For more than 100 years, arguably the best idea America ever had was the national parks system. More than 300 million people visit every year, to find unique natural wonders and unforgettable terrains.
There are currently 62 national parks in America, but which park to visit? Everyone has their own list, here are Top 10 National Park in the USA on my bucket lists.
1. Zion National Park
Zion National Park could be called a heaven on earth, a red-rock wonderland created by wind, water, and snow.
The park encompasses some 150,000 acres of wild canyon country east of St. George, Utah, including the narrow, multicolored Kolob Canyons to the north and many miles of largely impenetrable mountain wilderness.
🚗Transportation: The main canyon in Zion is reached by a turning off state highway 9; the through road continues east via a dramatic tunnel into more open land en route to Mount Carmel Junction and onwards to Bryce Canyon National Park.
2. Grand Teton National Park
One of the most spectacular, awe-inspiring places in America. It is filled with natural wonders, such as the towering Grand Teton and the glittering Jenny Lake, and historic settlements, including Mormon Row and Menor’s Ferry.
💡Tips: Is it Safe to Visit Grand Teton National Park?
Yes. The National Parks Service is disinfecting high-use areas, and is installing plexiglass panels in areas such as entrance stations.
🚗Transportation: It’s hard to travel there without cars. And if you’re still hesitating how to get around to see all the top places, we strongly suggest you rent a car.
3. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is without question one of America’s most beautiful national parks. Along with Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, it is one of the three best-known parks in the national park system, and one of the most famous parks on earth. Most importantly, it’s the first national park in the United States.
🚗Transportation: Highway 120 through Tuolumne County is the most direct route into Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and all of Northern California. Recreational activities such as hiking are fun for the whole family, and many of Yosemite’s famous lookouts are accessible by car.
4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Established in 1916, shows the sheer power of volcanoes’ ability to shape and reshape our land.
This park preserves the natural setting of two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the most active in the world, and Mauna Loa, one of the largest in the world. Visitors can hike across the floor of a dormant crater, view ancient petroglyphs and steam vents, and stroll through a primeval rain forest to an ancient lava tube.
🚗Transportation: Get to the park from Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (a 45-minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 to 3 hours). There is no shuttle bus or public transportation within the park.
5. Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s oldest, largest and first state park. The “fire” is actually a mix of sandstone and limestone. Inside Valley of Fire State Park, visitors can camp between fiery rock formations and explore exciting short hiking trails.
🚗Transportation: It’s about 50 miles from Downtown Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire State Park visitor center. Car rentals are recommended.
💡Tips: Car rental services like QEEQ Car Rental making it easier and user-friendly for their customers. No matter where you choose to go, But to my opinion QEEQ Car Rental has some of the best vehicle rental deals around. And seasonal limited-time deals are now offering.
6. Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is the largest mixed-prairie grassland in the United States. It was named after its badland formations comprised of scrolling hills, canyons, buttes, fins, and pinnacles made of large deposits of sedimentary rock that have eroded over time.
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
🚗transportation: Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is a spectacular way to see the North Unit of Badlands National Park. This two-lane paved road is appropriate for all motor vehicles. Along Badlands Loop Road, there are over a dozen spectacular overlooks and trailheads.
7. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park, large wilderness area in northwestern Washington, U.S. The park was established in 1968 to preserve majestic mountain scenery, snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, and other unique natural features in the North Cascade Range. The region is frequently called the North American Alps.
With over 684,000 acres to explore, you’ll never be bored in the North Cascades. Plan a picnic, pick a hike, or explore the recreation areas. There’s truly something for everyone in this park!
🚗transportation: Completed in 1964, Route 20 through the North Cascades National Park is 75 miles of joyous driving. Known as the North Cascades Highway, the road spans the entire width of the state of Washington. Even if you’re not a hiker, driving through the North Cascades creates pure excitement.
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sink into the highest mountains of sand in North America. Nestled in a spot where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains buckle inward, the dunes within the borders of Great Sand Dunes National Park have been building and sifting for eons — the result of the San Luis Valley’s unique wind patterns.
A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles and the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. The kid in every visitor loves to sled down the sand year-round and plunge into the soft-sand tracks of those who climbed ahead of them.
🚗transportation: From inside Great Sand Dunes’ boundaries, the two main entries into the preserve’s backcountry are the Mosca Pass Trail (the trailhead is near the visitors center) and the Medano Pass Primitive Road (for which you’ll need a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle and a portable air compressor to deflate and inflate your tires as necessary).
9. Yellowstone National Park
Thanks to the Old FaithFul Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park has become one of the most famous national parks in the United States.
🚗transportation: It can take up to 3 days to experience the Yellowstone area, and you definitely don’t wanna miss any famous attractions in Yellowstone. Here are some of the best ones: Old Faithful, Geyser Basin, Morning Glory Pool, Grand Prismatic Spring, and so many more! Driving around the park is the best way to explore!
You can find more attractions on Yellowstone’s website, don’t forget to check the opening & closing dates before you go!
10. White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park, the largest gypsum dune field in the world, located at White Sands National Monument in south-central New Mexico. You can now get the experience of sitting on the cloud!
🚗transportation: The visitor center is located on Highway US-70 between the cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces. The astonishing pure white dunes provide excellent recreation opportunities; visitors can picnic, “white sand surf” or just stroll through a portion of the 275 square-mile national monument.
Explore the best rental cars and start your journey with QEEQ at the lowest rates.👉Grab $50 OFF HERE👈