10 National Parks That Are Instagram Gold

The United States is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes on Earth. With over 400 national parks scattered across the country, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding where to explore next especially if you’re looking for that perfect, Instagram-worthy photo. 

Whether you’re into dramatic mountain ranges, serene alpine lakes, vast deserts, or lush forests, there’s a national park that fits your aesthetic.

To help narrow it down, DeerHuntingGuide compiled a list of the 10 most Instagrammable national parks, based on the number of hashtags each park has on Instagram. 

So, grab your hiking boots, charge your phone, and get ready to explore the most photogenic parks in America.

1. Yosemite National Park

Number of Hashtags: 1,616,744

Location: California

Yosemite tops the list and it’s no surprise why. This iconic California park is a photographer’s paradise, offering sweeping views of granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and tranquil meadows. 

Famous spots like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls are among the most recognized natural wonders in the world.

Whether you’re capturing the sun rising over Tunnel View or snapping a long-exposure waterfall shot at Bridalveil Fall, every frame tells a story of nature’s majesty. 

The park changes dramatically with the seasons, giving Instagrammers endless content all year long.

2. Zion National Park

Number of Hashtags: 1,481,402

Location: Utah

Zion stuns visitors with its towering red rock formations and narrow slot canyons. It’s a true desert beauty, known for its vibrant hues and dramatic landscapes. 

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive offers jaw-dropping viewpoints, while hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows challenge your courage and reward you with unbeatable photo ops.

Golden hour here is a dream deep shadows, red rock glowing in the sun, and views that look like they belong in a painting. Zion is ideal for adventurers who want bold and dramatic shots to light up their feed.

3. Yellowstone National Park

Number of Hashtags: 1,294,642

Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Yellowstone is America’s first national park, and it remains one of the most iconic. With its steaming geysers, colorful hot springs, and sprawling meadows filled with wildlife, every inch of Yellowstone feels like a natural wonderland.

Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring are must-capture spots, but you’ll also want to keep your camera ready for encounters with bison, elk, and maybe even a grizzly bear (from a safe distance, of course). 

This park is perfect for those who love vibrant colors and unique geological features.

4. Glacier National Park

Number of Hashtags: 1,109,166

Location: Montana

With its majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, and over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is a serene escape into the heart of nature. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” this park feels like stepping into a postcard.

Drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road for panoramic views, or hike to Hidden Lake or Grinnell Glacier for those once-in-a-lifetime shots. 

In fall, the changing foliage adds a whole new palette of color. It’s a dream for landscape photographers and anyone chasing the quiet beauty of the mountains.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

Number of Hashtags: 789,606

Location: Colorado

Colorado’s most famous park is home to some of the tallest peaks in the continental U.S., and the views are truly epic. 

Whether you’re taking in the sweeping sights from Trail Ridge Road, walking around Bear Lake, or spotting elk in the alpine meadows, Rocky Mountain National Park delivers on visual drama.

Instagrammers love the ever-changing skies here dramatic clouds, piercing sunrises, and snow-covered peaks all make for stunning shots. The park offers that perfect balance between accessibility and wild beauty.

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Number of Hashtags: 738,261

Location: California

A favorite among artists and influencers alike, Joshua Tree feels like another planet. The park is named for its quirky, spiky Joshua trees, which stand tall across the stark desert landscape. 

Throw in massive boulder formations and colorful sunsets, and you’ve got a surreal desert canvas.

Sunset and sunrise are prime time here, casting a soft golden glow over the sandy terrain. 

Whether you’re posing in front of a cactus-lined trail or capturing the night sky dotted with stars, Joshua Tree offers a totally different aesthetic that pops on any feed.

7. Arches National Park

Number of Hashtags: 692,794

Location: Utah

Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park looks like a sculpted masterpiece. 

The contrast between the red rock and deep blue skies makes for truly striking photos. Iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and Landscape Arch are high on every visitor’s shot list.

With its otherworldly formations and deep desert vibes, Arches is a fantastic place for wide-angle and time-lapse photography. 

The park also lights up beautifully at night, making it a go-to spot for Milky Way chasers and stargazers.

8. Grand Teton National Park

Number of Hashtags: 624,512

Location: Wyoming

Nestled just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park boasts some of the most dramatic mountain views in North America. 

The Teton Range, with its jagged peaks and snow-covered tops, reflects beautifully in the still waters of Jackson Lake and Schwabacher Landing.

In autumn, the park bursts with golden leaves and roaming wildlife moose, elk, and bison frequently make an appearance.

Photographers love the symmetrical reflections and wildlife opportunities, and there’s no shortage of trailheads leading to unforgettable scenes.

9. Acadia National Park

Number of Hashtags: 608,158

Location: Maine

Acadia is a New England gem that offers a mix of coastal cliffs, rocky beaches, and dense forests. 

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, perched atop dramatic cliffs, is one of the park’s most popular photography spots.

Drive along Park Loop Road or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, where you’ll be one of the first in the U.S. to see the sunrise. 

Acadia’s Atlantic shoreline offers a rugged, moody beauty that’s ideal for early morning or twilight photography.

10. Olympic National Park

Number of Hashtags: 597,802 Location: Washington

Olympic is one of the most diverse parks in the country you’ll find lush temperate rainforests, dramatic mountain ranges, wild Pacific beaches, and alpine lakes all in one park.

Hoh Rain Forest, with its moss-covered trees, looks straight out of a fantasy film. From Rialto Beach’s sea stacks to Hurricane Ridge’s snowy peaks, Olympic offers photographers a wide array of scenery. 

Its misty, moody climate adds a mysterious layer to your photos, especially during the foggy mornings and rainy afternoons.

Photo of author

Alicia Richards

Nationally syndicated travel writer and direct publisher for MSN.com with bylines on AP Wire. Based in Hamden, Connecticut, delivering captivating travel insights and stories that engage a wide audience. A self-employed professional dedicated to exploring destinations and sharing experiences that inspire wanderlust and discovery. LinkedIn

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