Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is one of California's most visited national parks, known for its stunning waterfalls like Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall and granite rock formations.
Yellowstone
The 2.2 million-acre Yellowstone might stand alone for its distinctive natural attractions and diverse terrain even if it weren't the world's first national park.
Glacier National Park
This Montana national park has about 700 lakes and two mountain ranges. Visit the Trail of the Cedars and Iceberg Lake Trail on the park's many hiking routes.
Grand Canyon
The 18-by-277-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site provides hiking paths of all lengths and difficulties and Colorado River rafting
Zion National Park
Climb Angels Landing, a nearly 1,500-foot natural staircase, or The Narrows, a 10-mile upstream Virgin River hike through Zion Canyon's thinnest part.
Grand Teton National Park
This Wyoming park's more than 200 miles of trails wind past plains, lakes, and the Grand Teton mountain range's craggy, snow-capped summits.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The largest collection of hoodoos in the world is in Bryce Canyon. The 35,835-acre southern Utah park offers hiking.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Convenience scores big for the Rockies. It's a daytrip from Denver, 70 miles northwest. This Colorado park may be explored for days.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park, established in 1929, comprises about 77,000 acres in eastern Utah.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park's 500,000-plus acres in North Carolina and Tennessee offer wildlife-viewing and hiking.