14 Best U.S. national Parks to visit in 2023

The United States is home to a plethora of gorgeous national parks, each with its own set of natural beauties and outdoor adventures. Let’s visit these 14 Best U.S. national Parks to visit in 2023,

From Yellowstone’s geothermal characteristics to Yosemite’s towering cliffs, these parks embody the essence of America’s various environments.

Visitors can walk through ancient woods, explore magnificent valleys, and marvel at glacier-carved peaks. While permission requirements, admission prices, and transportation choices vary, these 14 Best U.S. national Parks to visit in 2023, guarantee remarkable experiences in the middle of nature’s grandeur.

Destinations / United States
May 2023

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, which opened in 1872, is a 2.2 million-acre natural wonderland in the United States. It is predominantly located in Wyoming, but it also extends into Montana and Idaho. It is well-known for its geothermal characteristics, especially the famed Old Faithful geyser.

The park is home to a variety of species, including grizzly bears, wolves, as well as bison herds, making it a nature lover’s heaven. Additionally, its breathtaking scenery include beautiful mountains, pure lakes, and flowing waterfalls that captivate visitors with their breathtaking splendour.

Park serves as a refuge for geological wonders as well as ecological assets, protecting the natural heritage for future generations. Yellowstone is one of the best among 14 Best U.S. national Parks to visit in 2023

• No permits are required for general entry, but backcountry camping requires a permit.
• Entrance fees vary by vehicle type and season. Check the official website for current prices.
• closest major airports are in Bozeman, Montana, and Jackson, Wyoming. Car rentals and guided tours are available.

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, founded in 1890, is a stunning natural sanctuary located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA. This National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and environment lovers alike, with its renowned granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and also old sequoia forests.

The spectacular Yosemite Valley, with monuments such as El Capitan and Half Dome, is the park’s crown gem. In addition, its various habitats are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears and uncommon species like the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

Lastly, Yosemite National Park’s natural beauty and breathtaking scenery continue to inspire and enchant people from all over the world.

• A wilderness permit is required for overnight backcountry camping.
• Entrance fees vary by vehicle type. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Mammoth Yosemite Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle.

3. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park, founded in 1919, is a geological wonder in Arizona, USA. The park, carved millions of years by the great Colorado River, is a tribute to the Earth’s immense might.

The Grand Canyon is a sight to behold, with its immensity and vivid rock formations. Hiking, rafting, as well as soaking in panoramic views from the rim are all ways for visitors to explore its depths.

Secondly, The park’s complex ecosystem is home to a vast range of plant and animal species, resulting in a one-of-a-kind and engaging natural environment. The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that awes visitors with its grandeur.

• Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping below the rim.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle.

4. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, founded in 1910, is a pristine wilderness in Montana, United States. It covers over one million acres and features stunning scenery carved by prehistoric glaciers.

For outdoor aficionados, the park’s towering snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and flowing waterfalls provide a captivating setting. Additionally, visitors can go on magnificent walks, see the park’s various animals, including as grizzly bears and mountain goats, or drive along the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Glacier National Park is a true nature lover’s paradise, giving unsurpassed beauty and the opportunity to connect with the untamed outdoors.

• Backcountry camping requires a permit.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest major airports are Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana, and Missoula International Airport. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

5. Zion National Park

Zion National Park, founded in 1919, is a breathtaking refuge in southern Utah, USA. This National Park is known for its unearthly splendour, which includes towering sandstone cliffs, small slot canyons, also bright desert vistas.

Hiking trails such as Angel’s Landing and The Narrows provide exhilarating excursions amid stunning scenery. The park’s diverse ecosystems and unusual geology sustain a vast diversity of flora and wildlife, including bighorn sheep and golden eagles.

Zion National Park is a nature lover’s and outdoor adventurer’s dream, whether exploring its magnificent canyons or looking at its majestic vistas.

• Permits are required for some hikes, such as overnight trips into the Zion Wilderness.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The closest major airports are Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

6. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, created in 1929, is a gorgeous jewel tucked in Wyoming’s Rocky Mountains. The park’s towering peaks, pure alpine lakes, and verdant valleys provide spectacular views at every turn.

It is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and photographers, with plentiful animals such as grizzly bears and elk. For example, visitors can explore the park’s large network of hiking trails, go boating on Jackson Lake, or simply relax in the park’s breathtaking scenery.

Grand Teton National Park is a natural beauty haven and a true wilderness hideaway.

• Backcountry camping requires a permit.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest major airports are Jackson Hole Airport and Idaho Falls Regional Airport. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

7. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, founded in 1938, is a diverse and fascinating wilderness in the United States state of Washington. This large park contains a diverse range of ecosystems, including as temperate rainforests, rough coasts, and also snow-capped mountains.

Visitors can marvel at the Hoh Rainforest’s towering ancient trees, trek along the scenic coastline, or explore the Olympic Mountains’ glacier-clad summits. The park also has a diverse wildlife population, including Roosevelt elk and bald eagles.

Olympic National Park is a true outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and a tribute to nature’s splendour.

• Permits are required for wilderness camping in some areas.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The closest major airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

8. Arches National Park

Arches National Park, founded in 1971, is a geological wonderland in Utah, United States. Moreover, its renowned red sandstone structures, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, create a bizarre landscape with over 2,000 natural stone arches.

Hiking through the park’s distinctive rock formations, marvelling at iconic sights like Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock, as well as witnessing spectacular sunsets painting the environment in vivid hues are all options for visitors.

Additionally, Arches National Park, with its beautiful natural arches and breathtaking panoramas, provides a thrilling and unique experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

• Backcountry camping requires a permit.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest major airports are Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado and Salt Lake City International Airport. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, founded in 1928, is a stunning desert oasis in Utah, United States. Furthermore, The park, known for its alien terrain of distinctive rock formations known as hoodoos, provides a bizarre and mesmerising experience.

In addition, visitors can hike gorgeous routes through the colourful amphitheatres, see stunning sunrises and sunsets shed bright colours on the rock formations, and stargaze under the dark night skies.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological marvel that offers an amazing combination of natural beauty and awe-inspiring vistas for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

• Backcountry camping requires a permit.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The closest major airports are St. George Regional Airport in Utah and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

10. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, founded in 1915, is a magnificent wilderness in Colorado, USA. Moreover, The park exhibits the raw splendour of the Rocky Mountains with its towering peaks, alpine meadows, and clean lakes. In the summer, visitors can take scenic drives, wander along picturesque trails, as well as marvel at the beauty of delicate wildflowers.

Elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears are among the animals found in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park provides a memorable experience in the heart of nature, whether exploring its high-altitude trails or photographing the beautiful landscapes.

• Permits are required for overnight backcountry camping in certain areas.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest major airports are Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

11. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, founded in 1919, is a coastal jewel in Maine, USA. The park’s stunning granite cliffs, rough shoreline, and lush forests provide a one-of-a-kind blend of natural beauty.

Visitors can hike picturesque routes such as the famed Jordan Pond Path or climb Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Acadia also has a diverse wildlife population, including peregrine falcons and harbour seals.

The park’s picturesque seaside villages and mediaeval carriage roads contribute to its attraction, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts also for wildlife aficionados.

• Some activities, such as, backcountry camping, require permits.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest major airport is Bangor International Airport. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

12. Denali National Park

Denali National Park, founded in 1917, is a pristine wilderness in Alaska, United States of America. Furthermore, dominated by the spectacular Denali, North America’s tallest peak, the park offers breathtaking vistas and plentiful species.

Additionally, visitors can trek gorgeous paths, explore the huge tundra, or go on a wildlife safari to see grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.

Moreover, with minimal road access, the park’s nature is conserved, giving for a true and immersive experience in the Alaskan wilderness. Denali National Park exemplifies the raw beauty and grandeur of the Last Frontier. It is one of the best 14 U.S. national Parks to visit in 2023.

• Backcountry camping requires a permit.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The closest major airport is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to the park.

13. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, founded in 1934, is a stunning sanctuary between Tennessee and North Carolina in the United States.

It is a wonderful natural treasure, with its misty mountains, lush forests, and plentiful wildlife. Hiking along gorgeous trails, marvelling at flowing waterfalls, as well as driving the famed Newfound Gap Road are all options for visitors.

The park’s diverse wildlife such as, black bears, elk, and over 1,500 varieties of floral plants. Secondly, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its mesmerising beauty and maintained Appalachian tradition, provides an amazing experience immersed in nature’s splendour.

• Permits are required for some activities, such as backcountry camping.
• The park does not charge an entrance fee. Official website
• The nearest major airports are McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina. Car rentals and shuttles are available.

14. Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park, founded in 1947, is a large wetland wonderland in southern Florida, USA. It is the country’s largest tropical wilderness, spanning over 1.5 million acres.

The Everglades, sometimes known as the “River of Grass,” is home to numerous unique plant and animal species, including alligators, manatees, and also vivid birdlife.

In addition, visitors can immerse themselves in the varied ecosystems that make up this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking boat tours, hiking paths, or scenic drives.

The Everglades National Park is a natural wonder that offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey in a wonderfully intriguing setting.

• Permits are required for backcountry camping and some boating activities.
• Entrance fees vary. Visit the official website for current prices.
• The nearest major airports are Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Car rentals and guided tours are available.

The 14 Best U.S. national Parks to visit in 2023, with their breathtaking beauty and plenty of recreational options, serve as a gateway to the country’s most compelling landscapes.

Whether it’s Yellowstone’s geysers, Yosemite’s granite cliffs, or the Grand Canyon’s enormous canyons, these parks provide opportunities to reconnect with nature and go on remarkable adventures.

Planning beforehand assures a flawless and memorable visit to these magnificent national treasures, from backcountry camping permits to entrance fees and transportation alternatives.