew to be so popular over the years is its amazing convenience. The Rockies are an excellent destination for a casual one-day escapade out of Denver — they’re situated only 60-some miles outside the city. 

Once you arrive there, however, you’ll realize that you’ll be able to spend days wandering around the park and exploring its natural locales. The landscape of this area is absolutely fascinating, with more than seventy mountains and a hundred and fifty lakes. 

Acadia National Park

Lastly, we’ve got the jewel of America’s Atlantic coast — dubbed Acadia National Park! It consists of more than a hundred and fifty miles of storied hiking trails situated on one of Maine’s most famous islands. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of worthy sites to see among the best US national parks to visit. If you decide to go on such an adventure, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking natural locations you’ve ever seen. All it takes is some research, planning, and the will to trek across the wilderness! In return, you’ll have an experience that you’ll remember for life.