America’s National Parks are treasures that are preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. The natural splendor that these parks protect is amazing to experience. And there’s no better time to visit them than during a Great American Adventure Road Trip. Here’s my list of the top 10 National Parks to visit during your road trip.
1. Zion National Park, Utah
Tucked away in canyon country in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is well worth a week long visit during your road trip. Spend your mornings hiking one of the numerous day hikes the canyon has to offer then spend the afternoon lounging and reading a book by the Virgin River. Want to get away from the crowds? Reserve a permit way in advance of your visit and spend a few nights in the backcountry.
When to visit: Summer is a popular time to visit but the temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees. Spring and fall offer the best temperatures and smaller crowds.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
The majestic, glacier-carved peaks of Glacier National Park are an incredible sight to see. I imagine Glacier is at the top of many people’s Top 10 National Parks lists. A hiker’s paradise, the park is best experienced by foot. But don’t miss the opportunity to drive the Going to the Sun Road, a fantastic way to get up into the mountains. Bring your bear spray when you go hiking. Glacier is one of the last 2 safe havens for grizzly bears in the lower 48 states.
When to visit: Summer and early fall. From late fall to late spring, snow blankets the park making access difficult. Be prepared to battle the crowds in the summer and reserve your campsite far in advance.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Arizona is home to arguably the most awe-inspiring National Park in the country. The big ditch is a natural wonder unlike any other place on earth. There are viewpoints into the canyon on both the north and the south rims, but the magic lies within. Plan on day-hiking down into the canyon on one of the numerous trails, or better yet, reserve a backcountry campsite by the Colorado River. Don’t feel like camping or hiking down? Book a mule trip to the bottom and a couple nights at the rustic Phantom Ranch.
When to visit: Year round. Snow and ice are common on the rims during the winter but the crowds are sparse. Spring and fall are best for hiking into the depths of the canyon. Summer temperatures are dangerously high the farther down you go so bring plenty of water and salty snacks.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
America’s most visited national park is home to hundreds of black bears and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. The views of the undulating mountains from the Appalachian Trail are some of the best in the eastern United States. Make sure to pack plenty of Tennessee’s famous moonshine for sharing around a campfire. No Top 10 National Parks list is complete without this amazing park.
When to visit: The park experiences all four seasons of weather so plan accordingly. Fall provides the best chance for clear, pleasant weather but it also draws the crowds for the colorful leaf changing spectacle. Avoid holiday weeks for the best chance of solitude on the trails.
5. Kings Canyon National Park, California
Boasting all of the same scenic wonders as it’s sister park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park gives visitors more solitude. There are magnificent groves of giant sequoia trees, the most awe inspiring trees in America. And the mountain scenery in the backcountry rivals the best that America has to offer. The blue colors of the lakes and sky and the green of the evergreen trees pairs perfectly with the gray granite.
When to visit: Summer and early fall. Snow covers the ground well into the summer during most years, making backcountry exploring more difficult.
6. Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
The most majestic mountain in America, Mt. Rainier is a sight to behold. Better yet, hire a guide and climb it. It’s a grueling, 2 day climb across glaciers and crevasses, but the feelings of adventure and the incredible views make it all worth it. Not keen on climbing it? Don’t miss the spectacular wild flower displays in summer.
When to visit: Most of the park closes down in the winter and reopens in the spring. Snow lingers well into summer making the Wonderland Trail (a 90 mile trail circumnavigating the mountain) a very difficult hike. Climbing season is from late spring to early fall.
7. Olympic National Park, Washington
Just a few hours drive from Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park boasts several different climates and ecosystems. From the high alpine environment of the Olympic Mountain Range to the rain forests and beaches at the lower elevations, there’s a wide variety of beautiful places to explore unlike any other parks in the top 10 National Parks. Insider’s tip: get a permit to backcountry camp on the beach. You’ll spend the night with bald eagles and sea otters and if the sky is clear, a spectacular sunset.
When to visit: Year round. The high elevations are closed during winter due to snow but the rest of the park remains open. Summer and fall are your best chance for clear days at the beaches. Don’t shy away from the park if rain is in the forecast. The rain forests are magical after a storm.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park are straight out of a fairy tale and could very well be #1 on the top 10 national parks list. The high alpine environment is both intimidating and incredible. Ready to tackle one of the more difficult and exposed 14ers in the state? Give Longs Peak a go. Even if you don’t make it to the top, the views and the adventure are well worth your time. Campsites in the park fill up in advance so do some advanced planning.
When to visit: Spring, summer, and fall are the best weather seasons, but snow can fall in the park up into June. Summer boasts warm days and cool nights, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
9. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
One of the most remote places in America, it’s possible to explore for days in Canyonlands National Park and not see another person. The Green River provides access to the Maze district, a dazzling array of sandstone spires and cliffs, so rent a kayak and spend at least 4 nights floating the 50+ miles of river through the park. Do you enjoy spectacular sunsets? Then linger in the park until dark and enjoy the show.
When to visit: Spring and fall are the best times to visit for warm days and cool nights, but that’s when the crowds will be populating the busy areas of the park. The park is cold in the winter and extremely hot in the summer, so pack accordingly.
10. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The stark contrast between the flat lands of the Jackson Hole valley and the majestic mountains of the Grand Tetons is a truly amazing sight to see. And the wildlife of the park is some of the best in the country. Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, and elk roam the wilds and provide a great deal of excitement when spotted. Don’t spend all your time in Grand Teton National Park though. Make sure to make the short drive north to Yellowstone National Park and spend a few days there too. It’s a two week minimum to explore both national parks so leave plenty of time to linger.
When to visit: Year round. The ski resort in Jackson Hole is one of the best in the country so plan a winter visit. Summer is the best time for exploring the trails and backcountry and spotting wildlife. Fall can be spectacular but be wary of early season snow storms.
What parks would you add to your Top 10 National Parks List? Please leave in the comments section below!
Additional resources:
Plan a Great American Adventure Road Trip
Great American Road Trip Packing List
The Top 7 States to Visit During a Great American Road Trip
The Big Outside – an amazing resource for planning an outdoor adventure.
The National Park Service Homepage – find the websites for each individual park for all your planning needs.