The United States is full of incredible, unique scenery and the National Parks Service makes it easy for everyone to enjoy these wonders. There are 62 National Parks at the moment but over 400 sites are part of the service including monuments and state parks, so it’s safe to say you’ll never get tired of exploring! Find that all a little overwhelming? Well here are the 4 best US National Parks to get you started!
Grand Canyon National Park
State: Arizona
Must Do Activity: Hike the Bright Angel of South Kaibab trails into the canyon.
Possibly one of the most famous National Parks in the world, the Grand Canyon is simply a must see. Whether you want to ride over the canyon in a helicopter, hike down to the canyon floor or simply walk along the rim, there is no bad way to marvel at one of the world’s most breathtaking sights.
Zion National Park
State: Utah
Must Do Activity: Take in the view from Angel’s Landing.
Whilst visitors are encouraged to look down into the Grand Canyon, here at Zion, it’s all about looking up. Most of the park’s infrastructure is set at the base of the valley, surrounded by towering walls of rock. Zion is also home to some of the most iconic hikes in the world so whether you choose to climb up to Angel’s Landing or squeeze through the slot canyons of The Narrows, you’re sure to see something amazing.
Yosemite National Park
State: California
Must Do Activity: See the iconic Half Dome.
Yosemite is the most visited park in California and it’s easy to see why! Not only is it home to over 400 species of wildlife, countless hiking trails and beautiful scenery, it also boast some of the world’s best rock climbing. The vast majority of visitors never leave the main valley so, even though it’s popular, it’s still possible to find your own little piece of wildness!
Yellowstone National Park
State: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Must Do Activity: Watch the Old Faithful geyser erupt
The world’s first National Park, Yellowstone is an incredible unique natural wonderland that should be on anyone’s bucket list. It is a hot bed of hydrothermal activity and is actually home to over half of the world’s geysers. Alongside this you’ll find massive lakes, hundreds of waterfalls and a huge number of native mammal and bird species, making this park a Mecca for nature-lovers everywhere!
