For nature lovers who are planning a trip to the United States, have you explored the most popular natural attractions in the US?
The United States has many national parks that showcase stunning landscapes and fascinating natural phenomena. Visitors are given the opportunity to explore unique ecosystems firsthand.
Perhaps this can inspire your journey. Here are the 10 most popular national parks in the United States.
1. Yellowstone National Park
According to The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and covers areas in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
The park is famous for more than 10,000 geothermal features, including the renowned Old Faithful geyser. Beneath its surface lies a supervolcano, which not only forms dramatic geothermal landscapes but also provides important insights into volcanic activity.
You should know that the best season to visit Yellowstone is late spring to early fall (May-September) when all roads are accessible.
2. Yosemite National Park
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, California, Yosemite is famous for its towering granite cliffs, such as El Capitan, which is a destination for world-class climbers, and Half Dome, as well as magnificent waterfalls.
Ancient giant sequoia trees also live near Yosemite’s southern entrance, some of which are more than 2,000 years old. If you’re looking for beautiful photo spots, visit the forest area called Bachelor and Three Graces. This area is quite a popular photo spot.
At Yosemite, visitors can also learn about the cultural history of the Ahwahnechee tribe, a tribe that once inhabited this area for thousands of years, at the Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Village.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon was formed by the Colorado River over millions of years. The rock layers clearly visible in the valley walls seem to tell the geological journey of the earth over billions of years.
The Grand Canyon is divided into the North Rim and South Rim. The South Rim is open year-round and offers more facilities, while the North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October due to snow conditions.
There are several activities that can be done at the Grand Canyon, such as hiking, river rafting, and cycling.
4. Glacier National Park
Located in Montana, Glacier National Park presents views of rugged mountains and valleys formed by ancient glaciers. There were once 150 glaciers in the Glacier National Park area, but due to climate change, there are now fewer than 30 glaciers remaining.
Besides its stunning scenery, Glacier is also considered a living laboratory for studying environmental shifts because the park is always evolving along with its wildlife.
An interesting fact is that this park overlaps with ancestral lands of several tribes including the Blackfeet and Kootenai. These indigenous peoples have a deep connection with nature and still use the park for traditional cultural practices.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park offers towering peaks and diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to alpine tundra.
With more than 60 peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, visitors are advised to slowly acclimate to the altitude before attempting more challenging hikes.
To manage visitor congestion and protect the ecosystem, the park implements a timed entry reservation system during busy months, making it an example of sustainable tourism management.
So, if you’re interested in visiting Rocky Mountain, make sure to make a reservation in advance.
6. Zion National Park
Zion in Utah is known for its narrow valleys and towering sandstone cliffs. Views of valleys and deserts with various color combinations not only offer an extraordinary visual experience but also provide interesting insights into the power of water erosion and the process of sedimentary rock formation.
Zion also provides quite popular hiking trails, The Narrows and Angels Landing. The Narrows is a hiking trail that follows the narrow valley of the Virgin River, while Angels Landing is a challenging hike with chain handrails leading to spectacular views.
To reduce congestion and pollution, Zion operates a mkamutory shuttle bus system in Zion Canyon during busy seasons, making it a pioneer in sustainable transportation in national parks.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains are famous for mountains that are always shrouded in natural mist, hence the name “smoky.”
Known as one of the parks with extraordinary biodiversity with more than 19,000 documented species, this park offers a rare view into the biological richness and cultural heritage of the early Appalachian settlers.
As a park with no entrance fee, Great Smoky Mountains has 12 million visitors each year. Its proximity to urban areas makes it easier for you to visit this national park.
8. Acadia National Park
Located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline and wooded hills, combining maritime atmosphere with mountains.
As the first national park established east of the Mississippi River, Acadia is a favorite for sunrise viewers at the top of Cadillac Mountain. For those who enjoy seeking sunrise moments, perhaps Acadia National Park can be an inspiration or bucket-list item for you.
To manage the surge in popularity, Acadia has implemented a reservation system for visitors who want to access Cadillac Summit Road during busy months. So, make sure you make a reservation before visiting this national park.
9. Death Valley National Park
Bordering eastern California and Nevada, Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places. Despite its extreme climate, the park is home to flora and fauna that have specially adapted to survive in these conditions.
Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth at 56.7°C on July 10, 1913, at Furnace Creek. Ground temperatures can reach 94°C in summer.
After rare but significant winter rains, Death Valley can experience a spectacular “superbloom” in spring, covering the desert with colorful wildflowers.
10. Everglades National Park
Located in Florida, Everglades National Park is a unique natural expanse dominated by the gentle flow of grasslands, wetlands, and mangrove forests. The diverse habitats support species such as American alligators and manatees, creating an interesting intersection between ecological studies and natural beauty.
Everglades is the only national park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Important International Wetland.
The park is part of the billion-dollar Everglades restoration project, one of the largest environmental recovery efforts in history, aimed at repairing water flow that has been disrupted by development.
Those are the 10 amazing natural phenomena that make them the most popular national parks in the United States to date.
If you manage to visit one of these national parks, please maintain its natural preservation, as they are important protection sites for America’s natural wonders and living laboratories for scientific research, ensuring that this rich heritage is preserved for future generations.
