Map of National Parks in the US

Seeker Editors

The US boasts an impressive 63 national parks, each with its own distinct character, awe inspiring views and countless ways to connect with nature. The parks are managed by the National Park Service which offers an annual pass for access to all 63 parks throughout the year for one flat price. Let's explore.

Tags: Family Friendly, National Parks, outdoor adventure

  • Yellowstone National Park, United States

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      One of the most famous in the country, Yellowstone National Park is famous for its sky-high geysers and geothermal activity. Explore majestic peaks, cascading falls, miles of rugged hiking trails, and abundant wildlife at this beloved Wyoming National Park.

  • Zion National Park, United States

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      Catch your breath. Look up. Zion National Park is Utah at its finest. Flaming rocks dashed with crimson and salmon tower to the cloudless skies. Prickly pear cacti jut from the dust. Bighorn sheep hop over the rock faces. Lofting above the Virgin River is Zion Canyon and its surrounding reserve, marking the point where the Great Basin, the Mojave, and the Colorado Plateau meet in one heck of a display of geology and geography. Gorge walking is the star, but you might also want to think about hopping in the saddle to evoke the real Wild West.

  • North Cascades National Park in Washington, United States

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      One road in, one road out – that’s the remoteness of the North Cascades National Park. Even the winding, wiggling route of the 20 highway offers only glimpses of this 500,000-acre wilderness, which reaches all the way north to the US-Canada border in a medley of summits that easily surpass 9,000 feet. This ain’t your bite-sized sort of place, just as Buckner Mountain and the twisted Black Peak should reveal, although there are some excellent off-piste adventurers for those who don’t mind being all alone out there a la John Muir.

  • Canyonlands National Park, United States

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      In Moab you get two for one: The Arches and the Canyonlands. This second part of the great Utah southeast is a true majesty of a reserve. It’s split into a few sectors all bisected by the snaking Colorado and Green rivers. The iconic area known as the Island in the Sky is best for sweeping views of the stunning White Rim ridge that stands more than 1,200 feet up. Beyond that are the pinnacles of The Needles area, followed by the inaccessible mesas and cliffs of The Maze.

  • Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, United States

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      Glacier Bay National Park marks the spot where the colossal ice fields of the Saint Elias Mountains spill into the sub-zero waters of the North Pacific Ocean. Sounds dramatic? Well…that’s because it is. So dramatic, in fact, that over half a million people head to gawp at the mighty fjords and mountains each year, many of them on cruise ships — the park is only accessible by boat and plane. Must-sees include the great Johns Hopkins Glacier and the calving Margerie Glacier.

  • Acadia National Park in Maine, United States

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      Breathe deep. The salt air is strong on the granite domes of the Acadia National Park. Peering off the edge of the Atlantic North East, this majestic garden of summits, forests and beaches is New England through and through. It covers about half of the beautiful Mount Desert Island as it ranges from wave-lapped Sand Beach to the grykes of Cadillac Mountain – one of the first places that sees the sunrise in the United States. Also don’t miss nearby Bar Harbor, one of the region’s best whale watching outposts.

  • New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, United States

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      The New River Gorge National Park features picturesque riverside views and plenty of exciting activities, along with being steeped in rich culture and history. One of the oldest whitewater rivers on the planet, this park seeks to preserve the massive grounds of a rough river rushing through gorgeous tree-lined canyons in West Virginia.

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park, United States

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      Lassen Volcanic National Park is dotted with dynamic landscapes, from several volcanoes to fields of wildflowers and crystal clear mountain lakes. Experience hiking trails, bubbling fumaroles, and embrace the unique nature and wildlife of this Northern Californian National Park.

  • Yosemite National Park, United States

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      One of the most visited parks in the US, Yosemite is famous for ancient sequoia trees, towering waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. Explore scenic hiking trails, camp overnight, and witness deep valleys, blossoming meadows, and the vast wilderness of this iconic park located in California.

  • Shenandoah National Park, United States

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      Extending along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, the Shenandoah National Park is a primarily forested park that features plentiful scenic trails to adventure through. Uncover breathtaking waterfalls and traverse rocky landscape at this quaint yet exciting park.

  • Bryce Canyon National Park, United States

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      Bryce Canyon features the largest collection of Hoodoos in the world, a sprawling desert landscape with lush green areas sparsed throughout and a famously dark sky, this park is a must. Visit for optimal stargazing or to take in the gorgeous preserved landscape that captivates travelers from around the world daily.

  • Arches National Park, United States

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      Named for the park's over 2000 natural stone arches that tower over in unique formations, Arches National Park is a vibrant collection of textured red stones and picturesque landscapes in Utah. Witness fiery-hued stone arches loop around cool blue skies amongst miles of otherworldly landscapes in the heart of the USA.

  • Badlands National Park, United States

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      Badlands National Park in South Dakota is famous for its rich fossil beds and rugged stone landscape that contrasts against lush green plantlife. Wildlife including prairie dogs, sheep, and bison roam the grassy areas of the park while uniquely sculpted stones create excellent backdrops for the adventure of a lifetime.

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, United States

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      Encompassing the summits of the planet's two most active volcanoes, Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park is an awe-inspiring destination for any adventure-goers. Explore the unique geological landscape of endless sprawling rocky formations and witness steamy glowing lava from afar.

  • Everglades National Park, United States

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      Everglades National Park is a wetland preserve located in southern Florida. Home to rare and endangered species such as the American Crocodile and the manatee, Everglades provides scenic grassy rivers and elevated trails to explore.

  • Dry Tortugas National Park, United States

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      Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is made up of several small islands surrounded by open waters of shimmering aquamarine shades. Each island is soaked in lush plant life and swaying palm trees to establish itself as a true paradise destination, full of preserved wildlife- from colorful birds to marine life and gorgeous views you will never forget.

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, United States

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      As the name suggests, Great Sand Dunes National Park has *impressive* sand dunes that reach the most impressive heights in North America. Beyond the dynamic, sandy slopes the park encompasses wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.

  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, United States

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      Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park features steep cliffs and naturally sculpted rock formations. One of the most visually and environmentally distinct national parks in the nation, Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park provides rocky trails and breathtaking views.

  • Redwood National and State Parks, United States

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      Most famously known for sky-scraping redwood trees, this park also preserves prairies, rugged coastline, and lush California landscape. With picturesque trails, friendly wildlife, and idyllic views, Redwood has established itself as one of the top national parks in the country.

  • Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, United States

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      Visitors to this park will uncover pristine landscapes of wild rivers, valleys carved naturally by glaciers, northern lights ethereally dancing in the night sky, and vast tundra. The Gates Of The Arctic National park in Alaska features ancient trails rather than man-made roads, a park that allows visitors to truly get in touch with the rich culture and history embedded into the landscape.

  • Sequoia National Park, United States

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      Sequoia National Park in California is a testament to the power of nature with vast mountainous landscapes of deep canyons, caverns, and plenty of gorgeous plant life. This park and the neighboring Kings Canyon National Park are famous for ancient, towering Sequoia trees.

  • Kings Canyon National Park, United States

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      Located next to Sequoia National Park in California, Kings Canyon National Park is famous for sequoia trees, most notably the massive General Grant Tree in General Grove. Featuring meadows, canyons, rivers, and waterfalls- Cougars, bears, and rattlesnakes call this rugged national park home, so be cautious.

  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, United States

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      Located in Alaska, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest national park in the US, featuring a rugged combination of volcanic and glacial landscapes.

  • Kenai Fjords National Park, United States

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      Take a step into the ice age in Alaska to this display of icy fjords feeding into lush forests. Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtaking park full of frozen waters and gorgeous plant life that nourishes unique wildlife.

  • Wind Cave National Park, United States

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      Traverse through rolling hills of green prairies that are home to unique and friendly biodiversity. Wind Cave National Park is famous for honeycomb-like carved cave walls, wooded areas, and prairies where bison roam.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States

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      The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular parks in the US, famous for its biodiversity, and breathtaking ancient mountains. Featuring hundreds of miles of walkable trails, picturesque waterfalls, historical structures, and scenic views- this is a bucket list destination for sure.

  • Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, United States

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      Gateway Arch National Park is a memorial park dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, pioneers and explorers who were pivotal in expanding west-bound, as well as Dred Scott who fought for his freedom in the courthouse. Beneath the towering arch sculpture, miles of emerald grass sparkle, and clear water gleams. Tour the old courthouse that was the site of the historical Dred Scott case, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the park grounds.

  • Haleakalā National Park, United States

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      Haleakala National Park encompasses a dormant volcano and is rich in both ancient and modern Hawaiian culture. Featuring ethereal volcanic landscapes, gorgeous hiking trails, and rainforests, there is plenty to see at this magical destination.

  • White Sands National Park, United States

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      Witness a true natural wonder of the world, the silky white sands of New Mexico, at this unique and spectacular national park nestled in the heart of the desert. Explore eerily white pigmented sand dunes, flower gardens, and obscure cacti formations at this mystical national park.

  • Voyageurs National Park, United States

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      Voyageurs National Park encompasses islands, sparkling water, and rocky cliffs. This rugged park features some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the horizon, plentiful hiking opportunities, and a vast coastline.

  • Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands

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      Greek blue and rainforest green are the color palette of the US Virgin Islands, the home of the simply paradisiacal Virgin Islands National Park. Covering the heart and two coastlines of the island of Saint John, it ranges from resplendent coral reefs to bird-tweeting jungles awash with orchids and palms. Do not miss Trunk Bay and its cotton-hued sand, or the uber-romantic Honeymoon Beach. Around the island, meanwhile, is a greater national monument that protects gorgeous underwater habitats filled with turtles and reef fish.

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park, United States

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      Located in Western Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park combines the badlands with the great planes. Home to wildlife including elk, prairie dogs, and bison, this extensive national park features miles of gorgeous rugged landscapes and scenic hiking trails.

  • Saguaro National Park East, United States

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      Saguaro National Park in Arizona is home to some of the rarest cacti in the world, including flourishing multicolor blossoms, desert landscapes, and unique biodiversity. Explore the rugged terrain of this desert national park, and make your way through the gorgeous hiking trails alongside sand dunes and fascinating plant life.

  • Rocky Mountain National Park, United States

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      The Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses iconic mountainous landscapes, spectacularly starry night skies, hiking tails, and green plantlife dotted with colorful wildflowers. Explore one of the United States’ most famous mountains through extensive trails and lookout points, and breathe in the fresh clear high-altitude air alongside snow-topped hillsides.

  • Pinnacles National Park, United States

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      Pinnacles National Park is made up of rocky, mountainous terrain in the heart of California. Known for wildland terrain and its unique variety of spring wildflowers, Pinnacles National Park attracts visitors from around the world to witness a rich diversity of wildlife, picturesque views, and rugged hiking trails.

  • Petrified Forest National Park, United States

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      The Petrified Forest National Park is an extensive desert landscape that exists within the Apache and Navajo counties of Arizona. Encompassing eroded badlands and desert steppes, this sprawling landscape offers miles of unique trails, grassy sections, and jagged terrain to traverse.

  • Olympic National Park in Washington, United States

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      Wet but wonderful, Olympic National Park spans the vast Olympic Peninsula to the west of Seattle. With an average precipitation level of more than nine inches for three months of the year, it should be easy to see where the verdant, moss-caked rainforests get their fuel from. But take it to the westernmost extreme and you can also find stunning beaches and sea stacks shrouded in fog along the Pacific Ocean. Up high and the woods drop away for ski runs and snow-covered tundra.

  • Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, United States

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      Mount Rainier is an active volcano surrounded by sprawling meadows adorned with natural wildflowers and unique glacial landscapes. This fascinating national park encompasses major rivers and scenic views alongside an icy, snow-capped volcano.

  • Mesa Verde National Park, United States

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      Mesa Verde is famously known for its ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and is the largest archaeological preserve in the USA. Featuring a rich cultural heritage and plenty to explore and uncover- this destination is perfect for history lovers.

  • Mammoth Cave National Park, United States

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      Mammoth cave is made up of massive underground cave formations, rolling hillsides, and river valleys. These caves host thousands of years of human history, unique biodiversity, and are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.