Even if you don’t consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, the beauty of American national parks is undeniable.
With 63 national parks across the country, the travel appeal is vast. To understand which parks resonate most with visitors, YouGov conducted an online poll.
They asked 1,000 US adult citizens about their experiences, including which parks they’ve visited and which they would recommend to others.
This post highlights the parks that received the strongest recommendations from these visitors, offering insights into why they are so beloved.
Here are the 12 national parks travelers reliably adore:
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Tying for the top spot as a traveler favorite, Grand Canyon National Park earns its place with an impressive 84% recommendation rate from visitors.
Located in Northern Arizona, this park is described as one of the most iconic travel destinations in the United States. Its immense scale and breathtaking vistas clearly leave a lasting impression.
Visitors who have experienced its grandeur are highly likely to recommend it, solidifying its status as a must-see park. It’s a place that consistently captivates those who visit.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Sharing the top recommendation rate at 84% is Yellowstone National Park. Often called the flagship of the National Park Service and recognized as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone draws millions of visitors annually.
Its fame is well-earned, particularly for being home to more geysers and hot springs than anywhere else on Earth, offering unique natural wonders that clearly resonate strongly with travelers.
The combination of its historical significance and stunning geothermal features makes it a top-recommended park.
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Imagine exploring the summits of the world’s most active volcanoes – that’s the experience offered at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, this park presents dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
The unique opportunity to witness dynamic geological processes leads 82% of visitors to “sing its praises” and strongly recommend it to others.
Its active nature and significant elevation change contribute to its high ranking among visitor favorites.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Holding the title of America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains are a truly remarkable destination.
Nestled between the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this park is bursting with biodiversity. Visitors consistently recommend it, with 80% of adventurers who have explored the park suggesting a visit.
You can expect to experience a wealth of wildlife and nature like no other, which contributes significantly to its popularity and high recommendation rate.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
Sharing the 80% visitor recommended rate with the Great Smoky Mountains is Rocky Mountain National Park.
Located in Colorado, this park encompasses 415 square miles of breathtaking scenery. Visitors are treated to spectacular mountain ranges, lush meadows, and glimmering lakes.
The park’s majestic views are so inspiring, they’ve even been the subject of songs. Its vast and varied landscapes make it a highly recommended destination for nature lovers.
6. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in central California is described as one of the most popular national parks in the country and a family vacation staple for decades.
It holds historical significance as the nation’s first land officially dedicated to recreation and enjoyment.
A significant 79% of people who have visited Yosemite recommend it to others. Its enduring appeal and status as a long-loved destination contribute to its high ranking in visitor recommendations.
7. Sequoia National Park
Another highly recommended park in California is Sequoia National Park, known for its impressive trees. It’s a top-visited destination where visitors can discover larger-than-life trees, vast caverns, and huge mountains.
Strolling through the California nature here offers sights that clearly resonate with visitors, as seventy-eight percent recommend this park.
Its combination of immense natural features makes it a memorable experience for park-goers.
8. Redwood National Park
If you visit Redwood National Park in California, be prepared to gaze skyward. This park is famous for being home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.
This unique characteristic makes it a highly rated wonderland. It secures the eighth spot on the list with a 76% visitor recommended rate.
The sheer scale and majesty of the redwood trees are a primary reason for its strong recommendations.
9. Zion National Park
As Utah’s first national park, Zion is a popular destination highly recommended by visitors, with 76% suggesting others see it for themselves.
The park features massive sandstone cliffs colored in pink, cream, and red, creating a striking visual landscape. It is also home to unique plants and animals and contains paths people have walked for thousands of years.
This combination of geology, biology, and history makes Zion a reliably adored park.
10. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon, located in Southwestern Utah, is dubbed the nation’s amphitheater by the National Park Service and is a truly breathtaking park.
It is particularly famous for having the world’s most extensive collection of hoodoos, which are unique, tall rock formations.
These distinctive geological features are a major draw, leading seventy-five percent of park-goers to suggest Bryce Canyon to a friend.
Its unparalleled collection of hoodoos makes it a memorable and highly recommended visit.
11. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a highly recommended destination, earning a 74% recommendation rate from visitors.
The park is home to a wide range of extraordinary wildlife and features over 200 miles of trails for exploration. It is also known for having one of the most iconic views in the country.
The combination of stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and extensive trails makes it a popular choice among those who visit.
12. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Located in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is well-known and highly recommended, particularly for its incredible cave systems. Tapping into your inner explorer is easy here.
The park features one of the largest underground chambers in the world, offering a unique subterranean experience.
Seventy-three percent of visitors recommend this park, highlighting the fascination and wonder inspired by its extensive caverns.
Alicia Richards