20 Must-See Nature Destinations in the United States
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Awe-inspiring and iconic, the Grand Canyon reveals 277 miles of stunning red rock carved by the Colorado River. Explore scenic overlooks like Mather Point or hike into the canyon for unparalleled views. Don’t miss sunrise or sunset, when the canyon's colors come alive.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
America’s first national park is a geothermal wonderland with geysers, hot springs, and vibrant mineral pools. Home to bison, elk, and bears, Yellowstone is also a wildlife haven. Iconic spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring are must-sees.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
With towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is a climber's dream and a hiker’s paradise. Marvel at giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove or the breathtaking views from Glacier Point. Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, is unforgettable.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Known for its misty mountain views and lush forests, the Smokies are a hiker’s paradise. Enjoy wildflower blooms, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife like black bears and salamanders. The park’s historic cabins offer a glimpse into Appalachian history.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion’s red cliffs and narrow slot canyons are both dramatic and serene. Hike iconic trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows to immerse yourself in the park's grandeur. Its desert landscapes contrast beautifully with the lush Virgin River valley.
6. Glacier National Park, Montana
Nicknamed the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier boasts stunning alpine scenery with over 700 miles of trails. Witness pristine lakes, rugged peaks, and ancient glaciers on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Keep an eye out for grizzly bears and mountain goats.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
New England’s coastal beauty shines at Acadia, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Cadillac Mountain offers stunning sunrise views, while carriage roads are perfect for cycling. Autumn transforms the park into a colorful spectacle.
8. Denali National Park, Alaska
Anchored by Denali, North America’s tallest peak, this park offers untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife. Take a guided bus tour to spot grizzlies, moose, and caribou. Summer visitors can enjoy endless daylight for exploration.
9. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches boasts over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in a surreal desert landscape. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are highlights of this photographer’s paradise. The park is especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
10. Everglades National Park, Florida
A unique subtropical ecosystem, the Everglades is home to mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and rare species like manatees and panthers. Airboat tours and kayaking offer close encounters with alligators and wading birds. It’s an ecological treasure trove.
11. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce’s amphitheaters of red-orange hoodoos create a fairytale-like landscape. Stargazers will find some of the clearest night skies here. Trails like Navajo Loop offer close-up views of these spire-like formations.
12. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
High-altitude beauty awaits in this park, featuring alpine lakes, meadows, and towering peaks. Drive Trail Ridge Road or hike to Emerald Lake for stunning vistas. Wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep are commonly spotted.
13. Olympic National Park, Washington
A park of contrasts, Olympic spans rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and glaciated peaks. Walk the moss-draped Hoh Rainforest or explore tidepools along Ruby Beach. Hurricane Ridge offers breathtaking mountain views.
14. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Walk among the world’s tallest trees in a cathedral-like setting of ancient redwoods. Scenic drives like Avenue of the Giants showcase these giants’ grandeur. Fern Canyon, with its lush green walls, is a hidden gem.
15. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Eroded buttes and pinnacles create a dramatic and otherworldly landscape. Fossil beds here tell the story of ancient creatures that roamed the area. Sunrise and sunset bring out the park’s vibrant colors.
16. Joshua Tree National Park, California
This desert park is famous for its namesake Joshua Trees and unique rock formations. Rock climbers and stargazers flock here for its otherworldly appeal. Spring brings beautiful desert blooms.
17. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah offers lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Skyline Drive provides scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an ideal spot for fall foliage.
18. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Home to General Sherman, the world’s largest tree, these parks celebrate ancient giants. Hike through groves of massive sequoias or explore the dramatic canyon landscapes. The parks’ alpine meadows and caves add even more diversity.
19. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The jagged peaks of the Tetons rise dramatically above Jackson Hole. Hike around Jenny and String Lakes or enjoy wildlife spotting in the lush valleys. Fall brings golden aspens that enhance the park’s beauty.
20. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Beneath the desert lies a labyrinth of over 119 caves, with the Big Room being the most famous. Stalactites and stalagmites create breathtaking formations. Evening bat flights are a unique highlight.
