Best National Parks on the West Coast and Western USA

Posted on July 5, 2022 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

With so many gorgeous national parks to choose from in the US, picking the best ones to visit can be tough.

If you’re planning a trip on the West Coast and wondering what are the best national parks in the Western United States, we have picked some of the best West Coast national parks for you to choose from.

From deserts and canyons to lakes and glaciers, from hiking and mountain biking to sightseeing and wildlife watching, there’s a lot to do! In this list, discover the best Western US National Park for your next outdoor vacation and get ready for some adventure!

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic vacation on the West Coast, a family traveling with kids, a solo traveler looking for some adventures, or a group of friends planning a road trip, you will find the perfect national park for your next West Coast getaway.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, we’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

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West Coast National Parks

Olympic National Park, Washington

By Debbie Fettback from World Adventurists

Olympic National Park is a truly unique and special place. Situated on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, the park is home to an incredible variety of scenery, from lush rainforests to wild coastline to snow-capped mountains.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. It is one of the few remaining places on the West Coast where you can experience true wilderness. Beach lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well, as the park boasts over 73 miles of coastline.

For an easy hike with stunning views, take the short trek to the 90-foot tall Marymere Falls.

Ruby Beach is another must-see spot in the park with its dramatic sea stacks, which have been carved out by years of erosion. The beach is so-called because of the pretty ruby-like crystals you will find in the sand.

The Hoh Rainforest Trail offers a unique experience – it’s one of the only temperate rainforests in North America.

While the park is beautiful in every season, certain times of the year offer an especially enjoyable experience. Spring is a great time to visit ONP to see wildflowers in bloom. The summer months are ideal for enjoying the park’s numerous hiking trails, and fall is a perfect time to admire the changing leaves. Winter, meanwhile, offers the opportunity to enjoy the park’s winter sports scene.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy lodge or a scenic campground, Kalaloch has plenty of great accommodation options. The lodge offers comfortable rooms and suites, some with stunning ocean views, and is steps away from gorgeous Kalaloch beach. The campground is set in a beautiful, forested area and offers RV and tent sites.

It is a place of unspoiled beauty, and a visit here is sure to be a memorable experience.

Yosemite National Park, California

By Jolayne from Just Wander More

Is a visit to Yosemite National Park on your bucket list? Be prepared to be amazed by the beautiful scenery as you drive into the valley, surrounded by sheer rock faces and waterfalls. If you plan your visit in the summer months, be prepared for the heat.

Tips:

Arrive at the National Park entrance early to avoid waiting in a long line of traffic.
You will need to have a reservation to enter the park.

Depending on your level of activity and interests, you may wish to relax and enjoy the scenery, find a place to splash in the water, go on an easy walk, take pictures, or add a hike or two to your itinerary.

If you choose to stay in or around Yosemite National Park, your options include a few lodges within the park (Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge), camping within the park, and hotels and Airbnbs outside the park.

You will have to balance proximity with price as well as the amount of time you will spend driving each day (along with the price of gas).

Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park:

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Valley Loop Trail
Lembert Dome
Glacier Point
Sentinel Dome or Taft Point Loop

Kings Canyon National Park, California

By Erin from Super Simple Salty Life

Kings Canyon National Park is an immense and beautiful park, neighboring Sequoia National Park in California.

Kings Canyon is the deepest canyon in the U.S. and measures 8,200 feet deep, even deeper than the Grand Canyon! Visitors can see both Sequoia and Kings Canyon in one day easily thanks to the Generals Highway connecting the two parks. Because of the mountainous terrain, only a handful of roads exist in each park.

Beginning on the south end of the Generals Highway, the first stop is Grant Grove Village with a small market where you can re-supply with snacks, drinks, and other travel essentials. There is also a restaurant offering local and organic dining, a small post, and a visitor center.

This is also where you can hike to General Grant, the second largest tree in the world (General Sherman in Sequoia National Park is the largest tree by volume).

For a fantastic perspective of Kings Canyon, head to Panoramic. The overlook is just a half-mile round-trip walk from the parking area. Panoramic Point gives you a sweeping view of the canyon from 7,520 feet high. You can see the Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake, and the high Sierra Nevada mountains.

For the best view into the canyon though, don’t miss experiencing the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway! Driving alongside the Kings River, the road zigzags among granite cliffs, forests, Sequoia Groves, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The scenic byway is the only vehicle route into Kings Canyon. Every turn shows a new panoramic landscape of the Sequoia National Forest and the giant canyon below.

The town of Three Rivers makes a great place to stay close to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Plantation Bed & Breakfast is a good option. There are plenty of restaurants and places to sk up with gas before heading into the parks!

Joshua Tree National Park, California

By Jenna from Up and Away Magazine

Located just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique desert landscape, otherworldly boulders, and its namesake, the Joshua Tree. While it used to be a little-known national park frequented by rock climbers and stargazers, the destination has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.

The meeting point of two desert ecosystems – the Mojave and Colorado – there are several hikes and viewpoints you shouldn’t miss when exploring Joshua Tree. Hidden Valley Trail (1 mile), Skull Rock Trail (1.7 miles), Barker Dam Trail (1.5 miles), and Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail (3 miles) are all fantastic options when it comes to hiking.

Other highlights include Keys View – which offers panoramic views across the Coachella Valley (and a glimpse of the San Andreas Fault) and Cholla Cactus Garden – a vast expanse of cholla cactus covering the desert floor.

Joshua Tree gets HOT during summer, so the best time to visit tends to be fall, winter, or spring when the temperatures are most moderate. Winters are a wonderful time for stargazing but can be chilly, so be sure to pack layers.

As far as accommodation is concerned, there are hundreds of Airbnbs in Joshua Tree to choose from catering to all budgets and group sizes. If a hotel is what you’re after, try Sacred Sands for a higher-end option or Pioneertown Motel for a more affordable stay.

The park also has nine campgrounds but they tend to book out in advance so try to reserve a spot early.

Pinnacles National Park, California

Pinnacles Hiking Trails - Sunrise at High Peaks

By Cassie from Cassie’s Compass

Pinnacles is truly a hidden gem and one of the best national parks on the West Coast. Established in 2013, you may not have heard of it as it is one of America’s newest National Parks. Just one hour from the central coast of California, Pinnacles is worth the detour on any West Coast road trip.

Named for its interesting “pinnacle” rock formations, Pinnacles also boasts easy hikes through caves, natural reservoirs, and some of the best beginner rock climbing in the nation.

There are no hotels within Pinnacles, but campsites and tents are available for rent year-round. Otherwise, the nearby town of King City offers a couple of options – Days Inn by Wyndham King City is a good place to stay.

If possible, visit in the fall to see the gorgeous foliage change colors.

Pinnacles is a great place to learn outdoor rock climbing. If you are new, hire a guide including lessons and equipment to get out on the rocks. If you are an experienced climber, just check out the NPS website for a complete listing of routes and ratings.

If rock climbing is not for you, try one of its many gorgeous trails. The Moses Spring to Bear Gulch Reservoir trail will take you through talus caves (caves formed between boulders piled on top of each other), up a manmade ladder on the side of a rock, and to a serene reservoir.

No matter what activity you go with, look up and see if you can spot a California Condor. As a release and management site, Pinnacles is an excellent place for bird watching and spotting rare birds.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Wonder Lake, Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA

By Lina from Bucket List Places

One of the wildest and jaw-dropping national parks on the West Coast is located in one of the most northern parts of the United States, Alaska. Famous for being home to the tallest peak in North America and taking its name, Denali National Park is one of the best places to visit in Alaska and has many activities and things to do for any traveler.

For those that love to hike, be sure to try the Triple Lakes Trail or the Mt. Healy Overlook trail which will give you incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

If hiking is not your thing, there are plenty of other options to be able to see the incredible landscapes and wildlife that the park has to offer.

Take the national park tour bus deep into the park through a dirt road that no personal vehicles are allowed on. This will give you the best chance to see Denali itself as well as the variety of wildlife in the park including reindeer, moose, bears, and even wolves.

Be sure to book tickets for the tour and any campgrounds in the park well in advance as everything sells out for the busy season.

Hot tip: visit Denali in September when the leaves are turning to their bright fall colors and the crowds are fewer.

Lodges are located outside the park with a variety of campgrounds in the park. Be aware that the campgrounds and lodges all book out well in advance. To experience everything Denali has to offer, it is recommended to book a campground and camp in the beautiful surroundings.

Redwood National Park, California

By Chantelle from Flannels or Flip Flops

If you are looking to explore the best National Parks on the West Coast, you want to be sure and visit Redwood National and State Parks.

Located on the Northern California Coast, this unique park system contains 1 National Park and 3 California State Parks. Within its boundaries are some of the oldest, tallest trees on earth. The Redwood Tree was logged almost to extinction, and now can be seen mostly within park boundaries.

When visiting Redwood National Park, you will want to make time to do a few of the short and easy hikes within the park, such as Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Trillium Falls.

There are scenic drives as well as roadside stops to make too if you aren’t a hiker. Be sure and keep an eye out for Roosevelt Elk as you drive, there are large herds of them in the park!

There isn’t a bad time to visit Redwood National Park, but expect more crowds and more heat in the summer months. Winter is a great time to visit because the weather is mild and the crowds are low.

The park is pretty isolated, so you’ll want to plan your trip in advance. You can camp in one of the campgrounds in the park, or stay in the nearby towns of Crescent City, or Eureka.

Be sure and get a full tank of gas, and shop for supplies in one of the small towns before entering the park, you won’t find any services in the park. It is also highly recommended to download the free NPS app before you go. You can download maps, trails, and information to keep handy when you lose cell phone service in the park.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

By Chantelle from Flannels or Flip Flops

Crater Lake National Park is one of the best National Parks on the West Coast! The lake is also the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest lakes in the world.

Crater Lake is a smaller National Park and can be seen in one to two days depending on what you want to do in the park.

There are not as many hiking opportunities here as in other parks, but there are a few short hikes that you can easily combine into one day. Be sure and do the Pinnacles Trail which leads to some very unique pinnacles formed by the volcanic eruption that created the lake.

The most popular thing to do in Crater Lake National Park is to drive the Rim Road. This loop takes you all the way around the lake with incredible viewpoints and pullouts along the way.

There is only one trail that leads to the lake itself and it is very strenuous. If you go down to the lake, you can swim (it is very cold though). You can also take a boat ride to wizard island, which is a cinder cone in the middle of the lake.

There is a lodge in the park as well as 2 campgrounds. Staying in the park is your best option here because the nearest hotel is about an hour away.

You’ll want to visit Crater Lake in the summer in order to see the full park. During the winter there is a heavy amount of snow and most roads will be closed. If you do decide to visit in the winter, you can snowshoe or ride snowmobiles and will be treated to incredible views. The bright blue of the lake is gorgeous against the white snow mountains!

Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada

By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

Death Valley National Park is a place of superlatives, boasting both the hottest recorded air temperature on the planet, as well as the lowest place in North America. With badlands, mountains, salt flats, and sand dunes to explore, there’re endless outdoor adventures waiting for you in this Southern California gem.

If you’re looking for the most incredible things to do in Death Valley, your best bet is to start in the Furnace Creek area, which offers many of the park’s most stunning points of interest.

For example, take a scenic drive along the eye-popping Artist Drive Scenic Loop, where you’ll snake through badlands of purple, green, and orange, thanks to volcanic deposits, like iron oxides and chlorite, in the rolling hills.

If you’re, instead, interested in a hike, consider catching the sunrise at the iconic Zabriskie Point, a unique – and pointy! – badland that towers at 823 feet tall, above the rest of the neighboring hills.

From here, make your way along the otherworldly-looking Golden Canyon trail (in fact, it looks so out-of-this-world, it was used as a filming location for the original Star Wars!), where you’ll pass golden striated hills and cliffs of pure white and vibrant red.

If you’re visiting during the park’s warmer months, it’s worth booking a stay at one of the swanky resorts in Death Valley – complete with air conditioning and a pool- like The Inn at Death Valley or The Ranch at Death Valley.

During the cooler months (mid-October through February), there are plenty of excellent spots to camp, like the Furnace Creek Campground, where you can take advantage of one of the park’s most underrated activities, epic stargazing!

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

By Nikki from Inspired Routes

If you’re looking for the best national parks on the west coast, then Mt Rainier National Park in Washington should be on your shortlist! It’s one of the most prominent mountains on the west coast, drawing millions of visitors a year – and for good reason.

Mount Rainier is the shining star of the Pacific Northwest and is best seen during the summer and fall months. The snow generally melts by late June and the wildflowers come out in full force. September and October are prime fall foliage months, with cooler weather and less crowds.

One of the best things to do in Mt Rainier is to hike the Skyline Trail in the Paradise district of the park. It’s the closest you can get to the mountain, and offers some of the most picturesque views. The full trail is 5.5 miles with 1788 feet in elevation gain. However, there are many variations of the trail, including just 1 mile to Myrtle Falls.

Visitors to the park should be prepared to spend at least one full day – although spending up to a week in the park would allow you to really explore the 5 distinct districts to the fullest!

The west entrance is the most popular, with plenty of accommodations in Ashford like the Mountain Meadows Inn. However staying at Crest Trail Lodge in Packwood is convenient to both the west and east entrances, since it’s located just south of the park.

Mt Rainier National Park is a true gem in the USA and one you’ll absolutely love visiting!

Top National Parks in Western USA

Zion National Park, Utah

By Kassidy from The Hiking Helper

Zion National Park was the 1st of Utah’s Mighty Five and has become one of the country’s favorite destinations for hiking and adventure. Between the beautiful red rocks, the bright green trees, and the desert climate, this makes for the perfect outdoor vacation spot in the Western USA for many.

When planning the itinerary for your visit, be sure to add the two most popular hikes to your list. Angels Landing has been coined ‘the scariest hike in America’ because of the metal chains that you must use to get to the top of the extremely narrow trail. The Narrows is the other top hike in the park, leading you through a narrow canyon that the Virgin River flows directly through.

For a shorter and less demanding hike, consider heading to Emerald Pools or the Zion Canyon Overlook. Both of which still offer absolutely stunning views of the beauty that is Zion National Park.

It’s recommended to plan your visit to Zion National Park in the shoulder seasons, which are spring and fall.

The summers tend to get extremely hot and the crowds all flock to popular trailheads and locations in the park. During the summer months, the main park road is closed to private vehicles and you must use the Zion shuttle.

Because of the busyness that this park sees, it’s recommended to arrive as early in the day as you can to ensure you can snag a seat on one of the first shuttles of the day.

When you’re ready to get a good night’s rest, book a stay at the Zion Lodge, which is found right inside the park. Or, plan to spend even more time outside and camp in one of the three campgrounds within Zion. There are also plenty of other accommodation options around the park.

All in all, your visit to Zion National Park will be nothing short of magical.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

By Meg from Fox in the Forest

Canyonlands National Park is a wonderful park in southeastern Utah that is easily one of the best national parks on the west coast of the USA.

Created by the intense flow of the Colorado River, this area of protected desert land is divided into two distinct districts: the Needles and Island in the Sky.

So, while you’re here, be sure to go rafting through Cataract Canyon before admiring ancient Native American cave paintings at Horseshoe Canyon and exploring remote areas like The Maze and The Rivers.

Then, take in the sweeping views from Grand View Point and the Shafer Canyon/Shafer Trail Viewpoint before hiking to the always iconic Mesa Arch. Be sure to get to Mesa Arch well before sunrise, so you can avoid the crowds and get some epic photos.

You can also add sunset at Thelma and Louise Pont to your Canyonlands bucket list before visiting other main attractions like Aztec Butte and Upheaval Dome.

Now, if you can, try and visit in either the spring or the fall since this is a desert and daily temperatures can get ridiculously hot at any other time of year.

Finally, call it a night and unwind inside one of the luxurious rooms at Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa. It’s not only well-located but offers visitors a wide array of activities like tennis, yoga, and more.

Arches National Park, Utah

By Jamie from Photo Jeepers

Easily one of the best national parks on the west coast of the USA, Arches sits just north of Moab in southeastern Utah. It’s a magical, natural wonderland that is home to upwards of 2,000 natural arches that are wonderful to both visit and photograph.

Now, the best time to visit Arches is any time between April and May and September and October. This way, you can avoid intense crowds and can enjoy pleasant daily highs of anywhere between 60 and 80 F.

Other than that, be sure to visit natural landmarks like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch in Devils Garden, and Balanced Rock.

You can also go for a scenic hike along Park Avenue – to see the Three Towers and Courthouse towers rock formations – before doing the Arches Scenic Drive and taking in the panoramas from the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint.

Also, because Arches National Park sits roughly 5,653 feet above sea level, you’ll need to slather on the sunscreen and pack plenty of water since it is really easy to get dehydrated.

Then, when you’re finished exploring the park, spend a glorious night in the upscale, Hoodoo Moab from Hilton. After all, this hotel offers modern rooms and is still only a 10-minute drive from the park.

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

By Taryn from Happiest Outdoors

Yellowstone National Park is America’s oldest national park, established in 1872. The park is known for its geothermal features, including hot springs and geysers.

Don’t miss the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs or the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring. Most visitors line up to watch Old Faithful erupt, but many miss the dozens of other nearby geysers. Walk the Upper Geyser Basin to see lots of other geysers and springs.

The wildlife watching in Yellowstone National Park is so good that the park is sometimes referred to as the American Serengeti. Head to the northeast corner of the park to watch for bison, wolves, elk, deer, pronghorn, coyote, black bears, and grizzly bears in the Lamar Valley. You can spot most of them from your car!

Most of Yellowstone’s visitors stay on or near the paved roads. Go for a hike to escape the crowds. The park has dozens of spectacular hiking trails. Be sure to hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or to one of the spectacular waterfalls such as Tower Fall or Fairy Falls.

The summer months of June through September are the best time to visit if you want to avoid snow. Ensure you are prepared for the weather with this Yellowstone packing list.

The park is huge, so allow a few days to see everything.

There are a few historic lodges in the park, including the gorgeous Old Faithful Inn but most visitors opt to stay at hotels outside the park in the towns of Gardiner, MT, or West Yellowstone, WY. If you’re up for roughing it, camping is a great way to experience the park.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

By Candice from CS Ginger

One of the best national parks to visit, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the most famous and most visited national parks in the country. This wonder of the world is 277 miles long and about 6,000 feet deep. This is one of the must-see places in the United States.

The South Rim is the most popular part of the park to visit. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, consider a visit to the North Rim. At the South Rim, your first stop should be at the Visitor Center. It is a great place to learn more about the interesting history of the park including the native people, geology, and plants.

The Desert View Watchtower is a great place to visit for scenic views of the park. It is a large tower with amazing views from the top. There are also some small educational signs about the Grand Canyon.

Some other popular viewpoints at the South Rim are Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hopi Point.

Hiking down into the Grand Canyon is an amazing experience. It is important to keep in mind that walking down into the canyon is much easier than your hike out. Make sure to remember your physical limitations and be prepared with plenty of water.

The Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa is a great hike to consider.

There are lots of great places to stay near all of the fun things to do in the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon Village. The Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel and The Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon are two very convenient locations.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

By Catherine from Nomadicated

Often overshadowed by neighboring Yellowstone National Park, escape the crowds at the lesser-known but equally gorgeous, Grand Teton National Park. A park that prioritizes adventure activities over sightseeing, explore the magnificent jagged Teton Mountains by kayaking, camping, and hiking.

Grand Teton National Park is a must-see destination between the well-known outdoor destinations of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Yellowstone, Montana. Avoid freezing temperatures, road closures, and snowy hiking conditions by visiting between late spring and early fall.

Summer is a great time to see many of the park’s attractions, from kayaking Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point to scenic vistas of Signal Mountain and Jackson Lake Overlook.

For the daring few, swim in chilly glacial lakes on Leigh Lake and Taggart Lake while discovering the beautiful alpine forests.

Photographers shouldn’t miss Mormon Row Historic District’s spectacular sunrises or Ansel Adams’ famous image of Snake River Overlook’s riotous pink hues. Another picture-perfect place to stop for motionless reflections of Mount Moran is Oxbow Bend.

Grand Teton National Park is home to 60 species of mammals and 300 species of birds. Binoculars will come in handy for spotting rutting moose or herds of bison as they pass through the park at the end of summer.

Five campgrounds are available throughout the park, with Jenny Lake being the most popular and the first to fill up. For those looking for a more modern-style accommodation, Jackson Lake Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking Jackson Lake and the Teton Mountain Range.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

By Catherine from Nomadicated

In Southern New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, White Sands National park holds the title of the world’s largest white gypsum dune field. Only becoming a National Park in 2019, White Sands may be modest in size but stuns visitors with its 275 square miles of glistening sand dunes.

Not actually comprised of sand, white gypsum mineral makes up the composition of White Sands National Park. With the blowing winds, the gypsum gathers to form ever-changing rolling dunes.

As there is no shade in the park, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are cooler. However, White Sands National Park is open year-round.

The White Sands Visitor Center has a small exhibit, ranger-led sunset strolls, and sleds to rent for the dunes.

Drive down the looped Dunes Drive, admiring the pristine color and diverse vegetation along the way. There is no one best viewing location; traverse several hills and valleys to discover untouched beauty, free of human disturbance.

The stunning colors of the White Sands National Park make this a photographer’s heaven. With the sun’s position shifting, the ebb and flow of the dunes’ hues dramatically transform throughout the day. Stay until after dark to enjoy the shift from white to golden to pink to blue before heading back toward civilization.

Alamogordo, the next nearest town, is only a 15-minute drive from White Sands National Park. Camp at Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey or book a stay at the White Sands Motel or Holiday Inn Alamogordo.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Lake McDonald reflections, Glacier National Park

By Nikki from She Saves She Travels

One of the best national parks in the Western USA is Glacier National Park, located in northern Montana. It’s a stunning sight you have to see with your own eyes to believe it’s real. Nicknamed the Crown of the Continent, its majestic peaks draw you in and the alpine lakes will make you swoon.

One of the best things to do in Glacier National Park is to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You’ll need a timed entry reservation to access this part of the park, but it’s so worth it. One of the best stops along the way is Avalanche Lake, a stunning lake after about a 6-mile round-trip hike.

Drive the winding roads until you reach the summit – located at the visitor center at Logan Pass. Here you can hike the Hidden Lake Trail to find one of the most stunning sights in all of the US!

If visiting a lake is more your style, then you must spend an afternoon sitting on the shores of Saint Mary Lake. Or, see the reflective water on Lake McDonald, perfect for a rock-skipping competition.

The best place to stay to access Glacier National Park is near the West Entrance. Go glamping at Under Canvas Glacier or camp at Apgar Campground within the park. Just be sure to make reservations early because they sell out quickly!

List of National Parks in Western USA

Alaska

Denali National Park, Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska

Hawaii

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Montana

Glacier National Park, Montana
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

Utah

Arches National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, Utah

Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Nevada

Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona

New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
White Sands National Park, New Mexico

More United States travel guides here >>

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