The beauty of American national parks is widely acknowledged, appealing even to those who may not identify as dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.
With a total of 63 national parks scattered across the country, YouGov conducted a poll to understand which of these destinations hold a special place in the hearts of Americans.
This online survey involved 1,000 US adult citizens, gathering insights into their experiences, including which parks they have visited and which they would recommend to others.
The results of this poll highlight the parks that resonate most strongly with travelers, providing a glimpse into America’s favorite natural wonders and their unique appeal.
1: Grand Canyon National Park
Tying for the top spot as the most recommended national park is the Grand Canyon. Located in Northern Arizona, it stands as one of the most iconic travel destinations in the United States.
A remarkable eighty-four percent of visitors strongly recommend it. This high recommendation rate places it in a shared leading position among the parks surveyed, underscoring its immense appeal and the lasting impression it leaves on those who experience its vast scale and breathtaking scenery.
The Grand Canyon’s status as an iconic site is clearly reflected in the overwhelming positive feedback from visitors who have explored its depths and perspectives.
2: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park holds a significant place in history as the flagship of the National Park Service and the world’s first national park.
It draws millions of visitors annually. The park offers an extensive network with thousands of miles of trails and numerous main attractions to discover.
Notably, Yellowstone is home to a greater concentration of geysers and hot springs than anywhere else on Earth.
Mirroring the popularity of the Grand Canyon, 84% of visitors recommended visiting Yellowstone, placing it in a tie for the highest recommendation rate among the parks featured.
3: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
For those seeking an encounter with geological power, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers the experience of exploring the summits of the world’s most active volcanoes.
This park presents a dramatic landscape that stretches from sea level all the way up to 13,680 feet. Its unique volcanic features and diverse elevations resonate strongly with visitors, as 82% of them “sing its praises,” making it the third most recommended park according to the survey results.
The opportunity to witness active volcanic processes contributes to its high visitor satisfaction and recommendation rate.
4: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distinguished as America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a truly impressive natural experience.
Situated along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is renowned for being bursting with biodiversity.
Visitors to this park can expect to encounter a wealth of wildlife and nature that is described as unlike any other.
This rich natural environment contributes to its popularity and high recommendation rate, with eighty percent of adventurers who have visited the park recommending it to others.
5: Rocky Mountain National Park
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park might help you understand the inspiration behind John Denver’s songs about the views.
This park in Colorado encompasses 415 square miles of spectacular mountain ranges, lush meadows, and glimmering lakes. Its stunning scenery makes a strong impression on visitors, leading to a high recommendation rate.
The park ties with the Great Smoky Mountains for visitor approval, also achieving an 80% recommended rate.
This solidifies its position as a top favorite among travelers exploring the natural beauty of the American West.
6: Yosemite National Park
Located in central California, Yosemite National Park is recognized as one of the most popular national parks in the country.
It has served as a family vacation staple for decades. Historically significant, it was the nation’s first land officially dedicated to recreation and enjoyment.
Its iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and valleys attract a large number of visitors, and the park is highly regarded by those who have experienced it. Seventy-nine percent of people who have been to Yosemite recommend it to others.
7: Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is another destination in California celebrated for its impressive trees. It is a top-visited destination for outdoorsy Americans.
While exploring this park, visitors can discover larger-than-life trees, along with vast caverns and huge mountains within the California natural landscape. The park’s majestic size and diverse features contribute to its positive reception.
Seventy-eight percent of visitors recommend this park, highlighting the impact of its massive sequoia trees and expansive terrain on traveler experiences.
8: Redwood National Park
Prepare to gaze skyward if you plan a visit to Redwood National Park. This park is famously home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.
Located in California, this highly rated wonderland holds the eighth position in the survey. The towering redwood trees create a unique and awe-inspiring environment for visitors.
The park is recommended by a significant portion of its visitors, with a 76% visitor recommended rate, reflecting its popularity and the memorable experience it offers.
9: Zion National Park
As Utah’s first national park, Zion is a popular destination that draws many visitors. Seventy-six percent of visitors recommend seeing it for yourself.
The park is characterized by massive sandstone cliffs colored in pink, cream, and red, and is home to unique plants and animals.
It also features paths that people have walked for thousands of years. Zion’s distinctive geological formations and historical human connection contribute to its status as a highly recommended park in the American Southwest.
10: Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is described as a truly breathtaking park to explore and has been dubbed the nation’s amphitheater by the National Park Service.
Situated in Southwestern Utah, it is particularly famous for housing the world’s most extensive collection of hoodoos. Hoodoos are described as unique, tall rock formations.
The spectacular and unusual landscape of Bryce Canyon leaves a strong positive impression on visitors. Seventy-five percent of park-goers indicated that they would suggest Bryce Canyon to a friend.
11: Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a highly recommended national park situated in Wyoming. It is known for its wide range of extraordinary wildlife and boasts over 200 miles of trails.
The park is also home to one of the most iconic views in the country. These natural attractions contribute to a positive visitor experience, leading to a high recommendation rate.
Seventy-four percent of visitors said they would recommend the park to someone else, emphasizing its appeal for wildlife viewing, hiking, and scenic vistas.
12: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Tap into your inner explorer when you visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, this park is both well-known and highly recommended specifically for its incredible cave systems.
A significant feature of the park is that it features one of the largest underground chambers in the world.
The unique opportunity to explore extensive and impressive caves makes it a memorable destination. Seventy-three percent of visitors recommend the park, highlighting the appeal of its subterranean wonders.
Alicia Richards