When I was growing up, vacations with my family were usually to Asia-Pacific destinations as stopovers on our annual trips to India. It was important to my parents that my sister and I stay close to our roots, so yearly trips to the motherland were standard during our summer holidays. My sister and I would complain of the heat, lack of air conditioning, mosquitos, and general boredom from not having our friends or favorite T.V. shows. To make these trips more enticing, my dad would add some new city to the itinerary, and sometimes it involved luxury experiences: The Princeville Resort in Kauai, the Intercontinental Resort Bali, Sheraton Grand Laguna Phukhet —places that I probably wouldn’t take my own kids today.
So after marriage, when my husband suggested a cabin retreat and spending our first wedding anniversary exploring California’s outdoor wonders, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic. Shouldn’t we be spending our anniversary at a 5-star hotel in a romantic city?
But he was so eager to show me places that he had visited during his solo, pre-marriage road trip across the U.S. that I obliged. Plus, the pictures that I had seen of Yosemite looked interesting, and at least I might have a chance to see black bears, I thought (I am obsessed with seeing wildlife).
Awestruck
Props to Jis for taking me to Yosemite to start us off strong. It’s the same park that beckoned to naturalist John Muir, inspiring him to devote a career to understanding and protecting the country’s natural riches. Photos could not prepare me for the sheer majesty that is the Sierra Nevada range.
To say that this single, one-week trip through mountain, desert and seaside landscapes of California exponentially raised my reverence and love for the great outdoors would be an understatement. The only other time this had happened to me was when I lived in Guam and visited a remote corner of Ritidian beach. It’s the kind of beauty that lingers with you even months after you’ve left its physical presence, like the touch of clandestine lover you’re certain you’ll never feel again. So you lust after it, scheming ways to encounter it once more.
Yosemite National Park
We flew into San Jose and drove three and half hours east to get to Yosemite.
The drive from San Jose to the valley offered an assortment of scenery, from parched waves of golden hills dappled with windmills, to lush farmlands rich with olive, grape, citrus and squash crops flourishing along the Sierra foothills. I didn’t tire of driving past the farms since each cultivated a different type of produce. Nearing the national park, cell phone reception became spotty- a feature that has now become one my favorites as I seek to disconnect from work on vacations.
We spent the next couple of days strolling among giants in the sequoia groves, trekking the trails up surging waterfalls, and chasing that golden hour glow bouncing off the chiseled faces of Tunnel View.
Forget Paris, Rome, or Barcelona— by the end of the trip, we vowed to spend our July Fourth wedding anniversary thereafter exploring national parks. It’s not that I hadn’t encountered natural beauty before, but some views and experiences leave you unequivocally certain that a higher power exists, else this magnitude of natural beauty could not. For me, visiting Yosemite National Park was one of those moments, and since then, I’ve been hooked.
Now, through the course of my 36 years with my parents, Jis, and now my kids, I’ve visited 21 U.S. National Parks including some of the heavy hitters. It’s been hard to top the experiences each year, but there’s still Acadia, Joshua Tree, North Cascades, Katmai… Note that my ranking skews favorably towards mountain scenery and cooler weather, and I am particularly drawn to places where wildlife thrives. Below is my ranking of the 21 American national parks that I have visited. Don’t worry, Denali, I’m saving a milestone year for you.
#1 Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
It is my dream to retire in Jackson Hole, Wyoming so I can wake up to the jagged peaks of the Tetons just like alpinist and National Geographic photographer Jimmy Chin. While I am no mountain climber, I was drawn to this gorgeous range that looms above the Snake River Valley, pristine lakes, and abundant forests, where the scent of pine surrounds you.
We visited Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks with another couple for our second wedding anniversary. I, of course, was on a quest to see grizzlies, so we would wake up early most days to scan for wildlife at dusk. We had no luck in seeing grizzlies, but we saw many elk and caught a fleeting glimpse of a moose while driving along a waterway one morning.
(Read my full Grand Teton post and recommendations here.)
#2 Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Yellowstone, America’s first national park, is a geothermal hotbed sputtering with chutes of geysers, bubbling hot springs, and technicolor thermal pools. The most famous of these attractions is Old Faithful, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes, and the Grand Prismatic Spring. The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison. (Wolves were reintroduced as apex predators to the park in 1995 to keep elk populations in check.)
The historic Old Faithful Inn is one of the more classy accommodations in this park, and it has also earned the accolade of largest log structure in the world.
We visited Yellowstone during the same trip when we visited the Tetons and found ourselves breathless from catching the rose hues of dawn at Lamar and Hayden Valleys — and whiffs of sulphur emanating from the live super volcano. I can’t wait to take my kids to this park in a few years so they can experience the wildlife and geothermal activity firsthand.
(Read my complete post on Yellowstone National Park)
#3: Yosemite National Park (California)
Muir had it right when he said the mountains of Yosemite were calling. This park is renowned for its steep cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and dizzying sequoia trees, some of which have been standing for over 3,000 years. Yosemite is usually at the top of most national park rankings, and I would have no problem visiting multiple times. El Capitan and Half Dome are among the park’s most famous landmarks, attracting climbers and hikers from around the world.
During my two visits to the park, we did the Mist Trail up to Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the Four Mile Trail from Glacier Point to the base of the valley. From the latter, you get a spectacular view of Reverse Tunnel View.
#4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
You’re probably starting to see a trend in the parks at the top of this list. Mountains and volcanoes in particular have a certain allure for me, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is no exception. On three occasions now I have had the good fortune of seeing lava, including on my very first visit when I saw lava just feet away from me, crawling like molasses towards the sea. Then, on my last visit, as if it were a scene from a movie, I watched the Kilauea Caldera bubbling like a witch’s cauldron. Everyone around me witnessing the same just stood speechless while the lava churned.
Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, has been erupting continuously since 1983, making it one of the most accessible erupting volcanoes in the world. To be able to witness the raw power of nature, where plumes of steam rise from the Earth’s molten core, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even if you don’t get a chance to see the volcano in action, walking across the charcoal terrain and through old lava tubes is enough to put our humble existence into perspective.
# 5. Glacier National Park (Montana)
If Yellowstone offered the most quantity of wildlife (numbers), Glacier (and Banff and Jasper in Canada) offer the most variety I have seen. Glacier National Park in Montana is a wilderness of alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and turquoise lakes. The park is renowned for its stunning vistas along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, where you can see centuries-old glaciers clinging to mountainsides. The additional attraction for me? The park has the highest concentration of grizzly bears in the contiguous U.S.
When we visited in 2022, we saw many cinnamon black bears, a bull moose swimming across a river and emerging onto the banks, and several mountain goats. As luck would have it, my husband and kids did see a grizzly from the safety of the car during the 45 minutes that I walked a trail (armed with bear spray) to a waterfall hoping to see a bear from a safe distance.
The Going-to-the Sun road was under construction during our visit, so each day we would drive two hours around the south rim of the park from the western to eastern side just so that I could maximize my chances of seeing wildlife in the Many Glacier Valley area. It was worth it.
#6. Mr. Rainier National Park (Washington)
I like to call Mt. Rainier the modest maiden since the fickle Washington State weather and cloud cover form a veil across her peak. The active stratovolcano is encased in ice, a marked contrast to the verdant meadows dotted with a rainbow of wildflowers during the summer months. Waterfalls abound along the mountainsides of Rainier, considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. It continues to be closely monitored by scientists for any signs of volcanic activity.
The tallest volcano in the Cascade range, it last erupted about 150 years ago. Native Americans had many names for it, including Tahoma or “snowy peak.”
(Here’s out weeklong itinerary for the Pacific Northwest.)
#7. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion National Park in Utah features imposing sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and a mix of evergreen forests. The park’s most famous hike, Angel’s Landing, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape– and is on my bucket list. We visited Zion as one fleeting stop during a trip to the Four Corners Region of the U.S. It was approaching dusk, and parking spots were scarce by the time we arrived. I remember thinking, however, how the stone promontories of Zion reminded me of Yosemite’s summits, so I fell in love instantly.
Zion National Park’s narrow canyons were formed by the Virgin River over millions of years, creating some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country.
#8. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Driftwood lay strewn across the sands of Ruby Beach, named as such because of the reddish crystals that surface here and there. A lucky few even find agates among the pebbled shoreline that forms an edge of Olympic National Park. The misty mountains, black sand beaches, temperate rainforests sheathed in tendrils of moss and super-sized ferns were like scenes from a dream — even moreso for me because I am guilty of reading the Twilight Saga, which is set against this very backdrop.
We made the trip out during the 2020 pandemic for our fifth wedding anniversary. I didn’t have to worry about tanning along these shores–overcast skies are the norm in the Pacific Northwest. Our daughter enjoyed picking up pebbles long the beach, and we carried her on our back as we hiked the trails through the Hoh Rainforest.
(Grab our complete itinerary for the Olympic Peninsula)
#9. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and meandering rivers. Trail Ridge Road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with the opportunity to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep and elk. Skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular activities.
We visited during a Memorial Day Weekend and enjoyed exploring the town of Estes as well. One of the most interesting things we noticed in Estes were the population of Nepali people. One storekeeper told us of how there is a well-established community of Nepali people in Estes Park. He said due to unfortunate natural disasters in their home country many Nepali people migrated to the U.S. and settled in the Colorado town that reminded them of the scenery back home.
(Check out the perks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the shoulder season.)
#10. Bryce Canyon (Utah)
Terra cotta minarets reach like fingers towards the clouds at Bryce Canyon National Park, which we visited as part of a Thanksgiving trip to the Four Corners region. One of the most impressive and interesting features of this park are the lofty hoodoos, spires formed through frost wedging: water flows into crevices in the rock, and as it freezes, widens the gaps. The geological features here are astounding: Bryce Canyon marks the top of the “Grand Staircase,” the ascending, multicolor layers of sedimentary rock that have caked together over millions of years. At the other end, the Grand Canyon is the lowest point of the staircase.
#11. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, is a breathtaking natural wonder carved by the mighty Colorado River. Stretching for 277 miles, the canyon’s vastness is truly awe-inspiring. Jis and I visited in February 2015 when he was doing a clinical pharmacy rotation in Phoenix. We did a mule ride along the southern rim trail for incredible panoramic views. But this encounter made me realize I am not cut out for trusting another animal with my life at such heights.
The next time we visit, I’d like to spend a few more days so we can hike to the bottom of the canyon and back.
#12. Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
Despite the fact we visited in the midst of a brutal heatwave in July, Saguaro National Park in Arizona has still been one of the more unique and beautiful parks that I have visited.
Our trip to the American West made for a patriotic July Fourth getaway, taking in the country’s largest cacti. The park’s namesake, the giant saguaro cactus, can reach heights of up to 40 feet and live for more than 150 years.
Did I mention I was eight months pregnant with my son? I hiked my dress up (there was no way I was going to wear pants in that heat), tried to find shade in the shadow of a saguaro, and guzzled bottles of water to stay as hydrated as possible. We cooled off at the indoor exhibits of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, but braved the heat to wove through the stroller-friendly path to view animals that are typically found in the Sonora Desert ecosystem.
#13. Haleakala National Park (Maui, Hawaii)
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is known for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Watch the sunrise from the summit of the Haleakalā Crater, where the colors of dawn paint the sky in a breathtaking display. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the summit to the coastal Kīpahulu area.
I probably would have ranked this higher along with the other volcanoes and mountains, except that I don’t remember my visit too well. I guess that just means it warrants a return visit to cement the memory!
#14. Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Tennessee)
Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, the Great Smoky Mountains are the closest national park to us, so we frequent it for weekend cabin getaways with friends and family. It is renowned for its ancient mountains, diverse wildlife, and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Visitors can explore miles of trails, including a section of the famed Appalachian Trail.
Apparently, it is the most visited national park in the U.S. (11 million visitors per year), and is quickly becoming our most visited park as well. While the undulating landscape is no match for the sharp summits of the Sierra Nevada or Rockies, it serves as our easily accessible mountain retreat when we need to scratch the itch to be in the wilderness.
in July 2018, when I was nauseated while pregnant with my daughter, we opted for a simple overnight stay in the Smokies just to fulfill our annual national park tradition. It was drive-able. Just as we checked out of our cabin on July 5th, we spotted a black bear smack-dab in the middle of the road, which made this trip all the more worthwhile.
#15. Sequoia, King’s Canyon (California)
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to the world’s largest trees, the giant sequoias. One can marvel at the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth, or explore underground caves, rugged foothills, and the scenic high country. We visited in June 2018 with my husband’s family, and we climbed up the 400-step staircase through boulders to reach the top of Moro Rock, a granite dome. From there, you can see the mountain range of the Western Divide, though the view of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48, is obstructed by the other peaks.
#16. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
Mesa Verde National Park, in Colorado, is home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. Aside from the endless panoramic views of various mountain ranges from the top of the Mesa, I was impressed by the ancient cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace.
The park was established in 1906 to preserve the archaeological sites of the Ancestral Puebloans. As we visited during the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought it most appropriate to be at Mesa Verda to celebrate the resourcefulness, skill, and hardiness of ancient Native American civilizations. Simply incredible.
#17. Great Sand Dunes (Colorado)
It’s hard to tell where the sand stops and the snow begins at Great Sand Dunes National Park, which features the tallest sand dunes in North America. Like angled brush strokes, the dunes billow up, rising more than 750 feet against the snow capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A powdery film dusted the wind-swept dunes when we visited one Thanksgiving creating dramatic scenery where we took several pictures. Next visit: Sledding down those slopes!
#18. Everglades National Park (Florida)
This one makes it to the lower end of the list because I’d already experienced the Florida swamps for 21 years of my life. Still, I want to give the Everglades credit for its vast wetlands, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther.
We visited during a Thanksgiving trip to South Florida, and were not able to take the boat tour through the mangrove forests — that’s for next time. We did spot several gators, so of course, I considered the visit a win.
#19. Painted Desert at Petrified National Forest (Arizona)
The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for its large deposits of petrified wood, fossils, and multi-color desert badlands. Petrified wood is fossilized and eventually turns into a mineral composition that maintains the original ring structure of wood, creating beautifully patterned stones including jasper, agate and chalcedony deposits.
While I collected rocks in my childhood and am always interested in viewing gemstones, my view of this park is colored by the fact that we visited when I was less than a month away from delivering my son — and the region was experiencing an intolerable heat wave. I barely made it out of the car for pictures. Instead, I lay reclined in the front seat, my summer dress pulled up over my knees and the car’s air-con blasting to the max.
#20. Mammoth Caves National Park (Kentucky)
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the world’s longest known cave system. It is the longest cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passageways, and new discoveries still being made.
We made the day trip to Kentucky when we were visiting Nashville one spring weekend. We took a guided tour to explore the underground labyrinth of caves, and ran our fingers over the cool, grooved walls of the caverns.
#21. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
Of all the parks, this to me was the most boring and repellant — I would know, because I doused myself in some while visiting. Located in South Carolina, this park is primarily known for having the largest and tallest deciduous hardwood forests left in the United States.
Out of sheer necessity that year, we sought a park within driving distance. I was determined to keep our tradition going even if it meant this Gator had to visit a swamp in Gamecock country. But visiting this swamp at the height of summer for our fourth anniversary was excruciating. I lasted a whole 15 minutes inside the park to take a photo, and promptly left.
If you ever go, don’t forget to bathe in citronella first. Pictured: a heavily edited photo taken just outside the park. I was too busy keeping my daughter safe from mosquitoes and trying not to run into banana spiders’ webs to take any photos from within.
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From the looming peaks of the Grand Tetons to the layer cake sediments of Bryce Canyon, the U.S. National Parks offer a multitude of natural wonders to explore. Now, as we visit each, we are able to have our kids partake in the wonderment. We hope that they appreciate our country’s natural treasures as much as we have and use these wilderness retreats to rejuvenate and connect with a force greater than all of us.
How would you rank them? I want to know!
Do you disagree with my ranking or have a recommendation for a park that I haven’t yet visited? Let me know in the comments which parks are your favorite and why.
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