10 Most Scenic National Parks in the United States
By dorotix, August 20th 2009 in Travel Photos Comments (132)
From deep canyons and vast deserts to crystal exotic bays and dazzling glaciers, North America's National Parks feature world's most scenic natural beauties. The U.S. is home to almost 400 natural parks that preserve our planet's most exceptional and diverse formations and sites. In this beauty contest of 10 most scenic national parks the winners do not differ much from the defeated.
10. Death Valley National Park. California, Nevada.
Death Valley National Park is the hottest and the driest spot in the United States. It is a place where the record-breaking temperature of 134 °F (56.7 °C) hit on 10 July 1913. It was the hottest day ever reported in the country. Moreover, it is also the lowest place in North America - 282 feet (86 m) below sea level (at Badwater).
Rock formations, salt pans, desert and "skeletonized" ranges (mountains with very little soil on them) are the main features of the park's dramatic landscape.
9. Kenai Fjords National Park. Alaska.
Kenai Fjord National Park is the smallest national park in Alaska covering an area of 2,833 square kilometers, but it is home to one of the largest ice fields in the United States - Harding Icefield. The park's beauty consists in a vibrant blend of glaciers, bays and coves, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife. The park is home to such animals as black bears, moose, humpback and orca whales as well as northern sea lions and sea otters.
8. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii.
Key personalities of the stunning landscape of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the world's most active volcanoes. Mauna Loa (Long Mountain) is the largest shield volcano - 18,000 cubic miles (75,000 km3) - in terms of area covered on Earth. It measures 13,679 feet (4,169 m), while Kilauea is four times smaller and it has precisely 4,091 ft (1,247 m).
A blend of lava remnants, volcanic ash, black sand mixed with tropical lush rain forest and exotic beaches are the park's main characteristics.
7. Arches National Park. Utah.
The uniqueness of the Arches National Park's landscape is undeniable. The park is home to around 2,000 natural sandstone arches that form amazing rock sculptures of many different shapes and sizes. It is the largest concentration on natural arches in the United States.
Among highlights of the park is Balanced Rock - the big rock on top is the size of three school buses!
The best time to visit the Arches is spring, when the temperatures are moderate and the wildflowers cover the landscape.
6. Virgin Islands National Park. St. John.
Virgin Islands National Park, a little paradise on Earth, is almost completely surrounded by the turquoise waters of the ocean and amazing coral reefs. The park has 14,689 acres (59 sq km) and it takes up around 60% of the Saint John island.
The white sand beaches, crystal waters and exotic plants make the park an excellent destination for hiking, diving, snorkelling, or just strolling around and relaxing.
The park also features ruins of sugar plantations that emerged on the island in mid-18th century.
5. Denali National Park. Alaska.
Magnificent summit of Mount McKinley towering above the landscape is a landmark of the Denali National Park, Alaska. McKinley or Denali, which means "the great one" in the Athabaskan language, the highest mountain in the North America, is only one of many features that give the park its scenic beauty.
Denali Park is wild, dramatic, and vast. It is home to grizzly and black bears, moose, gray wolfs, foxes and lynx. Savage tundra covered with ferns, grasses and mosses stretches through the park. Only 300 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the park's ecosystem is sub-arctic, with cold winters, so the best time to go is summer, when the days are long and temperatures are warmer.
4. Yosemite National Park. California.
There must be a reason why over 3.5 million people a year visit the Yosemite National Park. It is the grandeur of the park that attracts crowds, tempting visitors with its spectacular cliffs and rocks, waterfalls, mountain streams, clear lakes, sequoia and oak groves and abundant wildlife.
The park that was inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 contains five vegetation zones that are home to rare plants and diverse fauna: the black bear, mule deer, bobcats, marmots and chipmunks.
The park is an all-year destination, but to avoid crowds it is better not to go during weekends and public holidays.
3. Zion National Park. Utah
The promenade of reddish and white colors captured in Navajo Sandstone formation constitutes the beauty of the Zion National Park, the first national park established in Utah (1909). Navajo's rocks form the Zion Canyon, the main feature of the park. The canyon is 15 miles (24km) long and it can be viewed from the bottom (in contrast to Grand Canyon). Crystal streams, amazing rock formations and diverse plants can be seen along a 6 mile long road that leads into the canyon.
The Zion is home to a broad collection of plants, birds (289 species), mammals (such as the mule deer and mountain lions) as well as reptiles.
It is also an all-year destination, but spring and fall is perfect for hiking and strolling around.
2. Glacier National Park. Montana.
Glacier National Park is often called the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem" or "Backbone of the World". It is an intact land of lakes and mountains where hundreds of plants and animal species have their kingdom.
In 1932 Glacier Park and the neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada were declared the first International Peace Park. The parks cooperate in research and wildlife management.
The park has several hundred lakes, of which only 131 have been named, and two hundred waterfalls. The site is covered with 1,132 plant species from amazing trees to wildflowers. The park is also home to the grizzly bear and the Canadian lynx - the world's threatened species.
1. Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming. Montana. Idaho
People have been fascinated by the exceptional beauty and unique natural phenomena of Yellowstone National Park for centuries. In 1872 it became the world's first national park, and since then it has been attracting thousands of visitors each year (which strongly worries environmentalists).
Among distinctive features of the park are hot springs and around 300 geysers. The park houses the world's largest active geyser - Steamboat Geyser that is able to throw water more than 300 feet (90 m) into the air.
What's more, Yellowstone Park is a land of mountains ranges, lakes, waterfalls, deep canyons, wild forests and abundant wildlife. Among most prominent representatives of the park's fauna are the endangered gray wolf, lynx, and grizzly bears as well as the bison, elk, moose, mule deer and many many others...
They're like the Taj Mahal of India or the Eiffel Tower of France. When in the US, you simply feel compelled to visit one of those. Adore their wildlife and marvel at their beauty to your heart's content, but respect their rules and appreciate their uniqueness because the chances are slim that nature will produce such stunning beauty once again.
I don't think Yellowstone is more scenic than Glacier, sorry.
I agree, Glacier is the best
i think so to
I'm amazed that Grand Canyon National Park doesn't make your list!
I think Yellowstone has more diversity and Glacier
where thehell is Arkansas
Don't forget the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For me, it doesn't matter which one is the #1 and #10, all of them are really beautiful.....great pics!
Hanauma Bay isn't part of Volcano's National Park - it's not even on the same island.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota beats any of these
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is pretty spectacular too..
Boundary Waters is NOT a national park, but I agree it's beautiful.
Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park beats these all.
I like Newark. The way the sun rises on the Pulaski Skyway with the tail lights of morning NYC commuters is just awe-inspiring. OK, I kid, I kid! I think Glacier should be number 1.
The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and it doesn't rank here? Also, in regards to Zion, "The canyon is 15 miles (24km) long and it can be viewed from the bottom (in contrast to Grand Canyon)." The Grand Canyon can most certainly be viewed from the bottom. You can hike it, ride a mule or take a helicopter down and even stay at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground over night if you wish.
*ahem*
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a particular favorite of mine--I have made a small fortune selling video clips and still images I made there. So imagine my surprise when the author of this piece included an image of Haunama Bay in the HVNP profile. Haunama Bay is on the Island of O'ahu; HVNP is on the island of Hawaii, 250 miles southeast of O'ahu. Haunama Bay isn't even close to, let alone IN, HVNP and the image itself is pretty crappy. Why was it included? Could you not find a better image of somewhere decidedly NOT in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to stick in?
Bryce Canyon is much more scenic than Zion, but Zion is a better overall visit. Bump off death valley and include Bryce.
Check it out:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=bryce%20canyon&um=1&ie=UTF-8&s...
I've been to 5 of the 10, not too bad... especially considering 4 of the 10 aren't in the continental US
The Man...I think you are confusing continental with contiguous. Alaska IS part of the continental US, as it is attached to the N. American continent. It is not however contiguous, as it is not attached to other states.
Some not so convincing pictures on 10 - 7, especially Death Vally. I have been there 3 times and there is absolutely nothing scenic about it, just a butt load of sand.....man. Thumbs down for stumble
Really. You've been to Death Valley 3 times and saw nothing scenic. You're either blind, idiotic or didn't really look!
I think yellowstone is really breathtaking.
ken burns is doing a whole series on national parks coming up on PBS (see link below)
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/Americas/2009/August/Ken-Burns-to-Discuss-Na...
I agree that the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon are serious omissions. Death Valley is a fantastic place - so much more than a "butt load of sand".
Nice job.
I agree with 'The Man' about Bryce. It is much more scenic than Zion. Not only should Bryce be on the list, it should be pretty high.
Death Valley is magical. Breathtaking. -Worth several visits and lengthy exploration. Bryce Canyon, though beautiful is sort of a one trick pony. -Worth a weekend at longest, if you can stand the crowds. Personally I would have included Big Bend on my list.
hell yeah up with montana! It's the most beautiful place to live in all seasons!
Death Valley makes it but not Great Smoky? I have to disagree. GS National Park is spectacularly beautiful. Waterfalls, wildlife, endless mountains, hidden valleys. In autumn, it may just be the most breathtaking place in the country.
http://tinyurl.com/luared
I love Glacier, possibly because i lived there for 7 years. and for everyone who says Grand Canyon on this list, your out of your mind, for beauty it doesn't compare to any of the NPS on this list.
I'm sorry but has no one been to colorado
I'm not even a native. I grew up in the east and I agree with the Smoky Mntn travesty however, Rocky mountain National Park didn't even get a nod? You want scenic vistas look no further!
This list is nice and certainly covers many of the top parks. Having visited 8 out of 10 of these I must say that there are strong choices for them. Of course, like everyone, I might rearrange a few things. However, what we also need is a second list. A list covering the hidden gems of the NPS. Places like Lake Clark, Wrangell-St. Elias, Great Basin, Sequoia-Kings Canyon, Canyonlands, and Olympic. Places of beauty where one can also easily find solitude.
What? No Olympic National Park...
And what about Big Bend National Park
?
where is the grand canyon. i am amazed everytime i see it.
Where is estes park Colorado in all of this?
These are fantastic photos of definitively beautiful parks - I especially want to visit Arches and Kenai Fjords. But my personal favorite, which didn't make the list, remains Acadia.
Sorry for my english, but Alaska is the best place. Congratulations!!!
The first comment is right on. Glacier blows all the others away, especially Yellowstone. There is no comparison.
Quibbling over which is best is pointless. They are all stunning in their own way, and they are all ours.
What no Grand Canyon?
I would say that Grand Canyon should be on this list
Prescott, AZ
Glacier Natl Park is sick! Unreal...go visit.
They are all beautiful...in the eye of the beholder. God did an awesome job.
I snorkeled at Trunk Bay USVI and it was great!
you all need to get a life and glacier is number 1
Nature has given you the opportunites to see its beauty,see it , enjoy it and pass it on in the most beautiful shape to the future generations to enjoy its scenic texture. Preserve it and keep it clean from polution.
Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park tops all lists. Disappointed that it wasn't included
I vote Yellowstone National Park!! Fantastic!!
Canyonlands in Utah rivals both Arches and Zion
I think Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor Maine at least warrants an honorable mention. It does happen to include two of the most amazing things I've seen, Thunder Hole and Cadillac Mountain which is the first place the sun hits in U.S. every morning.
In my personal opinion, Crater Lake National Park should be on this list. But it can't be easy to pick just 10!!
Not one park in Arizona? - f*ckin weaksauce
I've lived in Wyoming all my life and Yellowstone still amazes me everytime I see it. #1 fo sho
All these parochial boobs that want their own garbage can to be "Tha Purdiest" . Beauty is in the eye....etc.. and "Gustabus non disputandum" They are all grand and we are lucky that they were protected. One of the few things the "Gumint" has done reasonably well
Yeah, agreed, where is Acadia?
I've been going there every summer for nearly twenty years and I still haven't seen all of it.
It's absolutely beautiful. It's not just the national park either. There are great gardens, hikes, gorgeous views from the mountains. There are also some wonderful beaches.
And, like Kim said, the sunrises over the mountains are amazing.
Quite an overlooked national park, I think.
Acadia National Park is AMAZING! It it on the central coast of Maine near Bar Harbor and is beautiful any time of year.
http://www.mahalo.com/acadia-national-park
Why debate? their all gorgeous. Wish North Carolina could have something as stunning.
Yellowstone
You must be kidding. The Tetons perhaps, but like it or not, they are their own park. Certainly, Glacier. And the ommission of the Grand canyon, Crater Lake, and Canyonlands is a crime. Yellowstone is fascinating, but MOST scenic 
I don't think so... And if you haven't seen the NORTH rim of the grand canyon, you haven't seen the canyon !!
Well I agree that Acadia was a miss in this article .. seems they miss on a few things, but that pictue of Zion national park and then glacier national park was stunning!!
Hanauma Bay is not on the same island as the Volcanoes National Park-- Hanauma's on Oahu and the park is on Hawai'i.
I agree all of these are amazing and many that are not on the list...however, for diversity of things to see and do, Grand Canyon and Crater are not my favorite (I agree with omitting them from the top 10). Glacier, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Denali, and Death Valley are definitely on my list. All of these require getting away from your car to really enjoy.
Um, where are the colorado national parks? We have like a billion of them and they're all stunning.
At least put the great Sand Dunes up there, come on.
This is HIS list, so back the f*ck down and shut the f*ck up, and make your own damn list if you don't agree you lazy little c*cksuckers... ok. There. Got that out. Anyway, thanks for typing it up man!
cleary a self annointed higher form of life
yeah, relax dude.
Great Sand Dunes scenic-YES fascinating-YES but top 10
? no
What? No Rocky National Park?
I like all the photos. The grandcanyon ones were probably the best though
What you haven't given a hoot bout my back yard sorry to say but its better than all your stuff !!
I think Mammoth Cave national park is seriously missing.
http://scsmiddle.wikispaces.com/file/view/502px-Mammoth_cave_canyon.jpg
http://z.hubpages.com/u/1212095_f520.jpg
http://photos.igougo.com/images/p205490-Mammoth_Cave.jpg
I just visited the Grand Canyon and it was the most breath taking thing I've ever seen (I'm Air Force) so I've been everywhere, and from the Smokey Mountians...I think both should have made the list.
Come on not Grand Canyon not only beauty but the western has outrageous things to do like the skywalk http://www.grandcanyonwest.com/packages.html when you are tired of just looking
Olympic National Park and Rain Forest is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever visited. These places are on the list as well.
What about Flint, Michigan?
No Grand Canyon?
Are you kidding?
The Redwood Forest?
speaking of the Redwoods, the Muir Woods is spectacular
For what I've seen, and ok it's not so much, Bryce Canyon is really one of the most beautiful places of United States. More than Yosemite, Zion and Grand Canyon, in my humble opinion.
This is a great list of national parks! Check out other great RV Vacation spots and national parks at http://www.rvvacationguide.com
What about Bryce Canyon Utah and Big Sur California?
I agree with Zion and Yellowstone!
You should also think about Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia!
Ooopps! Only in US... Ok!
i think bears are the best.
very nice national park. i like all but specially i like Virgin Islands National Park and Denali National Park. thanks for sharing
http://www.monterosa-nepal.com
Wow, these are AMAZING!! I will have to add one of these to our next 10 Places to have Sex Around the World articles...http://offtrackplanet.com/archives/63
Well I agree that Acadia was a miss in this article .. seems they miss on a few things, but that pictue of Zion national park and then glacier national park was stunning!!
As an Australian who has traveled extensively through the beautiful US countryside, my favourite NP's were Bryce Canyon (#1 imho), Arches, Rocky Mountain and Acadia. I would love to get back there one day and see Glacier NP and Yellowstone NP.
HELLO
Hi!?
In class
SUP PPL IM BORED IM
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I think all national parks are special where-ever they are, but the U.S top 10 list truly is something to behold. "GREAT" web page people!!
Yeah the Grand Canyon sucks! Not scenic at all
this web page is awesome
naw im just playin it sucks
Thanksfor the comments. We are taking a road trip over the next couple of months. We are visiting Rocky Mountian National Park, Arches NP, Capitol Reef NP, Byrce NP, Zion NP, Grand Canyon, Lassen Volcanic NP, Redwood NP, Yosemite NP, Sequoia NP, Joshua Tree NP, Carlbad Caverns, Big bend NP, Hot Springs NP, Branson, Mo., Redlin Art Ctr, Watertown, SD, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and a few others. Also we will be visiting Denali in Alaska in June and Thedore Roosevelt,before heading back home. Will be posting our trip later. Pumpkinman
I think Big Sur is very beautiful
glacier is sooooooooo coooooool!!!!
Crater Lake should be on the list. I've been there 4 times and it is awesome. Go there in the winter and it is awesome. Death Valley is either hella hot or hella cold.
I think that Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most beautiful national parks and should have been included on this list.
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