National Parks in the US

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.

Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Haleakalā National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Olympic National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Acadia National Park, National Park of American Samoa, Badlands National Park, Big Bend National Park, Biscayne National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Congaree National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Death Valley, Denali National Park and Preserve, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Gateway Arch National Park, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Great Basin National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, Isle Royale National Park, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Mammoth Cave National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park

• Grand Canyon National Park, United States

  
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  Grand Canyon National Park might just be the headline act of America. Yep, there’s probably no more iconic a natural feature on the continent than the colossal gorge that carves its way through this corner of the West. Second only to the Great Smokies in terms of annual visitor numbers, the preserve draws millions to the snaking Colorado River. The South Rim is the most popular, with lookouts at Navajo Point and the Desert View Road. The North Rim is more remote and higher, but gets seriously dramatic at spots like Toroweap Overlook if you’re willing to make the drive.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Glacier National Park, United States

  
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  Along the Canada/US border, this snowy park is full of exciting outdoor activities. Explore within ancient forests, glacial landscapes, deep valleys, or gear up to ski across snow-capped mountains.

• Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, United States

  
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  Grand Teton National Park encompasses miles of diverse landscapes, hike up mountains, or traverse alongside rivers and lakes. Along with plentiful outdoorsy opportunities, including fishing and horseback riding- there is something for everyone at this picturesque park.

• 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.

• Joshua Tree National Park, United States

  
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  Beyond the manicured golf courses of Palm Springs and the hedonistic party grounds of Coachella, there lies a land of strange and wonderful features. They include bouldering spots with names like the Great Burrito. There are also anthropomorphic oddities cast in stone in the midst of the mysteriously monikered Hidden Valley. And you’ll find forests of bloated yuccas with twisted branches and spiney blooms. Welcome to the Joshua Tree National Park!

• Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, United States

  
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  Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas features impressive historical architecture, thermal hot springs, quaint creeks, and scenic views in every direction. This magical destination is rich in history, culture, and ancient bubbling waters. Explore fairytale stone walkways and mystical, forested scenery.

• 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.

• National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa

  
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  The National Park Of American Samoa is a tropical paradise destination brimming with a rugged coastline, unique flowers, colorful birds, and plentiful hiking trails.

• 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.

• Big Bend National Park in Big Bend National Park, United States

  
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  Big Bend National Park in Texas is a vast landscape made up of unique limestone caves to explore, mountains to hike, and hundreds of fascinating bird species.

• Biscayne National Park, United States

  
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  Biscayne National Park consists of vast coral reefs, sandy islands to explore, and lush plant life. Home to dolphins, pelicans, and turtles, Biscayne National Park has prime diving and snorkeling spots, and panoramic coastal views.

• 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.

• Capitol Reef National Park in Torrey, United States

  
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  Capitol Reef National Park is full of rugged structures, deep canyons, and picturesque cliffs. Witness the wonder of a “wrinkle on earth” with their geologic monocline that continues for almost 100 miles.

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, United States

  
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  Explore through dynamic caverns, amongst desert flowers, and alongside fascinating wildlife at this rugged New Mexican national park. Featuring ancient sea ledges, deep canyons, and more than 100 underground caves to uncover.

• Channel Islands National Park in Ventura, United States

  
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  Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands along California that are rich in plant life and friendly animals. Enjoy the ocean environment, rolling meadows, hiking trails, sandy beaches, and awesome snorkeling opportunities.

• Congaree National Park, United States

  
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  Congaree National Park in South Carolina has the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States, this mystical national park features abundant walkways to explore the towering forested areas. Enjoy outdoorsy activities including hiking, fishing, camping, and more.

• Crater Lake National Park, United States

  
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  Crater Lake National Park is one of the most pristine lakes in the US, along with being the deepest. Formed over 7000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, the surrounding area features plenty of trails to explore the rocky landscapes and wilderness.

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, United States

  
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  With the sprawling surroundings of farmlands, forests, cascading waterfalls, and rolling hills along the twisting Cuyahoga River, this national park in Ohio is brimming with endless Instagram-worthy views.

• Death Valley, United States

  
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  Death Valley is famous for extremes, this park is the hottest and driest spot in North America, along with mountains that reach thousands of feet into the sky, located in the heart of frozen Alaska.

• Denali National Park and Preserve, United States

  
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  Denali National Park features sprawling wild land that encompasses alpine tundra, snow-capped mountains, and low-elevation forests.

  seeker Denali National Park features sprawling wildland that encompasses alpine tundra, snow-capped mountains, and low-elevation forests.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Great Basin National Park in Nevada, United States

  
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  The Great Basin National Park in Nevada is known for the beautiful Lehman Caves which visitors can thoroughly explore, serenely dark skies to stargaze beneath, and sprawling parks to set up your tent in.

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park, United States

  
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  Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a spectacular landscape of deep canyons, dunes, and picturesque mountains that also features one of the most pristinely dark skies for optimal stargazing opportunities.

• Indiana Dunes National Park, United States

  
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  Indiana Dunes National Park straddles the sandy southern coast of Lake Michigan. Featuring rugged dunes, picturesque rivers, wetlands, unique wildlife, and more, Indiana Dunes is a true hidden gem steeped in adventure.

• Isle Royale National Park, United States

  
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  Isle Royale is an isolated, rocky island in Lake Superior, Michigan that is steeped in scenic beauty and a prime spot for plenty of outdoorsy activities from boating to hiking.

• Katmai National Park and Preserve in King Salmon, United States

  
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  Katmai National Park in Alaska consists of icy tundra, endless wilderness, and wildlife that is both friendly and fearful at times (read: bears). This volcanic landscape encompasses thousands of years of human history and provides visitors a chance to experience the wilds of nature.

• Kobuk Valley National Park, United States

  
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  Kobuk Valley National Park is culturally rich, featuring an ancient pathway traversed by both humans and caribou. The landscape is visited by migrating caribou in the thousands and consists of vast sand dunes, sparkling rivers, and plentiful wilderness to explore.

• Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, United States

  
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  Lake Clark National Park And Preserve in Alaska encompasses miles of snow-topped mountains, grassy valleys, and exciting trails to adventure along.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.