Most articles ranking America’s National Parks are based on other people’s impressions and not necessarily from the experience of the author. That’s because it’s quite the feat traveling to all 59 National Parks, let alone in one consecutive trip, AND manage to document ones impressions along the way. That’s where we come in!
In 2017, my husband and I road tripped to all 59 U.S. National Parks. It took us 7 months, 25,000+ miles of driving (see our route), 26 flights, and countless trails hiked. Along the way we passed through 39 U.S. States, 2 U.S. Territories, and drove some of the most beautiful roads in the country.
Update – three new national parks have been added since our road trip, namely Gateway Arch, Indiana Sand Dunes, and White Sands National Parks. We will update this blog post once we get a chance to visit, but for now this is just based on the 59 National Parks that were designated as of 2017.
So if you’re looking for first hand details then you’ve come to the right place! We ranked the 59 National Parks on numerous factors, including their beauty, trails, accessibility, transport, crowds, facilities, how photogenic they were etc. Here is a breakdown of the categories:
- Facilities – proximity to lodging, variety of lodging types and affordability, food availability, bathrooms, visitor centers, showers, etc.
- Trails – the actual park trails, as well as other opportunities for adventure such as snorkeling, rafting, diving, boating etc.
- Scenery – overall beauty of the park, including landscapes, wildlife, and buildings.
- Photogenic – how easy the park was to photograph and how well it translated into images
- Crowds/Transport – how busy the park was and overall how easy it was to get there and transport yourself around (e.g. ability to self drive versus having to take park buses etc.)
Note – some of the park’s had the same score so in those situations we ordered them alphabetically.
Remember, this is an overall ranking, with some parks scoring lower due to things like the extreme methods visitors must take to access them, or often due to large crowds dampening the overall experience of a beautiful park.
I also put together a checklist of all the national parks, so you can mark each off as you visit them! It’s free to download via my travel resource library! Click the image below.
10 Highest Ranked National Parks
1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Score = 45/50
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
You just can’t beat the Tetons… This was our 5th visit to the park and it won’t be our last. So why did Grand Teton National Park score so highly? Simple – it’s is insanely beautiful, easy to access and get around, has great hikes, camping opportunities, nearby accommodation and restaurants, and the crowds are manageable even in the peak of summer. Check out our park guide here.
2. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Score = 44.5/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 9.5/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Kenai Fjords was our highest ranked Alaskan park and our second highest overall. Why? For it’s sheer beauty, accessibility, incredible wildlife, amazing hikes, and ample photography opportunities. We can’t wait to return this summer! Check out our park guide here.
3. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Score = 44/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
I’m itching to get back and explore the backcountry of Wrangell St. Elias National Park… I feel like we just scratched the surface! The Wrangell Mountains are out of this world beautiful! Plus, you can drive to the park in only 4-5 hours from Anchorage (or around 8 hours from Anchorage to Kennicott) with the option for also flying there. Once in the park visitors can access accommodations and restaurants (McCarthy/Kennicott) and the crowds are minimal even in the height of summer. Check out our park guide here.
RELATED: 15 Least Crowded National Parks
4. Denali National Park, Alaska
Score = 43/50 (equal with Mount Rainier)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Everything is on another scale in Denali – the bears, mountains, roads, rivers, valleys… (list could go on). The park is also home to America’s largest peak, Denali at a crazy 20,310 feet. We had an incredible time exploring the park, despite the weather being a little fickle. Check out our park guide here.
5. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Score = 43/50 (equal with Denali)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Mount Rainier will always be one of our favorite parks and we were stoked it made the top 5 of this list. Large crowds in summer was the main reason it didn’t score even higher, but we think it’s worth the visit regardless. Some places just need to be seen to be believed! Check out our park guide here.
6. Yosemite National Park, California
Score = 42.5/50
- Facilities: 9.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 3/10
It’s not surprising that Yosemite was one of America’s first recognized national parks. Its incredible beauty, opportunities for adventure and easy to access nature really do make it a park for everyone. Similar to Mount Rainier, Yosemite would have scored higher if the crowds weren’t so large. Our recommendation is to visit some of the less visited areas and try to go during off-peak months. Check out our park guide here.
7. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Score = 42/50
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
We were not expecting Glacier Bay to make the top 10! Why? We visited on a cruise ship in 2012 and despite enjoying the experience we weren’t absolutely awe struck. This time was completely different. We were in the area for multiple days, which allowed for adventures on the land and sea. We got closer up to the glaciers, saw more wildlife and hiked some gorgeous forest trails. We plan to return for a backcountry kayaking trip someday in the (hopefully) near future! Check out our park guide here.
8. Glacier National Park, Montana
Score = 41.5/50
- Facilities: 8.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 3.5/10
Oh Glacier, you continue to steal our hearts over and over again. This was our third visit to the park and it definitely won’t be our last. Glacier offers insanely beautiful scenery, ample wildlife, and epic hiking opportunities. Plus, the views along the Going-to-the-Sun Road are really something else… Check out our park guide here.
9. Katmai National Park, Alaska
Score = 41/50 (equal with Lake Clark)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Katmai National Park is one of the few places in the world that allows such an up close experience with wild bears. At Brooks Falls there are raised viewing platforms that visitors can “safely” observe bears fishing for salmon. It was quite the experience and one we hope to have again! Check out our park guide here.
RELATED: The 15 Most Underrated National Parks in America
10. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Score = 41/50 (equal with Katmai)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
We LOVED Lake Clark National Park. The main reason it didn’t score in the top 5 is because of the Park’s remote nature, lack of facilities and expensive transportation (float planes). I wrote a blog post on our experience staying on Upper Twin Lake, plus you can check out our park guide here.
RELATED: 15 Least Crowded National Parks
Middle Ranked National Parks
Some of our favorites are in this bunch, like Bryce Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Zion, Big Bend, North Cascades, Redwood, Gates of the Arctic, and Virgin Islands. Our rating system meant that many of the crowded or hard to access parks scored lower despite some incredible scenery. We wanted to provide a score based on our overall experience, not just how beautiful each park was.
11. Olympic National Park, Washington
Score = 40.5/50
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
12. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Kings Canyon)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
13. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Kings Canyon)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5/10
Check out our park guide here.
14. Kings Canyon National Park, California
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 8.5/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
15. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Score = 40/50 (equal with Kings Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
16. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana + Idaho
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Kings Canyon)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9.5/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 3.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
17. Death Valley National Park, California
Score = 39.5/50
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
18. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Score = 39/50 (equal with Zion)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
19. Zion National Park, Utah
Score = 39/50 (equal with Grand Canyon)
- Facilities: 8.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 2.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
20. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Score = 38.5/50 (equal with North Cascades, Redwood)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7.5/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
RELATED: The 15 Most Underrated National Parks in America
21. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Score = 38.5/50 (equal with Big Bend, Redwood)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
22. Redwood State & National Parks, California
Score = 38.5/50 (equal with Big Bend, North Cascades)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
23. Arches National Park, Utah
Score = 38/50 (equal with Crater Lake)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
24. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Score = 38/50 (equal with Arches)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
25. Acadia National Park, Maine
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Great Basin, Shenandoah, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 6.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
READ NEXT: Best National Parks to Visit in October
26. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Acadia, Shenandoah, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
27. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Acadia, Great Basin, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 6.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
28. Virgin Islands National Park, USVI
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Acadia, Shenandoah, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
29. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Score = 37/50 (equal with Lassen Volcanic)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
30. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Score = 37/50 (equal with Hawai’i Volcanoes)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
31. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Score = 36/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
32. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Score = 35/50
- Facilities: 5.5/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
33. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Score = 34.5/50 (equal with Sequoia)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 6.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
34. Sequoia National Park, California
Score = 34.5/50 (equal with Canyonlands)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 5.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
35. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Score = 34/50
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
36. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Score = 33.5/50
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 4/10
- Scenery: 7.5/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
37. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Score = 33/50 (equal with American Samoa, Saguaro)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 6.5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
38. National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
Score = 33/50 (equal with Isle Royale, Saguaro)
- Facilities: 3/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
39. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Score = 33/50 (equal with Isle Royale, American Samoa)
- Facilities: 8.5/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
40. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Score = 32.5/50 (equal with Mesa Verde)
- Facilities: 4.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7.5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
41. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Score = 32.5/50 (equal with Carlsbad Caverns)
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
42. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Score = 32/50 (equal with Gates of the Arctic, Mammoth Cave)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 6.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
43. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
Score = 32/50 (equal with Capitol Reef, Mammoth Cave)
- Facilities: 0/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5/10
Check out our park guide here.
44. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Score = 32/50 (equal with Gates of the Arctic, Capitol Reef)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 6.5/10
- Scenery: 6.5/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
45. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Score = 31.5/50 (equal with Petrified Forest)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 3/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
46. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Score = 31.5/50 (equal with Hot Springs)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 5.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
47. Everglades National Park, Florida
Score = 31/50 (equal with Theodore Roosevelt)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
48. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Score = 31/50 (equal with Everglades)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 6.5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
10 Lowest Ranked National Parks
We still enjoyed our time at these parks but felt the overall experience wasn’t as good as the higher scoring parks. Please don’t be put off visiting any of the places below – they were still 100% worth seeing.
49. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Score = 30/50 (equal with Guadalupe Mountains)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 3.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
50. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Score = 30/50 (equal with Black Canyon of the Gunnison)
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 6.5/10
- Scenery: 5.5/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
51. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Score = 28.5/50 (equal with Wind Cave, Voyageurs)
- Facilities: 3/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
52. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Score = 28.5/50 (equal with Wind Cave, Dry Tortugas)
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 5.5/10
- Photogenic: 4/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
53. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Score = 28.5/50 (equal with Voyageurs, Dry Tortugas)
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 4.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
54. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Score = 27.5/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 4.5/10
- Photogenic: 4/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
55. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Score = 27/50
- Facilities: 0/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5/10
Check out our park guide here.
56. Channel Islands National Park, California
Score = 26/50 (equal with Pinnacles)
- Facilities: 2/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
57. Pinnacles National Park, California
Score = 26/50 (equal with Channel Islands)
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 4/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
58. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Score = 25/50
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 4.5/10
- Photogenic: 3.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
59. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Score = 23.5/50
- Facilities: 5.5/10
- Trails: 4/10
- Scenery: 3/10
- Photogenic: 3/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
How long is your bucket list now?!
I hope we have inspired you to explore these beautiful parks and to get outside and to do everything in your power to protect our beautiful natural spaces.
Stay tuned for in depth posts about the best parks for hiking, camping, family trips, wildlife encounters, photography, and more!
More National Park Tips
How to Plan the Perfect National Parks Visit
Route to Travel to Every US National Park
15 Least Crowded National Parks in the US
The 15 Most Underrated National Parks in America
Comprehensive Mount Rainier National Park Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Grand Teton National Park
In-depth Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park
PIN for later!
Disclaimer: All photographs copyright of Renee & Matthew Hahnel. This trip was sponsored by Evolve, though as always my opinions are honest and unbiased.
Most articles ranking America’s National Parks are based on other people’s impressions and not necessarily from the experience of the author. That’s because it’s quite the feat traveling to all 59 National Parks, let alone in one consecutive trip, AND manage to document ones impressions along the way. That’s where we come in!
In 2017, my husband and I road tripped to all 59 U.S. National Parks. It took us 7 months, 25,000+ miles of driving (see our route), 26 flights, and countless trails hiked. Along the way we passed through 39 U.S. States, 2 U.S. Territories, and drove some of the most beautiful roads in the country.
Update – three new national parks have been added since our road trip, namely Gateway Arch, Indiana Sand Dunes, and White Sands National Parks. We will update this blog post once we get a chance to visit, but for now this is just based on the 59 National Parks that were designated as of 2017.
So if you’re looking for first hand details then you’ve come to the right place! We ranked the 59 National Parks on numerous factors, including their beauty, trails, accessibility, transport, crowds, facilities, how photogenic they were etc. Here is a breakdown of the categories:
- Facilities – proximity to lodging, variety of lodging types and affordability, food availability, bathrooms, visitor centers, showers, etc.
- Trails – the actual park trails, as well as other opportunities for adventure such as snorkeling, rafting, diving, boating etc.
- Scenery – overall beauty of the park, including landscapes, wildlife, and buildings.
- Photogenic – how easy the park was to photograph and how well it translated into images
- Crowds/Transport – how busy the park was and overall how easy it was to get there and transport yourself around (e.g. ability to self drive versus having to take park buses etc.)
Note – some of the park’s had the same score so in those situations we ordered them alphabetically.
Remember, this is an overall ranking, with some parks scoring lower due to things like the extreme methods visitors must take to access them, or often due to large crowds dampening the overall experience of a beautiful park.
I also put together a checklist of all the national parks, so you can mark each off as you visit them! It’s free to download via my travel resource library! Click the image below.
10 Highest Ranked National Parks
1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Score = 45/50
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
You just can’t beat the Tetons… This was our 5th visit to the park and it won’t be our last. So why did Grand Teton National Park score so highly? Simple – it’s is insanely beautiful, easy to access and get around, has great hikes, camping opportunities, nearby accommodation and restaurants, and the crowds are manageable even in the peak of summer. Check out our park guide here.
2. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Score = 44.5/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 9.5/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Kenai Fjords was our highest ranked Alaskan park and our second highest overall. Why? For it’s sheer beauty, accessibility, incredible wildlife, amazing hikes, and ample photography opportunities. We can’t wait to return this summer! Check out our park guide here.
3. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Score = 44/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
I’m itching to get back and explore the backcountry of Wrangell St. Elias National Park… I feel like we just scratched the surface! The Wrangell Mountains are out of this world beautiful! Plus, you can drive to the park in only 4-5 hours from Anchorage (or around 8 hours from Anchorage to Kennicott) with the option for also flying there. Once in the park visitors can access accommodations and restaurants (McCarthy/Kennicott) and the crowds are minimal even in the height of summer. Check out our park guide here.
RELATED: 15 Least Crowded National Parks
4. Denali National Park, Alaska
Score = 43/50 (equal with Mount Rainier)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Everything is on another scale in Denali – the bears, mountains, roads, rivers, valleys… (list could go on). The park is also home to America’s largest peak, Denali at a crazy 20,310 feet. We had an incredible time exploring the park, despite the weather being a little fickle. Check out our park guide here.
5. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Score = 43/50 (equal with Denali)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Mount Rainier will always be one of our favorite parks and we were stoked it made the top 5 of this list. Large crowds in summer was the main reason it didn’t score even higher, but we think it’s worth the visit regardless. Some places just need to be seen to be believed! Check out our park guide here.
6. Yosemite National Park, California
Score = 42.5/50
- Facilities: 9.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 3/10
It’s not surprising that Yosemite was one of America’s first recognized national parks. Its incredible beauty, opportunities for adventure and easy to access nature really do make it a park for everyone. Similar to Mount Rainier, Yosemite would have scored higher if the crowds weren’t so large. Our recommendation is to visit some of the less visited areas and try to go during off-peak months. Check out our park guide here.
7. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Score = 42/50
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
We were not expecting Glacier Bay to make the top 10! Why? We visited on a cruise ship in 2012 and despite enjoying the experience we weren’t absolutely awe struck. This time was completely different. We were in the area for multiple days, which allowed for adventures on the land and sea. We got closer up to the glaciers, saw more wildlife and hiked some gorgeous forest trails. We plan to return for a backcountry kayaking trip someday in the (hopefully) near future! Check out our park guide here.
8. Glacier National Park, Montana
Score = 41.5/50
- Facilities: 8.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 3.5/10
Oh Glacier, you continue to steal our hearts over and over again. This was our third visit to the park and it definitely won’t be our last. Glacier offers insanely beautiful scenery, ample wildlife, and epic hiking opportunities. Plus, the views along the Going-to-the-Sun Road are really something else… Check out our park guide here.
9. Katmai National Park, Alaska
Score = 41/50 (equal with Lake Clark)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Katmai National Park is one of the few places in the world that allows such an up close experience with wild bears. At Brooks Falls there are raised viewing platforms that visitors can “safely” observe bears fishing for salmon. It was quite the experience and one we hope to have again! Check out our park guide here.
RELATED: The 15 Most Underrated National Parks in America
10. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Score = 41/50 (equal with Katmai)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 10/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
We LOVED Lake Clark National Park. The main reason it didn’t score in the top 5 is because of the Park’s remote nature, lack of facilities and expensive transportation (float planes). I wrote a blog post on our experience staying on Upper Twin Lake, plus you can check out our park guide here.
RELATED: 15 Least Crowded National Parks
Middle Ranked National Parks
Some of our favorites are in this bunch, like Bryce Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Zion, Big Bend, North Cascades, Redwood, Gates of the Arctic, and Virgin Islands. Our rating system meant that many of the crowded or hard to access parks scored lower despite some incredible scenery. We wanted to provide a score based on our overall experience, not just how beautiful each park was.
11. Olympic National Park, Washington
Score = 40.5/50
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
12. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Kings Canyon)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
13. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Kings Canyon)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5/10
Check out our park guide here.
14. Kings Canyon National Park, California
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 8.5/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
15. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Score = 40/50 (equal with Kings Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
16. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana + Idaho
Score = 40/50 (equal with Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Kings Canyon)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9.5/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 3.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
17. Death Valley National Park, California
Score = 39.5/50
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
18. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Score = 39/50 (equal with Zion)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
19. Zion National Park, Utah
Score = 39/50 (equal with Grand Canyon)
- Facilities: 8.5/10
- Trails: 10/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 2.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
20. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Score = 38.5/50 (equal with North Cascades, Redwood)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7.5/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
RELATED: The 15 Most Underrated National Parks in America
21. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Score = 38.5/50 (equal with Big Bend, Redwood)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 9/10
- Scenery: 9/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
22. Redwood State & National Parks, California
Score = 38.5/50 (equal with Big Bend, North Cascades)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
23. Arches National Park, Utah
Score = 38/50 (equal with Crater Lake)
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
24. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Score = 38/50 (equal with Arches)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 8.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
25. Acadia National Park, Maine
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Great Basin, Shenandoah, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 6.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
READ NEXT: Best National Parks to Visit in October
26. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Acadia, Shenandoah, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
27. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Acadia, Great Basin, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 6.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
28. Virgin Islands National Park, USVI
Score = 37.5/50 (equal with Acadia, Shenandoah, Virgin Islands)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
29. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Score = 37/50 (equal with Lassen Volcanic)
- Facilities: 7.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
30. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Score = 37/50 (equal with Hawai’i Volcanoes)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 8.5/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
31. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Score = 36/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
32. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Score = 35/50
- Facilities: 5.5/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 8/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
33. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Score = 34.5/50 (equal with Sequoia)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 6.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
34. Sequoia National Park, California
Score = 34.5/50 (equal with Canyonlands)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 5.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
35. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Score = 34/50
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
36. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Score = 33.5/50
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 4/10
- Scenery: 7.5/10
- Photogenic: 7.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
37. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Score = 33/50 (equal with American Samoa, Saguaro)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 7.5/10
- Scenery: 6.5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
38. National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
Score = 33/50 (equal with Isle Royale, Saguaro)
- Facilities: 3/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
39. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Score = 33/50 (equal with Isle Royale, American Samoa)
- Facilities: 8.5/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
40. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Score = 32.5/50 (equal with Mesa Verde)
- Facilities: 4.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 7.5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
41. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Score = 32.5/50 (equal with Carlsbad Caverns)
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
42. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Score = 32/50 (equal with Gates of the Arctic, Mammoth Cave)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 6.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
43. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
Score = 32/50 (equal with Capitol Reef, Mammoth Cave)
- Facilities: 0/10
- Trails: 8/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Photogenic: 9/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5/10
Check out our park guide here.
44. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Score = 32/50 (equal with Gates of the Arctic, Capitol Reef)
- Facilities: 7/10
- Trails: 6.5/10
- Scenery: 6.5/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
45. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Score = 31.5/50 (equal with Petrified Forest)
- Facilities: 9/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 3/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
46. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Score = 31.5/50 (equal with Hot Springs)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 5.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
47. Everglades National Park, Florida
Score = 31/50 (equal with Theodore Roosevelt)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7/10
Check out our park guide here.
48. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Score = 31/50 (equal with Everglades)
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 6.5/10
- Photogenic: 6/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
10 Lowest Ranked National Parks
We still enjoyed our time at these parks but felt the overall experience wasn’t as good as the higher scoring parks. Please don’t be put off visiting any of the places below – they were still 100% worth seeing.
49. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Score = 30/50 (equal with Guadalupe Mountains)
- Facilities: 6/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 3.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
50. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Score = 30/50 (equal with Black Canyon of the Gunnison)
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 6.5/10
- Scenery: 5.5/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 9/10
Check out our park guide here.
51. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Score = 28.5/50 (equal with Wind Cave, Voyageurs)
- Facilities: 3/10
- Trails: 6/10
- Scenery: 7/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
52. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Score = 28.5/50 (equal with Wind Cave, Dry Tortugas)
- Facilities: 6.5/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 5.5/10
- Photogenic: 4/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
53. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Score = 28.5/50 (equal with Voyageurs, Dry Tortugas)
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 4.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
54. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Score = 27.5/50
- Facilities: 8/10
- Trails: 5/10
- Scenery: 4.5/10
- Photogenic: 4/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
55. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Score = 27/50
- Facilities: 0/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 8/10
- Photogenic: 7/10
- Crowds/Transport: 5/10
Check out our park guide here.
56. Channel Islands National Park, California
Score = 26/50 (equal with Pinnacles)
- Facilities: 2/10
- Trails: 7/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Photogenic: 5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6/10
Check out our park guide here.
57. Pinnacles National Park, California
Score = 26/50 (equal with Channel Islands)
- Facilities: 4/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 5/10
- Photogenic: 4/10
- Crowds/Transport: 7.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
58. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Score = 25/50
- Facilities: 5/10
- Trails: 5.5/10
- Scenery: 4.5/10
- Photogenic: 3.5/10
- Crowds/Transport: 6.5/10
Check out our park guide here.
59. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Score = 23.5/50
- Facilities: 5.5/10
- Trails: 4/10
- Scenery: 3/10
- Photogenic: 3/10
- Crowds/Transport: 8/10
Check out our park guide here.
How long is your bucket list now?!
I hope we have inspired you to explore these beautiful parks and to get outside and to do everything in your power to protect our beautiful natural spaces.
Stay tuned for in depth posts about the best parks for hiking, camping, family trips, wildlife encounters, photography, and more!
More National Park Tips
How to Plan the Perfect National Parks Visit
Route to Travel to Every US National Park
15 Least Crowded National Parks in the US
The 15 Most Underrated National Parks in America
Comprehensive Mount Rainier National Park Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Grand Teton National Park
In-depth Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park
PIN for later!
Disclaimer: All photographs copyright of Renee & Matthew Hahnel. This trip was sponsored by Evolve, though as always my opinions are honest and unbiased.
Join our adventure loving community for exclusive resources, giveaways, events, and more!
Renee Hahnel
Hi! My name is Renee and I'm an Australian photographer, blogger & travel addict. I now call the U.S.A home but you can usually find me wandering the globe with a camera in hand ✈ Let's get lost!
Related Adventures
What To Wear Hiking As A Woman
Hiking is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities and I want to help you get out there and hit the trails! One of the basics to planning a hiking adventure is knowing what clothing and shoes to wear. You don’t need a bunch of fancy gear to enjoy hiking, but comfort and safety are…
Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Guide and Itinerary
Yellowstone National Park is world renowned for its epic landscapes, unique wildlife, and fascinating natural history. Each year millions of people come from all over the globe to witness Yellowstone’s wonders, and for some it has been a lifetime dream. In this blog post I am sharing everything you need to know to plan your…
7 Best Outdoor Things To Do During Fall In Washington State
Fall in Washington State is absolutely gorgeous! In my opinion it’s one of the best times to visit the Pacific Northwest for beautiful autumn foliage, prime hiking conditions, and epic whale watching. It’s also a great time of year to enjoy pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals, and to take a cozy cabin getaway! In this…
72 Comments
Leave me a comment!
Renee Hahnel
Hi! My name is Renee and I'm an Australian photographer, blogger & travel addict. I now call the U.S.A home but you can usually find me wandering the globe with a camera in hand ✈ Let's get lost!
Related Adventures
What To Wear Hiking As A Woman
Hiking is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities and I want to help you get out there and hit the trails! One of the basics to planning a hiking adventure is knowing what clothing and shoes to wear. You don’t need a bunch of fancy gear to enjoy hiking, but comfort and safety are…
Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Guide and Itinerary
Yellowstone National Park is world renowned for its epic landscapes, unique wildlife, and fascinating natural history. Each year millions of people come from all over the globe to witness Yellowstone’s wonders, and for some it has been a lifetime dream. In this blog post I am sharing everything you need to know to plan your…
7 Best Outdoor Things To Do During Fall In Washington State
Fall in Washington State is absolutely gorgeous! In my opinion it’s one of the best times to visit the Pacific Northwest for beautiful autumn foliage, prime hiking conditions, and epic whale watching. It’s also a great time of year to enjoy pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals, and to take a cozy cabin getaway! In this…
Love to see which ones you liked from best to worst. Trying my hardest to see all 59 but it is a long process! I am at 14 right now and I will see Glacier, Channel Islands, Hot Springs, Acadia and Great Sand dunes in the next year. I am so excited!
14 is amazing! Glacier is a real gem! Enjoy 🙂
This is amazing. Thanks for showing us this. Can you please comment on how you rated these? Just curious.
Yeah, if you read the intro you’d know.
As Steve mentioned, I have some information at the beginning of the post talking about how we ranked the parks. Thanks for reading!
Hi,
I get your point system. Did i miss the breakdown though? I see the totals, but I am not seeing the categories like in your example. Oh and Steve, If i missed it, please dont be rude!
I totally agree with MP. I’d love to see how you rated each park, rather than just the sum. My personal preference puts a lot more emphasis on crowds and trails over facilities and how photogenic a place is, plus I could calibrate your scale using my own impressions of parks I’ve visited. It’s just a suggestion – thanks for putting this together!
I just recently added the breakdowns for each park. I hope that helps!
This is an incredible list and so helpful and useful ,you do amazing work thks David
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Renee! First, love this post! I regularly refer back to it 🙂 however, after recently visiting Gates of the Arctic, I slightly disagree with your assessment of transport/crowds. While most people fly in, it is also possible to hike in from the Dalton Highway and definitely visible from the highway. Moreover, it’s closer to Coldfoot and Bettles than Kobuk Valley, making it less likely that weather will impede flights. So while transport there isn’t super easy, it’s not nearly as hard to reach as Kobuk and so, in my opinion, should probably have a higher score, if only by a little bit.
Wow, Stunning pictures! You must have been patient to wait for just the right lighting for some of these pictures.
We are in the process of visiting all 59 National Parks. While we’ve been to the Gateway Arch, I still can’t really accept that it was named a National Park! It’s not deserving!
I also created a ranked list of National Parks, but based not on my ratings (although I rate them also in my blog), but based on visitation and distance. Check it out at https://journey2allnationalparks.com/general/best-national-parks/ and see what you think.
Of course, most of the fun is to debate this list. There is no definitive rank order. Everyone has their take on it. I’m surprised Teton #1 while Yellowstone is #16! I do agree Congaree is #59.
Also check out my blog at https://journey2allnationalparks.com/
Thanks Sidney! I agree with you about Gateway Arch… seems like a very odd choice for a national park! Love our stat heavy your post is – super informative!
Very cool! Here is another National Park to add to the list – El Yunque National Forest.
Thanks for reading! I would love to visit El Yunque but the reason it didn’t make this list is because it’s a National Forest, not Park.
Wow what a fantastic evaluation of all the parks. Incredible photos and and lots of very helpful info and stats. Amazing work Renee and Matt.
Thank you!!!
Hmm, we really have a different take and some of your worst were our best. I can only say that although everything has its beauty, not everyone sees it. Obviously, we have a different lens.
Absolutely, and that’s why this is a personal opinion piece and not fact. Everyone is going to appreciate different parks and different things about each park. I make it pretty clear at the beginning of this post that it’s just based on the experience I had and the things I like to see.
Great post about all the national parks, loved to read which ones you liked most.
Thanks for reading Angelique! 🙂
It’s very cool to see how others rate their top parks! A few of our favorites were toward the end of your list. Goes to show that EVERYONE can have a different experience at each of our National Parks! Thanks for sharing 🙂
For sure, I love that we all have different experiences 🙂
Thank you for this blog! I’m trying to make all the parks, also. Will visit Alaska this month, but know I won’t have time to make all the parks there. I have been to 29 parks. Love to see what our beautiful country offers!
We’re only at 8 national parks! 🙂 We moved to the US a little over a year ago and have been continuously blown away by how beautiful and well-maintained the national parks are (well, the ones we’ve visited anyway). Thanks for sharing this list – so much more travel inspiration here!
Hello! I was wondering how much time we would need to do all four national parks in Colorado!? How much time would you allot for each? Also on a separate leg we are planning to do the Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier and since you’re the expert I was also wondering how much time for those as well (sorry for bugging). You guys are a real inspiration to me and my husband, thank you for sharing your life with us!
This ranking is tremendously subjective. Yellowstone is easily one of the single best. Grand Teton is beautiful but the wildlife is hardly equal to the scenery. Katmai is amazing, in fact the cover Brown Bear at Brooks Falls is the cover photo along with I assume Renee standing overlooking I am not even sure where. Fact is the National Parks are easily one of America’s Best Ideas. I have been a member of the National Park Foundation for years and have worked at several. I have never been to them all. My Brother Kermit and I have donated about a thousand acres to the USA. Fortunately there is still some private farm and ranch land that is very well managed.
You sure you ranked Pinnacles right on this list? Seems crazy for that to be so low, and when you click over to the guide via the link, it’s ranked much higher.
We didn’t include the rankings on our individuals guides, you may be getting confused with the park number (order in which we visited each one)
Great to know about your passion. I have visited 33 of the 59. Mostly not done away from main land NPS. Liked your post very much although YNP ranked 16 is too low ranking from my opinion. Anyway I must respect your opinion as you have made a visit to all 59, a huge achievement.
We are also in the misdst of visiting all national parks…. 47 done right now. Even after 47, I still rank Yellowstone as #1 for the sheer variety and beauty. It has elements of so many of the other parks all in one. The main downside is the crowd but if you go in shoulder season and willing to put up with the weather, and go hike in the trails, no problem!
We are heading to Crater Lake next week. Unfortunately there are fires burning in the area again. : ( What was your favorite trail there, and your favorite viewpoint?
My husband and I also shoot with Sony a7rII ‘s ; )
Gateway is not a national park but, in fact, a national recreation area. Not the same designation. Very cool to see someone visiting all the parks all within a year. As an Arkansas native and someone who has been to about half of the parks so far, I’m very much surprised to see Hot Springs so high on the list ahead of Wind Cave, Black Canyon, Channel Islands, and Pinnacles. However, I think that this brings up a great point that there is something for everyone in our national parks system and everyone is going to enjoy every park in a different way.
Gateway is a National Park now, happened in early 2018
The only thing I was surprised by was low ratings on a few for photogenic. They all looked so pretty, I don’t know how you could not want to rate them all high! Although that would probably defeat the purpose of the rating. 😂 I look forward to one day visiting them all, too. For now, I’ve only done 4 with plans for 2-6 more. So many to go!
Gateway arch in St. Louis was changed from National monument to national park after the visitor center was renovated. Why? I don’t know. I thought it was perfectly fine as a National monument.
Also check out my attempt at ranking here
https://journey2allnationalparks.com/general/best-national-parks/
Good list, even though it is subjective. I prefer northern forests and lakes to deserts. Most of the Alaska parks take some serious travel to get to but they are huge and the most impressive.
[…] America’s National Parks: Ranked Best to Worst […]
i am a male from Oman 55 years old I am interested to visit the wild places in USA for more than one year so is it possible for me to get a visa and stay their for long time .
please who knows the role reply me back as soon as possible .
My email: jadadsuhail@gmail.com
Did ya forget Sequoia National Park? or did I not see it and Crater Lake National Park.
They are all there!
Really inspiring! The photos are great however in your rankings the pic you have under Guadalupe National Park is actually a shot of the del Carmen mountains in Big Bend National Park. Great pic but not accurate.
You are right! Thanks for pointing out that error Steve, I have now updated the photo
This is a wonderful post and your photos are STUNNING! One of the items on my Bucket List is to visit as many National Parks s I can and take photographs while doing so. I will keep this post as a guide. Thank you!
This is a reallllllly great ranking! We’re working our way through all the NP’s as well except at a much slower pace! I agree with other commenters that seeing the breakdown of your scoring would be super beneficial. It would allow people using your list as a guide to better determine if an area you ranked low or high Is a dealbreaker for them. For example, being a geologist, and from California, and visiting Yosemite and Death Valley more times than I can count… I find that Death Valley has far more to offer in terms of beauty, rugged nature, adventures, and photography than Yosemite. The crowds at Yosemite kill a lot of the vibe for me personally and outweigh any driving I need to do between spots in Death Valley. I read your info about Death Valley and nothing in it tells me why the points were so low. I know this was your ranking of your experience/preferences which is why more info on the ranking would be a huge help! Thanks!!
[…] it is, transport within the park, crowds, and facilities. Early last year, I read Renee Roaming’s blog on her trip through all 59 US National Parks and loved the way she ranked each one. Scott and I […]
Love that you are promoting our national parks and have been able to visit so many. I think when you start ranking the parks it becomes very subjective and what in your opinion ranks as “worst”could be in someone else’s opinion “best”.
Ratings for crowded conditions is entirely dependent on the time of year one visits each park. Scenery and Photogenic is all in the eyes of each individual and how they interpret beauty. Lack/abundance of facilities is also open to personal preferences. Trails also can be judged using a wide criteria.
Guess I would rather you presented info about each park but allowed each traveler to determine their own favorites after their own personal visit.
I really enjoyed your list… they are all beautiful indeed. I am sad you used the word “worst”. None of these deserve to be associated with such a negative word.
Thanks for this list. So envious of all the beauty you’ve seen! Our country is truly beautiful.
You may want to check the picture you posted for Dry Tortugas in Florida. We were there in the spring and that it not accurate. Thanks again for the inspiration.
Gosh you are right! I had accidentally uploaded a photo from Biscayne. All fixed now, thank you 🙂
This is so cool! It’s on my bucket list to visit all of them as well; the last two summers I’ve been trying to see as many as I can. I’ve been to 20 of these 59 plus Indiana Dunes! I will be adding another 5 next month!
Hi Renee! Great post and it’s so incredible how you got to see all of the national parks, that is just mind blowing since a lot of people don’t get the chance to do that. I’ve seen 9 national parks so far and I did it all within a year (with not having many months to travel) so I can’t imagine all the dedication and time you put to this. Now I can see from your post what almost each one is like.
Awesome PICS!
Awesome PICS
Hi great project and site. I noticed you didn’t visit grand canyon North rim. Although not officially a separate park to the South rim it feels like a different one and is bigger and more spectacular than many other parks. Did you end up going there?
Great pics!!
Thanks for ranking the National Parks. It will help me plan my future travels.
By the way, I am looking at NPS website here: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/national-park-system.htm . It shows 62 National Parks. Sounds like 3 more got added since your last update. Please check it out.
Thanks for this list!!
It’s clear that you and I have very similar taste. I always tend to favor mountainous parks, and the ones in Alaska are just beyond. It’s so hard to rate these since they’re all astounding.
Thanks so much for this list! My favorites are certainly Canyonlands and Arches! (Arches can get a little busy, though)
I am impressed you made it to all the parks, let alone in 7 months! My husband and I have been to 37 of the 62 so far. Honestly, I was surprised to see Petrified Forest ranked that highly. Guadalupe Mountains was a real disappointment. Many of the parks you ranked the lowest are among the parks we haven’t visited yet. Gotta make it to all of them!
The overall score for Bryce Canyon (40) does not equal the sum of it’s individual scores (they add to 39.5). Can you let us know what the discrepancy is? I’m referencing these scores in a research paper for school 🙂 Looking forward to purchasing and reading your book!
Also hoping you can double check Congaree NP (off by 1), Glacier NP (off by 0.5) for us? Basically wondering if we should reference the overall scores or the categorical scores.
Hi Samantha. Are you able to email me more about this study that you say is based on my trip and personal findings? info@reneeroaming.com
Absolutely! Just sent you a message 🙂
Scenery should trump all other considerations (except maybe for Gates of the Arctic, where access is probably the most difficult)
That’s why I have the ranking breakdowns, so people can see for themselves what scores the parks received. I plan to do another blog post on which parks are the most stunning just based on scenery
This post is very helpful, I am bookmarking this for future. Thank you so much, I love the way you have given separate scores for each aspect, which means we can choose what we like the most!
I am 15 years old and have been to 50 national parks. I hope to get to the 5 Alaska parks that you can’t drive to next year. I have been documenting the parks on my YouTube channel, National Park Wild. I am curious as to whether you’ve gotten to the 3 newest parks yet and how much you like them. I also would appreciate if you saw some of my videos and told me what you think. Thanks, Renee.
My Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHUX-NG1Tzxmx0IU8zNOLg
The all look stunning✨
Born and raised St Louisan here…if you haven’t already taken your trip to the Gateway Arch, I’d advise that you find something else big and spectacular to center that trip on, with the Arch as a quick stopover point. The arch is a way to spend a boring afternoon, in order to be just slightly less bored. A couple hours tops, in the heart of a downtown that is the opposite of thriving, and a view that will make you go, “huh?!” I love my city, but oof. Good luck with that one. At least you may get some laughs out of it when you get there. No doubt it’ll end up to be the lowest ranking. Happy travels!
Such a detailed & helpful guide. Loved the pics! Bookmarking this one 🙂