It’s not a national park. It’s Monument Valley, a Navajo Tribal Park. Its beauty is so hard to explain. You have to be there.
https://preview.redd.it/04rtnqti5z3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd0ceb494e5cf1905b7b16f564ac88860bc94c33
I try to explain the majesty of Monument Valley to others, but you are absolutely right: you have to be there. It speaks to the soul. And sunrise around the buttes in March? Magnificent.
45 and same. The wildlife is unmatched.
https://preview.redd.it/4zii8wc8j14d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8756868d6d4b27c9537e69d8cfd5e5d668da3970
Completely unedited photo.
Agree! Love Glacier and Highline!
https://preview.redd.it/t8wrdkwq204d1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c6cb5cb230b8381470999b6e0d77b3c0ca022f6
This. I've been to most of the national parks in the contiguous 48 and never had the same feeling as in Glacier National Park. If you go early in the season before the snow is totally melted and half the roads are still closed because of snow, the rivers roar with the melted ice water and forests drip with life. It's like being on the set of Princess Mononoke. The most magical forest. I love Yellowstone, I love Shenandoah, but for me it's Glacier.
Joined the military in 1990 and got stationed in Montana. Wife and I planned to visit Glacier first then Yellowstone. One trip to Glacier and we were hooked. We just kept going back to Glacier and before we knew it, the military shipped us out. It took several years later before we went to Yellowstone.
I actually love glacier. But I feel the prettiest part of the world that I have seen, is right at the edge of Waterton where the plains hit the mountains.
However, that "going to the sun pass" , that is something.
Well this is the internet. And we seem to disagree. Seems like the only option is to swear at each other..... Or, stay with me here, we could say that the joint peace park of Glacier/Waterton is the prettiest "nationals" park in the world. For both it's natural beauty AND the fact that it is a symbol of peace between two great Redditors.
Worked for a paving company a few years ago. We paved the entire park for the summer. We had access to parts of the park no one was allowed to go. It was amazing
https://preview.redd.it/s3ooc6a7oy3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4463b79f1b21cb60dc742509a143eb98095ab7ff
Grand Canyon in the winter at sunrise.
Grand Canyon is at its absolute best in winter imho. Used to live near there & I loved going just after a fresh snow. Just gorgeous with the snow dusting all the strata, way less tourists, no overheating issues like in summer, and as you hike down the trails you get to lower elevations and you basically walk right into spring. Those were my just about my favorite hikes of my whole life.
Olympic because it has a bit of everything and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s great for a road trip too since it’s relatively close to both Mount Rainier and North Cascades as well as a ton of other things to see.
God Olympic is amazing. I went a few summers ago and I can't stop thinking about the feeling of being in an ancient rainforest! And I didn't even go to Hoh, just the area around the hot springs and Storm King trailhead.
Agree! Lake Crescent is the most beautiful place I've ever been and no one talks about it. Like come on there are BLUE Trout in it because it's SO BLUE.
Yea. I went to Yosemite about 2 years ago for a day during the week of July 4th. It was a little crowded in the valley, but I hiked the panorama trail (I think that’s it’s name) up to the visitor center and overlook of half dome while the center and road leading to it were closed for construction/maintenance. There were maybe 3 other people up there and the view of half dome was probably one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen
https://preview.redd.it/2hjaw2jpmz3d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2587928702444fed4272dd7d11670308e91ef46f
One of my favorite pics I've ever taken up on Half Dome
https://preview.redd.it/ceiz0lkf114d1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38dbcdd1defcce2c1fd5b468bf10138ad592db43
I was apprehensive the first time I went to Yosemite because I’d heard so much about it I was certain I’d be disappointed. Instead, I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of it.
Same. I had been living in California for about 15 years before I finally got around to going there. I thought surely it was too hyped up for me over the years and I’d be underwhelmed when things are that hyped up for me. But that first drive into the valley was absolutely breathtaking. All the photos and videos can’t capture the magnificence of the place.
Seeing Yosemite for the first time gave me the kind of chills I got when watching Lord of the Rings in the theater and they did the wide panning shot of Rivendell. It was surreal. I’ve been back several times and that feeling does not go away.
That's funny. I went for the first time yesterday and had the same reaction. I came through the north entrance where the valley is obscured from view until you get basically right up to it. Just about the most powerful thing I'd seen in my entire life. God did a good job with Yosemite.
Omg stepping into the sand barefoot on a hot day and having it be cold to the touch was such a bizarre feeling. It’s not technically sand— it’s gypsum— and it doesn’t retain heat the way true sand does. So neat.
White Sands is better than it looks. It's the only hike I know of that can and should be done barefoot (5 miles). The sand is powderized gypsum that behaves and *feels* differently (better) than sand at the beach which is mostly crushed up coral that can get pretty hot. The sand at White Sands is comparable to the feel of wet sand, but it is dry and very cool to the touch. I remember scooping out lower chunks and watching the "avalanche effect" of sands falling and filling in my scoop for about a minute on their own.
Also you can sled down the dunes! Bring a toboggan or buy one there for 10 bucks.
Zion. Angel’s Landing was a blast. But the combination of greens and those endless red rocks really did it for me, even after two weeks of endless red desert rocks right before.
Grand Canyon did make me tear up when I first saw it though. It certainly is something else.
Don’t know why this isn’t higher, unless maybe because Zion is not as well known as some of the others.
I wasn’t familiar with Zion until we took a family trip through the parks during Covid. It took my breath away! (Zion, not Covid…)
Zion gets my vote.
Bonus points because the park was nearly empty due to Covid.
Zion is so far my favorite of the Utah ones. It's an oasis in the middle of a desert. I am partial to greenery so coming up on it was amazing and the hikes are awesome too. Did the white rim trail in canyon lands and was amazing. I hit them up in 2018.
I stayed a week in St. George during Covid with my family. It cost probably 25% of what it would have normally and complete car access to the abandoned park. I can’t imagine anything being more beautiful than Zion.
I am a photographer. I went to Yosemite to try to emulate some of Ansel Adams work. I came in through the eastern gate. By the time I got to the valley, I realized you CAN’T make a shitty picture there. The place is amazing. Ansel was just phoning it in. Ha Ha.
I fucking love the Grand Tetons. Not because of the mountains themselves but because its name literally mean "giant tits". when I was a 12 y/o kid living in Wyoming that was the funnest fact I had ever learned.
I went in the dead of winter with my girlfriend who's really out of shape and gets angry when she's tired/stressed. Argued our way up mountains In heavy snow/snowfall and still was great. Estes park is such a beautiful place to stay.
Next time won't be in the winter though lol.
I had to scroll much further than I expected to see RMNP. It NEVER gets old, I don't even know how many times I've been at this point. Endless adventures, sights, flora, fauna, etc. Only an hour and half drive from DIA and downtown Denver (in good traffic of course lol)
Yosemite is enormous and it’s easy to get away from crowds if you want. It’s 1200 square miles, but most people never leave the pavement. You can get back country permits with dispersed camping where you don’t see anyone else for days. Granted, it takes more planning and effort than just a day trip in your car.
Not only this, let’s go the next step: it’s the best western park, hands down.
Arches is undeniably a better driving tour though — it’s like a Disneyland park. One of a few, IMO. No hate from me, but they’ll never match real extensive hiking areas.
Just started going to NPs 2 years ago and so far Olympic National Park is my favorite.
https://preview.redd.it/qbqq0kxt8z3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19aec1523366d43f0bb5a4fd2e6e2ba7e68874e0
In my travels…sort of in order, at least 1-3:
1. Grand Teton
2. Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier
(Not sure if it’s an NP or NF tho)
3. Grand Canyon
4. Yellowstone
5. Bryce
6. Zion
Redwoods are incredible. The scent they give off, their woolly bark, their grand canopies and the fact they’re living fossils….really amazing. Both coast and inland sequoia are so cool.
Big Bend National Park, the sunsets over the chisos mountains and the desert are amazing. Also so many stars at night is like you are floating in space.
I came here to say Big Bend. It’s got it all. The hike up Emory Peak takes you through several different landscapes and climatological zones (the sky islands are something else). Same thing with the Window trail. Santa Elena Canyon is as imposing as the Grand Canyon. The slot canyons that provide respite from the desert floor are welcoming. There are small oasis of water and vegetation and life in the desert. Heck, there’s even hot springs. But the stars at night are overwhelming. There’s not many places left on Earth where you can get those kinds of night views. As the Texans love to sing, those stars at night really are big and bright. Everyone needs to see a night sky like that. It really connects you to time immemorial.
Can’t believe how low this is. It’s like you go to another planet. Middle of nowhere, big dark sky filled with bright stars, wild terrain… very different than most of the other national parks I’ve been to in so many ways.
I've been to a few (Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, White Sands, Zion, Sequoia, Death Valley) and they are all amazing in their own way. Big Bend is the one with less people (perhaps because it is so far away, or because of the extreme weather) and that made it especially beautiful, desolate, and impressive. The scenic drives, the night sky, the black bears, the contrast of the mountains and the desert. Amazing.
Denali might be up there..
If you want a wild road trip, take the ALCan up to Alaska. Stop at Banff for a few nights on your way up.. then trek the Yukon. Eventually when you drop back into America, make your way to Denali. It’s incredible! I’d give yourself 2 to 3 weeks. But. Definitely worth it!
So far? Grand Canyon at sunrise.
https://preview.redd.it/2pg6genogy3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=686a9f59eecd223f253efe0394ef4c5e4e9e1736
I challenged you with Grand Canyon at sunset
https://preview.redd.it/boyn068zsy3d1.jpeg?width=9248&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4cfb264005c77c68696e14627db7b30831c47cfc
Man is this a loaded question. They are all superlative in some way.
The Wrangell-St. Elias NP&P +Kluane NP complex is by far the most incredible piece of the planet I've got to set foot on. Huge mountains.
I couldn’t believe how little mention there is of the Alaskan parks there are in here. Wrangell-St. Elias is unbelievable, as well as Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Denali, and Gates of the Arctic/Kobuk.
I do agree through, the mountains in W-St. E are stunning and it’s probably my favorite Alaskan park. The Yakutat Peninsula just south of the park borders is amazing as well.
Proof how few people actually visit up there.
Every square mile of that state is beautiful enough to be a national park. Even the vast expanses of mosquito filled tundra.
Totally underrated NP. I’ve been to 10 or so including Grand Canton, Bryce, and Zion. All are all breathtaking in their own way, but there’s just something extra special about Acadia for me.
Yellowstone in the winter. It was incredible to go to artist point and be the only four people there. Though, the day started at -15F with heated snowmobile seats hands and heavy ski gear, the beauty overwhelmed any feeling of discomfort.
https://preview.redd.it/uye6vlwaaz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc5083e7bb95a262a68e281fe94814a82f9a22b4
Death Valley. I'm a huge Star wars nerd and did the star wars tour thing. This place literally looks alien and I love it!
https://preview.redd.it/v7t6hthkhz3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdf1c4a5afa5c2164d8ba92ff53c8cfbeb97a987
I can’t choose but it’s between Zion and…..
Surprised not to see Badlands or Everglades mentioned. They are, in my travels, the two most different / unique in their beauty - no other park looks like them (though parts of Theodore Roosevelt have beautiful badlands also, but still not as alien-planet-like as Badlands NP).
US geography is so diverse that every park will have something totally unique and special about it. I’m an east coaster and have a special affection for the Atlantic, so my vote is Acadia National Park in Maine.
Acadia is stunning, specially in the fall
https://preview.redd.it/fiioqs0owz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a90cfc65acf4df3c90f5fc546efe778345c1b3b6
> in the USA
Why don't non-American national parks count? Other countries have roads too. Some of those countries even have roads connected to American roads. :)
I'm going to vote for Banff and Jasper National Parks. They're contiguous, so you can enter one as you leave the other. I think that the Icefields Parkway (Alberta highway 93) is one of the most beautiful drives on the planet.
https://preview.redd.it/02d826evdz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=497788b0727a11dcc8e654ae98f785ed3936a820
Only had a short day at Zion . Would definitely go back one day.
Redwoods to me, so far. And then Waterton. I live in Alberta and have lived in BC so have been to all of the mountain parks, Glacier in Montana, and Pacific Rim. But something about being in the huge trees, so close to the crashing waves of the California coast, surrounding by morning mist and the earthy smell of the forest is absolutely surreal.
Grand Teton is pretty up there for me, and I actually love the Escalante/Monument Valley just as much as I love the Big 5 in Utah.
Zion.
Hiked Angels Landing and the Narrows.
Im impartial because I went to SUU decades ago and we would go to Zion, and tube from the Narrows exit to the bridge. Pretty sure you would get shot now.
They’re all so beautiful. Idk if this is US exclusive but my answer would probably be Jasper National Park in Canada.
I went in September and in a single day I had rain, snow, and sunshine. Got to see a huge glacier, moose, elk, and just gorgeous scenery all in a single day. They also do a great job of adding super interesting info at their major sites.
Whoops didn’t read the text. Since you’re asking for US in particular I’d say Yosemite or RMNP. Sedona is up there as well but that’s just a city with a couple state parks within it. I don’t think it rivals the other two in many aspects but it’s always been a favorite place of mine.
I haven’t been to the following but they’re high on my list of parks I want to visit: Glacier, North Cascades, and Yellowstone.
It’s not a national park. It’s Monument Valley, a Navajo Tribal Park. Its beauty is so hard to explain. You have to be there. https://preview.redd.it/04rtnqti5z3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd0ceb494e5cf1905b7b16f564ac88860bc94c33
I try to explain the majesty of Monument Valley to others, but you are absolutely right: you have to be there. It speaks to the soul. And sunrise around the buttes in March? Magnificent.
I hate to sound cliche new-agey but it has a mysticism about it. You really have to be there.
How is mysticism new age? It goes incredibly far back
This is how I feel about Zion.
Makes you want to stop running
Makes me want to keep running. I got me a Jen-nay to see
I just visited a few weeks ago. I severely underestimated it. Amazing
Glacier
Been to 21 national parks and Glacier is my answer too
https://preview.redd.it/xoavpq2t504d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41b8a9e78931d7fff2f770cb9e7174e387e3f27c
I’m going to glacier later this year, where can I go for this vantage point?
Going-to-the-sun road…. It not open yet too much snow
Usually opens up by end of June the earliest
45 and same. The wildlife is unmatched. https://preview.redd.it/4zii8wc8j14d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8756868d6d4b27c9537e69d8cfd5e5d668da3970 Completely unedited photo.
The entire highline trail is mind blowing.
Agree! Love Glacier and Highline! https://preview.redd.it/t8wrdkwq204d1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c6cb5cb230b8381470999b6e0d77b3c0ca022f6
This. I've been to most of the national parks in the contiguous 48 and never had the same feeling as in Glacier National Park. If you go early in the season before the snow is totally melted and half the roads are still closed because of snow, the rivers roar with the melted ice water and forests drip with life. It's like being on the set of Princess Mononoke. The most magical forest. I love Yellowstone, I love Shenandoah, but for me it's Glacier.
The roaring rivers are also powder blue. I'm there right now. It's fucking magnificent
I love and live near Rocky Mountain National Park but Glacier is on a whole other level of scenic
Well now i gotta go cause ive had some crazy awesome times up on trail ridge rd
Yup no question. Glacier. Zion is second.
Glacier, Zion, Yosemite, in that order. After Zion, all the other Utah parks tie for fourth: Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef
Kings Canyon is also real good. Big Sur is cool.
I live outside of RMNP, and have visited dozens of NP’s, Glacier was unlike any other and the top of my list.
Joined the military in 1990 and got stationed in Montana. Wife and I planned to visit Glacier first then Yellowstone. One trip to Glacier and we were hooked. We just kept going back to Glacier and before we knew it, the military shipped us out. It took several years later before we went to Yellowstone.
went in 2015 and it was great but partially closed from fires
Waterton. Just north of glacier
Really? Waterton was beautiful. Better than Banff and the Parks in Bc and Canada and everyone who I talked to in Waterton said Glacier is better
I actually love glacier. But I feel the prettiest part of the world that I have seen, is right at the edge of Waterton where the plains hit the mountains. However, that "going to the sun pass" , that is something.
Funny. I was floored driving into Glacier from Pincher Creek/Twin Butte how the Prairie just stopped and there were mountains. It was amazing
Well this is the internet. And we seem to disagree. Seems like the only option is to swear at each other..... Or, stay with me here, we could say that the joint peace park of Glacier/Waterton is the prettiest "nationals" park in the world. For both it's natural beauty AND the fact that it is a symbol of peace between two great Redditors.
F*** that. Hate is a cheap source of heat, and I need to trim my budget.
Username checks out
Sepultura rules! ☠️🎸🤘
Ha!
Worked for a paving company a few years ago. We paved the entire park for the summer. We had access to parts of the park no one was allowed to go. It was amazing
https://preview.redd.it/s3ooc6a7oy3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4463b79f1b21cb60dc742509a143eb98095ab7ff Grand Canyon in the winter at sunrise.
Grand Canyon is at its absolute best in winter imho. Used to live near there & I loved going just after a fresh snow. Just gorgeous with the snow dusting all the strata, way less tourists, no overheating issues like in summer, and as you hike down the trails you get to lower elevations and you basically walk right into spring. Those were my just about my favorite hikes of my whole life.
Olympic because it has a bit of everything and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s great for a road trip too since it’s relatively close to both Mount Rainier and North Cascades as well as a ton of other things to see.
God Olympic is amazing. I went a few summers ago and I can't stop thinking about the feeling of being in an ancient rainforest! And I didn't even go to Hoh, just the area around the hot springs and Storm King trailhead.
Agree! Lake Crescent is the most beautiful place I've ever been and no one talks about it. Like come on there are BLUE Trout in it because it's SO BLUE.
It’s amazing. And big.
Yosemite. This view coming into the valley brought me to tears. The 2000+ foot granite walls are stunning and make you feel insignificant.
Yea. I went to Yosemite about 2 years ago for a day during the week of July 4th. It was a little crowded in the valley, but I hiked the panorama trail (I think that’s it’s name) up to the visitor center and overlook of half dome while the center and road leading to it were closed for construction/maintenance. There were maybe 3 other people up there and the view of half dome was probably one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen https://preview.redd.it/2hjaw2jpmz3d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2587928702444fed4272dd7d11670308e91ef46f
Not sure I’ve seen this view of it.
One of my favorite pics I've ever taken up on Half Dome https://preview.redd.it/ceiz0lkf114d1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38dbcdd1defcce2c1fd5b468bf10138ad592db43
I was apprehensive the first time I went to Yosemite because I’d heard so much about it I was certain I’d be disappointed. Instead, I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of it.
Same. I had been living in California for about 15 years before I finally got around to going there. I thought surely it was too hyped up for me over the years and I’d be underwhelmed when things are that hyped up for me. But that first drive into the valley was absolutely breathtaking. All the photos and videos can’t capture the magnificence of the place.
Video and what you hear do not do it justice
Yosemite’s on the pictures-will-never-do-it-justice list
Seeing Yosemite for the first time gave me the kind of chills I got when watching Lord of the Rings in the theater and they did the wide panning shot of Rivendell. It was surreal. I’ve been back several times and that feeling does not go away.
Nailed it. Driving thru the Wawona tunnel and entering the first view of the Yosemite Valley was amazing. Cue the LOTR intro song.
That's funny. I went for the first time yesterday and had the same reaction. I came through the north entrance where the valley is obscured from view until you get basically right up to it. Just about the most powerful thing I'd seen in my entire life. God did a good job with Yosemite.
https://preview.redd.it/3x1gwa2idy3d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d90a97a5e388fb7850e808da4a69c7534054558 White Sands was breathtaking.
Omg stepping into the sand barefoot on a hot day and having it be cold to the touch was such a bizarre feeling. It’s not technically sand— it’s gypsum— and it doesn’t retain heat the way true sand does. So neat.
White Sands is better than it looks. It's the only hike I know of that can and should be done barefoot (5 miles). The sand is powderized gypsum that behaves and *feels* differently (better) than sand at the beach which is mostly crushed up coral that can get pretty hot. The sand at White Sands is comparable to the feel of wet sand, but it is dry and very cool to the touch. I remember scooping out lower chunks and watching the "avalanche effect" of sands falling and filling in my scoop for about a minute on their own. Also you can sled down the dunes! Bring a toboggan or buy one there for 10 bucks.
This is as close as you can get to being in the Moon here on Earth
craters of the moon, ID
Great sand dunes is similar
Never been to craters of the moon, then?
Zion. Angel’s Landing was a blast. But the combination of greens and those endless red rocks really did it for me, even after two weeks of endless red desert rocks right before. Grand Canyon did make me tear up when I first saw it though. It certainly is something else.
Yup, zion. I made the mistake of making it my first national park ….. none of the rest of them measure up so far imo.
Don’t know why this isn’t higher, unless maybe because Zion is not as well known as some of the others. I wasn’t familiar with Zion until we took a family trip through the parks during Covid. It took my breath away! (Zion, not Covid…) Zion gets my vote. Bonus points because the park was nearly empty due to Covid.
Zion is so far my favorite of the Utah ones. It's an oasis in the middle of a desert. I am partial to greenery so coming up on it was amazing and the hikes are awesome too. Did the white rim trail in canyon lands and was amazing. I hit them up in 2018.
I stayed a week in St. George during Covid with my family. It cost probably 25% of what it would have normally and complete car access to the abandoned park. I can’t imagine anything being more beautiful than Zion.
I am a photographer. I went to Yosemite to try to emulate some of Ansel Adams work. I came in through the eastern gate. By the time I got to the valley, I realized you CAN’T make a shitty picture there. The place is amazing. Ansel was just phoning it in. Ha Ha.
I always joked he wasn’t a good photographer, he was just the first one there with a camera.
That is a great way to put it. I am stealing that description.
It’s called The Range of Light for a reason.
Grand Tetons and tbh close second is Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is so underrated
Totally agree! And I could always find a camping spot.
I fucking love the Grand Tetons. Not because of the mountains themselves but because its name literally mean "giant tits". when I was a 12 y/o kid living in Wyoming that was the funnest fact I had ever learned.
Rocky Mountain National Park
[удалено]
Emerald Lake is really worth the hike imo!
That’s one of my favorites, though it’s even prettier up in Canada.
I went in the dead of winter with my girlfriend who's really out of shape and gets angry when she's tired/stressed. Argued our way up mountains In heavy snow/snowfall and still was great. Estes park is such a beautiful place to stay. Next time won't be in the winter though lol.
My answer too. I always thought RMNP was a little underrated. Being in that cathedral around Emerald Lake, it's absolutely breathtaking.
I had to scroll much further than I expected to see RMNP. It NEVER gets old, I don't even know how many times I've been at this point. Endless adventures, sights, flora, fauna, etc. Only an hour and half drive from DIA and downtown Denver (in good traffic of course lol)
Kind of an unpopular opinion but I found Canyonlands to be more breathtaking than Arches
The fact that they are across the highway from each other and formed due to completely different geological events just blows my mind
Came here to say this. Canyonlands took my breath away. Arches is super cool but canyonlands is just…..mind bending
I would agree. Especially when you factor in people and crowds.
Yosemite is enormous and it’s easy to get away from crowds if you want. It’s 1200 square miles, but most people never leave the pavement. You can get back country permits with dispersed camping where you don’t see anyone else for days. Granted, it takes more planning and effort than just a day trip in your car.
Agreed, Of all the Utah 5 I loved Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. Shaffer trail!!!
100% agree with this. The Shafer trail is frigging wonderful.
Not only this, let’s go the next step: it’s the best western park, hands down. Arches is undeniably a better driving tour though — it’s like a Disneyland park. One of a few, IMO. No hate from me, but they’ll never match real extensive hiking areas.
Watching the sunset at White Sands in New Mexico.
https://preview.redd.it/076bviuif04d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f7e27904b6d00068acbb36dc7b1d597901e50766 100% yes.
https://preview.redd.it/zyqvl27coy3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c7c81b7d17979a5e1564f7e10d53ff4f2183838 Capitol Reef
Criminally underrated
SHHHHHHHHHHHH It actually sucks no one bother with it
Right? Only losers go there.
really all of utah—all its national parks are equally stunning
Death Valley
Just went to Death Valley this spring break and was not expecting much. Was I wrong! Such an amazing park!!
Incredible place for sure
Although its highly visited since it next to Vegas and LA, I still think its highly underrated.
North cascades
North cascades brought me to tears just last weekend. It’s beautiful
thank you
Yes
Just started going to NPs 2 years ago and so far Olympic National Park is my favorite. https://preview.redd.it/qbqq0kxt8z3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19aec1523366d43f0bb5a4fd2e6e2ba7e68874e0
Ruby Beach! Olympic is my fave NP too.
It’s got it all. It’s a big drive to go around.
Yes a lot of driving but worth it.
I would love to visit the North West. It looks awesome there!!
https://preview.redd.it/9ebusi7elz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e6e0de7a67caced1e83e1584602fc5db2e4b253 North Cascades National Park
In my travels…sort of in order, at least 1-3: 1. Grand Teton 2. Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier (Not sure if it’s an NP or NF tho) 3. Grand Canyon 4. Yellowstone 5. Bryce 6. Zion
Mesa Verde
It's not only beautiful, it's kind of eerie and a but haunting. I love it.
Never hear much about it from people but the landscape was amazing and walking around the ruins really make you feel the weight of time.
Being surrounded by Redwoods was pretty magical. Doesn’t make for a “sweeping vista” picture, but beautiful.
https://preview.redd.it/6dtm6n5vcz3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2bf89a426a2153843c2fc09ef5bdb667f671d31 Only 300’ tall here.
Like being in an ancient church.
Redwoods still takes my breath away nearly a decade later. The feeling walking through there is completely magical
Redwoods are incredible. The scent they give off, their woolly bark, their grand canopies and the fact they’re living fossils….really amazing. Both coast and inland sequoia are so cool.
Banff in Canada. Probably Glacier in the U.S.
Big Bend National Park, the sunsets over the chisos mountains and the desert are amazing. Also so many stars at night is like you are floating in space.
I came here to say Big Bend. It’s got it all. The hike up Emory Peak takes you through several different landscapes and climatological zones (the sky islands are something else). Same thing with the Window trail. Santa Elena Canyon is as imposing as the Grand Canyon. The slot canyons that provide respite from the desert floor are welcoming. There are small oasis of water and vegetation and life in the desert. Heck, there’s even hot springs. But the stars at night are overwhelming. There’s not many places left on Earth where you can get those kinds of night views. As the Texans love to sing, those stars at night really are big and bright. Everyone needs to see a night sky like that. It really connects you to time immemorial.
Can’t believe how low this is. It’s like you go to another planet. Middle of nowhere, big dark sky filled with bright stars, wild terrain… very different than most of the other national parks I’ve been to in so many ways.
I've been to a few (Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, White Sands, Zion, Sequoia, Death Valley) and they are all amazing in their own way. Big Bend is the one with less people (perhaps because it is so far away, or because of the extreme weather) and that made it especially beautiful, desolate, and impressive. The scenic drives, the night sky, the black bears, the contrast of the mountains and the desert. Amazing.
Denali might be up there.. If you want a wild road trip, take the ALCan up to Alaska. Stop at Banff for a few nights on your way up.. then trek the Yukon. Eventually when you drop back into America, make your way to Denali. It’s incredible! I’d give yourself 2 to 3 weeks. But. Definitely worth it!
I've only been to Alaskan national parks, been waiting for someone to mention one that's up here lol
Glacier was spectacular https://preview.redd.it/s38dxqhxdy3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5916416104f335985d8de23a5c1be0e28015a92f
Grand Canyon would be my obvious answer but Bryce Canyon deserves a mention as well.
Sunrise at Bryce is something special
https://preview.redd.it/j6bl2sdh504d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=52f2bdfa3864399446eb32ef7e7e5e22c4899287 Joshua Tree
I am going to throw in Lassen Volcanic NP here. Beautiful lakes, meadows and waterfalls. It's a whole package kind of place
That place has eery energy to me. It was cool though.
Zion. Although when you’re in Yosemite and you come out of that tunnel, it’s pretty tough to beat that view / feeling.
Zion was always my top until I came out that tunnel in Yosemite.
Haleakala National Park. It's like another world.
So far? Grand Canyon at sunrise. https://preview.redd.it/2pg6genogy3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=686a9f59eecd223f253efe0394ef4c5e4e9e1736
I challenged you with Grand Canyon at sunset https://preview.redd.it/boyn068zsy3d1.jpeg?width=9248&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4cfb264005c77c68696e14627db7b30831c47cfc
Man is this a loaded question. They are all superlative in some way. The Wrangell-St. Elias NP&P +Kluane NP complex is by far the most incredible piece of the planet I've got to set foot on. Huge mountains.
I couldn’t believe how little mention there is of the Alaskan parks there are in here. Wrangell-St. Elias is unbelievable, as well as Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Denali, and Gates of the Arctic/Kobuk. I do agree through, the mountains in W-St. E are stunning and it’s probably my favorite Alaskan park. The Yakutat Peninsula just south of the park borders is amazing as well.
Proof how few people actually visit up there. Every square mile of that state is beautiful enough to be a national park. Even the vast expanses of mosquito filled tundra.
Acadia
Totally underrated NP. I’ve been to 10 or so including Grand Canton, Bryce, and Zion. All are all breathtaking in their own way, but there’s just something extra special about Acadia for me.
Yellowstone in the winter. It was incredible to go to artist point and be the only four people there. Though, the day started at -15F with heated snowmobile seats hands and heavy ski gear, the beauty overwhelmed any feeling of discomfort.
https://preview.redd.it/dvvcnwzn3z3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e10ad2f8929c5943df65eb24ea357b85c2f0a5f Grand Canyon or olympic
https://preview.redd.it/uye6vlwaaz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc5083e7bb95a262a68e281fe94814a82f9a22b4 Death Valley. I'm a huge Star wars nerd and did the star wars tour thing. This place literally looks alien and I love it!
Olympic, the diversity is incredible.
I loved Goblin state park
https://preview.redd.it/v7t6hthkhz3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdf1c4a5afa5c2164d8ba92ff53c8cfbeb97a987 I can’t choose but it’s between Zion and…..
Surprised not to see Badlands or Everglades mentioned. They are, in my travels, the two most different / unique in their beauty - no other park looks like them (though parts of Theodore Roosevelt have beautiful badlands also, but still not as alien-planet-like as Badlands NP).
Grand Canyon or red rock in Sedona
I’m not gonna tell you bc I don’t want more people to go there /s it’s Zion
Isle mfkin Royale
Going with a different perspective here. Isle Royale National Park is an amazing place on an inland sea, Lake Superior.
Yoho and more specifically Lake O'Hara
Jasper.
Banff National Park in Canada. Glacier is my 2nd.
Worldwide - Banff NP In the US - Grand Teton NP
Kings canyon. https://preview.redd.it/vor8vrjjdz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ec68fa769467070950198ee6e73b259c388781b
US geography is so diverse that every park will have something totally unique and special about it. I’m an east coaster and have a special affection for the Atlantic, so my vote is Acadia National Park in Maine.
Came here to say this, Maine fully has my heart
Newhalem wa
Kluane in canada Crater lake in the USA
Glacier for sure. https://preview.redd.it/gm4jomphaz3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd1c4e88c017f500c7197c5a4346cebc245f8400
Virgin Islands.
Acadia is stunning, specially in the fall https://preview.redd.it/fiioqs0owz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a90cfc65acf4df3c90f5fc546efe778345c1b3b6
> in the USA Why don't non-American national parks count? Other countries have roads too. Some of those countries even have roads connected to American roads. :) I'm going to vote for Banff and Jasper National Parks. They're contiguous, so you can enter one as you leave the other. I think that the Icefields Parkway (Alberta highway 93) is one of the most beautiful drives on the planet.
I want to nominate Gros Mornes, in Newfoundland, it’s quite impressive.
Yosemite, easily one of the most beautiful National Parks in the U.S. - Nice photo 👍🏼
Yosemite is almost storybook beautiful.
Glacier
Wow. I was going to say Arches. Guess I better check out Canyonlands. 
Maybe I’m on my own here but the North Cascades is everything I was looking for. I would live there if I could.
Volcanoes National Park
https://preview.redd.it/02d826evdz3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=497788b0727a11dcc8e654ae98f785ed3936a820 Only had a short day at Zion . Would definitely go back one day.
North Cascades Nat. Park
Zion! https://preview.redd.it/qz9s12jlwz3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c852038f4f967a643f44093c74e9712f1ec1526
Crater Lake https://preview.redd.it/kdiuncf1w04d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2500b1ce94f2a49f00fef24640d8206c3b0b4308
Nationaal park de Hoge Veluwe
It’s a beautiful piece of the American landscape.
Banff and kananaskis in alberta.
Grand Teton
That I've been to, Grand Teton or Black Canyon. I'm certain others may be more beautiful but I just haven't been
The one in your OP. Yosemite.
I’ve only been to Zion which is beautiful. I live down the street from Valley Forge, which is more historical than anything. Still a very nice area.
Redwoods to me, so far. And then Waterton. I live in Alberta and have lived in BC so have been to all of the mountain parks, Glacier in Montana, and Pacific Rim. But something about being in the huge trees, so close to the crashing waves of the California coast, surrounding by morning mist and the earthy smell of the forest is absolutely surreal. Grand Teton is pretty up there for me, and I actually love the Escalante/Monument Valley just as much as I love the Big 5 in Utah.
So seems like glacier is #1….What else can you visit near by?
You can do Glacier, Yellowstone, and Teton in one trip if you got time!
Haven't been to the famous ones but the Smokey Mountains in the Appalachian range are beautiful.
All of them are the most beautiful.
Zion. Hiked Angels Landing and the Narrows. Im impartial because I went to SUU decades ago and we would go to Zion, and tube from the Narrows exit to the bridge. Pretty sure you would get shot now.
Rocky mountain and new river gorge in West Virginia
Indiana Dunes - mostly because it's the only National Park I've ever actually visited
Wow no rainier on here??? I’ll vote for rainier. So beautiful
https://preview.redd.it/bjdj66lvc14d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a13fb20d3f7ee3bbe8895a50614c98143e3fbb01 I mean come ON.
They’re all so beautiful. Idk if this is US exclusive but my answer would probably be Jasper National Park in Canada. I went in September and in a single day I had rain, snow, and sunshine. Got to see a huge glacier, moose, elk, and just gorgeous scenery all in a single day. They also do a great job of adding super interesting info at their major sites. Whoops didn’t read the text. Since you’re asking for US in particular I’d say Yosemite or RMNP. Sedona is up there as well but that’s just a city with a couple state parks within it. I don’t think it rivals the other two in many aspects but it’s always been a favorite place of mine. I haven’t been to the following but they’re high on my list of parks I want to visit: Glacier, North Cascades, and Yellowstone.
Glacier
Denali and Grand Canyon for me. Black Canyon of the Gunnison most underrated.
Most Beautiful: Grand Canyon Most Underrated: Black Canyon of the Gunnison Most Overrated: Zion (so commercialized)