The United States is home to over 400 national parks across the country, each offering unique natural beauty.
For photography enthusiasts looking to capture stunning images of the great outdoors, deciding which park to visit can be a challenge.
If your goal is to find the best national parks to snap photos that will impress your followers, particularly on platforms like Instagram, some parks stand out.
Based on findings compiled by DeerHuntingGuide, who searched Instagram hashtags mentioning national parks, a list of the most “Instagrammable” parks was created.
This ranking prioritizes parks that Instagram users find most picturesque and shareable on their accounts.
It’s worth noting that the U.S.’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee, did not make this specific list. The sources encourage considering other national parks beyond this list as well.
Here are the top 10 most “Instagrammable” national parks, ranked by the number of hashtags:
1. Yosemite National Park
Number of hashtags: 1,616,744
Yosemite is a favorite among nature enthusiasts and photographers, known for its iconic granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and lush meadows.
The park offers abundant photography opportunities. Notable sights include El Capitan, the world’s largest block of granite, which towers 3,000 feet tall. Yosemite also features Yosemite Falls, America’s tallest waterfall with a 2,425-foot drop.
Yosemite Falls underwent a large restoration completed in 2005 to maintain its natural beauty, improving the trail system near its base and revitalizing the surrounding 52 acres of natural habitat. Yosemite is listed as one of the oldest national parks on this specific list.
2. Zion National Park
Number of hashtags: 1,481,402
Renowned for its huge red rock formations and stunning slot canyons, Zion National Park offers captivating vistas at every turn.
It is described as a paradise for landscape photographers seeking vibrant natural colors. Breathtaking views can be found along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the iconic Angel’s Landing hike.
3. Yellowstone National Park
Number of hashtags: 1,294,642
Yellowstone, designated as America’s first national park on March 1, 1872, boasts a wide array of geothermal wonders. These include the iconic Old Faithful geyser and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring.
The park’s diverse landscapes feature colorful hot springs, lush forests, and majestic waterfalls. Yellowstone is also the eighth largest national park in the U.S., spanning 2.2 million acres.
4. Glacier National Park
Number of hashtags: 1,109,166
With its soaring snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and expansive glaciers, Glacier National Park is described as a photographer’s dream.
Photographers can capture iconic views along the Going-to-the-Sun Road or explore the park’s remote backcountry trails.
Glacier promises unparalleled beauty and tranquility. Glacier is also noted as one of the oldest national parks on this list.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
Number of hashtags: 789,606
Rocky Mountain National Park attracts adventurers with its rugged mountain landscapes, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife.
The stunning vistas of Trail Ridge Road and the serene beauty of Bear Lake provide endless photo opportunities. Rocky Mountain is listed as one of the oldest national parks on this list.
6. Joshua Tree National Park
Number of hashtags: 738,261
Joshua Tree offers unforgettable photo opportunities, from capturing the park’s iconic Joshua trees silhouetted against a colorful desert sunset to exploring its hidden oases and ancient rock formations.
The park was designated a national park in 1994, making it the newest park on this specific list. Joshua Tree is also the 15th largest park in the U.S., covering almost 800,000 acres.
The beauty of the park has influenced several artists, including The Eagles, U2, and Childish Gambino, to feature its visuals or write songs about it.
7. Arches National Park
Number of hashtags: 692,794
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
Visitors can photograph the iconic Delicate Arch or the stunning red rock formations of the Fiery Furnace.
8. Grand Teton National Park
Number of hashtags: 624,512
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Grand Teton National Park boasts breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Capturing the jagged peaks of the Teton Range mirrored in the glassy waters of Jackson Lake or exploring the park’s lush valleys and meadows offers unforgettable photo opportunities year-round.
9. Acadia National Park
Number of hashtags: 608,158
Acadia National Park provides a picturesque backdrop with its rugged coastline, granite peaks, and dense forests. Seeing the breathtaking cliffs along the Park Loop Road is highlighted as a must for photographers.
10. Olympic National Park
Number of hashtags: 597,802
Olympic National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from its rugged Pacific coastline and lush temperate rainforests to towering snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine lakes.
Hiking through the park’s old-growth forests allows visitors to experience its unparalleled beauty and tranquility.
Alicia Richards