The five most beautiful parks in America. Yes, you read that right.
In this article, we’ve put together a ranking of the most breathtaking places to visit in the Land of the Free, and we’ll also reveal how to see them all in one trip (or almost).
Ready? Let’s go!
Here is the Top Five of the best parks in the Land of the Free
#1 Sequoia National Park (California)
We’re telling you: everything you’ve heard is true — Sequoia National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in America.
It’s impossible to imagine the size of its awe-inspiring sequoias until you see them in person. Huge, stunning to admire — almost unbelievable.
Here are the top three things to do in the park:
- see the General Sherman Tree (the largest tree in the world);
- hike the Congress Trail;
- go hiking in the Giant Forest.
The best time to visit Sequoia National Park is definitely from June to August, because the temperatures are ideal for hiking.
If you’d like to see this landscape covered in snow, we recommend visiting Sequoia National Park in winter.
#2 Yosemite National Park (California)
As you might expect, Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in America, and it fills up with visitors for good reason.
The towering granite cliffs take center stage in this breathtaking national park, while rushing waterfalls dot a landscape surrounded by magnificent sequoias: when it comes to dreamlike scenery, it doesn’t get any better than this.
Here’s why Yosemite is often considered the most beautiful national park in America:
- it attracts crowds of visitors every year, making it the third most visited national park in America;
- it is home to more than 400 species of wildlife;
- you can admire the iconic granite towers, known around the world for their unmatched beauty.
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is between April and May or September and October, to avoid the crowds.
Read also: Northern Lights: the best time to enjoy the spectacle in 2023
#3 Grand Canyon National Park (USA by bus)
The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most iconic national parks: you simply can’t make a list of American national parks without mentioning it, and for good reason.
At 1,904 square miles, Grand Canyon National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island and the second most visited park in the USA.
It’s not uncommon for the Grand Canyon to stir powerful emotions in visitors. The vast landscape is carved by the snake-like Colorado River, creating a dramatic setting with a mesmerizing charm.
How can a place like this even exist? It’s absolutely incredible!
Grand Canyon National Park is one of those places where photos can never do it justice — you have to feel it in person (and trust us, hold on tight!).
The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park? Definitely fall and spring (summer is best avoided because of the heat).
#4 Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is so often associated with Coachella that it’s easy to forget it’s not just a giant Instagram thirst trap.
Long known as a weekend getaway for Los Angeles college students and celebrities with second homes in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree seems to become more beloved every year, as shown by its 3.1 million visitors in 2021; most passionate and experienced hikers crowd its impressive rock faces for climbing or follow the trails winding among the twisted trees that gave the park its name.
The dry, arid desert is also home to 501 archaeological sites, the town of the same name, and eclectic gems such as UFO-shaped houses and ‘ghost’ towns turned into live music venues.
Camping among these rugged geological features — not to mention stargazing — is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
#5 Death Valley
Death Valley got its name from the failed attempts of pioneers desperately trying to find a route through the southern Sierra Nevada mountains.
Poor souls.
It’s a hot, dry place that shows no mercy. But these days, don’t worry — your chances of making it out alive are pretty good.
What at first seems like a vast beige-colored landscape rewards visitors who take a closer look. Its solid, uncompromising geology is exactly what makes Death Valley such a great American national park.
With its 1.34 million hectares, it is the largest national park in the United States, but many of its most important sights are concentrated in its central area.
Top sunrise spots include Mesquite Dunes and Zabriskie Point:
- Mesquite Dunes are ideal for the morning light and shadows;
- Zabriskie Point offers extraordinary views and textured hills as the rising sun lights up the Panamint Mountains in the distance.
The best place for sunset, on the other hand, is Badwater Basin, a vast salt flat.
For an incredible geological landscape, head to Artist Palette Drive. In this canyon, the usually beige rocks give way to a rainbow of green, pink, and white.
The best place to learn about local mining history is the ghost town of Rhyolite. Rhyolite is an excellent example of the rapid boom and bust of California’s mining history.
Read also: Machu Picchu: a wonder of the modern world you absolutely have to visit
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve explored some of the most beautiful parks in the United States of America.
By the way, did you know that here at Sto Gran Tour we’ve put together an amazing tour that just so happens to stop at these stunning parks?!
