Hello, I am Eric Wagner, and I have been to 52/63 US National Parks. This is my ranking of the ones I've visited on the basis of how good they are as trip destinations. Below are the criteria used in the rankings and explanation of the tiers.

Scenery - High Impact

How spectacular and distinctive are the views & landscapes

• • 9-10: Spectacular

  • 7-8: Great

  • 5-6: Good

  • 3-4: Decent

  • 1-2: Poor

Wildlife - Moderate Impact

How likely are you are to spot notable and unique wildlife

• • Guaranteed: Sightings are practically guaranteed if visiting the right areas

  • High: Highly likely to spot notable wildlife

  • Medium: Wildlife exists but spottings aren't always common

  • Low: Unlikely to spot any notable wildlife

Activities - Moderate Impact

How much can you do in the area

• • High: Can spend around a week

  • Medium: Best for a weekend trip

  • Low: Works as a day trip

Crowds - Low Impact

How congested does it get

• • Low: Won't see many people around

  • Medium: May have high-traffic areas, but mostly feels normal

  • High: Extremely busy, with parking filling up quick

Difficulty - No Impact

How physically or logistically difficult is it to get to and do the activities

• • Easy: Mostly short hikes and little to no advanced planning

  • Medium: Typical park with some moderate hikes and maybe some advanced planning

  • Hard: Either requires strenuous hikes or significant advanced planning

S: Best of the best and belong on everyone's bucket list, as they are often unique, spectacular, and large enough to fill out a week.

A: Often just missing one thing and would rank higher if they had more to do or if the scenery was a bit more unique or spectacular; these are still great parks, often being perfect for weekend trips or pairing with nearby destinations.

B: May or may not be worth planning trips around depending on personal preference; should be priority destinations if nearby.

C: Still worth visiting, but not always recommended destinations due to not being unique or spectacular enough.

D: Doesn't really offer anything worthwhile that isn't easily accessible elsewhere.

1. Glacier

Montana

Easily one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Glacier National Park delivers jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and dramatic alpine scenery at every turn. Going-to-the-Sun Road alone is worth the trip, but many of the park’s best views are found on the trails, especially Grinnell Glacier and Hidden Lake. The park is divided into multiple regions, each packed with hikes, so you could easily spend a full week here without running out of things to explore.

As long as you get out on a few hikes, wildlife sightings feel almost guaranteed. On a single hike (the Grinnell Glacier Trail), I saw moose, elk, black bear, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. The only real downside is how busy the park gets, so starting early in the day is essential. For fewer crowds and incredible color, visit in September to catch fall foliage along the east side of the park. If you only ever visit one national park in your life, this is the one to choose.

Scenery: 10/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: High

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy - Medium

2. Mount Rainier

Washington

Mount Rainier dominates the skyline, as its size and snowfields help it stand out above the forests below. However, this park is far more than a single mountain, as it’s surrounded by additional peaks, vibrant meadows, alpine lakes, and an impressive concentration of waterfalls. The Skyline Loop is one of the park’s most popular hikes and absolutely lives up to the hype, while the 380-foot Comet Falls remains an underrated gem.

Summer brings the clearest skies, though it also comes with larger crowds. Wildlife sightings are common; while I narrowly missed a bear encounter, I saw plenty of marmots and grouse along the trails. Mount Rainier works well for a short trip, but the sheer number of hikes and viewpoints makes it easy to stretch a visit to a full week. If you’re planning a longer Washington trip, this park pairs perfectly with Olympic and North Cascades.

Scenery: 10/10

Wildlife: High

Activities: High

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Medium

3. Yellowstone

Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

The most geologically active national park feels almost alien, with geysers and colorful hot springs spread across an enormous landscape. Yellowstone’s scale, variety, and wildlife density make it one of the most unforgettable parks. You’ll plenty of bears and elk, along with more more bison than you can count. Visit early in the season, around late May to early June, to see the baby bison.

When it comes to hiking, you really can’t go wrong, so just do as many as possible. While it gets incredibly crowded around Old Faithful and other major attractions, longer hikes and quieter areas like Lamar Valley feel more removed from the chaos. It may lack the truly scenic alpine views of other top-tier parks, but its uniqueness and wildlife are unmatched. With countless pullouts and short boardwalks, it’s also one of the best parks for non-hikers. Even after a full week, especially if paired with Grand Teton, it still feels like there’s more left to see.

Scenery: 9/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: High

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy

4. Yosemite

California

One of the most iconic and heavily visited parks in the country, Yosemite features steep cliffs, deep valleys, and some of the best waterfalls in the world. While crowds are unavoidable, they’re there for a reason; few places combine this level of accessibility with such dramatic natural beauty. Like many people, this was my first national park, and it fully lived up to expectations.

Wildlife sightings are common, with plenty of bears all around. Water flow peaks early, so visit as soon as all the trails start to open up, typically around May to June. Be sure to see all the major falls: Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall. Because of the terrain, most hikes involve some elevation gain, but there’s an excellent mix of short walks and longer, more strenuous trails. Even with a full week and perfect logistics, it would be difficult to hit every must-do hike. Just be prepared for congestion in popular areas, including occasional lines for photos. If it weren’t for the crowds, Yosemite would have a strong case for the top spot.

Scenery: 10/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: High

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Medium

5. Crater Lake

Oregon

Simple yet breathtaking, Crater Lake may be the single most beautiful place on Earth. The impossibly blue water, set inside a massive volcanic caldera, creates my favorite view in the world. The only reason it doesn’t rank higher is its size; it's an ideal weekend park, but longer stays can feel limiting.

There are a handful of easy hikes, though most involve moderate elevation gain. That first glimpse of the lake as it appears through the trees is unforgettable. For the best experience, book a boat tour to Wizard Island and swim in the crystal-clear water. Nearly every hike delivers incredible views, with Garfield Peak and Watchman Peak offering some of the best panoramas. Crowds tend to cluster near the southwestern viewpoints, while the northern and eastern sides of the park are much quieter. Wildlife sightings are possible, including deer and the occasional bear, but they’re far from guaranteed.

Scenery: 10/10

Wildlife: Medium

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Medium

6. Canyonlands

Utah

Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, Canyonlands is one of the most expansive, rugged, and quietly spectacular parks. Its scale is hard to overstate, with endless layers of canyons stretched to the horizon. Despite being easily accessible in many areas, the park retains a rare sense of solitude.

Canyonlands is divided into distinct districts, with Island in the Sky offering the majority of iconic viewpoints via short walks and overlooks and the Needles District, while less visited, delivering the park’s most rewarding experience for those willing to descend into the canyon. Wildlife sightings are limited, but the sheer visual variety more than compensates. Crowds concentrate around a handful of famous spots like Mesa Arch, so it's easy to escape them.. Pairing Canyonlands with nearby Arches makes Moab one amazing place to stay.

Scenery: 9/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

7. Arches

Utah

Arches earns the spot immediately after Canyonlands, and on some days, it’s hard to argue which one deserves the edge. While it lacks alpine terrain or water features, few places on Earth offer landscapes this distinctive and dense. Towering rock formations and impossibly shaped arches are packed into a relatively small park where no destination feels far away. Photos simply don’t capture the scale or presence of these formations—you have to see them in person.

Most hikes are relatively flat and short, making it easy to stack several in a single day. Delicate Arch is the obvious highlight, though it comes with heavy crowds, while Devil's Garden and the permit-only Fiery Furnace reward those looking for something more adventurous. Wildlife is sparse, and crowds are unavoidable due to the park’s single main road and accessibility, but Arches remains one of the most visually striking and efficient national park experiences in the system.

Scenery: 9/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy

8. Rocky Mountain

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park delivers exactly what most people imagine when they think of a classic national park: towering peaks, alpine lakes, broad valleys, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Trail Ridge Road, climbing above 12,000 feet as the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., offers jaw-dropping views of snowcapped mountains that linger well into summer. Elk are everywhere, as it’s not uncommon to spot them near lodges or main roads.

While the park is busy due to its proximity to Denver, especially on short trails, longer hikes quickly thin out the crowds. The trail network offers something for everyone, from easy walks to moderately challenging routes. Visiting in late September is ideal, when crowds fade, fall colors peak, and elk activity explodes. Rocky Mountain also works perfectly as an anchor for a Colorado road trip that includes all four of the state’s national parks.

Scenery: 9/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: High

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy -  Medium

9. Grand Teton

Wyoming

The Tetons rise sharply, forming one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the country. Though smaller than neighboring Yellowstone, Grand Teton easily justifies a week-long stay thanks to its dense collection of lakes, trails, and endlessly photogenic views. Wildlife is abundant—bears, elk, moose, and bison all roam the area—though sightings aren’t quite as guaranteed as they are further north.

The park shines most on longer hikes, many of which are too demanding to stack in a single day, but reward the effort with quieter trails and stunning scenery. Areas near the roads are crowded, but the backcountry remains surprisingly peaceful. Weather can play a huge role, so if I visit this park again with better conditions, this park could easily climb into the top tier. Even so, Grand Teton remains one of the most striking and well-balanced mountain parks in the system.

Scenery: 9/10

Wildlife: High

• Has plenty of wildlife, like bears, elk, and bison, but it's not as guaranteed as its northern neighbor

Activities: High

• There are a ton of hikes in the area, with many of them being too long to stack multiple in a day

Crowds: High

• Gets packed anywhere close to the road but you won't see many people deep into the longer hikes

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

• There are some easy hikes, but you'll be getting some distance and elevation if you want to hit the main attractions

10. Olympic

Washington

Olympic is one of the most diverse national parks in the country, combining rainforests, coastline, and mountain ranges within a single loop. It feels like several parks stitched together, all within a few hours of Seattle. Wildlife encounters are common, particularly along the coast, where tide pools and marine life add a unique dimension. Hiking opportunities are plentiful across a wide range of difficulties, and crowds are surprisingly manageable given the park’s proximity to a major city.

What holds Olympic slightly lower than other S-tier parks is the absence of one truly iconic, defining feature. That said, it makes an excellent starting point for a Washington trip that also includes Mount Rainier and North Cascades, offering a remarkably well-rounded outdoor experience.

Scenery: 8/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

• While only somewhat likely to see bears and the likes, there will be plenty of coastal wildlife

Activities: High

• Lots of hikes of all difficulties in many different areas

Crowds: Medium

• For how close it is to Seattle, it's surprisingly not that crowded in many area

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

• While there are some hard hikes here, there are an abundance of easier trails that allow you to see the wide range of attractions

11. Grand Canyon

Arizona

The Grand Canyon is impossible to fully understand until you’re standing on the rim, and even then, it can't be captured a single photograph. Rather than individual landmarks, the canyon’s popularity comes the fact that no matter where you are, the view is staggering.

Wildlife sightings, including elk and bighorn sheep, are common. While the park can feel passive if you only visit viewpoints, hiking into the canyon turns it into an adventure. Top hikes include South Kaibab and Bright Angel. With another visit focused on deeper exploration, this park has the potential to climb even higher in the rankings.

Scenery: 8/10

Wildlife: High

Activities: High

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy to Hard

12. Zion

Utah

Entering Zion through its towering canyon walls will feel truly special. The park’s scale is more vertical than wide, with steep cliffs closing in around the river. Zion’s most famous hikes, Angels Landing, Observation Point (pictured above), and The Narrows, are among the most unique in the country, though they come with logistical hurdles. Shuttle-only access, permit systems, and lottery-based hikes require advance planning, and crowds are heavy in the central canyon.

Outside the main areas, conditions normalize and trails feel far more relaxed. Wildlife sightings are limited, but the dramatic terrain more than makes up for it. Zion pairs perfectly with Bryce Canyon and the rest of Utah’s Mighty Five, forming the backbone of one of the best national park trips in the U.S.

Scenery: 8/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: High

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

13. Sequoia

California

Sequoia is defined by scale in a way few parks can match, as it's home to the largest trees on Earth. While everyone hits up the General Sherman Tree, go deeper into the path to see less crowded areas like the Congress (pictured above).

Beyond its famous forests, the park offers lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, with highlights like Pear Lake, Marble Falls, and Moro Rock adding variety. Wildlife sightings are possible but not frequent, and crowds tend to cluster around marquee attractions during midday. Sequoia can be enjoyed casually through short walks and viewpoints, but its most rewarding experiences come from moderate to strenuous hikes that reveal how much depth lies beyond the trees.

Scenery: 8/10

Wildlife: Medium

• It is possible to see bears and deer, but it's not super common

Activities: Medium

• There is a good amount of hikes for a good weekend trip

• If staying longer, the scenery may get repetitive without the longer, more strenuous hikes

Crowds: Medium

• It will be crowded around General Sherman and Moro Rock during mid-day, but just about every other location has low to normal levels of traffic

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• It's tempting to label this as easy since you can do so much without doing anything strenuous, but arguably the best hikes are moderate to hard difficulty

14. North Cascades

Washington

Remote and rugged, North Cascades feels more like the European Alps than anywhere else in the U.S. The main highway through the park offers stunning views, especially around Diablo Lake, but the true magic is hidden behind hikes deeper into the mountains. Trails are fewer here, but longer and more rewarding like Maple Pass Trail.

Wildlife exists but can be elusive, and crowds are virtually nonexistent beyond roadside pullouts. Accessibility is the park’s biggest limitation—both logistically and physically—which keeps it from ranking higher. Still, for experienced hikers or those seeking a raw, untouched landscape, North Cascades is one of the most quietly impressive parks in the system.

Scenery: 8/10

Wildlife: Medium

• There will be the typical mountain wildlife, though they may not always be easy to spot

Activities: Medium

• Trails here are more sparse but long and strenuous

Crowds: Low

• Outside of the main road, you'll unlikely to see more than a few people

Difficulty: Hard

• There are few accessible hikes here, so you'll need a good level of fitness to experience this park

15. Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

Instead of elevation and long hikes, the experience at Virgin Islands revolves around turquoise water, coral reefs, tropical forests, and ancient ruins. Snorkeling is the standout activity, with guaranteed encounters with sea turtles at spots like Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay, alongside rays and colorful fish. There are also scenic hikes that wind through dense greenery and historic sites, though none are especially strenuous.

The island’s small size limits the length of a stay, as most highlights can be seen in a few days. What it lacks in scale, it makes up for in pure scenery. Logistics can be challenging, from snorkeling conditions to island travel, but the payoff is one of the most distinct national park experiences in the country.

Scenery: 8/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Hard

16. Death Valley

California

Otherworldly and extreme, Death Valley feels like stepping onto another planet. The Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Mesquite Sand Dunes, and the Golden Canyon create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Despite its harsh reputation, the weather is comfortable during the winter months. Wildlife is sparse, but variety in terrain keeps exploration fresh.

Crowds are moderate and spread out due to the park’s sheer size. While most hikes are relatively short with minimal elevation, the environment itself adds difficulty, especially outside of winter. Timing is everything here, but with the right conditions, Death Valley is an amazing experience.

Scenery: 8/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

17. Redwood

California

Redwood is a quiet, almost mystical escape defined by towering trees and coastal fog. Walking beneath the tallest trees on Earth, especially in the early morning mist, feels immersive. The park blends dense forest with rugged coastline, adding variety and opportunities to spot elk, bears, and coastal wildlife.

Trails are accessible and rarely overwhelming, and crowds are surprisingly light given the park’s beauty and significance. While the activities here won’t fill an extended trip, a few days is enough to experience the park without repetition. Redwood excels not through grand vistas or adrenaline, but through atmosphere.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: High

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy

18. Great Smoky Mountains

North Carolina & Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains represent the best of the eastern U.S., offering misty ridgelines, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Easily enjoyed by both casual visitors and dedicated hikers, the park provides scenic drives, short paved walks like Kuwohi Observation Tower (formerly Clingman's Dome) and Laurel Falls, and challenging high-elevation hikes like Myrtle Point (pictured above). 

Waterfalls hikes are a must-do, with notable ones being Abrams Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Grotto Falls. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly deer and black bears. Crowds can be overwhelming near popular roadside attractions, but longer mountain hikes are much quieter. While it lacks the dramatic peaks of western parks, its accessibility  atmosphere make it among the best in the east.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: High

Activities: Medium

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

19. Acadia

Maine

Acadia blends coastline, forested hills, and iconic fall colors into a compact park. Park Loop Road offers easy access to overlooks and trailheads, while hikes like Great Head provide panoramic ocean views.

For those seeking adventure, check out Acadia’s ladder-assisted routes, such as the Beehive and Precipice Trails. Wildlife is limited mostly to smaller species, though coastal boat tours can offer unique encounters like puffins. Due to its size and popularity, it gets quite crowded, so early starts are essential. Despite that, Acadia remains one of the most scenic and rewarding parks in the region.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Medium

Activities: Medium

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Medium

20. Theodore Roosevelt

North Dakota

Often overlooked due to its location, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a quiet standout defined by badlands and winding rivers. Bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep are common sights, often outnumbering people on the trails.

The park’s remoteness creates a genuine sense of escape. Split into northern and southern units, it offers enough variety to fill a few days without feeling rushed. While it lacks dramatic elevation or advanced hikes, its wildlife density and solitude make it one of the most underrated parks.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

21. Big Bend

Texas

Big Bend is vast and remote, sitting along the Rio Grande at the edge of Texas. Its desert landscapes are defined by canyons and mountainous terrain. Popular hikes like Lost Mine (pictured above) and Santa Elena Canyon are manageable and rewarding, while the South Rim Trail offers a much more demanding but spectacular experience. Wildlife sightings are limited, but the park’s scale ensures solitude almost everywhere you go.

With the added novelty of crossing into the Mexican town of Boquillas, Big Bend offers a unique international adventure. The distance required to reach it keeps crowds low and the experience authentic.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

22. Lassen Volcanic

California

Lassen Volcanic is a compact but surprisingly diverse park centered around geothermal activity and volcanic terrain. Mud pots, steam vents, and colorful hydrothermal areas give it a unique feel, with Bumpass Hell feeling like a mini Yellowstone.

Beyond geothermal features, Lassen offers challenging hikes to volcanic summits, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Lassen Peak, Cinder Cone, and Brokeoff Mountain are all great, but don't underestimate the elevation gain. Wildlife sightings are uncommon, while crowds are generally moderate and manageable. Lassen may not be widely known, but it delivers a strong mix of science, scenery, and adventure.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

23. Kings Canyon

California

Often overshadowed by neighboring Sequoia, Kings Canyon offers a more rugged and humbling experience. Massive trees in Grant Grove provide easy access to iconic scenery, including General Grant Tree and Big Baldy Ridge. Meanwhile, Cedar Grove opens up a broader range of landscapes, including waterfalls like Mist Falls, steep ridges, and deep canyon views. Two of the park

Much of the park’s best scenery lies beyond long and demanding hikes, which limits accessibility but rewards effort with solitude. Wildlife sightings are possible but not frequent, and crowds thin out quickly away from the road. Kings Canyon feels like a park best appreciated by hikers who enjoy earning their views.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Medium

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Hard

24. Bryce Canyon

Utah

Bryce Canyon stands out with its collection of colorful hoodoos, creating one of the most unique landscapes in the country. The park is compact and highly accessible, with scenic viewpoints lining the rim and well-maintained trails descending into the formations. While crowds gather along the overlooks, hiking just a short distance below the rim provides a far more immersive experience.

There are two main sections, with Fairyland Loop being in the north and Navajo, Queens Garden, and Peekaboo Loops being in the south. There are also plenty of great viewpoints, with Bryce Point and Inspiration Point overlooking the aforementioned regions. Wildlife is limited, but the park’s geological uniqueness more than make up for that. Paired with nearby Zion, Bryce Canyon adds contrast and variety to a Utah road trip without requiring excessive time or effort.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

25. Badlands

South Dakota

The Badlands showcase the largest and most expansive badland formations in the country, blending dramatic rock layers with open prairie. The park is easy to explore, with most viewpoints and trails accessible via short walks from the road. Wildlife viewing is a major highlight, with bison herds and bighorn sheep frequently visible. Activities are limited compared to larger parks, but the combination of scenery and wildlife makes for a memorable visit.

The Notch and Fossil Exhibit trails are two unique points of interest, as the former allows you to climb up a ladder onto badlands and the latter has tons of fossils on display along a flat boardwalk. Crowds are steady but manageable, and the park works especially well as a scenic stop or short standalone trip.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: High

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy

26. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Colorado

An underrated gem in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison delivers dramatic views that far exceed its small size. Overlooks along both rims reveal sheer drops and dark rock walls carved by the river far below. The park is lightly visited due to its remote location, making solitude easy to find.

While most visitors can see the highlights in a day, adventurous travelers can descend into the canyon via routes like the Gunnison Route, a demanding and unforgiving trek. Wildlife sightings are rare, but the scenery alone makes this worth going out of the way for.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy to Hard

27. Great Basin

Nevada

Great Basin is one of the most remote parks in the system, offering peaks,  lakes, caves, and bristlecone pines. The park’s limited size and centralized trail network mean there’s less to do overall, but what is available is worthwhile. The Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop (pictured above) in particular may be one of the more interesting hikes in the national park system, as it takes you up to a viewpoint with mountains and the oldest trees in the world.

The other bucket list item is the Lehman Caves, a unique and stunning cave system. Wildlife is scarce, and crowds are minimal, reinforcing the park’s isolated feel. Perhaps it pair with the Utah parks, since it's just 2.5 hours from Zion.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Medium

28. Capitol Reef

Utah

Often considered the least famous of Utah’s Mighty Five, Capitol Reef still holds its own with colorful cliffs, arches, and desert landscapes. The park is easy to explore, with accessible hikes like Hickman Bridge (pictured above) and Cassidy Arch being the most notable.

Scenic drives alone provide impressive views, and crowds remain light compared to other Utah parks. Wildlife sightings are infrequent, but the park’s relaxed pace and central location make it an ideal stop on a multi-park road trip. Capitol Reef may not demand attention, but it consistently delivers.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy

29. Channel Islands

California

Channel Islands feels more like a remote expedition than a traditional national park. Reaching the islands requires advance planning and a boat ride, immediately filtering out casual visitors. Once there, the experience centers on coastlines, cliffs, and wildlife rather than dramatic inland scenery. If you're lucky, you'll see pods of dolphins on your ride there. Hikes are limited since you'll be confined to isolated islands, with Potato Harbor (pictured above) being the highlight of Santa Cruz Island.

Kayaking and snorkeling excursions offer alternative ways to experience the park. Crowds are moderate due to tour schedules, but solitude is easy to find once you move away from landing areas. The difficulty here is largely logistical rather than physical, so it's best suited more experienced travelers.

Scenery: 6/10

Wildlife: Medium

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Hard

30. Dry Tortugas

Florida

Dry Tortugas is one of the most unique parks in the country, defined almost entirely by its setting. A four-hour boat ride from the Florida Keys, the park revolves around Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fortress surrounded by bright blue water and coral reefs. The scenery is pleasant, with excellent snorkeling defined by countless wildlife encounters.

Activities are limited, as the park is small and flat, and most visits are confined to a single day. Crowds depend on ferry schedules, but for the most part, you'll be around plenty of people but rarely does it get overly packed. Like Channel Islands, the challenge is access, as boats and seaplanes require planning in advance and come at a premium. Dry Tortugas is memorable, but its scope is narrow.

Scenery: 6/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Hard

31. Mesa Verde

Colorado

With more of an emphasis on history than than natural scenery, Mesa Verde stands apart from other parks. The ancient cliff dwellings are preserved remarkably well, making it one of the most culturally significant sites in the region. The scenery itself is understated, serving more as a backdrop to the archaeological highlights.

Activities center around ranger-led tours, which are essential for accessing the most impressive dwellings and require planning ahead. Cliff Palace (pictured above) and Balcony House are each impressive in their own way, so do both in possible. Wildlife is present but not common, and crowds tend to cluster around tour areas. Mesa Verde is best appreciated as an educational experience rather than a hiking or scenery-driven park.

Scenery: 6/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

32. Great Sand Dunes

Colorado

Great Sand Dunes is striking at first glance, with massive dunes and mountains in the background. The contrast between sand and snowcapped peaks gives the park a unique visual identity. Activities are simple but physically demanding, as walking up sand is an intense workout.

High Dune (pictured above) is a must-do hike. Wildlife sightings are limited, and beyond dune exploration, activities are somewhat restricted. Crowds are moderate, especially near the main dune field, but spread out naturally due to the open terrain. While the park delivers a memorable experience, its narrow focus makes it better suited for a shorter visit or as part of a Colorado road trip.

Scenery: 7/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

33. Everglades

Florida

The most popular park in Florida, Everglades is known for its high population of alligators. Interestingly enough, it's actually the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Its wetlands sawgrass prairies make the scenery is very different than your typical park.

There are distinct regions, with Shark Valley in the north being great for alligator sightings, and Florida Bay in the south being great for mangrove forests and other kinds of wildlife. Both regions will have plenty of large birds like cranes, egrets, and anhingas. Activities are structured and often guided, which limits spontaneity and increases crowd exposure. While physically easy, the Everglades requires advance planning and coordination, making it more logistically complex than it appears at first glance.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Guaranteed

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

34. Carlsbad Caverns

New Mexico

Arguably the most impressive cave system in North America, Carlsbad Caverns stands out among the national parks. Descending through the Natural Entrance into the massive Big Room (pictured above) is a unique, memorable experience. Unlike many cave parks, you're able to do some areas on your own, while it also has ranger-led tours like the King's Palace Tour for deeper access.

Above-ground scenery is minimal, and wildlife is limited outside of seasonal bat flights. Crowds are common within the cave, but it doesn't get overly packed. While it just excels at one thing, it does it the best out of all the parks.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

35. Joshua Tree

California

Joshua Tree is defined by its stark desert landscapes and of course, its abundance of Joshua trees. The park sits at the meeting point of two deserts, creating a unique landscape. Activities revolve around hikes and some rock scrambling, with Heart Rock & Arch Rock, Warren Peak, and Lost Palms Oasis being three standouts.

Wildlife typically just consists of small mammals and reptiles. Due to its proximity to major cities, it can get busy in mainstream areas, but there is enough to do around the park to escape the crowds. Joshua Tree makes for a nice change of pace and solid escape for those planning to visit southern California.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

36. Petrified Forest

Arizona

Compact, easily accessible, and unique, Petrified Forest is centered around ancient, fossilized trees scattered across colorful badlands. The petrified wood itself is fascinating, though the surrounding landscape is also worth checking out. Top trails include Crystal Forest for petrified wood and Blue Mesa (pictured above) for badlands.

Activities are limited, as while there are a solid number of hikes, they're all pretty short. Wildlife sightings are uncommon, and crowds are light to moderate depending on the time of year. Overall, it works well as a brief stop rather than a destination in its own right.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy

37. Shenandoah

Virginia

Shenandoah is a highly accessible park known for its forested mountain ridgelines and fall foliage. Skyline Drive has tons of overlooks and trailheads, making the park relatively easy for most visitors. Wildlife sightings, including deer and black bears, are fairly common, especially further from the crowds.

Hiking options range from short waterfall walks to longer mountain treks, including the renowned Old Rag Loop. Due to its proximity to high-population areas and everything being concentrated on one road, traffic can get rough at times. Overall, it's pleasant and convenient, but lacks the standout features of higher-tier parks. While not technically in the park, Luray Caverns is worth checking out if visiting the area.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Medium

Activities: Medium

Crowds: High

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

38. Isle Royale

Michigan

Isle Royale is one of the most isolated parks in the system, accessible only by boat or seaplane across Lake Superior. The island’s shoreline and dense forests create a strong sense of remoteness, with the experience focused more on solitude than scenery. Wildlife exists—most notably moose and wolves—but sightings are rare due to their avoidance of humans.

This may not be a good destination for casual travelers, as this park is more about backpacking and camping rather than day hikes and roadside vistas. If you end up in Rock Harbor, Scoville Point and Mount Franklin offer nice views. Crowds are concentrated near the ports, quickly fading inland. The logistical commitment makes this a harder trip, but worth it for some.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Hard

39. Voyageurs

Minnesota

Voyageurs is a water-based park defined by interconnected lakes and forested islands. Much of the park is only accessible by boat or kayak, turning navigation into a core part of the experience. There are a few hiking opportunities, with official trials including Blind Ash Bay (pictured above) and Sullivan Bay, but its secondary activity to paddling and camping.

Wildlife is present but difficult to spot, and crowds are minimal even during peak season. Like Isle Royale, Voyageurs prioritizes isolation and immersion over traditional sightseeing.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Hard

40. Mammoth Cave

Kentucky

Mammoth Cave is home to the longest cave system in the world, and the sheer scale is impressive. The cave formations themselves are interesting, though less visually striking than other caves, and the experience is inherently structured and restrictive compared to open landscapes.

The Grand Avenue Tour provides the most complete overview, while shorter options cater to visitors unwilling to commit several hours underground. Above ground, options are limited, with Green River Bluff being the most worthwhile hike near the entrance. While fascinating from a geological standpoint, its constrained format and lack of surrounding scenery keep it from ranking higher as a standalone destination.

Scenery: 4/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

41. Guadalupe Mountains

Texas

Guadalupe Mountains offers a nice change of pace from the state's otherwise flat terrain, with Guadalupe Peak being the highest point in Texas. The park’s main attractions are concentrated in a small area, with hikes like Guadalupe Peak, Devil's Hall, and McKittrick Canyon providing the bulk of the experience.

While the scenery is pleasant, it lacks a defining feature that truly sets it apart from other mountain parks. Wildlife sightings are uncommon, and crowds are generally low due to the park’s remote location. Guadalupe Mountains works best when paired with nearby Carlsbad Caverns, but on its own, it feels more like a solid supporting stop than a primary destination.

Scenery: 4/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Medium

42. Saguaro

Arizona

Saguaro National Park offers an iconic desert experience defined by towering cacti. Split into eastern and western districts, the park provides a mix of accessible hikes and more remote terrain, with Wasson Peak in the west standing out as the best viewpoint. The scenery is peaceful rather than dramatic, and wildlife exists but is subtle and often hidden.

Activities are limited, making the park better suited for short visits or early-morning exploration. Be sure to hit up the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum nearly, and if possible, attend their Raptor Free Flights.

Scenery: 4/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

43. Biscayne

Florida

Now for the opposite, Biscayne is almost entirely water-based, centered around coral reefs and mangroves. You'll need to do some snorkeling and boat tours to experience this park, making it different than your typical drive-and-hike destination. Crowds are dependent on tour schedules, and access requires advance planning.

While beautiful and unique in its own right, Biscayne struggles to stand out when compared to other water-focused parks, as Everglades offers larger mangrove environments with more wildlife, Virgin Islands has better snorkeling, and Dry Tortugas combines reefs with a unique land-based landmark.

Scenery: 4/10

Wildlife: High

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Medium

44. New River Gorge

West Virginia

New River Gorge offers scenic river overlooks and forested trails. The park features a surprisingly amount of trails, including short, accessible viewpoints like Canyon Rim Boardwalk and Castle Rock Trail, alongside longer hikes such as Long Point and Diamond Point.

Fall is the standout season, when foliage contrasts well with the river below. Wildlife sightings are limited, and the scenery, while peaceful, lacks the scale or drama of higher-tier parks. It comes out this low not because it's unenjoyable, but it's just not unique enough to justify visiting over the higher ranked parks.

Scenery: 4/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Medium

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

45. Cuyahoga Valley

Ohio

Situated between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley works as a nice getaway for nearby residents. Forested trails, rock formations, and waterfalls such as Brandywine Falls (pictured above) and the Ledges Trail provide pleasant scenery. Wildlife is limited, and the park’s proximity to urban areas means it lacks the sense of remoteness found elsewhere. Crowds are moderate and predictable, especially on popular trails.

Visit in the fall for the foliage and comfortable temperatures. Cuyahoga Valley works well as a short stop or add-on to a city visit, but doesn’t offer enough depth to justify a dedicated trip.

Scenery: 3/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy

46. Pinnacles

California

Pinnacles is defined by rocky spires and their condor population. The park is split into eastern and western sections with limited internal connectivity, making logistics slightly awkward for visitors. Since the northern and southern loops connect the two sides, many people do the entire loop.

Trails involve caves, scrambling, and seasonal water, adding variety but also inconvenience. While condor sightings can be a highlight, the scenery lacks the wow factor of California’s other parks.

Scenery: 3/10

Wildlife: Medium

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

47. Wind Cave

South Dakota

Wind Cave is unique in the sense that it contains the majority of the world’s known boxwork, pictured above. Cave tours, particularly the Fairgrounds Tour, offer an interesting look at these rare features, along with frostwork and cave popcorn. Despite this, the cave itself lacks the visual impact of larger or more varied systems.

Above ground, the park offers limited hiking, with occasional bison sightings that are more easily found nearby in Custer State Park. Its narrow focus keeps it near the bottom of the rankings.

Scenery: 3/10

Wildlife: High

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy

48. Congaree

South Carolina

Congaree protects one of the last remaining old-growth floodplain forests in the U.S., making it ecologically significant. The park is quiet and lightly visited, with towering trees and swampy terrain creating a distinct atmosphere.

Activities are limited, and frequent flooding restricts access to many trails, leaving the Boardwalk Loop as the most reliable option, while wildlife sightings are uncommon. It's worth experiencing once, but lacks the variety needed for repeat visits.

Scenery: 3/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy

49. White Sands

New Mexico

White Sands is visually striking, bright white dunes contrasting with the mountainous backdrop. Hikes are limited, with the Alkali Flat Trail being the only real trail in the park. Additionally, off-trail exploration is discouraged with all the signs about unexploded munitions.

While crowds are low and the park is easy to navigate, the experience is brief. Ideally, you're already in the area or visiting Carlsbad Caverns, which is a little over three hours away.

Scenery: 5/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy

50. Indiana Dunes

Indiana

With Sandy beaches and distant views of the Chicago skyline, Indiana Dunes offers a pleasant lakeshore setting along Lake Michigan. Notable destinations include West Beach and Cowles Bog.

Unfortunately, the park lacks standout features compared to other coastal or dune environments across the country. Wildlife is limited, activities are minimal, and the park works best as a casual stop rather than a destination.

Scenery: 2/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Low

Difficulty: Easy

51. Hot Springs

Arkansas

Hot Springs blurs the line between national park and historic district, centered more on urban bathhouses than natural landscapes. The hot springs themselves are interesting and the town has charm, but hiking and outdoor activities are limited. The best hike is the Hot Springs Mountain Loop, but you can also just drive right up to the tower.

Much of the appeal lies in spa visits, which can be enjoyable, but the lines get long. In the end, it lacks the defining characteristics of most national parks and may work better as a national historic park.

Scenery: 1/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy

52. Gateway Arch

Missouri

Gateway Arch is 100% urban, standing apart from every other park in the system. The arch itself is impressive, the surrounding grounds are pleasant to walk, and taking the elevator to the top gives a nice view over St. Louis. However, the experience is short, highly structured, and completely removed from nature. Wildlife is minimal, activities are limited, and parking can be inconvenient.

While worth a brief visit if you’re already nearby, Gateway Arch offers the least traditional national park experience and comfortably sits at the bottom of the rankings.

Scenery: 1/10

Wildlife: Low

Activities: Low

Crowds: Medium

Difficulty: Easy

There are 11 National Parks I have yet to visit, so I cannot accurately rank them on this list. The remaining parks are in Alaska, Hawaii, and American Samoa.

Alaska

• Denali

• Gates of the Arctic

• Glacier Bay

• Katmai

• Kenai Fjords

• Kobuk Valley

• Lake Clark

• Wrangell St. Elias

Hawaii

• Haleakala

• Hawai'i Volcanoes

American Samoa

• American Samoa

Most Underrated

1. Crater Lake

2. Canyonlands

3. Virgin Islands

Most Overrated

1. Bryce Canyon

2. Shenandoah

3. Joshua Tree

Best Wildlife

1. Yellowstone

2. Everglades

3. Glacier

Most Crowded

1. Yosemite

2. Yellowstone

3. Acadia

Most Unique

1. Yellowstone

2. Bryce Canyon

3. Great Sand Dunes