4 Best National Parks To Visit In The USA

Whether it's summer or winter (or even if you're seeking fall foliage), a U.S. national park is always a good idea for those who seek solace, solitude and some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. And while all national parks are worthy of your time and care, we consider these parks to be among the most scenic in the country to bask in the great outdoors (think places like Arches National Park in Utah and Yosemite in California). So whether you're hiking in the Rockies or camping at the Grand Canyon or just about anything else you can do in the fresh air, these national parks in the USA are where you need to be this summer.

# Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

This natural wonder cradles two billion years of geologic history, with 40 layers of rock shaped into buttes, spires and cliffs. Carved by the Colorado River, the 277-mile gorge is magisterial from any perspective, but it’s thrilling to venture below the rim.

The safest place to start is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which follows an ancient route past sculpted sandstone to a cottonwood oasis. For an overnight at the Grand Canyon, hikers can switchback steeply down to the river, a mile below the rim, where secluded campsites reward the effort.

Look for elk, mountain lions and condors along the way, plus the 1,000 species of plants that survive in this semi-arid desert.

# Yellowstone National Park, WY

Fun fact: America’s first national park is bigger than Rhode Island and has been a jewel in the NPS's crown since 1872. Critters are everywhere in Yellowstone; geysers spurt regularly; sulphurous lakes bubble and boil; and massive waterfalls glint in the sun. Plus, don’t be surprised if you spot buffalo wandering right down the center divider of the two-lane road that connects the park. With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are awesomely plentiful.

# Zion National Park, UT

You've seen Utah's wild landscape in almost every John Wayne western, but now its time to see it for yourself. The incredible thing about Zion National Park is that it hasn't changed an iota over the years—you'll see the same massive sandstone formations, twisty caves and dark skies bursting with stars that Wayne himself walked through and people have been admiring for thousands of years. Mosey to spectacular overlooks, hike to Emerald Pools, walk to Weeping Rock, or stroll on Riverside Walk and you'll get a sense of the grandeur of this spectacular national park.

# Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses 415 square miles of breathtaking, protected mountain wilderness. With more than 300 miles of trails, panoramic vistas of snowcapped peaks, picturesque meadows, valleys, and meandering rivers, and Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the United States, hitting 12,183 feet in elevation), the choose-your-own-adventure options are endless. Hike it, bike it, fish it, climb it, drive it, camp it, photograph it…or all of the above.