America’s national parks offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth and these parks are tailor-made for adventure. Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature or epic photo opportunities, let’s explore some of the best national parks that are perfect for your next road trip.
Yellowstone National Park
Spanning three states, Yellowstone boasts bubbling geysers, vibrant hot springs, and incredible wildlife. The park is home to iconic attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, as well as vast wilderness areas perfect for hiking. Driving through its scenic byways offers a chance to spot bison, elk, and even bears.
Grand Canyon National Park
Few places in the world rival the sheer awe of the Grand Canyon. Its immense size and layered rock formations create stunning views from every angle. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the South Rim, hike into the canyon itself, or simply marvel at the sunsets that light up the sky.
Yosemite National Park
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is famous for its granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and roaring waterfalls. Roads like Tioga Pass take you through picturesque valleys and alpine meadows. Whether you’re climbing El Capitan or relaxing at Glacier Point, Yosemite offers something special for every traveller.
Zion National Park
Located in southern Utah, Zion features towering sandstone cliffs that glow red under the desert sun. The park’s scenic drive through Zion Canyon is a must-see, with stops for hikes like Angels Landing or The Narrows. It’s a destination that blends dramatic landscapes with unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Glacier National Park
Dubbed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is a paradise for road trippers. Its Going-to-the-Sun Road winds through rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and breathtaking vistas. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot mountain goats or grizzly bears, while photographers will relish the park’s stunning alpine scenery.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
My Nature Book Adventures states that the “Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a captivating destination known for its lush forests, mist-covered peaks, and abundant biodiversity”. Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the park’s scenic drives, like the Blue Ridge Parkway, reveal charming Appalachian vistas. Autumn is especially magical, with fiery fall colours blanketing the forested hills.
Arches National Park
With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Utah’s Arches National Park feels like stepping into another world. Delicate Arch is a must-visit landmark, but the entire park is filled with unique formations and hiking opportunities to fill your days. A drive through its winding roads reveals awe-inspiring desert landscapes at every turn.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park offers sweeping mountain views and abundant wildlife. The Trail Ridge Road is a highlight, climbing to over 12,000 feet and providing panoramic views of the Rockies. Visitors can explore alpine lakes, lush meadows, and dense pine forests throughout this stunning park.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Known for its vibrant hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires—Bryce Canyon feels like a natural amphitheatre. Visitors can drive along the park’s rim for dramatic views or hike down into the formations for a closer look. The night skies here are particularly impressive, offering some of the best stargazing in the country.
Everglades National Park
Florida’s Everglades is a vast subtropical wilderness unlike any other. A drive through this unique ecosystem reveals waterways teeming with alligators, manatees, and exotic birds. Airboat tours and kayaking let visitors immerse themselves in the park’s wild beauty, while scenic routes offer plenty of stops for exploration. This is one of the most famous parks in the entire country, and is a must visit for anyone with an interest in biodiversity.
Olympic National Park
Located in Washington state, Olympic National Park features diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to rugged coastline and snowy peaks. A road trip here can include everything from beach walks to hikes among giant ferns. Don’t miss Hurricane Ridge, which offers jaw-dropping views of the Olympic Mountains!
Acadia National Park
Nestled along Maine’s coast, Acadia blends rocky shores with forested mountains and pristine lakes. The Park Loop Road takes you to highlights like Cadillac Mountain, where sunrise views are unforgettable. It’s a perfect blend of oceanfront beauty and serene woodlands, making it a top road trip destination.
Joshua Tree National Park
A striking desert landscape where two ecosystems meet, Joshua Tree is known for its namesake trees and surreal rock formations. Its winding roads lead to quirky sights like Skull Rock or Keys View, where you can see for miles. This makes the sunset and starlit skies an unforgettable experience for camping or night drives.
Death Valley National Park
Despite its ominous name, Death Valley is a striking destination filled with extremes. It’s the hottest, driest, and lowest point in the U.S., with the highest recorded temperature of 134 °F on July 10, 1913. But, its landscapes are otherworldly, and driving through the park reveals salt flats, colourful canyons, and sand dunes that feel like scenes from another planet.
Badlands National Park
South Dakota’s Badlands is a dramatic mix of colourful rock formations and sprawling grasslands. The park’s scenic loop road takes you past jagged cliffs, fossil beds, and vast open plains. Wildlife such as bison and prairie dogs often make appearances, adding to the park’s rugged charm and rural themes.
Sequoia National Park
Home to some of the world’s largest trees, Sequoia National Park is a humbling place to visit. The largest of them all, the General Sherman Tree, is the park’s star, but its winding mountain roads lead to stunning overlooks and secluded trails. Walking among these giants is an experience every nature lover should have.
Canyonlands National Park
Split into districts by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands offers vast desert views and dramatic canyons. The Island in the Sky section is the most accessible for road trippers and is also one of the most famous places for viewing the canyon. The terrain is so extraordinary, it’s almost as if you are looking at Mars!
Shenandoah National Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah is a peaceful escape into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive winds through the park, offering countless overlooks and access to trails. In spring, wildflowers blanket the hillsides, while autumn delivers stunning foliage. It’s a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude on the road.