The United States is home to 63 officially designated National Parks (We have visited 26 of them so far!). We are so lucky to have so much diversity in our options of what to see. I am sure many of you know the horrors of the attack our public lands has been under the past couple of years from the Trump Administration. Bear Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante boundaries are being scaled back, the Boundary Waters Canoe area is at risk for mining and Big Bend National Park is being bulldozed as we speak.
My hope is that from our list of favorite top ten National Parks in the US to Visit, you will have an experience that inspires you to speak up for our protected lands all across the country. From mountains in the Western US, to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota, everyone is bound to find their own kind of magic in these stunning places.
Ways to Protect Our Public Lands
Our public lands are under attack and more vulnerable now more than ever. Between data centers, drilling and mining to building a wall, our natural resources and places we thought were actually protected are no longer under the Trump Administration. Our public lands are more than just beautiful places to visit—they are a shared treasure and a responsibility we all have to protect. From majestic mountains and forests to lakes, rivers, deserts, and prairies, these lands provide important wildlife habitat, clean water, fresh air, and opportunities for recreation and connection with nature. Below are some ways we can protect these precious places in our country. Please save and share this list with others!
- No Big Bend (National Park) Wall: The bulldozing and construction activity taking place in Big Bend National Park is a troubling reminder of how vulnerable our public lands can be. In August 2026, heavy equipment began clearing and assessing land near Santa Elena Canyon as part of the Trump administration’s border-security project, which includes plans for patrol roads, vehicle barriers, and surveillance infrastructure. Federal officials say the work is intended to improve border security and is not the construction of a traditional wall, but conservationists and park advocates warn that breaking ground in this fragile landscape could damage wildlife habitat, natural scenery, and culturally significant areas. Big Bend is a remarkable national treasure, and protecting it should mean finding solutions that secure our borders without unnecessarily sacrificing the wild places that belong to all of us. Visit No Big Bend Wall organization to see how you can help.
- Save the Boundary Waters: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is one of Minnesota’s most treasured public lands, a vast wilderness of pristine lakes, boreal forests, rocky shorelines, and abundant wildlife along the Canadian border. In 2026, Congress overturned the federal 20-year mining withdrawal that had protected roughly 225,000 acres of the Boundary Waters watershed, allowing the Twin Metals proposal to move forward in the environmental review process. For many Minnesotans, the issue comes down to whether the economic value of extracting minerals is worth risking one of the country’s most treasured wilderness landscapes.Visit Save the Boundary Waters to see how you can help.
- Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments: Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments are once again at the center of a major public-lands controversy. On July 13, 2026, President Donald Trump dramatically reduced the boundaries of both monuments by about 90%, removing nearly 3 million acres of land from their protected status. Concerns have grown as mining claims have already been filed in areas removed from the monuments, including claims near Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Conservation groups are challenging the changes and warning that the loss of protections could lead to increased mining and other development across some of southern Utah’s most treasured landscapes. Visit Conservation Land Funds to see how you can protect all of our National Monuments.
- Data Centers: Data centers have been a hot topic across the country. Concerned residents from all states have shared the reality of reduced water pressure, rivers and lakes drying up, impact on farms and farm land, as well as other health concerns. One of the latest data center debates comes from data centers wanting to tap into Lake Tahoe waters. For activism ideas, check out How to Stop a Data Center Near You and Halt the Harm.
- Use Your Voice: One of the most important overall things you can do is use your voice. This means knowing your candidates and voting for people (at the local, state and federal elections) that want to protect our public lands vs. making a quick dollar off of them. It also means educating others, and getting involved with environmental movements near you. Let’s use our voice for those that don’t have one.
- Leave No Trace: By practicing the Leave No Trace Principles, we are respecting wildlife, preventing wildfires and keeping these special places healthy for all of us to enjoy. Visit the Parks Project to learn more about the Leave No Trace principles, and explore how you can help protect our National Parks.
Our Top Ten Favorite National Parks in the US
1. Voyaguers National Park in Minnesota
Do you love the lake life, north woods, fishing and being under the stars? Voyageurs National Park is best explored by water, with opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and discovering secluded islands and rocky shorelines. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, wildlife watching, peaceful campsites, and incredible stargazing thanks to the park’s dark skies. Keep an eye out for loons, bald eagles, deer, and even moose while exploring this scenic wilderness. We enjoyed several boat tours of the different islands! Pro tip: While it’s beautiful year round, I suggest visiting during the fall! You get all the colors without the bugs!
2. Glacier National Park in Montana
Does hiking the mountain summits with alpine lakes sound appealing to you? Glacier National Park is an unforgettable adventure filled with dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. And admittedly, it’s my favorite National Park we have visited yet! Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road for breathtaking views, hike one of the park’s many scenic trails, and keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears. Pro tip: We hiked Logan’s Pass, but to get parking, we entered the park before 5 am. It should also be noted you need an additional entry pass to get into Glacier National Park during the summer months.
3. Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming
Are you in it for the mountain views? At Grand Teton National Park, spend your time hiking scenic trails, exploring Jenny Lake, taking in the views along Teton Park Road, and visiting iconic spots like Mormon Row. We watched the sunset at Jenny Lake and that was our personal favorite moment here. Wildlife watching, kayaking, fishing, and catching a sunrise or sunset over the mountains are also great ways to experience the park’s stunning scenery. Pro tip: You can easily create a road trip exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park-they are neighbors!
4. Redwoods National and State Parks in California
Have you ever wanted to walk in a Pacific Northwest wonderland? A coastal road trip through Redwoods National and State Parks is iconic! A perfect Redwood National Park itinerary begins with a scenic drive along the northern California coast before exploring the towering redwoods on a few of the park’s most beautiful trails. Spend time walking through the ancient trees, visit the lush and dramatic Fern Canyon, and stop at scenic overlooks along the coast. Leave time to explore nearby beaches, watch for wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful sunset among the redwoods. With a mix of forest hikes, coastal views, and scenic drives, even a short visit offers an unforgettable taste of this incredible region. Pro tip: This park is pretty spread out. Make sure to plan your road trip ahead. Also, if you are visiting Fern Canyon, there is an additional permit needed for entry.
5. Yosemite National Park in California
Are you a waterfall chaser? At Yosemite National Park, explore iconic sights like Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Yosemite Falls while hiking scenic trails through the mountains. Visit Glacier Point for incredible views, wander among giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, and take time to enjoy the park’s waterfalls, granite cliffs, and peaceful meadows. Pro tip: If you’re going to do any trail here, we suggest Mirror Lake. It takes you near the most iconic views and waterfalls Yosemite has to offer.
6. Olympic National Park in Washington
Do you enjoy diversity in landscapes? At Olympic National Park, explore a stunning mix of rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and dramatic mountain scenery. Walk along Ruby Beach, hike through the moss-covered Hoh Rain Forest, visit Lake Crescent, and take in panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge. With waterfalls, tide pools, wildlife, and endless hiking opportunities, Olympic National Park offers something different around every corner. Pro tip: You can book a cabin at Lake Crescent Lodge and wake up near the gorgeous Lake Crescent!
7. Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
Have you wanted to see one of the deepest lakes in America? At Crater Lake National Park, take in the incredible deep-blue waters from scenic viewpoints along Rim Drive and stop at iconic spots like Watchman Overlook and Cloudcap. Hike one of the park’s scenic trails, visit Plaikni Falls, and take a boat tour when available. The combination of dramatic cliffs, pristine water, and surrounding forests makes Crater Lake a must-see destination in Oregon. Pro tip: It’s snowy here year round, meaning some of the roads and trails may be closed. Always check the website before visiting!
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Do you live for the fall colors? At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, explore scenic mountain roads, hike through lush forests, and visit beautiful waterfalls and overlooks. Don’t miss Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and popular trails like Laurel Falls, while keeping an eye out for black bears, elk, and other wildlife. With misty mountains, historic cabins, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, the Smokies offer something for every outdoor lover. Pro tip: Clingmans Dome is very cold, windy and cloudy-even on a sunny day in other parts of the park! Make sure you come dressed and ready to go in warmer clothing! It’s also quite the hike to the top-wear proper footwear and bring water!
9. Arches National Park in Utah
Do you love unique rock formations? At Arches National Park, explore the park’s incredible red-rock landscapes and more than 2,000 natural arches. Hike to iconic formations like Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and Landscape Arch, explore the Windows section, and take a scenic drive through the park. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful, when the red rocks glow against the desert sky. Pro tip: The cute town of Moab is only minutes away-I highly suggest exploring this cute town during your adventure to Arches National Park!
10. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Are you in it for the valley views? At Shenandoah National Park, drive the scenic Skyline Drive, stopping at overlooks for sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Hike through peaceful forests to waterfalls and mountain viewpoints, explore Dark Hollow Falls, and watch for deer, black bears, and other wildlife. The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the mountains are covered in vibrant autumn colors. Pro tip: Come here during Autumn!
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