US National Parks – Adventure Exposure

For as long as I can remember, national parks have been some of my favorite places to spend time. Growing up in Utah meant being surrounded by incredible landscapes, and trips to places like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Canyonlands were a regular part of life. Those parks showed me early on just how incredible the natural beauty of this country can be.

But the more time I spent exploring them, the more I realized how many other landscapes exist beyond the places I had grown up with. Every park protects something different — towering mountains, massive canyons, deserts, forests, coastlines, and ecosystems that exist nowhere else.

This project is about exploring those places and experiencing the beauty that the national park system preserves. But just visiting a park isn’t enough. Each one deserves time and intention, whether that means hiking a trail, exploring the landscape, spending a few days in the area, or taking on something unique that makes the experience meaningful.

The goal is simple: explore the national parks and experience the incredible beauty and diversity of landscapes that exist across the United States.

Location: Maine

Established: 1916

Area: 49,075 acres

Annual Visitors: ~4 million

Best Known For: Rugged Atlantic coastline, granite mountains, and dramatic ocean views.

Landscape Type: Rocky coastal mountains, forests, lakes, and ocean shoreline.

Notable Features

Cadillac Mountain, one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise for much of the year
45 miles of historic carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Jordan Pond and the surrounding peaks known as the Bubbles
One of the few U.S. national parks located directly on the Atlantic coast

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Peregrine falcons
Harbor seals
Bald eagles

Signature Experiences

Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
Drive the scenic Park Loop Road
Walk the Jordan Pond Path
Hike the Beehive Trail or Precipice Trail

Iconic Viewpoint

Cadillac Mountain summit overlooking Frenchman Bay.

Location: American Samoa

Established: 1988

Area: 8,257 acres

Annual Visitors: ~28,000

Best Known For: Remote tropical rainforests, volcanic islands, and coral reefs in the South Pacific.

Landscape Type: Tropical rainforest, volcanic mountains, coastal cliffs, and coral reef ecosystems.

Notable Features

The only U.S. national park located south of the equator
Spread across three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Taʻū
Protects one of the most pristine coral reef systems in the United States
Managed through a unique partnership with local Samoan villages

Wildlife

Flying fox fruit bats
Pacific reef fish and coral species
Sea turtles
Tropical birds including the Many-colored Fruit Dove

Signature Experiences

Hiking the Mount Alava Trail on Tutuila Island
Snorkeling in the waters of Ofu Beach
Exploring rainforest trails on Taʻū Island
Visiting traditional Samoan villages near the park

Iconic Viewpoint

The coastal view from Mount Alava overlooking Pago Pago Harbor.

Location: South Dakota

Established: 1978

Area: 244,000 acres

Annual Visitors: ~1 million

Best Known For: Dramatic eroded buttes, pinnacles, and layered rock formations revealing millions of years of geological history.

Landscape Type: Eroded badlands formations, mixed-grass prairie, and fossil-rich sedimentary rock.

Notable Features

One of the richest fossil beds in North America
Dramatic layered rock formations shaped by erosion
Large protected mixed-grass prairie ecosystem
The park’s remote Sage Creek Wilderness Area

Wildlife

American bison
Bighorn sheep
Black-footed ferrets (one of the rarest mammals in North America)
Prairie dogs

Signature Experiences

Driving the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240)
Hiking the Notch Trail with its ladder climb and canyon views
Visiting Big Badlands Overlook and Yellow Mounds Overlook
Watching wildlife around Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Iconic Viewpoint

Big Badlands Overlook looking across the park’s colorful eroded formations.

Location: Texas

Established: 1944

Area: 801,163 acres

Annual Visitors: ~500,000

Best Known For: Vast desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and dramatic bends of the Rio Grande along the U.S.–Mexico border.

Landscape Type: Chihuahuan Desert, river canyons, and mountainous terrain.

Notable Features

One of the largest and most remote national parks in the continental United States
Protects a major portion of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem
The Rio Grande forms over 100 miles of the park’s southern boundary
Exceptional dark sky conditions, among the darkest in the U.S.

Wildlife

Black bears
Mountain lions
Javelinas
Roadrunners and other desert birds

Signature Experiences

Hiking the Santa Elena Canyon Trail along the Rio Grande
Driving the scenic Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Hiking to the South Rim in the Chisos Mountains
Stargazing under some of the darkest skies in North America

Iconic Viewpoint

The view into Santa Elena Canyon where the Rio Grande cuts through towering canyon walls.

Location: Florida
Established: 1980
Area: 172,971 acres
Annual Visitors: ~700,000
Best Known For: Clear tropical waters, coral reefs, and mangrove islands protecting one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the United States.
Landscape Type: Marine park with coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and small tropical islands.

Notable Features

Nearly 95% of the park is water
Protects part of the Florida Reef, the only living coral reef system in the continental United States
Historic shipwrecks preserved along the Maritime Heritage Trail
Mangrove shorelines and small islands known as the Florida Keys

Wildlife

Manatees
Bottlenose dolphins
Sea turtles
Tropical reef fish and coral species

Signature Experiences

Snorkeling or diving on the coral reefs
Exploring the Biscayne Maritime Heritage Trail shipwrecks
Kayaking through mangrove forests
Visiting Boca Chita Key and its historic lighthouse

Iconic Viewpoint

The turquoise waters and coral reefs surrounding Boca Chita Key in Biscayne Bay.

Location: Colorado
Established: 1999
Area: 30,750 acres
Annual Visitors: ~350,000
Best Known For: Steep, narrow canyon walls carved by the Gunnison River, creating some of the most dramatic cliffs in North America.
Landscape Type: Deep canyon, sheer rock walls, river gorge, and high desert terrain.

Notable Features

Some of the steepest cliffs and oldest exposed rock in North America
Parts of the canyon receive only minutes of direct sunlight each day, giving it the name “Black Canyon”
The Gunnison River drops rapidly through the canyon with powerful rapids
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional stargazing opportunities

Wildlife

Mule deer
Bighorn sheep
Golden eagles
Black bears

Signature Experiences

Driving the South Rim Drive and stopping at scenic overlooks
Hiking the Warner Point Nature Trail
Viewing the canyon from Painted Wall Overlook, home to Colorado’s tallest cliff
Exploring the rugged North Rim for more remote views

Iconic Viewpoint

Painted Wall Overlook featuring Colorado’s tallest cliff rising above the Gunnison River canyon.

Location: Utah
Established: 1928
Area: 35,835 acres
Annual Visitors: ~2.7 million
Best Known For: Massive amphitheaters filled with colorful hoodoos and some of the most unique rock formations in the world.
Landscape Type: High desert plateau, natural amphitheaters, hoodoos, and forested highlands.

Notable Features

Home to the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth
Series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau
Elevation ranges from approximately 8,000–9,000 feet, making it much cooler than many nearby desert parks
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional night sky viewing

Wildlife

Mule deer
Pronghorn
Utah prairie dogs
Ravens and peregrine falcons

Signature Experiences

Hiking the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail through the hoodoos
Watching sunrise at Sunrise Point or Bryce Point
Driving the Southern Scenic Drive through the park
Stargazing under Bryce Canyon’s exceptionally dark skies

Iconic Viewpoint

Sunrise at Bryce Point overlooking Bryce Amphitheater filled with towering hoodoos.

Location: Utah
Established: 1964
Area: 337,598 acres
Annual Visitors: ~900,000
Best Known For: Vast canyon systems, dramatic desert landscapes, and terrain carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Landscape Type: Desert canyons, mesas, buttes, arches, and rugged backcountry terrain.

Notable Features

Divided into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves
Shaped over millions of years by the Colorado River and Green River
Home to some of the most remote and rugged backcountry terrain in the National Park System
Features towering mesas, deep canyons, and extensive sandstone formations

Wildlife

Desert bighorn sheep
Mule deer
Coyotes
Golden eagles and other birds of prey

Signature Experiences

Visiting Mesa Arch at sunrise in the Island in the Sky district
Driving the scenic Grand View Point Road
Exploring the colorful rock formations of The Needles
Overlooking the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers

Iconic Viewpoint

Mesa Arch at sunrise overlooking the canyons and distant La Sal Mountains.

Location: Utah
Established: 1971
Area: 241,904 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1.4 million
Best Known For: The Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and colorful sandstone formations.
Landscape Type: Desert canyons, sandstone cliffs, domes, monoliths, and rugged high desert terrain.

Notable Features

Home to the Waterpocket Fold, one of North America’s largest exposed monoclines
Historic Fruita District with orchards planted by early settlers
White sandstone domes that inspired the park’s “Capitol” name
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional stargazing opportunities

Wildlife

Desert bighorn sheep
Mule deer
Coyotes
Golden eagles and other desert birds

Signature Experiences

Driving the Scenic Drive through the heart of the park
Hiking to Hickman Bridge
Exploring Capitol Gorge and its historic pioneer inscriptions
Visiting the Fruita orchards and picking seasonal fruit when available

Iconic Viewpoint

The view of the Waterpocket Fold and surrounding cliffs from Panorama Point.

Location: New Mexico
Established: 1930
Area: 46,766 acres
Annual Visitors: ~400,000
Best Known For: Massive underground cave systems filled with enormous chambers, intricate formations, and one of the largest cave entrances in North America.
Landscape Type: Desert mountains, limestone caves, underground chambers, and rugged canyon terrain.

Notable Features

More than 119 known caves within the park
Home to the Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America
Famous seasonal bat flights featuring hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats
Formed by sulfuric acid dissolving limestone over millions of years rather than traditional water erosion

Wildlife

Brazilian free-tailed bats
Mule deer
Rock squirrels
Desert reptiles and birds

Signature Experiences

Walking the Natural Entrance Trail into the cave system
Exploring the Big Room Trail underground
Watching the evening bat flight program during warmer months
Driving through the scenic desert landscapes of the surrounding Guadalupe Mountains region

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from the Natural Entrance looking down into the massive opening descending into Carlsbad Caverns.

Location: California
Established: 1980
Area: 249,561 acres
Annual Visitors: ~325,000
Best Known For: Remote island landscapes, unique wildlife found nowhere else, and pristine coastal ecosystems often called the “Galápagos of North America.”
Landscape Type: Coastal islands, sea cliffs, beaches, canyons, marine ecosystems, and rugged terrain.

Notable Features

Protects five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara
Isolation led to the evolution of species found nowhere else on Earth
Surrounded by one of the richest marine ecosystems on the West Coast
Over 2,000 plant and animal species live within the park and surrounding waters

Wildlife

Island foxes
California sea lions
Harbor seals
Whales, dolphins, and seabirds

Signature Experiences

Kayaking through the sea caves of Santa Cruz Island
Hiking on Santa Rosa Island
Snorkeling or diving in kelp forests
Watching whales and wildlife from boat tours between the islands

Iconic Viewpoint

Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island overlooking sea cliffs, ocean views, and the historic lighthouse.

Location: South Carolina
Established: 2003
Area: 26,692 acres
Annual Visitors: ~250,000
Best Known For: One of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States and some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S.
Landscape Type: Floodplain forest, swamps, wetlands, and bottomland hardwood ecosystems.

Notable Features

Contains one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland forests in North America
Home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States
The park floods naturally as surrounding rivers overflow, shaping the ecosystem
Famous for seasonal synchronous fireflies, where thousands flash in coordinated patterns

Wildlife

River otters
White-tailed deer
Wild pigs
Barred owls and other wetland birds

Signature Experiences

Walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail through the forest canopy
Canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek
Viewing the synchronous fireflies during late spring
Exploring old-growth forest trails and floodplain landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

The elevated Boardwalk Loop winding through towering cypress trees and old-growth forest.

Location: Oregon
Established: 1902
Area: 183,224 acres
Annual Visitors: ~550,000
Best Known For: The deepest lake in the United States, famous for its incredibly deep blue water and volcanic origins.
Landscape Type: Volcanic caldera, alpine forests, mountain terrain, and deep freshwater lake ecosystems.

Notable Features

Formed approximately 7,700 years ago after the collapse of Mount Mazama
Home to the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet
Water comes almost entirely from rainfall and snowmelt, creating exceptional clarity
Features Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone rising from the lake

Wildlife

Black bears
Mule deer
Clark’s nutcrackers
Pikas and other alpine species

Signature Experiences

Driving the Rim Drive around the caldera
Hiking Garfield Peak Trail for panoramic views
Taking a boat tour to Wizard Island
Watching sunrise or sunset from the rim overlooks

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Watchman Overlook looking across Crater Lake toward Wizard Island and the surrounding caldera walls.

Location: Ohio
Established: 2000
Area: 32,572 acres
Annual Visitors: ~2.9 million
Best Known For: Scenic forests, waterfalls, and preserving a natural corridor between the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron.
Landscape Type: Forested river valley, rolling hills, wetlands, and waterfalls.

Notable Features

Protects the Cuyahoga River Valley, whose name means “crooked river”
Home to the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Features numerous waterfalls and forested landscapes within a heavily populated region
One of the few national parks closely integrated with surrounding communities and towns

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Beavers
Great blue herons
Red foxes and other woodland animals

Signature Experiences

Visiting Brandywine Falls, the park’s most famous waterfall
Biking or walking the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Hiking trails through forests and river landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

The boardwalk overlook at Brandywine Falls with the waterfall cascading through the surrounding forest.

Location: California and Nevada
Established: 1994
Area: 3,422,024 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1.1 million
Best Known For: Extreme desert landscapes, record-breaking heat, and the lowest point in North America.
Landscape Type: Desert basins, salt flats, sand dunes, rugged mountains, and colorful badlands.

Notable Features

Home to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level
Holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth at 134°F (56.7°C)
Largest national park in the contiguous United States
Features massive elevation changes from below sea level to high mountain peaks

Wildlife

Desert bighorn sheep
Coyotes
Roadrunners
Kangaroo rats and other desert-adapted species

Signature Experiences

Walking across the salt flats at Badwater Basin
Watching sunrise at Zabriskie Point
Exploring the colorful landscape of Artist’s Drive and Artist Palette
Visiting Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Iconic Viewpoint

Zabriskie Point overlooking the colorful eroded badlands at sunrise.

Location: Alaska
Established: 1917
Area: 4,740,912 acres
Annual Visitors: ~500,000
Best Known For: Home to North America’s tallest mountain and vast wilderness filled with wildlife and untouched landscapes.
Landscape Type: Alpine tundra, glaciated mountains, boreal forest, and remote wilderness.

Notable Features

Home to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet
Covers over 6 million acres when including the preserve
One of the best places in North America for large wildlife viewing
Only a small portion of the park is accessible by private vehicle, with most visitors using the park shuttle system

Wildlife

Grizzly bears
Moose
Caribou
Dall sheep

Signature Experiences

Traveling the Denali Park Road by shuttle or tour bus
Viewing Denali from overlooks on clear days
Wildlife viewing across the tundra landscape
Hiking and backcountry exploration in one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the United States

Iconic Viewpoint

The view of Denali rising above the Alaska Range from Eielson Visitor Center on a clear day.

Location: Florida
Established: 1992
Area: 64,701 acres
Annual Visitors: ~85,000
Best Known For: Remote tropical islands, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and the massive historic Fort Jefferson.
Landscape Type: Tropical islands, coral reefs, marine ecosystems, beaches, and open ocean.

Notable Features

Approximately 99% of the park is water
Home to Fort Jefferson, one of the largest masonry forts in the Western Hemisphere
Located about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by boat or seaplane
Protects coral reefs, shipwrecks, and important nesting areas for seabirds and sea turtles

Wildlife

Sea turtles
Frigatebirds
Tropical reef fish
Dolphins and other marine species

Signature Experiences

Exploring Fort Jefferson
Snorkeling around coral reefs and historic shipwrecks
Visiting Garden Key and surrounding beaches
Taking a ferry or seaplane journey across the Gulf waters

Iconic Viewpoint

Fort Jefferson surrounded by turquoise water and coral reefs on Garden Key.

Location: Florida
Established: 1934
Area: 1,508,976 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1 million
Best Known For: Vast subtropical wetlands and one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, often called the “River of Grass.”
Landscape Type: Wetlands, marshes, mangrove forests, coastal estuaries, and subtropical ecosystems.

Notable Features

Protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States
Home to the famous River of Grass, a slow-moving sheet of water flowing across South Florida
The only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles naturally coexist
Designated as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance

Wildlife

American alligators
American crocodiles
Florida panthers
Manatees and numerous wading birds

Signature Experiences

Walking the Anhinga Trail for close wildlife viewing
Taking an airboat tour near the Everglades region
Visiting Shark Valley and biking or riding the tram loop
Exploring mangrove tunnels by kayak or canoe

Iconic Viewpoint

The observation tower at Shark Valley overlooking the endless River of Grass stretching across the Everglades.

Location: Alaska
Established: 1980
Area: 8,472,506 acres
Annual Visitors: ~12,000
Best Known For: One of the most remote and untouched wilderness areas in the United States with no roads, trails, or developed infrastructure.
Landscape Type: Arctic tundra, rugged mountains, wild rivers, boreal forest, and remote wilderness.

Notable Features

The second-largest national park in the United States
Contains no roads, established trails, or developed campgrounds
Located entirely north of the Arctic Circle
Named after the dramatic mountain peaks known as the Gates of the Arctic

Wildlife

Caribou
Grizzly bears
Dall sheep
Wolves and Arctic foxes

Signature Experiences

Flying into the park by bush plane for remote backcountry access
Backpacking through untouched Arctic wilderness
Floating wild rivers such as the Noatak or Kobuk region waterways
Viewing the Northern Lights during appropriate seasons

Iconic Viewpoint

The view through the Gates of the Arctic mountain peaks along the North Fork of the Koyukuk River.

Location: Alaska
Established: 1980
Area: 3,223,384 acres
Annual Visitors: ~700,000
Best Known For: Massive tidewater glaciers, dramatic fjords, and incredible marine wildlife in one of the world’s largest protected ecosystems.
Landscape Type: Glaciers, fjords, coastal mountains, temperate rainforest, and marine wilderness.

Notable Features

Contains more than 1,000 glaciers, including several active tidewater glaciers
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest internationally protected areas
Glaciers have dramatically retreated over the last few centuries, revealing rapidly changing landscapes
Most of the park is accessible only by boat or aircraft

Wildlife

Humpback whales
Sea otters
Brown bears
Mountain goats

Signature Experiences

Taking a Glacier Bay boat tour through the fjords
Watching glaciers calve into the ocean
Whale watching in protected waters
Kayaking along the remote coastline and inlets

Iconic Viewpoint

The view of Margerie Glacier towering above Glacier Bay as ice breaks into the water below.

Location: Arizona
Established: 1919
Area: 1,217,403 acres
Annual Visitors: ~4.7 million
Best Known For: One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, carved by the Colorado River and revealing nearly two billion years of geological history.
Landscape Type: Desert canyon, plateaus, cliffs, river gorge, and high desert terrain.

Notable Features

The canyon stretches approximately 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep
Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years
Exposes nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Wildlife

California condors
Desert bighorn sheep
Elk
Mule deer

Signature Experiences

Watching sunrise or sunset from Mather Point or Yavapai Point
Hiking part of the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail
Driving the Desert View Drive scenic route
Viewing the Colorado River from overlooks along the South Rim

Iconic Viewpoint

Hopi Point overlooking the Colorado River and layered canyon walls at sunset.

Location: Wyoming
Established: 1929
Area: 310,044 acres
Annual Visitors: ~3.5 million
Best Known For: Dramatic jagged mountain peaks rising abruptly above alpine lakes and the Jackson Hole valley.
Landscape Type: Alpine mountains, glacial lakes, forests, rivers, and mountain valleys.

Notable Features

Home to the Teton Range, one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America
Features the iconic Grand Teton, rising to 13,775 feet
Contains numerous glacial lakes including Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake
Located directly south of Yellowstone, creating part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Wildlife

Moose
Grizzly bears
Bison
Elk and bald eagles

Signature Experiences

Visiting Jenny Lake and hiking to Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point
Driving the scenic Teton Park Road
Viewing wildlife in Antelope Flats or Oxbow Bend
Watching sunrise or sunset across the mountain range

Iconic Viewpoint

Schwabacher Landing reflecting the Teton Range across still water at sunrise.

Location: Nevada
Established: 1986
Area: 77,180 acres
Annual Visitors: ~145,000
Best Known For: Ancient bristlecone pine forests, limestone caves, and isolated mountain landscapes rising from the desert.
Landscape Type: Desert basin, alpine mountains, caves, forests, and high-elevation ecosystems.

Notable Features

Home to some of the world’s oldest living trees, the ancient bristlecone pines
Features Lehman Caves, a decorated limestone cave system filled with formations
Contains dramatic elevation changes from desert floor to alpine environments
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional stargazing opportunities

Wildlife

Mule deer
Mountain lions
Pikas
Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

Touring Lehman Caves
Hiking to Bristlecone Pine Grove
Driving the scenic Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
Stargazing beneath some of the darkest skies in the continental United States

Iconic Viewpoint

The view of Wheeler Peak rising above the surrounding desert basin landscape.

Location: Colorado
Established: 2004
Area: 149,137 acres
Annual Visitors: ~500,000
Best Known For: Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America set against a backdrop of towering mountains.
Landscape Type: Sand dunes, alpine mountains, wetlands, forests, and desert ecosystems.

Notable Features

Contains the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching over 750 feet high
Formed by wind patterns and sediment trapped against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Includes a surprising mix of dunes, alpine environments, wetlands, and forests
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park with excellent stargazing opportunities

Wildlife

Mule deer
Elk
Coyotes
Kangaroo rats and other desert-adapted species

Signature Experiences

Climbing High Dune or Star Dune
Sandboarding or sand sledding on the dunes
Wading through Medano Creek during seasonal flow periods
Stargazing beneath exceptionally dark skies

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from the dunes looking toward the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains at sunset.

Location: Tennessee and North Carolina
Established: 1934
Area: 522,427 acres
Annual Visitors: ~13 million
Best Known For: Mist-covered mountain ridges, rich biodiversity, and preserving one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
Landscape Type: Forested mountains, rivers, waterfalls, valleys, and Appalachian highlands.

Notable Features

The most visited national park in the United States
Home to more than 19,000 documented species, with thousands more believed to exist
Preserves part of the ancient Appalachian Mountain range
Famous for the natural blue haze that gives the Smokies their name

Wildlife

Black bears
Elk
White-tailed deer
Salamanders, including one of the highest salamander diversities in the world

Signature Experiences

Driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road
Watching sunrise from Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi)
Hiking to Laurel Falls or Alum Cave Trail
Exploring historic cabins and settlements throughout the park

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) overlooking layers of mist-covered mountain ridges stretching across the Smokies.

Location: Texas
Established: 1972
Area: 86,416 acres
Annual Visitors: ~220,000
Best Known For: Towering desert mountains, rugged wilderness, and the highest point in Texas.
Landscape Type: Desert mountains, canyons, fossil reef formations, and high desert ecosystems.

Notable Features

Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet
Preserves one of the world’s best exposed examples of an ancient Permian fossil reef
Contains dramatic canyons including McKittrick Canyon, famous for fall colors
One of the least visited major mountain parks, creating a more remote wilderness experience

Wildlife

Mule deer
Elk
Black bears
Golden eagles and other birds of prey

Signature Experiences

Hiking to the summit of Guadalupe Peak
Exploring McKittrick Canyon
Hiking the Devil’s Hall Trail
Stargazing beneath dark West Texas skies

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from the summit of Guadalupe Peak overlooking the mountains and desert landscapes of West Texas.

Location: Hawaii
Established: 1961
Area: 33,265 acres
Annual Visitors: ~850,000
Best Known For: A massive volcanic crater, unforgettable sunrises above the clouds, and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.
Landscape Type: Volcanic summit, alpine desert, tropical rainforest, and coastal ecosystems.

Notable Features

Protects the summit and slopes of Haleakalā, a massive shield volcano on Maui
The summit area resembles an otherworldly volcanic landscape often compared to Mars
Features dramatic elevation changes from sea level rainforest to alpine desert
Home to several rare and endangered species found nowhere else on Earth

Wildlife

Nēnē (Hawaiian goose)
Hawaiian petrels
Hawaiian monk seals along coastal areas
Rare native insects and birds

Signature Experiences

Watching sunrise from Haleakalā Summit above the clouds
Hiking the Sliding Sands Trail into the crater landscape
Exploring the lush Kīpahulu District and waterfalls
Stargazing from the high-elevation summit area

Iconic Viewpoint

Sunrise from Haleakalā Summit overlooking clouds filling the volcanic crater below.

Location: Hawaii
Established: 1916
Area: 323,431 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1.5 million
Best Known For: Active volcanoes, constantly changing landscapes, and the chance to witness the power of Earth still creating new land.
Landscape Type: Volcanic craters, lava fields, rainforest, coastal terrain, and alpine volcanic landscapes.

Notable Features

Home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most famous volcanoes
Kīlauea is among the most active volcanoes on Earth
Landscapes range from fresh lava flows to rainforest and barren volcanic terrain
Designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve

Wildlife

Nēnē (Hawaiian goose)
Hawaiian hawks
Hawaiian hoary bats
Rare native birds and insects

Signature Experiences

Driving Chain of Craters Road through volcanic landscapes
Exploring Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Viewing volcanic craters and recent lava activity when conditions allow
Hiking across lava fields and volcanic trails

Iconic Viewpoint

The overlook at Kīlauea Caldera with steam rising from the volcanic landscape below.

Location: Arkansas
Established: 1921
Area: 5,555 acres
Annual Visitors: ~2.5 million
Best Known For: Natural thermal springs and historic bathhouses preserved within one of the oldest protected areas in the National Park System.
Landscape Type: Forested mountains, thermal springs, historic urban park, and Ouachita Mountain terrain.

Notable Features

Protects 47 natural thermal springs flowing from deep underground
Originally protected in 1832, making it one of the earliest federally protected landscapes in the United States
Features the historic Bathhouse Row, a collection of preserved bathhouses from the early 1900s
One of the smallest and most unique national parks due to its blend of nature and urban history

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Gray foxes
Eastern box turtles
Songbirds and woodland species

Signature Experiences

Visiting and touring Bathhouse Row
Soaking in thermal water at the Buckstaff Bathhouse or Quapaw Baths & Spa
Hiking the park’s forested trail system
Viewing mountain scenery along the Hot Springs Mountain Drive

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Hot Springs Mountain Tower overlooking the Ouachita Mountains and the city below.

Location: Indiana
Established: 2019
Area: 15,349 acres
Annual Visitors: ~2.8 million
Best Known For: Massive sand dunes along Lake Michigan and an unusually diverse mix of ecosystems packed into a relatively small area.
Landscape Type: Sand dunes, beaches, wetlands, forests, prairies, and lakeshore ecosystems.

Notable Features

Contains some of the tallest sand dunes along Lake Michigan
Protects an incredible diversity of habitats despite its size
Home to more than 1,100 species of flowering plants, making it one of the most biologically diverse parks in the National Park System
Located near major urban areas while still preserving natural landscapes

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Red foxes
Great blue herons
Migratory birds and shorebirds

Signature Experiences

Climbing the Three Dune Challenge
Relaxing on the beaches along Lake Michigan
Hiking the West Beach Trail Loop
Birdwatching during major migration seasons

Iconic Viewpoint

The top of Mount Baldy overlooking the dunes and shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Location: Michigan
Established: 1940
Area: 571,790 acres
Annual Visitors: ~30,000
Best Known For: Remote island wilderness, exceptional backpacking, and one of the most famous predator-prey ecosystems in the world.
Landscape Type: Forested islands, rocky shorelines, inland lakes, boreal forest, and wilderness terrain.

Notable Features

Located on a remote island in Lake Superior and accessible only by boat or seaplane
Known for the long-running wolf and moose study, one of the world’s most famous wildlife research projects
One of the least visited and most isolated national parks in the United States
Contains more than 400 smaller surrounding islands

Wildlife

Moose
Wolves
Red foxes
Loons and bald eagles

Signature Experiences

Backpacking the Greenstone Ridge Trail
Kayaking along rugged Lake Superior shorelines
Exploring remote inland lakes and island trails
Taking a ferry or seaplane journey to the island

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Mount Franklin overlooking forested ridges and the waters of Lake Superior.

Location: California
Established: 1994
Area: 795,156 acres
Annual Visitors: ~3 million
Best Known For: Unique Joshua trees, surreal desert landscapes, and massive rock formations popular with climbers and photographers.
Landscape Type: Desert ecosystems, rock formations, mountains, and arid wilderness.

Notable Features

Where the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert meet, creating two distinct ecosystems
Home to the iconic Joshua tree, found primarily in the Mojave Desert
Features enormous granite rock formations and world-renowned climbing areas
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional night sky viewing

Wildlife

Desert tortoises
Coyotes
Bighorn sheep
Roadrunners and other desert birds

Signature Experiences

Visiting Keys View for panoramic desert vistas
Exploring the rock formations at Hidden Valley
Hiking to Skull Rock or Arch Rock
Stargazing beneath some of the darkest skies in Southern California

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Keys View overlooking the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and distant desert landscapes.

Location: Alaska
Established: 1980
Area: 4,093,077 acres
Annual Visitors: ~35,000
Best Known For: Massive brown bears gathering at waterfalls and a landscape shaped by powerful volcanic activity.
Landscape Type: Volcanic terrain, mountains, tundra, rivers, lakes, and remote wilderness.

Notable Features

Home to the world-famous Brooks Falls bear viewing area
Preserves the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century
One of the largest protected wilderness areas in the United States
Accessible primarily by boat or bush plane

Wildlife

Brown bears
Moose
Wolves
Bald eagles and salmon species

Signature Experiences

Watching brown bears catch salmon at Brooks Falls
Exploring the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
Flying into remote wilderness areas by bush plane
Fishing and wildlife viewing in pristine backcountry landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

Brown bears standing at Brooks Falls waiting for salmon to leap upstream.

Location: Alaska
Established: 1980
Area: 669,984 acres
Annual Visitors: ~400,000
Best Known For: Massive glaciers, dramatic fjords, and abundant marine wildlife along Alaska’s rugged coastline.
Landscape Type: Fjords, glaciers, coastal mountains, ice fields, and marine ecosystems.

Notable Features

Home to the enormous Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields entirely within the United States
Contains numerous tidewater glaciers that flow directly into the ocean
Landscapes continue to change as glaciers retreat and reshape the coastline
Most of the park is accessible only by boat, kayak, or aircraft

Wildlife

Humpback whales
Sea otters
Puffins
Harbor seals and sea lions

Signature Experiences

Taking a Kenai Fjords boat tour through the coastal fjords
Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail
Visiting Exit Glacier, one of the park’s most accessible glaciers
Wildlife viewing along the coastline and surrounding waters

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from the Harding Icefield Trail overlooking Exit Glacier and the vast ice field stretching across the mountains.

Location: California
Established: 1940
Area: 461,901 acres
Annual Visitors: ~640,000
Best Known For: Deep glacial canyons, giant sequoia groves, and dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain scenery.
Landscape Type: Granite mountains, deep river canyons, alpine wilderness, forests, and giant sequoia groves.

Notable Features

Home to Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America
Includes the famous General Grant Tree, one of the world’s largest trees
Shares a boundary and close connection with Sequoia National Park
Contains vast wilderness areas within the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Wildlife

Black bears
Mule deer
Bighorn sheep
Marmots and other alpine species

Signature Experiences

Driving the scenic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
Visiting the General Grant Grove
Hiking to Mist Falls
Exploring Zumwalt Meadow and surrounding canyon views

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Panoramic Point overlooking Kings Canyon and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks.

Location: Alaska
Established: 1980
Area: 4,030,015 acres
Annual Visitors: ~18,000
Best Known For: Remote wilderness, active volcanoes, turquoise lakes, and incredible brown bear viewing opportunities.
Landscape Type: Mountains, lakes, volcanoes, tundra, rivers, glaciers, and remote wilderness.

Notable Features

Home to two active volcanoes: Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna
Features a dramatic transition between coastal rainforest and interior Alaska wilderness
Accessible primarily by small aircraft or boat
One of the least visited and most remote national parks in the United States

Wildlife

Brown bears
Moose
Dall sheep
Bald eagles and salmon species

Signature Experiences

Viewing brown bears along the coast and rivers
Flying over the park by bush plane
Exploring Turquoise Lake and surrounding wilderness
Fishing, kayaking, and backcountry exploration in remote landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

The view of Turquoise Lake surrounded by mountains and Alaska wilderness landscapes.

Location: California
Established: 1916
Area: 106,589 acres
Annual Visitors: ~500,000
Best Known For: Active geothermal features and a rare concentration of all four major types of volcanoes found in one park.
Landscape Type: Volcanic mountains, geothermal areas, forests, alpine lakes, and rugged wilderness.

Notable Features

One of the few places on Earth where all four major volcano types can be found: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome
Home to Lassen Peak, one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world
Features geothermal areas including Bumpass Hell with boiling springs and fumaroles
Lassen Peak last erupted between 1914–1917, making it one of the most recent volcanic eruptions in the contiguous United States

Wildlife

Black bears
Mule deer
Marmots
Bald eagles and mountain birds

Signature Experiences

Hiking the Lassen Peak Trail
Exploring the geothermal features of Bumpass Hell
Driving the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway
Visiting Manzanita Lake for reflections of Lassen Peak

Iconic Viewpoint

The view of Lassen Peak reflected in Manzanita Lake surrounded by forest and volcanic landscapes.

Location: Kentucky
Established: 1941
Area: 54,011 acres
Annual Visitors: ~650,000
Best Known For: The longest known cave system in the world with hundreds of miles of explored underground passageways.
Landscape Type: Limestone cave systems, rolling hills, forests, rivers, and karst landscapes.

Notable Features

Home to the longest known cave system in the world, with over 400 miles explored and more still being discovered
Formed through extensive karst geology, creating caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers
Designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve
Features a diverse landscape above ground in addition to its cave systems

Wildlife

Gray bats
White-tailed deer
Wild turkeys
Cave-adapted species and salamanders

Signature Experiences

Touring the historic and massive underground cave passages
Exploring the Domes and Dripstones Tour or Historic Tour
Hiking forest and river trails above ground
Kayaking or canoeing on the Green River

Iconic Viewpoint

The historic Natural Entrance leading into the vast Mammoth Cave system.

Location: Washington
Established: 1899
Area: 236,381 acres
Annual Visitors: ~2 million
Best Known For: A massive glacier-covered volcano rising above wildflower meadows and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
Landscape Type: Volcanic mountain, glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, and subalpine ecosystems.

Notable Features

Home to Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano rising to 14,410 feet
Contains the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States
Features spectacular summer wildflower displays in subalpine meadows
More than 25 major glaciers flow from the mountain

Wildlife

Black bears
Mountain goats
Elk
Marmots and pikas

Signature Experiences

Visiting Paradise for wildflower meadows and mountain views
Exploring Sunrise, the highest point reachable by vehicle in the park
Hiking the Skyline Trail
Viewing waterfalls including Narada Falls

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Reflection Lakes with Mount Rainier mirrored in still water beneath alpine peaks.

Location: West Virginia
Established: 2020
Area: 72,808 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1.7 million
Best Known For: One of the oldest rivers in North America flowing through a deep Appalachian gorge known for world-class outdoor recreation.
Landscape Type: River gorge, forested mountains, cliffs, and Appalachian landscapes.

Notable Features

Home to the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the Western Hemisphere
The New River is considered one of the oldest rivers in North America
Features some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern United States
Became the newest U.S. national park in 2020

Wildlife

Black bears
White-tailed deer
River otters
Peregrine falcons and other Appalachian bird species

Signature Experiences

Viewing the New River Gorge Bridge from scenic overlooks
Whitewater rafting on the New River
Hiking the Endless Wall Trail
Exploring overlooks and forest trails throughout the gorge

Iconic Viewpoint

The Diamond Point overlook on the Endless Wall Trail with sweeping views of the New River Gorge and bridge below.

Location: Washington
Established: 1968
Area: 504,781 acres
Annual Visitors: ~40,000
Best Known For: Rugged alpine peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and one of the most heavily glaciated landscapes in the contiguous United States.
Landscape Type: Alpine mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers, and wilderness terrain.

Notable Features

Contains more than 300 glaciers, second only to Alaska in the United States outside of Alaska
Often called the “American Alps” because of its jagged mountain scenery
Features dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and pristine alpine lakes
One of the least visited and most remote national parks in the contiguous United States

Wildlife

Black bears
Mountain goats
Gray wolves
Bald eagles and marmots

Signature Experiences

Driving the scenic North Cascades Highway
Visiting Diablo Lake Overlook
Hiking the Cascade Pass Trail
Exploring alpine lakes and mountain viewpoints throughout the park

Iconic Viewpoint

The Diablo Lake Overlook with turquoise water surrounded by rugged North Cascades peaks.

Location: Washington
Established: 1938
Area: 922,651 acres
Annual Visitors: ~3 million
Best Known For: Incredible ecosystem diversity ranging from rugged Pacific coastline and temperate rainforest to glacier-covered mountains.
Landscape Type: Temperate rainforest, alpine mountains, coastline, rivers, lakes, and wilderness ecosystems.

Notable Features

Contains three distinct ecosystems: Pacific coastline, temperate rainforest, and alpine mountains
Home to the famous Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States
Features over 70 miles of wild coastline
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve

Wildlife

Roosevelt elk
Black bears
Sea otters
Bald eagles and tidepool marine species

Signature Experiences

Exploring the Hoh Rain Forest
Visiting Hurricane Ridge for mountain views
Walking the beaches at Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach
Tidepooling and coastal exploration along the Pacific shoreline

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Hurricane Ridge overlooking the Olympic Mountains and surrounding valleys.

Location: Arizona
Established: 1962
Area: 221,390 acres
Annual Visitors: ~650,000
Best Known For: Colorful fossilized trees, painted desert landscapes, and one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world.
Landscape Type: Desert badlands, colorful mesas, fossil beds, and painted desert landscapes.

Notable Features

Contains one of the largest and most colorful collections of petrified wood on Earth
Protects fossils dating back more than 200 million years
Includes large portions of the striking Painted Desert
Preserves archaeological sites and petroglyphs from ancient cultures

Wildlife

Pronghorn
Coyotes
Bobcats
Ravens and desert reptiles

Signature Experiences

Driving the Petrified Forest Road through the park
Visiting Crystal Forest to view petrified logs
Exploring the colorful formations at the Painted Desert
Viewing ancient petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock

Iconic Viewpoint

The panoramic view from Tawa Point overlooking the colorful layers of the Painted Desert.

Location: California
Established: 2013
Area: 26,685 acres
Annual Visitors: ~350,000
Best Known For: Towering volcanic rock spires, talus caves, and one of the best places to see California condors in the wild.
Landscape Type: Volcanic rock formations, caves, chaparral, grasslands, and rugged canyon terrain.

Notable Features

Formed from remnants of an ancient volcano that erupted millions of years ago
Home to the largest concentration of talus caves in the National Park System
One of the best places in the United States to spot the endangered California condor
The park is split into east and west sections with no road connecting them through the park

Wildlife

California condors
Bobcats
Mule deer
Bats and prairie falcons

Signature Experiences

Hiking the High Peaks Trail through dramatic rock formations
Exploring Bear Gulch Cave or Balconies Cave
Wildlife viewing and spotting California condors
Climbing the park’s unique volcanic rock formations

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from the High Peaks Trail overlooking Pinnacles’ dramatic rock spires and rugged landscape.

Location: California
Established: 1968
Area: 138,999 acres
Annual Visitors: ~450,000
Best Known For: Home to the tallest trees on Earth and ancient coastal forests unlike anywhere else in the world.
Landscape Type: Coastal redwood forests, rugged coastline, rivers, prairies, and temperate ecosystems.

Notable Features

Protects some of the tallest trees on Earth, including coast redwoods exceeding 350 feet in height
Jointly managed with several California state parks as Redwood National and State Parks
Preserves ancient forests with trees more than 2,000 years old
Includes coastline, rivers, fern-covered canyons, and open prairie landscapes

Wildlife

Roosevelt elk
Black bears
Gray whales
Banana slugs and other coastal forest species

Signature Experiences

Driving the scenic Newton B. Drury Parkway
Walking among giant trees on the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Exploring Fern Canyon, famous for its walls covered in lush vegetation
Watching Roosevelt elk in open prairie areas

Iconic Viewpoint

The towering old-growth redwoods along the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail rising high above the forest floor.

Location: Arizona
Established: 1994
Area: 91,716 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1 million
Best Known For: Giant saguaro cacti and iconic Sonoran Desert landscapes surrounding Tucson.
Landscape Type: Sonoran Desert, cactus forests, mountains, canyons, and arid ecosystems.

Notable Features

Protects the nation’s largest forests of saguaro cacti, the iconic symbol of the American Southwest
Divided into two districts separated by the city of Tucson: Rincon Mountain District and Tucson Mountain District
Saguaros can live for more than 150 years and grow over 40 feet tall
Preserves one of the most biologically diverse deserts in North America

Wildlife

Javelinas
Coyotes
Gila monsters
Roadrunners and desert birds

Signature Experiences

Driving the Bajada Loop Drive
Hiking the Valley View Overlook Trail
Watching sunrise or sunset among towering saguaro forests
Exploring trails in the Rincon Mountains

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Valley View Overlook Trail with giant saguaro cacti silhouetted against a Sonoran Desert sunset.

Location: California
Established: 1890
Area: 404,064 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1.2 million
Best Known For: Giant sequoia trees, massive mountain landscapes, and some of the largest living organisms on Earth.
Landscape Type: Giant sequoia groves, granite mountains, forests, canyons, and alpine wilderness.

Notable Features

Home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume
One of the oldest national parks in the United States and the first created specifically to protect a living organism
Includes part of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range
Features dramatic underground landscapes like Crystal Cave

Wildlife

Black bears
Mule deer
Marmots
Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep

Signature Experiences

Visiting the General Sherman Tree
Driving through Giant Forest and surrounding groves
Exploring Moro Rock for panoramic views
Touring Crystal Cave when available

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Moro Rock overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountains and forested valleys below.

Location: Virginia
Established: 1935
Area: 199,223 acres
Annual Visitors: ~1.6 million
Best Known For: Scenic mountain overlooks, waterfalls, and long stretches of the Appalachian Mountains along Skyline Drive.
Landscape Type: Forested mountains, ridges, waterfalls, valleys, and Appalachian highlands.

Notable Features

Home to Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic road running the length of the park
More than 500 miles of hiking trails, including over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail
Features numerous waterfalls and panoramic overlooks
Famous for spectacular fall foliage throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains

Wildlife

Black bears
White-tailed deer
Wild turkeys
Red foxes and songbirds

Signature Experiences

Driving the scenic Skyline Drive
Hiking to Dark Hollow Falls
Visiting overlooks along the Blue Ridge Mountains
Hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail

Iconic Viewpoint

The view from Stony Man Overlook looking across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.

Location: North Dakota
Established: 1978
Area: 70,447 acres
Annual Visitors: ~850,000
Best Known For: Rugged badlands landscapes and the connection to Theodore Roosevelt, whose time here helped shape his conservation philosophy.
Landscape Type: Badlands, prairie grasslands, river valleys, and rugged canyon terrain.

Notable Features

Named after Theodore Roosevelt, who ranched in the area during the 1880s
Divided into North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Preserves colorful badlands formations and extensive prairie landscapes
Considered one of the places that inspired Roosevelt’s later conservation efforts and creation of protected lands

Wildlife

American bison
Wild horses
Elk
Prairie dogs and bighorn sheep

Signature Experiences

Driving the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive
Visiting Painted Canyon Overlook
Viewing wildlife including bison and wild horses
Hiking trails through the badlands and prairie landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

The Painted Canyon Overlook looking across colorful badlands formations and rolling prairie.

Location: U.S. Virgin Islands
Established: 1956
Area: 14,737 acres
Annual Visitors: ~200,000
Best Known For: White sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, coral reefs, and tropical island landscapes.
Landscape Type: Tropical beaches, coral reefs, forests, coastal hills, and marine ecosystems.

Notable Features

Covers nearly 60% of the island of Saint John along with surrounding marine areas
Protects coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tropical ecosystems
Preserves historic sugar plantation ruins from the island’s colonial past
Contains some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean

Wildlife

Sea turtles
Iguanas
Tropical fish and coral species
Brown pelicans and seabirds

Signature Experiences

Snorkeling the Underwater Snorkeling Trail at Trunk Bay
Relaxing at Trunk Bay Beach
Hiking the Reef Bay Trail
Exploring historic plantation ruins and coastal trails

Iconic Viewpoint

The overlook above Trunk Bay featuring white sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean water.

Location: Minnesota
Established: 1975
Area: 218,222 acres
Annual Visitors: ~220,000
Best Known For: Interconnected lakes, remote waterways, and a wilderness landscape best explored by boat.
Landscape Type: Lakes, forests, rocky shorelines, islands, and northern wilderness ecosystems.

Notable Features

Nearly 40% of the park is water
Named after the historic French-Canadian voyageurs who traveled these waterways during the fur trade era
Contains hundreds of islands and interconnected lakes
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional opportunities to view the Northern Lights

Wildlife

Moose
Black bears
Wolves
Bald eagles and loons

Signature Experiences

Exploring the park by boat, canoe, or kayak
Visiting Kettle Falls Hotel
Stargazing and viewing the Northern Lights when conditions allow
Fishing and camping on remote islands

Iconic Viewpoint

Sunset over Rainy Lake with forested islands and calm northern waters stretching into the distance.

Location: South Dakota
Established: 1903
Area: 33,970 acres
Annual Visitors: ~600,000
Best Known For: One of the world’s longest cave systems and the rare boxwork formations found deep underground.
Landscape Type: Mixed-grass prairie, forested hills, cave systems, and rolling grasslands.

Notable Features

Home to one of the longest cave systems in the world
Contains the largest known concentration of rare boxwork formations, found in very few places on Earth
One of the earliest national parks created specifically to protect a cave system
Protects both underground cave networks and extensive prairie ecosystems above ground

Wildlife

American bison
Elk
Prairie dogs
Black-footed ferrets

Signature Experiences

Taking a guided Wind Cave tour underground
Driving the park roads for wildlife viewing
Hiking prairie and forest trails above ground
Visiting prairie dog towns and bison habitat areas

Iconic Viewpoint

Rolling prairie landscapes with roaming bison beneath the Black Hills skyline.

Location: Alaska
Established: 1980
Area: 8,323,146 acres
Annual Visitors: ~80,000
Best Known For: Immense wilderness, massive glaciers, and the largest national park in the United States.
Landscape Type: Glaciated mountains, ice fields, rivers, tundra, forests, and remote wilderness.

Notable Features

The largest national park in the United States, larger than several states combined
Contains some of the highest peaks in North America and enormous glacier systems
Includes nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States
Home to the historic Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark

Wildlife

Grizzly bears
Moose
Dall sheep
Wolves and mountain goats

Signature Experiences

Exploring the historic Kennecott Mines
Driving the rugged McCarthy Road
Flying over glaciers and mountains by bush plane
Hiking on or near glaciers and remote backcountry landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

The view of Root Glacier and the Kennecott Mine buildings surrounded by towering Wrangell Mountains.

Location: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Established: 1872
Area: 2,219,791 acres
Annual Visitors: ~4.7 million
Best Known For: Geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and being the world’s first national park.
Landscape Type: Volcanic plateau, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and geothermal landscapes.

Notable Features

The first national park in the world, established in 1872
Contains roughly half of the world’s active geysers
Sits atop the massive Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth
Home to extraordinary wildlife populations within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Wildlife

Bison
Grizzly bears
Wolves
Elk and moose

Signature Experiences

Watching Old Faithful erupt
Viewing the colorful waters of Grand Prismatic Spring
Exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley

Iconic Viewpoint

Grand Prismatic Spring from the overlook trail with vivid geothermal colors surrounded by forest.

Location: California
Established: 1890
Area: 759,620 acres
Annual Visitors: ~4 million
Best Known For: Towering granite cliffs, giant waterfalls, giant sequoias, and some of the most iconic scenery in the United States.
Landscape Type: Granite mountains, glacial valleys, waterfalls, forests, and alpine wilderness.

Notable Features

Home to famous landmarks including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls
Features some of the tallest waterfalls in North America
Played a major role in the early conservation movement and the creation of protected lands
Contains giant sequoia groves and extensive Sierra Nevada wilderness

Wildlife

Black bears
Mule deer
Bobcats
Marmots and peregrine falcons

Signature Experiences

Viewing Tunnel View overlooking Yosemite Valley
Hiking to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall via the Mist Trail
Visiting Glacier Point
Exploring Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias

Iconic Viewpoint

Tunnel View overlooking El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley.

Location: Utah
Established: 1919
Area: 146,597 acres
Annual Visitors: ~4.9 million
Best Known For: Massive sandstone canyon walls, narrow slot canyons, and some of the most iconic hikes in the Southwest.
Landscape Type: Desert canyon, sandstone cliffs, mesas, rivers, and high desert ecosystems.

Notable Features

Home to Zion Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Virgin River
Features towering Navajo sandstone cliffs rising more than 2,000 feet above the canyon floor
One of the most visited national parks in the United States
Contains dramatic elevation changes creating diverse ecosystems from desert to forested highlands

Wildlife

Desert bighorn sheep
Mule deer
Peregrine falcons
California condors

Signature Experiences

Hiking Angels Landing
Walking The Narrows through the Virgin River
Driving or riding the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Hiking to overlooks such as Observation Point or Canyon Overlook

Iconic Viewpoint

Sunrise at Canyon Overlook looking across Zion Canyon and towering sandstone cliffs.