The Grand Canyon Railway has six different class options. The bottom-tier class is the Pullman class, where round-trip tickets cost $70. The highest tiers are the luxury parlor and luxury dome, where tickets cost $240. These prices do not include a $35 park entry fee.

When picking my train class, I was just happy to be on a train. I opted for the second-tier coach ticket on the way to the Grand Canyon and a Pullman ticket on the way home. Besides design, the main difference I spotted between the two classes was that the coach class offers air conditioning, while the Pullman car does not.

Altogether, I paid $82 for the ride in October 2023.

The train ride takes about two hours and 15 minutes, compared to an hour by car.

Passengers have about 3 ½ hours to explore the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

The train depot in Williams was built in 1910.

A group of cowboy actors lined an Old West-style set and acted out a cliché shootout.

Sure, it was a little gimmicky, but after traveling along Route 66 and exploring America's old Art Deco movement, I learned to embrace it.

The coach car was only about half full, so all the passengers could grab a window seat to admire the ponderosa pine forests and grasslands we were traveling through.

The ride is 65 miles and travels through a range of landscapes.

Along the ride, I learned about the Indigenous peoples who call the region home, and our train attendant dove into the railway's history.

Within the first 10 minutes of the journey, someone from our train car spotted a bald eagle. Throughout the rest of the trip, we also saw cattle, horses, and pronghorns.

I grabbed some pretzels and peanut M&M's for the rest of the ride.

Little did I know that you can't see any part of the Grand Canyon from the train. Instead, after disembarking, the canyon is a short walk away.

I've spent entire days wandering through Arches National Park and Zion National Park.

While I could've easily spent days in the park, an afternoon offered an ideal taste of its offerings.

I spent about an hour walking a segment of the Rim Trail, a paved path that gives visitors a view into the canyon. I also wandered through the visitor center, gift shop, and restaurants.

Though it was the lower class, I enjoyed the Pullman car a bit more. The seats were a tad more comfortable, and the entire space felt a bit more historic. Plus, I was traveling in the fall, so the air conditioning in coach class was an unnecessary perk. (I wasn't even sure it was on.) If it had been the height of Arizona's summer, I would have picked coach.

After settling into the emerald-green train car, we left promptly at 3:30 p.m.

Both a violinist and a guitarist played for passengers during the ride.

We arrived back in Williams and ended the day with a stunning sunset.

I returned from the daylong adventure energized and no longer dreading the drive ahead.

Haraden's general advice is simple: "Be smart." 

While park rangers are there to support visitors, Haraden said safety is up to the individual. 

"The park service's philosophy on safety is that your safety is your responsibility," he said.

Haraden said throughout his career, he talked to visitors with overly ambitious itineraries.

They might enter a park with the goal of visiting every viewpoint in a single day. While this is one way to explore, Haraden believes traveling slower gives visitors a chance to soak in the park's natural beauty. 

"I think the biggest mistake I see people make is trying to be too fast," he said. "They go out to a viewpoint at the Grand Canyon and go, 'Been there, done that.'''

He urges visitors to experience a national park instead of checking things off a list. That might mean watching the sunrise, reading a book by a river, or slowing your hiking pace.

"Don't try to do everything," he said. "Enjoy some things to the full depth you can."

Haraden said there are plenty of national parks without hordes of people, but it can take time and research to figure out which parks and areas are less crowded.

"Do your homework and stay flexible," he said. "Nowadays, doing your park homework involves knowing what's going to be crowded. If you go to a park like Arches in the middle of summer, it's going to be packed. So go to a place that's less visited, like Canyonlands."

Even then, you're still likely to run into people if you stick to the main viewpoints, Haraden said. The farther you get into the national park, the higher your chance of finding solitude. 

Beyond looking at how crowded parks are, Haraden suggests researching every park you plan to visit beforehand. This will help you craft an itinerary that meets your wants and needs. 

"Know what you want," he said. "Do you like to hike? If you like the hike, what kind of hikes do you like to do? Do you like flat ones? Do you like vigorous ones?" 

Haraden's best advice for researching national parks is to use the National Park Service's websites. Every national park has a detailed website, which tells visitors about the park, its crowds, and what to expect when visiting. 

While Haraden said it's helpful to research and have an itinerary before arriving at a national park, he also advises visitors to be adaptable. 

"Don't get locked into the mindset that 'I must do something,' because you might get there and it's too crowded to do it, or the parking lot is full," he said. 

Variables like weather and crowds can impact how you experience a park, so Haraden recommends coming up with an open plan with backup options in case an activity doesn't work out. 

"Running out of water is probably one of the worst mistakes you can make," Haraden said. 

The National Park Service warns visitors that there's a higher risk of heat-related illness, especially during the summer months. Part of being prepared is ensuring you pack enough water or a water-filtration system.

The National Park Service encourages visitors to bring their own reusable water bottles to reduce waste. While there are water fountains available across national parks, visitors won't find many places to purchase a bottle of water. 

Haraden said that if you do your research, you'll likely know what to expect and what you'll need for a national park trip.

That might mean packing a windbreaker or extra jacket for trails with high elevation or making sure you have bear spray if you're exploring a park like Yellowstone or Grand Teton, which are populated by bears.

"Even if you don't use it, you're ready in case you do need it," Haraden said. 

"Wildlife, big and little, are not tame," Haraden said. "Squirrels can bite, and bison can toss people in the air. There's not a single animal that can't hurt you if you pester them or threaten them enough. Any time you change an animal's behavior, you're too close."

He said he'd heard stories of people trying to feed bears or placing their children on the backs of bison. 

Those stories often make headlines, and every year, national park visitors are injured or die due to getting too close to wild animals. 

Haraden added that it's a lose-lose scenario since the animals involved sometimes must be euthanized. 

Whether it's a campsite, cabin, or hotel, national parks across the country offer a wide range of accommodations for visitors. 

Haraden said many of the accommodations are reasonably priced. For instance, a room at the Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park in Washington starts at $50 during the offseason.

"Everyone thinks they're more expensive than lodging outside of the park, but that's not necessarily true," he said. "The park service wants to make them available to everybody, but you do have to reserve them way in advance."

"Many western parks are high in elevation. Some are obvious, like Rocky Mountain or Glacier, but others are not obvious, like Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon," Haraden said. "Elevation can really affect people who aren't used to it or have medical conditions."

If you're traveling from lower altitudes like Florida, for instance, taking the time to acclimate can help ensure that you'll enjoy your trip and not end up with altitude sickness.

"It's getting hotter and staying hot longer, and that includes in national parks," Haraden said. "Take all the precautions, but especially don't exert yourself during the hottest part of the day."

That might mean getting to a national park earlier or later in the day to enjoy cooler hours or planning trips during the shoulder seasons when the summer temperatures are gone. 

Haraden said guests shouldn't rely on their phones to navigate the national parks since many areas lack full cell coverage.

"GPS will commonly not work in remote areas like national parks. Carry maps and know how to read them," he said.

He also encourages visitors not to blindly follow their GPS if they decide to use it.

"If GPS says to use a road but it looks too rough, use your common sense and don't go there. If GPS says to follow a trail that is not there, don't do it," he said.

Across any national park, you'll find park rangers who are there to answer questions and help create a positive experience inside each national park.

"The park rangers have all the information you need to make decisions," he said.

They can help point visitors to good hikes, and they know the weather and other important information that might be handy. Haraden said visitors should never hesitate to approach a park ranger with questions. 

Haraden isn't referring to the people entering the parks tomorrow or next year. He's referencing the future generations of visitors exploring the otherworldly Arches National Park and the geyser-filled wonderland of Yellowstone. 

He said he hopes national park visitors are doing their part to be stewards of the land, which means modeling behavior like picking up trash, giving animals space, and not packing disposable plastic water bottles. 

Most people are surprised to hear there's a national park in Michigan and are even more surprised to find out it's an island.

Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior is made up of 400 islands and boasts 165 miles of trails. The main island is about 50 miles long and 9 miles wide.

Take a hike on this remote island, stay at one of the backcountry campsites, or just spend a day exploring.

The park can only be accessed by ferry, seaplane, or private watercraft. Ferries run from Michigan and Minnesota during the summer months.

If you decide to take a trip, keep in mind that the park is closed from November 1 to April 15.

New River Gorge received national park designation at the end of 2020.

Famous for the towering single-span steel arch New River Gorge Bridge, it is the third-highest bridge in the US. But there is much more to do than view the New River.

Hike, bike, climb, or raft the river for a thrilling experience that's still slightly under the radar.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is typically the least visited of the four national parks in Colorado, with just 335,862 visitors in 2024 (compared to 4.1 million at Rocky Mountain National Park).

The steep-walled gorge follows the Gunnison River and is one of the most dramatic sights I've seen.

The park's Painted Wall Overlook is 2,250 feet tall, making it the tallest cliff in Colorado.

Hike, stargaze, camp, rock climb, or take a scenic drive in this under-the-radar Western Colorado gem.

Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles off the coast of Key West, but it feels like stepping into an entirely different country.

The park comprises seven islands, including Garden Key, which is home to the 19th-century Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, and incredible snorkeling opportunities on the beach.

Accessed by boat, ferry, or seaplane, the journey to the park is part of what makes it so memorable — and why it will never feel overcrowded like some popular national parks.

Spend the day exploring or camp at the primitive campground for unparalleled stargazing.

Utah is an outdoor lover's paradise, with some of the country's most breathtaking, varied, and unique landscapes.

Capitol Reef may be lesser-known, but it's my favorite.

The International Dark Sky Park is perfect for stargazing, and the almost 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold — a "buckle" in the earth's surface that has pushed up rocks to create interesting geological formations — is something you must see for yourself.

One of the most memorable park trips I've taken in the last decade of solo travel has been to Voyageurs National Park in Northern Minnesota.

Near the Canadian border, the park is nearly 40% water. Although you can enjoy Voyageurs without getting out on the water, I don't recommend it.

Visit the Rainy, Kabetogama, and Namakan Lakes, canoe, kayak, and camp at one of the front or backcountry sites — all accessed by water.

Alaska is a state unlike any other, with awe-inspiring vistas around every corner. In fact, eight of the 63 major US national parks are located in the state.

After spending weeks solo traveling in a van through Alaska, the park that impressed me the most was Kenai Fjords National Park.

Located on the Kenai Peninsula, the park encompasses 600,000 acres of coastal islands, fjords, glaciers, and mountain peaks.

The park is vast, varied, and home to a portion of the Harding Icefield Trail.

I loved hiking to Exit Glacier, sea kayaking on Resurrection Bay, and learning about wildlife on a guided sightseeing cruise.

This story was originally published on January 6, 2024, and most recently updated on May 1, 2025.

Anderson said one of the most underrated trips they've ever taken was to South Dakota in the summer of 2022, where they spent the Fourth of July camping at Custer State Park.

"We were able to get a last-minute camping spot, and it wasn't crowded," she said. "You could spend a week there because it's so beautiful, and there's so much hiking."

It was a sunny 75 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect for hiking, Anderson said. During her hikes, Anderson appreciated the park's unique geographic features.

"Custer Park is known for having these rock spires. I've never seen anything like it," she said. "You get a really good reflection of the rock formations on Sylvan Lake."

The park is also full of grasslands and wildlife, from donkeys to bison, she added.

"You can drive from Custer to Badlands National Park, and you can also stop by Mount Rushmore," Anderson said. "So you can easily make a whole road trip there."

In July 2023, Anderson explored hidden gems in eastern Idaho.

"Grand Teton National Park is really popular, but on the other side of the Tetons, the Idaho Teton Valley isn't very popular," Anderson said. "They have amazing wildflower hikes, mountains, and waterfalls."

Anderson said she also explored sand dunes nearby.

"No one was there when we went except for a few people on ATVs," she said. "But for sunset, we had the sand dunes completely to ourselves."

"Sedona, Arizona, is obviously a really popular destination, but a lot of people don't visit during the summer because it's really hot," Anderson said. But when she went in late August 2024, temperatures had cooled down a bit, and there were still no crowds.

"It would be a good destination for people who don't mind getting up early to hike and or like hiking at sunset," she said. "We hiked at sunrise and sunset to beat the heat, and we had a lot of the trails to ourselves."

Anderson recommends staying at Ambiente Sedona, an adults-only hotel, and spending the hottest hours of the day at the pool.

"In South Carolina, everybody goes to Charleston, but we went to this place called Carolina Heritage Outfitters in the Edisto River area of South Carolina," Anderson said.

Carolina Heritage Outfitters is a tour company that offers treehouse camping by canoe. Anderson told BI that her tour guide said it's a popular activity among locals.

"You canoe downstream a very easy 10 miles to a treehouse, stay overnight, and then canoe 10 miles back to the tour company," Anderson said. "That was one of the coolest things that we've done. We travel all the time, and we've never done anything like that."

Anderson said she's been to Wyoming many times.

"I think, in general, it's underrated as a state to visit for tourism. It is obviously popular because of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park," she said. "But you don't really hear about people going other than that."

South of the Tetons in Wyoming, the Wind River Range offers a similar experience and is far less crowded, Anderson said. For maximum privacy, Anderson recommends pitching a tent at the free campsites in the Green River Lakes area, as she did in July 2024.

"You do have to prepare because it is remote, there's no service, and we took a 20-mile dirt road to get there," she said. "But there's nobody else around. You can go swimming, and the landscapes are so beautiful."

Medicine Bow National Forest is another underrated destination in southern Wyoming.

"We went there in the summer of 2023, and they have amazing lakes and mountain peaks that made me surprised that it's not more popular," Anderson said.

"Mammoth Lakes in California is really popular during the winter because it has great skiing," Anderson said. "Fewer people go during the summer, but it's one of the best hiking destinations we've been to."

Anderson went in 2022 and hiked through mountains, swam and kayaked in the lakes, and marveled at waterfalls.

"It's like a quintessential summer experience," she said.

Rising up from the Snake River Valley like a gaggle of shark's teeth, the Teton Range is one of the most impressive landscapes on the planet.

Plus, the park is just a stone's throw from Jackson Hole, Wyoming's famed cowboy-town-turned-ski-haven. As such, there are loads of phenomenal restaurants nearby and chic lodges to bed down in when you're not hiking its hundreds of miles of trails.

In summer, grab your bear spray and spend a day hiking to Trapper Lake. If you're visiting when it's snowy out, book a wildlife-viewing trip with Jackson Hole Eco Tours for a chance to photograph moose and wolves.

Yes, it's one of the most remote national parks of the bunch, but Alaska's massive Gates of the Arctic is one of the few places on earth that completely upended what I thought a wilderness area could be.

Home to thousands-strong caribou migrations, wild rivers, and the imposing peaks of the Brooks Range, this far-north site is well worth the time it takes to get there.

Alaska Alpine Adventures is one of the few tour operators that'll bring guests to this Arctic Circle expanse. Choose between a backpacking trip to the Arrigetch Peaks or a river-rafting tour — either way, you'll be privy to the park's otherworldly solitude and miles of verdant tundra.

Tucked away in remote West Texas, Big Bend offers a scenic escape from the state's mostly flat landscapes.

It's also a fantastic park for those of us with short attention spans — choose between scenic drives (like the boulder- and cactus-strewn Ross Maxwell), riverside hikes (like Santa Elena Canyon), or rafting adventures along the Rio Grande.

When you're not out adventuring, be sure to take a dip in the park's steamy Langford Hot Springs.

Made even more famous by films like "Free Solo," Yosemite has always been renowned for its roaring waterfalls, stellar Sierra Nevada hiking, and sky-high cliffs of glacially-polished granite.

Yosemite National Park is surrounded by striking, mountainous landscapes, forested hillsides, and quaint gateway towns.

Sure, it's one of the more crowded national parks, but I've always found it easy enough to escape the throngs by trekking in the area's high country, road tripping over to Hetch Hetchy, or visiting in autumn (when most kids are back in school).

It can be fun to spend half a day tottering around on Indiana's famed lakeside sand dunes — unfortunately, I found this site to be small and city-bound.

While exploring Indiana Dunes National Park, hikers are routinely greeted by views of power plants and Chicago's copious skyline.

Also, the dunefield used to be much larger than its current sprawl — sadly, much of its mass was carted away by glass companies and manufacturers in the early 1900s.

I found the park itself to be a reminder of why we need to preserve important landscapes before they are overly developed by corporate interests. To me, this park is more of a symbol of Western industrialization than a pristine piece of nature.

More glorified cityscape than nature preserve, Gateway Arch was established as a national park in 2018, after a Missouri senator sponsored a bill to redesignate the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

The move followed a $380 million renovation of the site, refurbishing the arch and adding an underground history museum to the downtown St. Louis property.

Although the space-age architecture of the arch itself is impressive, I found this to be the most surprising national park of my quest.

With its manicured lawns and paved pathways, it doesn't feel like a typical national park. Even an acting deputy director of the National Park Service has said that the small site fits the department's definition of a national monument much more than a park.

Unlike most public lands, Gateway Arch charges additional funds for important attractions once guests enter the premises, like going up inside the arch, which can feel like a Disneyland-style cash grab.

Maybe I just got a bout of bad weather on the choppy boat ride out to Florida's Dry Tortugas, but I found this to be the least impressive of America's beachy national parks.

Its snorkeling areas felt small and relatively uninhabited by marine life during my visit.

Although the park's Civil War-era fort is an impressive feat of engineering, it feels much more like a national monument dedicated to our country's history than a blissful island escape.

Like most of my least-favorite national parks, access to Dry Tortugas is largely controlled by a private tour operator, meaning that most travelers will have to pay for a ferry ride from Key West to this small cluster of islands.

In my opinion, you could visit nearby Biscayne National Park or jet set to the Virgin Islands for a more immersive tropical park experience.

Although there are three entrances to Joshua Tree National Park, the west one is typically the most popular.

However, traffic here can back up for miles on a busy weekend or during a special event like a meteor shower. Even worse, there's only one road from this entrance to the main attractions like Keys View and Skull Rock.

Instead, I like to enter the park through the south entrance by Cottonwood Spring and make my way through the park.

People are often surprised when they find out the park has little to no cellphone service. Although I believe this offers visitors a great chance to disconnect, I understand why some may be concerned after learning this information.

Before taking a trip to the park, I recommend saving your maps and routes ahead of time, downloading music and audiobooks for the drive, and switching your phone to airplane mode to avoid draining the battery.

Joshua Tree National Park is a desert, which means the heat is dry. During the summer months, the daytime temperatures can often reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be brutal for visitors from more mild or humid climates.

It's important to stay hydrated when visiting the park, especially if you plan on hiking. Pack more water than you think you'll need — and throw an emergency gallon in the car for good measure.

There isn't much shade in the park to protect you from the desert sun, either, so I recommend avoiding hikes on hot days. Additionally, don't venture off trails or into the backcountry areas if you aren't an experienced desert hiker.

It may seem surprising to some, but Joshua Tree can get cold, especially at night.

Nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing during the winter months. Although snow is a rarity, it can happen at higher elevations.

This is important to keep in mind if you're staying after sunset or camping in the park, especially during the colder months.

In my opinion, Joshua Tree National Park deserves to be experienced both during the day and after dark. By leaving at sunset, I think visitors are doing themselves a disservice.

Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park, thanks to its incredibly clear starry skies and lack of light pollution.

The sheer number of stars you can see at Joshua Tree is an awe-inspiring sight, and in the summer months, you're likely to see the Milky Way.

In the grand scheme of things, coming in last on a list of what I consider to be the most beautiful places in the US is not too shabby — and I had to pick one.

That said, I don't dislike Hot Springs National Park at all — in fact, I'd love to visit again. However, it's last on this list because it doesn't have the same natural scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities as the other parks.

Hot Springs is in the middle of a town, where the main attraction is Bathhouse Row — eight historic bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923.

Although it's a fun and interesting place, I think it would be better suited as a National Historic Park.

Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis is another place I love visiting. I just don't think it makes sense as a "national park."

Once known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, this spot was designated a national park and renamed in 2018. It's also the smallest of the 63 national parks.

Like Hot Springs, I ranked it lower because the main attraction, the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, is man-made. In my opinion, the park would be better designated as a National Monument.

I'm not a fan of caves, so national parks primarily focused on cave tours are not for me. However, if you're fascinated by caves and underground passageways, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky should be higher on your list.

The park has over 400 miles of underground passageways and is truly unique. It was even designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

New Mexico, home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, is one of my favorite states to visit. Unfortunately, though, I think this park's location works against it, as I prefer many other spots in the state.

I'm not a fan of caves — which is the draw at this park — and it's more remote and secluded from other major tourist attractions in the state.

However, one thing I love about the park is the nightly bat flight that happens from Memorial Day weekend through October, where thousands of bats emerge from the caverns at sunset.

Indiana Dunes National Park, which is just about an hour's drive from Chicago, is an excellent escape for Midwestern day-trippers and city dwellers.

The dunes are incredible, and visiting the beaches feels like being transported to another world.

The only reason this park is ranked lower on my list is because one side is adjacent to a power plant, and another has views of Chicago. Unfortunately, this brings me out of the more natural landscape I enjoy at other parks.

Unsurprisingly, another park with "cave" or "cavern" in its name is low on my list.

Although the surrounding scenery and wildlife at South Dakota's Wind Cave National Park are quite stunning, I still rank it lower because I'm not as interested in the main attraction.

There are also many other state and national park sites nearby — like Custer State Park and Badlands National Park — that, in my opinion, are more impressive above ground.

Congaree National Park, just outside Columbia, South Carolina, is home to one of the country's most extensive old-growth bottomland hardwood forests.

Some trees are estimated to be over 500 years old and over 100 feet tall, making walking the trails and raised boardwalks feel magical.

Although I've enjoyed this park and have visited several times, it's much smaller than many others and is best suited for a day trip.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreation. For these reasons, I think it's a standout destination in the Midwest despite not being one of my favorite national parks.

Its proximity to Cleveland and Akron means it's easily accessible to city dwellers, which is a plus. However, it doesn't give me the vast wilderness feeling I want when visiting a national park.

I think Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most visually stunning and scientifically interesting parks in the US.

However, despite showcasing extensive deposits of petrified wood and fossilized remnants of ancient trees, there aren't many long hiking trails. In fact, all the park's trails are 2 miles or less.

I recommend making the 28-mile scenic drive through the park and stopping for some short hikes, but I wouldn't plan to stay more than a day.

Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska, located entirely above the Arctic Circle, was one of the least-visited national parks last year.

The park itself is vast and untamed — there are no roads in or out, so visitors primarily arrive by chartered planes.

Kobuk Valley is logistically and monetarily challenging for the average visitor to access, but landing on the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is undoubtedly a bucket-list experience.

Florida's Biscayne National Park is about 95% water, making it an excellent place for boating, kayaking, or snorkeling.

The park is less than two hours from Miami, making it pretty accessible. However, because most of the park is underwater, it's hard to appreciate its true beauty.

I've visited Colorado's Mesa Verde National Park several times and always learn something new.

The park preserves the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people and is home to Cliff Palace, the largest-known cliff dwelling in North America.

Although I recommend visiting some of the over 600 cliff dwellings, you can only enter them on a ranger-guided tour, which is offered with a reservation from mid-May to late October.

This stunning North Dakota park is named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who was integral to early conservation movements and created five national parks during his presidency.

This park is more remote than others, meaning there is more solitude and vast, wide-open wilderness. I love taking a scenic drive here, watching the bison herds, and looking for wild horses.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest natural peak in Texas.

With over 80 miles of hiking trails, this less-crowded park is a great place to spend a weekend hiking, backpacking, or stargazing.

Nevada's Great Basin National Park is extremely diverse, covering over 77,000 acres with ancient forests, high mountain peaks, desert valleys, and caves. The landscape is dramatic, to say the least.

Visitors can also find the Great Basin Bristlecone pines, which are some of the world's oldest trees.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado is home to one of North America's steepest and most dramatic gorges.

I love taking a scenic drive or hiking along the canyon's rim during my visits. Just keep in mind that inner-canyon adventures require a permit.

Pinnacles was only officially designated a national park in 2013, so it's still a lesser-known spot in the park system.

Named for its towering pinnacles and spires, the park is popular for hiking, caving, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Although this is a beautiful and unique park, there are only about 30 miles of hiking trails. So, for a non-climber and caver like me, there isn't as much to do here as there is in some other California parks.

Wrangell-St. Elias doesn't have the same name recognition as many others, but it's actually the largest national park in the country.

Covering a staggering 13.2 million acres, the park contains a diverse landscape, including glaciers and volcanoes.

The only downside to this park is that although some parts are accessible by road, there is minimal infrastructure, and it's very remote.

I've found that many people aren't as familiar with Lassen Volcanic National Park as some others in California. Still, it's a showstopper nonetheless.

The park is home to all four types of volcanoes, including its centerpiece, Lassen Peak, which last saw eruptions between 1914 and 1917.

The park also has volcanic features, such as a large geothermal hiking area called Bumpass Hell, which can be visited in the summer and fall.

Haleakalā National Park, which is located on Maui, is known for its massive volcano of the same name.

The volcano rises 10,023 feet above sea level and is a very popular spot to watch the sunrise and sunset (just keep in mind that you'll need a reservation to enter for sunrise).

This park has unbelievable views and beauty, but it can also get incredibly crowded, which, in my opinion, changes the experience a bit.

Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, Arizona, is named after the largest cacti in the US.

The Saguaro cactus is an essential symbol of the American West, and seeing so many up close is a treat.

The park is divided into two districts and offers over 170 miles of hiking trails. It's also a great place to take a scenic drive and view wildlife.

Kings Canyon National Park is located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains.

The park is excellent for hikers and backpackers and is full of natural beauty. I love that Kings Canyon feels grand but doesn't have the same heavy crowds I've experienced at some other California parks.

Sometimes referred to as the "Galápagos of North America," Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands off the coast of Southern California. In my opinion, it's home to some of the most unique national park landscapes in the US.

Teeming with biodiversity and opportunities for whale watching, a day trip here is truly an adventure.

The only reason it's not higher on the list is that you have to take a boat to get to the islands, and anecdotally, I've experienced many weather-related cancellations. However, the islands aren't huge, so a lot can be seen on a day trip.

Visiting Badlands National Park in South Dakota feels like stepping onto another planet. The striking and colorful buttes, spires, and other unique geological formations are unlike anything else you'll see.

I love to drive the 39-mile Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) that takes visitors through the park, with numerous overlooks and trailheads.

That said, Badlands is in a remote location and doesn't have as much surrounding it as other national parks.

Shenandoah National Park is home to the gorgeous Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic road that runs the entire length of the park.

The road offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are many overlooks and pullouts along the way for sightseeing.

With over 500 miles of trails — including a portion of the Appalachian Trail — the park is a popular spot for hiking.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

The coastal park features diverse volcanic landscapes, including craters, lava tubes, and active lava flows.

Although it's beautiful and interesting, the park can become extremely crowded, so it is further down on my personal list.

Everglades National Park in Southern Florida is massive, with 1.5 million acres of unique and diverse ecosystems. This park is perfect for birdwatching, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, and airboat touring.

However, the tropical climate is very hot and humid during the summer months, so I recommend making a trip between November and April.

White Sands in southern New Mexico was designated a national park in 2019.

In my opinion, the landscape is stunning and unlike that of any other US national park. Visitors can hike the dunes, practice photography, go sand sledding, stargaze, or simply marvel at the otherworldly landscape.

Located outside Moab, Utah, Canyonlands is the largest of the state's "Mighty 5" national parks.

With four distinct districts, this park is massive and perfect for adventurers who want to get off the beaten path.

Mesa Arch is a popular, short, postcard-perfect trail for hikers of all levels. For those with more outdoor experience, backpacking and four-wheel-drive-only backcountry driving opportunities are available.

Isle Royale National Park, an island in Lake Superior, is one of the least-visited national parks in the contiguous 48 states.

In my opinion, the park, only accessible by boat or seaplane, offers some of the most remote and pristine scenery in the US. There are plenty of opportunities to hike, canoe, camp, and view wildlife.

I've visited Utah's Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 documented arches, dozens of times.

I love hiking to the iconic Delicate Arch and visiting the Windows Section of the park, which has a high concentration of arches to view.

Due to the park's popularity, a timed-entry reservation is now required to visit the park on certain dates between April and October.

Oregon's Crater Lake National Park is endlessly fascinating. It's centered on its namesake lake, which is the deepest in the US.

The lake is unique in that no rivers flow in or out — it's sustained purely by rain and snow, giving it its famous clear blue color.

I love driving the scenic Rim Drive, stopping at the many overlooks, and hiking some of the 90 miles of hiking trails.

Made up of four large lakes and over 500 islands, you can't really experience Voyageurs National Park without getting out on the water.

I recommend staying at the Kettle Falls Hotel, which is the only lodging available within the park (other than camping and houseboating).

Like most of the park, the historic hotel is only accessible by water, and once you're there, it's an excellent jumping-off point for other activities.

Visiting the National Park of American Samoa was truly an adventure and one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Despite that, the cost, time, research, and intrepidness needed to visit means it likely won't be at the top of many travelers' lists.

If visiting from the US, there are just two flights each week from Honolulu to the small main island of Tutuila. From there, travelers are swept into a tropical paradise.

However, with very little tourism infrastructure, visitors need to be self-reliant and able to navigate independently. Although this isn't a typical national park, I think it's one of the most stunning, memorable, and unique.

Virgin Islands National Park takes up about 60% of the island of St. John. Here, visitors can relax on one of the white-sand beaches, snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, or hike to historic ruins.

Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah is famous for its unique hoodoos that create a magical and otherworldly landscape.

Hiking the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop trails are must-do experiences.

However, it's important to remember that the weather in the park can vary greatly. Because of the high elevation, Bryce Canyon can receive a lot of snow and become dangerous during lightning storms.

Great Smoky Mountains, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most-visited US national park.

This popular park is a great place to spend a fall weekend among the vibrant foliage or a summer day hiking one of the many scenic trails.

I love driving the 11-mile one-way loop at Cades Cove and hiking to one of the many waterfalls in the park — Laurel Falls and Rainbow Falls are favorites.

I loved my time in Katmai National Park, but getting there can be challenging. The park has no roads in or out, so visitors need to arrive by seaplane or boat.

Many travelers will spend their time at the Brooks Camp portion of the park, which has raised platforms for safe viewing of the roughly 2,200 brown bears.

Seeing so many bears in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the surrounding landscape is pristine.

I've been to Sequoia National Park in California several times and found it only gets better with each subsequent visit.

The park is known for its giant namesake trees and has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. There truly is something for everyone here.

Driving the entrance road to Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado feels completely surreal.

Home to the tallest dunes in North America, visiting this park feels like stepping onto another planet.

Hike the dunes, sandboard down them, or enjoy the seasonal snowmelt-formed Medano Creek, which forms a unique "Colorado beach" landscape at the base of the dunes.

Denali National Park in Alaska is home to Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. It's a place that will take your breath away, especially on a clear day.

I recommend taking a narrated bus tour to learn more about the park and spot wildlife along the way.

My favorite thing about Big Bend National Park is its diverse landscapes, which include mountains, rivers, and deserts.

I especially love visiting the dramatic Santa Elena Canyon, a gorge carved by the Rio Grande with impressive limestone walls up to 1,500 feet high.

Since it's accessible by car, Kenai Fjords is easier to get to than some of Alaska's other national parks.

The Harding Icefield, which spans 700 square miles, is a must-see. I also recommend taking a boat tour or kayak trip into the fjords, as most of the park can only be experienced by water.

Alaska's Gates of the Arctic was the least-visited national park last year, with just 11,907 recreational visits.

The gigantic park, covering 8.4 million acres of the Brooks Range, is located entirely north of the Arctic Circle and has no roads or trails in or out.

Despite being logistically challenging — and expensive — to visit, the sheer untouched wilderness is unlike anywhere else in the US. This bucket-list destination is for experienced travelers only, but in my opinion, it is well worth the effort it takes to get there.

In my opinion, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unique places in the US.

The park, which is made up of nearly 800,000 acres, is known for its namesake Joshua trees. It's perfect for hiking, climbing, camping, and scenic driving.

I love visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden and hiking the easy trail at Hidden Valley.

Hiking and driving through the thick forest of some of the tallest trees on Earth can only be described as magical.

Although the redwoods are the star here, many people are surprised to learn that the park is also home to 37 miles of coastline and sandy beaches — making for a perfect California getaway.

Redwood National and State Park is also unique in that it has been co-managed by the National Park Service and California Department of Parks and Recreation since a joint management agreement was signed in 1994.

Zion National Park in Utah has been increasing in popularity for several years. Last year, it was the second-most-visited park, with over 4.9 million visits.

Although I love the dramatic red canyon walls around the Virgin River, great hiking opportunities, and scenic drives, I don't rank it higher due to crowding.

In my opinion, Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West, is one of the most unique parks in the US.

Spanning 100 square miles, Dry Tortugas encompasses seven small islands and the surrounding coral reefs and waters.

Accessible only by ferry, boat, or seaplane, the park offers visitors a chance to experience natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant marine ecosystems.

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is like stepping into a postcard — and I'm lucky it's just up the road from my home in Colorado.

The park is jam-packed with scenic vistas, high mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and lush forests.

I love taking visitors to hike to the Emerald and Dream Lakes, drive Trail Ridge Road, and visit the quieter Wild Basin area of the park.

Seeing Mount Rainier up close on a clear day leaves me speechless. The tallest peak in the Cascade Range is unbelievably beautiful.

Known for its vibrant wildflowers in the summer months, anywhere you look in Mount Rainier National Park could be a painting.

I love visiting the popular Paradise area for day hiking, trekking through the Carbon River Rainforest, and driving the park's scenic loop.

California's Death Valley National Park feels different every time I visit.

The park is known for its scorching (and sometimes unsafe) summer temperatures, remote location, unique geology, and incredible size.

I love driving along Artist Drive, which winds in and out of vibrantly colored eroded hills, visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats, and exploring the expansive Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska is massive. However, no roads lead into the park, so visitors can only visit via boat or plane.

Home to over 1,000 glaciers, taking a tour through the bay is one of the most visually stunning and scientifically interesting things I have ever done.

Capitol Reef has always been my favorite park to visit in Utah.

This park is the second largest in the state (behind Canyonlands) and, in my opinion, feels much more remote than Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches.

I love to hike, take a scenic drive, and visit the historic Fruita orchards for pick-your-own fruit.

Despite being just a few hours outside Seattle, North Cascades is typically one of the least-visited national parks in the US.

However, it's also one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, with awe-inspiring and dramatic jagged peaks, glaciers, clear blue lakes, and alpine beauty.

This park is great for hiking, camping, and boating, and is a must-visit in the summer months.

Lake Clark is among the least-visited national parks, likely because it's so difficult to get to. There are no roads to the park, meaning travelers must arrive via plane or boat.

In my opinion, though, the extra expense and logistical challenges are worth it to see this stunning landscape.

In fact, the flight into and out of the park allowed me to take in some of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.

Yellowstone National Park covers an estimated 2.2 million acres in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.

The park is home to about half of the world's geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful.

With abundant wildlife and over 10,000 geothermal features, a trip to this iconic park should be on everyone's bucket list.

New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia might be a surprise entry to the top 10, but it more than deserves its spot.

The park is an unexpected Southern gem with rolling hills, beautiful hiking trails, and famed whitewater rafting.

It's also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third-highest in the US.

Grand Canyon National Park is an iconic destination that must be seen to be believed.

Standing at the rim and looking out over the vast canyon is an experience everyone should have at least once. If you're up for a challenge, head into the canyon to hike from a unique vantage point.

One of the parks I recommend most to new visitors is Olympic National Park. Located on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the park is easy to travel to but feels like entering a different world.

What I love most about Olympic is the diversity of its landscapes. The park is home to Hurricane Ridge, a mountain range that sees 30 to 35 feet of snow a year, and the Hoh Rainforest, which some say is the quietest place in the continental US.

With 73 miles of rocky coastline, there is an overwhelming amount of beauty here.

Acadia is known for its vibrant fall colors, but this park has plenty to offer year-round. It is the only major national park in New England and, in my opinion, is well worth the trip.

The summit of the park's Cadillac Mountain sees the first sunrise in the continental US from October 7 through March 6. But even if you don't catch the sunrise, there is so much beauty to see here.

I love to hike around Jordan Pond, head out to the quieter Schoodic Peninsula, and lounge on Sand Beach before heading up to the Ocean Path for an easy hike with incredible views.

Even after nearly a dozen visits, I still get emotional every time I enter Yosemite National Park. The towering granite cliffs in Yosemite Valley are a sight that can't be accurately depicted in any photo or video.

In my opinion, Yosemite is one place where the reality is always better than what you see online. I love to hike around the valley, in the quieter Tuolumne Meadows, and among the towering sequoias of Mariposa Grove.

Glacier National Park is unlike any other in terms of pure beauty. Traveling along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is, in my opinion, the most beautiful drive in America.

Visiting this park never gets old, from the glaciers to the clear lakes, challenging hiking trails, historic lodges, and abundant wildlife.

Despite having love for every major US national park, I knew one would be at the top of my list from the first time I laid eyes on it.

To me, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is unlike any other park. With the uniquely shaped mountain peaks that tower dramatically above the many blue lakes, hiking trails, and rivers, it feels like stepping into a postcard at every turn.

I love to camp at Colter Bay, swim in Jackson Lake, float on the Snake River, and hike in Cascade Canyon.

Acadia National Park is known for its fall foliage and great hiking trails. It's also the first location to see the sunrise in the continental US from October 7 to March 6.

Though all of these things play a part in why I continually go back to Acadia, what I love the most is the park's rugged coastline and proximity to Bar Harbor.

Drive, walk, bus, or bike just 1.3 miles from the quaint town of Bar Harbor, and you're in one of the country's most scenic national parks.

The park's modest size is also a blessing in disguise. You can either quickly see the highlights or spend a longer time at each stop without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, which, for me, has created a stronger connection to the park.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming was one of the first I visited solo. From the second the Teton Range came into view through my windshield, I knew it would be the place I would return to more than any other.

With challenging hikes, unique, jutting mountain peaks, and crystal-blue alpine lakes, this park always has something new to discover.

Grand Teton is close to Jackson, Wyoming, and is the only national park with a commercial airport entirely within its boundaries. I love that the park feels remote but is relatively easy to visit.

West Virginia's New River Gorge was named the 63rd US national park in 2021. Though its status changed only a few years ago, I've already visited several times and plan to return.

This park is easily accessible and has activities and beauty to impress even the most well-traveled park visitor.

I recommend spending the day hiking, driving, or even white water rafting in this stunning and unique part of the country.

Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park is an incredible sight to see. Encompassing more than 8.4 million acres of land entirely north of the Arctic Circle, the second-largest US national park is also the least visited — with just 11,907 visitors making the trek in 2024.

Getting there is part of the adventure, as there are no roads or established trails to enter the park. Because of this, though, I had to book a series of three flights to get there — the last of which cost $1,750 roundtrip.

Though it was definitely worth seeing the incredible landscapes of the Brooks Range, because of the logistics and cost, I probably won't be visiting more than once.

One of the last parks I visited was also one I was most excited about: Katmai National Park in Alaska.

Though I loved my time hiking and observing the large population of brown bears, I most likely won't return because of costs and logistics.

Similar to other parks in Alaska, no roads connect it to other parts of the state, so visitors must fly or boat in. I flew to King Salmon, Alaska, on a charter plane and then to Brooks Falls on a seaplane for a total of $1,350.

Another reason I'm glad I visited just once is because it truly is a wilderness park, with much of it being backcountry and less than 6 miles of maintained trails. At the end of the day, I'm not comfortable exploring bear country alone as a solo traveler.

The National Park of American Samoa is extraordinary and unique, not just as a national park but also simply as a destination.

The park, which is the only National Park Service site south of the equator, will forever be one of my favorite unique national park trips. Though I'd love to return, it's unlikely I will because of logistics. After all, the park is one of the most remote in the US.

Only two flights make the nearly six-hour journey from Honolulu to Pago Pago, American Samoa, each week — and each roundtrip flight costs at least $1,000.

Planning is also a little complex from there, as there's little tourism infrastructure. But there's something very special to me about having what can accurately be described as a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

This story was originally published on November 9, 2024, and most recently updated on May 16, 2025.

I think Capitol Reef is the most underrated national park.

Set in central Utah, away from more popular tourist hubs like Zion and Moab, this park is a haven for camping amid crumbling rust-red cliffs, exploring secluded slot canyons, and hiking to enormous sandstone arches.

Book a site at the Fruita Campground or nab a cabin at nearby Capitol Reef Resort for the best red-rock views in town.

Be sure to spend a day ambling around the park's stunning trail system, checking out the easy trek through Grand Wash and the thigh-burning hike up to Cassidy Arch along the way.

Gates of the Arctic is one of the least-visited national parks, perhaps because it takes a flight to Fairbanks, a transfer to tiny Bettles or Coldfoot, and a bumpy ride in a bush plane to get to it.

However, once you lay eyes on the magnificent Brooks Range and its miles of unspoiled tundra, you'll see the journey is worth it.

Rather than a pricey, half-day flightseeing tour, which won't actually get you hiking inside the park, splurge on a river-rafting journey with a guiding service like Alaska Alpine Adventures.

Or, if you're feeling fit, embark on a backpacking trip to the toothy Arrigetch Peaks, which absolutely blew my mind in person.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best places in the country to view incredible wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle.

On my three-day visit to the park, I witnessed a rattlesnake slither across the trail, spent hours photographing playful prairie dogs, watched coyotes take in the sunrise near a herd of wild horses, and got caught up in a bison traffic jam.

Be sure to get out and stretch your legs on the park's hundreds of miles of trails, too. The Painted Canyon Nature Trail overlooks striking coral- and rust-hued badlands, and the hike to Sperati Point offers a sweeping view of the Little Missouri River and the Little Missouri National Grassland.

If you're the kind of outdoor enthusiast who's a jack of all trades, master of none, New River Gorge might be your new favorite park.

There's something for everyone at America's newest national park, which only just got its designation in 2020. It has world-class rafting and excellent rock climbing, plus forest trails along the ravine that parallels the New River.

Set up base camp in a homey cabin at Adventures on the Gorge. If you're feeling brave, book a death-defying Bridge Walk, which allows visitors to explore the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

After growing up in flat, humid East Texas, I was shocked to learn that there's a whole wonderland of high peaks and rocky, view-filled trails in the state's far western corner.

A haven for float trips down the mighty Rio Grande, steamy hot springs, and epic camping inside the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend is a nature-filled oasis, situated just south of the artsy towns of Marfa and Terlingua.

Intrepid travelers will want to make a beeline for Santa Elena Canyon, the park's most famous ravine, and either hike its short, riverfront trail or book an all-day rafting trip to marvel at its honey-tinted limestone walls.

For an up-close look at Big Bend's rocky summits, spend a few hours traipsing around the Window Trail. After a day of big adventures, rest in a chic, modern casita at Willow House or a funky camper at El Cosmico.

Set in the High Sierra, between the more famous Sequoia and Yosemite national parks, Kings Canyon is an underrated (and often less-crowded) gem for serious hikers and backpackers.

Although I'd visited the park many times, I first fell head-over-heels in love with it while trekking across its entirety on the John Muir Trail.

Want a shaded day hike with views of a roaring waterfall? Check out the 8-mile round-trip loop out to Mist Falls — and be sure to pack a picnic lunch.

If you prefer an overnight backpacking excursion, hike in from the South Fork of Bishop Creek and wander around the alpine lakes of Dusy Basin.

Either way, pass through the tiny town of Big Pine and head to Copper Top BBQ for the best pulled-pork sandwich in the state.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to the gorgeous 'Akaka Falls State Park. Named for the dramatic 442-foot 'Akaka Falls waterfall, the park is a must-visit in the area.

The small park packs a big punch, with a short trail through lush tropical greenery leading to the picturesque falls.

Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah is less than 30 miles from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. However, in my opinion, it doesn't get the recognition it deserves.

The park is home to an overlook with a breathtaking view of the Colorado River, which sits 2,000 feet below the rim.

Hike, bike, or camp at this International Dark Sky Park for dramatic views of the river and the surrounding canyons.

California is an outdoor-lovers paradise, with nine major national parks (the most of any US state) and 280 state-park units. However, its largest state park is one you may not have heard of: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

The 600,000-acre park in Southern California, famed for its wildflower blooms, has a mix of desert landscapes, rugged mountains, palm oases, and sweeping vistas.

After you're done exploring the park, head to the nearby Galleta Meadows to find 130 large metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda.

Franconia Notch State Park is in the heart of the White Mountains, with scenic drives, challenging hikes, and gorgeous photo opportunities.

I love hiking through the popular Flume Gorge, a natural chasm that extends 800 feet, with boardwalks snaking through granite cliffs, moss-covered walls, and cascading waterfalls.

I recommend visiting in the fall to hike the popular Artist's Bluff Trail and enjoy the vibrant fall foliage.

In my opinion, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is the very definition of "otherworldly." It's located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas and is Nevada's oldest and largest state park.

Valley of Fire, named for its stunning red-sandstone formations, is an amazing destination for a scenic drive, gorgeous photo opportunities, hiking, and camping.

The Oregon Coast is one of my favorite places in the country, and Ecola State Park is a big reason I love the area so much.

The coastal park offers some of the most iconic views of the rugged Oregon coastline, including Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.

Driving into this park, which is surrounded by temperate rainforest, feels like being transported into a fairytale.

For a low-key day, I recommend visiting the beach or picnicking in the park. If you're in the mood to hike, some of my favorite trails include Clatsop Loop and Indian Beach.

I've visited all 50 states, but Maine is one of my favorite places to travel to. I particularly love the DownEast area of coastal communities, where Quoddy Head State Park is located.

The park is home to the iconic West Quoddy Head Light, which is the easternmost point of the contiguous US.

I recommend spending time hiking along the Coastal Trail and keeping a lookout for whales.