The USA is home to a huge amount of National Parks that provide areas in which natural beauty can be preserved and protected. Given that the States span across such a vast amount of land, each park is unique in its own geographical way. Take a look at some of BackHackers’ top picks below for America’s Best Preserved Areas of Natural Beauty…
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park can be found in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Head here the see its famous and ancient sequoia trees, Bridalveil Fall and the cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park spans a massive 3,500-sq.-miles across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. This park is home to rivers, forests, hot springs, canyons and geysers (most famously Old Faithful).
Zion National Park
Zion National Park lies in the state of Utah. It’s mostly recognised from its red cliffs which contrast beautifully against the Emerald Pools of the Virgin River, flowing gracefully through the rock.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park can be found in Wyoming, only 10 miles south of Yellowstone. Grand Teton includes the most notable peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, another reserve within Utah, is mainly distinguished by its spire-shaped rock formations (crimson-coloured hoodoos). Make sure to check out Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point – especially around sunrise and sunset!
Arches National Park
Arches National Park sits just north of Moab, Utah. Its famous for its sandstone arches, of which is has more than 2,000. As well as the arches, the Balanced Rock formation should also be a go to!
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park lies in Montana’s Rocky Mountains and is home to glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It has more than 700 miles of hiking trails to be explored and a vast range of wildlife – including grizzly bears.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park can be found in Arizona and is one of the most famous National Parks in the world. Home to the Grand Canyon itself, this park really shows off its natural red rock formations. If you’re looking for the best viewpoints, head to Mather Point. But make sure to visit Lipan Point at sunrise or sunset for awesome views of the Colorado River as well as the canyon.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park sits in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains. From its name, you may have already guessed that it’s home to the enormous sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree. Here, you can also discover the underground Crystal Cave, Moro Rock and Tunnel Tree.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is another park located in California. Its rock formations are what makes this park stand out from the rest, as well as its twisted Joshua trees. Make sure to get up to the Coachella Valley for a great view!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits between North Carolina and Tennessee. Home to year-round wildflowers, hiking trails, rivers and waterfalls, Great Smoky has everything on offer. Head to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, where you’ll get an amazing view of the mountains.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park lies on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest. This park houses a range of ecosystems, from glaciers by Mount Olympus, to its rain forests set against mountainous peaks – Olympic has it all! Take a hike down its Pacific Coastline for an adventure you’ll never forget.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park can be found in southeastern Utah. If visiting, make sure you check out Island in the Sky which is a large, flat-topped mesa with panoramic overlooks. Or if that’s a bit dry for you, head to the Whitewater rapids that flow through Cataract Canyon.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park sits right on the Atlantic coast, primarily on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Head here to see moose, bear, whales and seabirds.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington state, just southeast of Seattle. Check out other nearby volcanoes if visiting and make sure to head to the park’s 5,400-ft.-high Paradise overlook which has an awesome view of the mountains, wildflower meadows and hiking trails.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park can be found in Interior Alaska. The park itself is actually larger than the state of New Hampshire – covering a massive 6,045,153 acres.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park sits across eastern California and Nevada. Top sites are Titus Canyon and Badwater Basin’s salt flats, North America’s lowest point.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park lies in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. The lake was formed by a collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama. Take a cruise down The Rim Drive for a ridiculous view of the lake and volcanic formations.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park can be found in the Gulf of Mexico, just west of Key West, Florida. It amalgamates 7 islands as well as protected coral reefs!