Glacier National Park tops the list of the best national parks in the US, attracting approximately 3 million visitors each year, closely followed by Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and others. In the article, we provide a detailed discussion on the top 10 best national parks in the US in 2024.
Best National Parks in the US
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Zion National Park
- Denali National Park and Preserve
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Redwood National and State Parks
1. Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Annual Visitors: Approximately 3 million
Area: 1,013,322 acres (4,100.77 km²)
Nearest City: Columbia Falls, Montana
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is celebrated for its stunning scenery, featuring rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and extensive hiking trails. The park offers over 700 miles of trails, allowing adventurers to explore its diverse landscapes, including glaciers and wildflower-filled meadows. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot grizzly bears and mountain goats while traveling along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which provides breathtaking views and photographic opportunities.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Glacier National Park stands out as the best national park, attracting approximately 4 million visitors annually.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Annual Visitors: Approximately 4 million
Area: 3,472,329 acres (14,052.03 km²)
Nearest City: West Yellowstone, Montana
Yellowstone, recognized as the first national park in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its geothermal features and diverse ecosystems. Visitors are drawn to the iconic Old Faithful geyser, vibrant hot springs, and dramatic waterfalls. Home to an array of wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves, the park offers over 900 miles of trails for hiking, camping, and exploring its stunning natural beauty.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Yosemite National Park is the second-best national park, drawing around 4 million visitors each year.
3. Yosemite National Park
Location: California
Annual Visitors: Approximately 4 million
Area: 759,620 acres (3,074.08 km²)
Nearest City: El Portal, California
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its breathtaking granite cliffs, including the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome. The park features stunning waterfalls, with Yosemite Falls being a highlight for many visitors. Yosemite’s diverse ecosystems range from meadows to ancient giant sequoias, providing habitats for numerous plant and animal species. With over 750 miles of trails, visitors can hike to spectacular viewpoints, camp under the stars, or enjoy scenic drives through the park.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Grand Canyon National Park ranks third, attracting approximately 4.8 million visitors annually.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
Annual Visitors: Approximately 4.8 million
Area: 1,201,447 acres (4,862.09 km²)
Nearest City: Tusayan, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders globally, carved by the Colorado River. Its immense size and intricate layers of red rock create breathtaking vistas that leave visitors in awe. The South Rim offers various viewpoints and visitor facilities, while the North Rim provides a more secluded experience. Adventurous visitors can hike the challenging trails into the canyon, raft the Colorado River, or take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Zion National Park is the fourth best national park, drawing around 4.65 million visitors each year.
5. Grand Teton National Park
Location: Wyoming
Annual Visitors: Approximately 3.4 million
Area: 310,000 acres (1,254.53 km²)
Nearest City: Jackson, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. The Teton Range, with its towering peaks, offers a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The park is home to various ecosystems, from lush valleys to alpine environments, where visitors can spot moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. Jenny Lake is a popular destination for boating, hiking, and picnicking, making it an excellent spot for families and nature enthusiasts.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Grand Teton National Park is the fifth best national park, welcoming approximately 3.4 million visitors annually.
6. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Annual Visitors: Approximately 4.65 million
Area: 146,597 acres (593.26 km²)
Nearest City: Springdale
Zion National Park is famous for its dramatic canyons, towering cliffs, and unique rock formations. The park’s stunning landscapes attract hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. The famous Angel’s Landing trail offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views, while the scenic Zion Canyon can be explored via shuttle or on foot. Visitors can also partake in river activities, rock climbing, and camping amidst the stunning scenery of red rock formations and lush greenery.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Glacier National Park holds the sixth position, attracting about 3 million visitors each year.
7. Denali National Park and Preserve
Location: Alaska
Annual Visitors: Approximately 600,000
Area: 6,075,030 acres (24,584.80 km²)
Nearest City: Healy
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). This vast wilderness is a sanctuary for wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. Guided bus tours along the park road offer unparalleled views of stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. With numerous hiking trails, camping options, and opportunities for backcountry exploration, Denali provides a true escape into nature.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Denali National Park and Preserve ranks seventh, receiving around 600,000 visitors annually.
8. Kenai Fjords National Park
Location: Alaska
Annual Visitors: Approximately 400,000
Area: 669,984 acres (2,711.33 km²)
Nearest City: Seward
Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtaking coastal park known for its fjords, glaciers, and rich marine life. Visitors can explore the park by boat, taking in views of tidewater glaciers and spotting sea otters, seals, and whales. The park’s trails offer hiking opportunities with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, and the Exit Glacier is a popular destination for those wanting to experience glaciers up close.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Kenai Fjords National Park is the eighth best national park, drawing approximately 400,000 visitors each year.
9. Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Utah
Annual Visitors: Approximately 2.5 million
Area: 56,389 acres (228.20 km²)
Nearest City: Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its unique geological formations known as hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that create a surreal landscape. The park’s breathtaking viewpoints, such as Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, attract visitors looking to capture the stunning colors of the rock formations at sunrise and sunset. With numerous hiking trails, including the popular Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon offers an immersive experience in its otherworldly landscape.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Bryce Canyon National Park ranks ninth, attracting about 2.5 million visitors annually.
10. Redwood National and State Parks
Location: California
Annual Visitors: Approximately 400,000
Area: 139,000 acres (562.51 km²)
Nearest City: Eureka
Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, including ancient coastal redwoods. Visitors can explore lush forests, scenic coastlines, and diverse ecosystems. The parks offer a variety of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging hikes, allowing visitors to experience the majesty of these towering giants. The parks also provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, picnicking, and beachcombing along the beautiful Northern California coastline.
In the ranking of the Best National Parks in the US, Redwood National, and State Parks is the tenth best national park, welcoming around 400,000 visitors each year.
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