The USA is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world, from soaring mountains to desert canyons and remote, untouched forests. Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, visiting a national park in 2025 is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature. Here are the 25 best national parks in the USA to visit in 2025—a blend of iconic landscapes and hidden gems that offer something for every kind of traveler.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho
Yellowstone, America’s first national park, is a timeless classic—but 2025 is extra special. The park is investing in new sustainability projects, and the bison population is thriving.
What to See:
Old Faithful geyser eruptions (every 90 minutes!)
Grand Prismatic Spring’s surreal rainbow colors
Wildlife: bears, wolves, elk, and bison
Pro Tip: Go early morning to Hayden Valley for the best chance at spotting wolves and grizzlies.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
With glaciers melting fast, now is the time to see them. Plus, new shuttle routes and improved trails make it easier to explore sustainably.
Highlights:
Going-to-the-Sun Road (breathtaking drive)
Grinnell Glacier hike (moderate to strenuous)
Hidden Lake Overlook for incredible sunset views
Travel Tip: Visit between late June and early September for full road access.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
This is the most visited national park in the U.S., and for good reason. In 2025, new ranger-led programs are focusing on the park’s cultural history and biodiversity.
Must-Do Activities:
Clingmans Dome for panoramic mountain views
Cades Cove Loop for wildlife and history
Firefly viewing in early summer (lottery permits open in spring)
Hidden Gem: Try the less-crowded Cataloochee Valley to spot elk in peace.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee & North Carolina
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion has recently introduced a new permit system to reduce overcrowding, making the experience much more enjoyable.
Top Trails:
Angel’s Landing (permit required – thrilling!)
The Narrows hike through the Virgin River
Canyon Overlook Trail (family-friendly with epic views)
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.
- Zion National Park – Utah’s Stunning Red Rock Canyon
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
With cooler temperatures and coastal views, Acadia is a summer dream. New bike-friendly paths added in 2025 make it perfect for cyclists too.
What to Explore:
Cadillac Mountain sunrise (first place sunlight hits the U.S.)
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles
Ocean Path hike for coastal beauty
Local Tip: Book the Park Loop Road shuttle to avoid parking hassles.
- Acadia National Park – Maine’s Coastal Treasure
6. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Often overlooked, this park has more glaciers than Glacier National Park—and fewer crowds. With remote camping upgrades and new guided tours for 2025, it’s easier than ever to explore.
Highlights:
Diablo Lake (that turquoise water is real!)
Cascade Pass trail for alpine views
Backpacking in the wilderness
Tip: Pair your trip with nearby Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for more hiking.
- North Cascades National Park – Washington’s Rugged Wilderness
7. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is remote, rugged, and magical—especially for stargazing. In 2025, it continues its legacy as one of the best International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S.
Don’t Miss:
Santa Elena Canyon (kayak or hike!)
Chisos Basin (for cooler summer temps)
Boquillas Crossing to visit Mexico (passport required)
Best Time: October to April to avoid the intense desert heat.
- Big Bend National Park – Texas’s Vast Desert Landscape
8. Redwood National and State Parks, California
A new partnership with Indigenous tribes is highlighting cultural tours and forest conservation this year.
Top Experiences:
Walk among the world’s tallest trees
Fern Canyon (Jurassic Park vibes!)
Prairie Creek Redwoods for elk spotting
Eco Tip: Stay on trails to protect fragile root systems.
- Redwood National and State Parks – California’s Towering Giants
9. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale is a true escape—and one of the least visited parks in the U.S.
What Makes It Special:
Backpacking across the island (bring your gear!)
Scuba diving shipwrecks in Lake Superior
Moose and wolf tracking
2025 Update: Extended ferry routes and new ranger programs make this park more accessible.
- Isle Royale National Park – Michigan’s Remote Island Wilderness
10. Joshua Tree National Park, California
The desert meets the mountains here, and with 2025’s predicted wildflower super bloom, it’s expected to be particularly stunning.
What to Do:
Stargazing at Skull Rock or Cap Rock
Climbing and bouldering for all levels
Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise
Tip: Spring (March to May) and fall are the best times to visit for mild weather.
- Joshua Tree National Park – California’s Desert Wonderland
11. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The park is expanding shuttle access and enhancing visitor safety with new infrastructure. Perfect for high-altitude adventure without the heavy crowds of summer.
Top Attractions:
Trail Ridge Road (highest continuous paved road in the U.S.)
Bear Lake to Emerald Lake hike
Elk viewing during the fall rut (September–October)
Note: Reservations are required during peak season (May to October), so plan ahead.
12. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii (Maui)
After recent wildfires, Maui is making a resilient comeback, and visiting supports the local economy.
Don’t Miss:
Sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā volcano (permits required)
Sliding Sands Trail into the crater
Stargazing and native Hawaiian cultural tours
Pro Tip: Dress in layers—the summit can be 30°F cooler than sea level.
- Haleakalā National Park – Maui’s Volcanic Majesty
13. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
With new interpretive programs and a quieter atmosphere than Zion, Bryce offers surreal beauty without the stress.
Must-See:
Hoodoos at sunrise (Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden trail)
Stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the USA
Full moon hikes (offered by rangers)
Travel Tip: Winter visits are stunning with snow-dusted hoodoos!
- Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah’s Iconic Hoodoos
14. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Home to the largest trees on Earth, these twin parks are less crowded than Yosemite and equally majestic.
Highlights:
General Sherman Tree (the world’s largest by volume)
Crystal Cave tours (reopening in 2025)
Moro Rock hike for epic views
Tip: Arrive early—parking fills fast during summer weekends.
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – California’s Giant Forests
15. Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
In 2025, more sections of the park road are reopening after major landslide repairs. Plus, climate change makes now the best time to visit before dramatic shifts continue.
What to Experience:
Bus tours into the wilderness (wildlife galore!)
Mount Denali (North America’s highest peak)
Backcountry camping and flightseeing tours
Travel Note: Summer (June–August) is peak season with nearly 24 hours of daylight.
- Denali National Park & Preserve – Alaska’s Majestic Wilderness
16. Everglades National Park, Florida
The park has made major strides in restoring its freshwater flow. If you’ve never been, 2025 is a great year to experience this subtropical wonderland.
Unique Experiences:
Airboat tours and wildlife viewing (alligators, manatees, panthers)
Kayaking through mangroves
Anhinga Trail boardwalk for easy birdwatching
Best Season: Dry season (December to April) for fewer bugs and better wildlife spotting.
- Everglades National Park – Florida’s Subtropical Wilderness
17. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Often overshadowed by nearby Arches, Canyonlands is vast, remote, and full of Martian-like landscapes.
What to Do:
Island in the Sky district for epic overlooks
Mesa Arch at sunrise
White Rim Road for off-road adventurers
2025 Update: New backcountry permits and maps make planning easier for overland travelers.
- Canyonlands National Park – Utah’s Majestic Desert Wilderness
18. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Home to the deepest lake in the U.S., this park is a natural marvel. 2025 brings new scenic boat tour options and better visitor facilities.
What to Explore:
Rim Drive for panoramic lake views
Hike down to Cleetwood Cove and take a dip
Wizard Island boat trips
Season Tip: The full loop is typically open from late June to October.
- Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s Deepest Lake
19. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
One of the best places in the world to see ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park is expanding accessibility in 2025 with guided and self-guided options.
Can’t Miss:
Cliff Palace tour (awe-inspiring!)
Balcony House (requires climbing ladders!)
Spruce Tree House overlook
Travel Tip: Combine this with a road trip through the Four Corners region.
- Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado’s Ancient Cliff Dwellings
20. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Only accessible by water, Voyageurs is a paradise for paddlers, anglers, and those looking to truly unplug.
What to Do:
Canoe or kayak between remote campsites
Houseboat rentals for multi-day adventures
Northern lights viewing in fall and winter
- Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota’s Water-Based Wilderness
21. Pinnacles National Park, California
One of California’s lesser-known national parks, Pinnacles is a paradise for rock climbers, cave explorers, and condor spotters. In 2025, conservation programs are expanding access to areas where endangered California condors nest.
Top Highlights:
Hike through Bear Gulch Cave (flashlight needed!)
Spot rare California condors soaring above the High Peaks Trail
Spring wildflowers and volcanic rock formations
Insider Tip: Visit in spring or fall—summer temperatures soar above 100°F
- Pinnacles National Park – California’s Volcanic Spires
22. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Wind Cave is one of the oldest national parks and features one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems. Above ground, the park is a scenic prairie filled with bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
Must-Do Activities:
Take a ranger-led cave tour (Boxwork formations are rare and amazing)
Drive through the prairie to spot bison
Hike the Rankin Ridge Trail for panoramic views
Fun Fact: The cave “breathes” due to air pressure differences—hence the name “Wind Cave.”
23. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Often described as a mini Yellowstone, Lassen offers bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and a chance to hike through an active volcanic landscape—without the crowds.
What to Explore:
Bumpass Hell geothermal area
Lassen Peak Trail (reach the summit of an active volcano!)
Manzanita Lake for kayaking and stargazing
2025 Update: New visitor center exhibits focus on climate change and geothermal science.
24. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
This rugged park is home to the highest peak in Texas and offers incredible desert hikes, canyons, and fall foliage (yes, in Texas!). It remains one of the quietest parks in the country.
Highlights:
Hike to Guadalupe Peak (8,751 feet)
Explore McKittrick Canyon during fall color season
Visit ancient fossil reefs from a prehistoric sea
Hidden Gem: The Salt Basin Dunes—stark white sand dunes perfect for sunrise photography.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park – Texas’s Hidden Gem
25. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Located 70 miles west of Key West, this island park is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. It’s a marine wonderland featuring historic Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, and clear turquoise water.
What to Experience:
Snorkeling around the fort walls (sea turtles, coral, and tropical fish)
Tour Fort Jefferson, one of the largest masonry forts in the Western Hemisphere
Camp under the stars on Garden Key
Pro Tip: Book your ferry or seaplane early—spots are very limited!
Final Thoughts: Planning Your 2025 National Park Adventure
When choosing which national park to visit in 2025, think about your travel style: Are you into remote hikes or scenic drives? Do you want wildlife, waterfalls, or stars overhead?
Quick Tips for Visiting National Parks in 2025:
Book early: Campsites, permits, and lodges fill up fast.
Go green: Use park shuttles, reusable gear, and pack out trash.
Respect nature: Stay on trails, don’t feed wildlife, and leave no trace.
Whether you chase waterfalls in the Smokies or camp under the stars in Big Bend, these parks offer unforgettable experiences for every kind of explorer. Start planning now—2025 is your year to explore the wild side of America.
Have a favorite national park experience or question about planning your 2025 trip? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
FAQs
What is the most visited national park in the USA?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited, thanks to its scenic beauty and accessibility.
Which U.S. national park is best for first-time visitors?
Yosemite or Yellowstone—both offer iconic views, wildlife, and beginner-friendly trails.
Do I need a reservation to visit national parks in 2025?
Some parks like Yosemite, Glacier, and Arches may require timed-entry permits—check the NPS website in advance.
When is the best time to visit U.S. national parks?
Spring and fall are ideal for fewer crowds and mild weather, but timing depends on the park and region.
Are pets allowed in national parks?
Pets are allowed in limited areas—mostly campgrounds and paved trails. Always check park-specific rules.
Read realated more blog:
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
