Overview of US National Parks

America's National Parks are a testament to the country's diverse landscapes. From the deserts of Joshua Tree to the glaciers of Denali, these parks protect and showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the nation. There are over 60 National Parks spread across the US, each offering unique experiences and adventures. Let's dive into a selective check-off list featuring some of these incredible parks.

The Ultimate National Park Check-Off List: Our Top Picks

1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Renowned as the world's first national park, Yellowstone offers an unparalleled amalgamation of geothermal wonders, vast landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The park's famous geysers and hot springs, remnants of its volcanic past, paint a picture of Earth's powerful geological forces at play. The Old Faithful Geyser, known for its predictable eruptions, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S., showcase vibrant colors and extraordinary geothermal activity. The magnificent Yellowstone Falls plunges with a stunning fervor, carving a deep gorge through the yellow rocks that give the park its name. The vast Lamar and Hayden Valleys, often dubbed as the Serengeti of North America, teem with wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. As you traverse through this sprawling park, you are not just ticking off landmarks, but experiencing the very essence of wilderness and the spirit of conservation that birthed the national park system.

2. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enthralls with its colossal granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, clear streams, and biological diversity. Stand before the towering El Capitan, a granite monolith extending about 3,000 feet from base to summit, and the majestic Half Dome, both iconic and formidable, challenging climbers with their steep faces. Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, thunders down the valley, while the peaceful Merced River flows through the heart of the valley. The serene Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, is a testament to endurance and longevity, with some trees estimated to be over 2000 years old. As you marvel at these ancient living wonders and the sheer beauty of Yosemite, remember that the park was influential in the development of the national parks idea, thanks to the conservation efforts of people like John Muir and Galen Clark.

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is an emblem of nature's grandeur, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history. The sprawling 277-mile long and up to 18-mile wide chasm offers various vantage points for awe-inspiring views. The South Rim, open all year, is the most accessible part of the park, with numerous overlooks and the bustling Grand Canyon Village. The North Rim, although less visited, offers a unique and tranquil perspective of the canyon. For the adventurous, the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails descend into the canyon, offering closer views of the rock strata, the powerful Colorado River that sculpted this natural wonder, and the diverse life that thrives in this seemingly inhospitable environment. Visiting the Grand Canyon is an exercise in comprehending the immense scale of nature and our place within it.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Positioned atop the Continental Divide, Rocky Mountain National Park immerses visitors in an alpine world of stunning beauty. The park's key highlight, Trail Ridge Road, meanders through diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane and subalpine to alpine tundra, presenting panoramic views of the majestic peaks, lush valleys, and unspoiled wilderness. The serene Bear Lake, located in a glacial cirque, and the dreamy Dream Lake are must-visit spots for their tranquility and picturesque settings. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting elk, moose, and bighorn sheep in areas like Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park. With over 350 miles of trails ranging from flat lakeside strolls to challenging mountain peak climbs, Rocky Mountain National Park caters to every type of explorer.

5. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, Utah's first national park, is a natural preserve distinctive for its cliff-and-canyon landscape and rich diversity of plants and animals. The park's dramatic vertical topography includes the red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon, making it a favorite destination for climbers and hikers. The Narrows, one of the most popular areas in Zion, offers an adventurous river hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, surrounded by sheer cliffs. Angels Landing, despite its challenging trail, rewards the brave with one of the most breathtaking views in the park. For a less strenuous experience, the Canyon Overlook Trail provides stunning views of Zion Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, and lower Zion Canyon. As you navigate through these unique geological formations and ecosystems, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for nature's resilience and power.

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

Positioned on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a gem of the Atlantic Northeast. It captivates with its striking granite peaks, crystal clear lakes, and diverse habitats. The Bass Harbor Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S., perched on a cliff surrounded by evergreens, epitomizes the coastal charm of the park. The Precipice Trail, although not for the faint-hearted, offers magnificent views of the park and the Atlantic Ocean. Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the East Coast, is the first spot in the U.S. to greet the sunrise, offering a spectacle of light and color. The park's beauty is enhanced by its diverse wildlife, including moose, bobcats, and a rich variety of birds. In Acadia, every trail and vista tells the story of the glaciers that sculpted this landscape, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

National Park Check-Off List

Want to find all the hidden gems and unmissable spots in each National Park? Download the Viewbound app and get all our best tips!

‍Download it here or in the app store.

‍

Tips for Exploring National Parks

Now that you have your check-off list let's cover some practical tips to ensure a memorable National Parks journey:

• Planning Your Visit: Research each park before your visit. Understand the best times to visit, available activities, wildlife precautions, and specific rules.
• Packing Essentials: Bring sun protection, adequate water, hiking gear, and a first-aid kit. Don't forget your camera!
• Staying Responsible: Follow the principle of 'Leave No Trace'. Respect wildlife, keep to the trails, and do not remove natural or cultural resources.

The complete list of US National Parks

1. Acadia National Park
2. National Park of American Samoa
3. Arches National Park
4. Badlands National Park
5. Big Bend National Park
6. Biscayne National Park
7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
9. Canyonlands National Park
10. Capitol Reef National Park
11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
12. Channel Islands National Park
13. Congaree National Park
14. Crater Lake National Park
15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
16. Death Valley National Park
17. Denali National Park
18. Dry Tortugas National Park
19. Everglades National Park
20. Gates of the Arctic National Park
21. Glacier National Park
22. Glacier Bay National Park
23. Grand Canyon National Park
24. Grand Teton National Park
25. Great Basin National Park
26. Great Sand Dunes National Park
27. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
28. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
29. Haleakala National Park
30. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
31. Hot Springs National Park
32. Indiana Dunes National Park
33. Isle Royale National Park
34. Joshua Tree National Park
35. Katmai National Park
36. Kenai Fjords National Park
37. Kings Canyon National Park
38. Kobuk Valley National Park
39. Lake Clark National Park
40. Lassen Volcanic National Park
41. Mammoth Cave National Park
42. Mesa Verde National Park
43. Mount Rainier National Park
44. New River Gorge National Park
45. North Cascades National Park
46. Olympic National Park
47. Petrified Forest National Park
48. Pinnacles National Park
49. Redwood National and State Parks
50. Rocky Mountain National Park
51. Saguaro National Park
52. Sequoia National Park
53. Shenandoah National Park
54. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
55. Virgin Islands National Park
56. Voyageurs National Park
57. White Sands National Park
58. Wind Cave National Park
59. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
60. Yellowstone National Park
61. Yosemite National Park
62. Zion National Park

Want to check these places off? Download the Viewbound app and upload a photo from each trip to see exactly where you have been and where you still need to go! Find the best photo spots for each National Park and check off all the hidden gems along the way!

Download Viewbound here

National Park Check-Off List Overview

Your national park check-off list is your ticket to a journey of discovery across America's most iconic landscapes. Each park offers a world of wonder, waiting to be explored. So pack your bags, download the Viewbound app for personalized recommendations, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Happy exploring!

‍