America is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. With 63 official national parks stretching across deserts, forests, mountains, and coastline, there’s no shortage of stunning spots to explore.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone who loves a good scenic drive, these protected lands offer something for everyone.
To find out which national parks hold a special place in people’s hearts, YouGov conducted an online poll of 1,000 U.S. adults. They were asked which parks they had visited and which they would recommend to others.
Based on the results, here are the 12 most beloved national parks in the United States, ranked by the percentage of visitors who highly recommend them.
1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Recommendation Rate: 84%
Few places in the world are as instantly recognizable as the Grand Canyon. This immense natural wonder, carved by the Colorado River, is over a mile deep and stretches 277 miles in length.
Located in Northern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park captures the imagination with its layered bands of red rock and sweeping vistas.
Whether you hike down into the canyon or just admire the view from the South Rim, it’s easy to see why 84% of visitors recommend this iconic destination.
2. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Recommendation Rate: 84%
Tied for the top spot with the Grand Canyon is Yellowstone National Park, America’s very first national park and a true natural treasure.
Encompassing more than 2 million acres, Yellowstone is home to dramatic geysers, colorful hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and vast forests.
It’s also one of the best places in the U.S. to spot wildlife like bison, wolves, and elk. With its extraordinary geothermal features and scenic landscapes, it’s no surprise that 84% of visitors give it a glowing review.
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
Recommendation Rate: 82%
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers an experience unlike any other in the country. Here, you can walk across hardened lava fields, explore lush rainforests, and witness volcanic activity firsthand.
The park spans from sea level up to 13,680 feet, covering the slopes of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, two of the world’s most active volcanoes.
This unique terrain captivates explorers, earning a high 82% visitor recommendation rate.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
Recommendation Rate: 80%
The Great Smoky Mountains, which straddle the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, are not only beautiful they’re also the most visited national park in the United States.
Known for its mist-covered peaks, ancient forests, and rich biodiversity, the Smokies attract millions of nature lovers annually.
With opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving, it’s easy to see why 80% of visitors strongly recommend this Appalachian gem.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Recommendation Rate: 80%
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning alpine wonderland filled with rugged peaks, serene lakes, and flowering meadows.
Spanning 415 square miles, the park includes more than 350 miles of trails, offering something for everyone from casual strolls to challenging summit hikes.
The spectacular scenery inspired John Denver’s famous song “Rocky Mountain High,” and the park earns a solid 80% recommendation rating from those who’ve experienced its beauty.
6. Yosemite National Park (California)
Recommendation Rate: 79%
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is an icon in the world of outdoor adventure.
With towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, lush valleys, giant sequoias, and roaring waterfalls, Yosemite has been a favorite for generations of families and photographers.
Designated as the first land in the U.S. preserved for public enjoyment, it continues to be a must-visit destination. Seventy-nine percent of its visitors recommend it to others.
7. Sequoia National Park (California)
Recommendation Rate: 78%
If you’ve ever wanted to feel truly small in the presence of nature, Sequoia National Park is the place to go.
Located in the southern Sierra Nevada, this park is famous for its massive trees, including General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth by volume.
Visitors can also explore deep canyons, rugged mountains, and vast underground caves. Its jaw-dropping natural wonders earned it a 78% visitor recommendation.
8. Redwood National Park (California)
Recommendation Rate: 76%
Another California favorite, Redwood National and State Parks, is home to the tallest trees in the world.
These ancient giants, some soaring over 350 feet high, tower over misty forests and fern-lined trails, creating a magical, almost surreal environment.
In addition to its woodlands, the park offers coastal views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. With a 76% recommendation rate, it’s a must for lovers of awe-inspiring landscapes.
9. Zion National Park (Utah)
Recommendation Rate: 76%
Utah’s first national park, Zion, is a visual masterpiece. Here you’ll find massive sandstone cliffs in shades of pink, red, and cream, carved by the Virgin River over millions of years.
Zion is a playground for adventurers, with challenging hikes like Angels Landing and scenic strolls along the Zion Narrows.
Its unique mix of desert and forest environments, along with its deep cultural history, earned it a 76% visitor recommendation.
10. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Recommendation Rate: 75%
Also located in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is best known for its incredible collection of hoodoos tall, thin rock spires formed by erosion.
These vibrant orange and red formations create a dramatic and surreal landscape, especially when viewed at sunrise or sunset.
Often referred to as “nature’s amphitheater,” Bryce Canyon offers unforgettable views and unique geological features. Seventy-five percent of visitors recommend it to others.
11. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Recommendation Rate: 74%
Just south of Yellowstone lies Grand Teton National Park, another Wyoming gem. With its jagged mountain peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, this park is a dream for photographers and outdoor lovers alike.
The Teton Range rises dramatically above the Jackson Hole valley, creating one of the most recognizable and breathtaking backdrops in the country.
The park’s rich history, challenging trails, and stunning views have led to a 74% visitor recommendation rate.
12. Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)
Recommendation Rate: 73%
Rounding out the list is Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Unlike the other parks on this list, Carlsbad is famous not for its surface beauty but for its astonishing underground wonders.
The park features more than 119 caves, including the massive Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America.
Visitors descend into an alien-like world of stalactites and stalagmites that stretch for miles. With its otherworldly charm, the park holds a 73% recommendation rate.
Alicia Richards