The Most Beautiful National Park in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the national park you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:19
Choosing the right national park for your next adventure can be quite a challenge given the numerous stunning options available across America. Each park offers its own unique blend of natural beauty, from sweeping vistas to intricate ecosystems. This ranking system assists in highlighting which parks resonate most with visitors, based on collective preferences.
By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a larger community consensus, helping to guide future visitors in making informed decisions. Whether you are an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, your input ensures that the best-loved national parks get the recognition they deserve.
What Is the Most Beautiful National Park in America?
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152votes
Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SA 3.0Yosemite National Park
The United States CongressWith its stunning granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoias, Yosemite is a true natural wonderland.Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, United States. It is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and diverse wildlife. The park covers an area of approximately 748,436 acres and attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience its unparalleled beauty and connect with nature.- Location: California, United States
- Size: Approximately 748,436 acres
- Elevation: 4,000 to over 13,000 feet
- Geological Features: Granite cliffs, valleys, domes, and waterfalls
- Vegetation: Ancient giant sequoias, diverse coniferous forests, and wildflower meadows
Yosemite National Park in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular attraction in California
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful forest in the world
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225votesThe Grand Canyon is one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, with its vast, colorful canyon walls and the mighty Colorado River running through its heart.Grand Canyon National Park is a vast and awe-inspiring natural marvel located in the state of Arizona. It is renowned for its immense size, dramatic landscapes, and rich geological history. The park encompasses the iconic Grand Canyon, which is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Its majestic beauty and stunning vistas attract millions of visitors every year.
- Location: Arizona, United States
- Size: 1,217,403 acres (493,077 hectares)
- Depth: Up to 6,093 feet (1,857 meters)
- Length: 277 miles (446 kilometers)
- Width: 4 to 18 miles (6 to 29 kilometers)
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325votes
Yellowstone National Park
Ulysses S. GrantYellowstone is a true geologic wonderland, with its bubbling geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison.Yellowstone National Park is a vast and mesmerizing natural wonder located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, but also extending into Montana and Idaho. It was established on March 1, 1872, as the first national park in the United States, and it is widely considered to be the first national park in the world. Yellowstone is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, iconic geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and rich history. The park encompasses nearly 3,500 square miles (8,983 square kilometers) of mostly wilderness, including forests, mountains, canyons, lakes, and rivers. It is home to the famous Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest active volcanic systems on Earth, which fuels the park's geothermal wonders such as the Old Faithful geyser. Wildlife flourishes in Yellowstone, with grizzly bears, wolves, elk, bison, and many other species roaming freely within its boundaries. The park offers a wide array of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and scenic drives, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of nature.- Established: March 1, 1872
- Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
- Size: Approximately 3,500 square miles
- Landscapes: Forests, mountains, canyons, lakes, and rivers
- Geothermal Features: Yellowstone Caldera, Old Faithful geyser
Yellowstone National Park in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful part of the Rocky Mountains
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416votesZion is a breathtakingly beautiful park, with towering cliffs, deep canyons, and crystal-clear streams. It is also home to a wide range of plant and animal life, from desert cactus to mountain lions.Zion National Park is a breathtaking national park located in southwestern Utah, USA. It is known for its dramatic canyons, towering cliffs, and diverse ecosystems. The park's main feature is Zion Canyon, which was carved by the Virgin River over millions of years. With its stunning scenery and unique geology, Zion National Park offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
- Location: Southwestern Utah, USA
- Size: 229 square miles
- Elevation: 3,666 to 8,726 feet above sea level
- Main Attraction: Zion Canyon
- Rock Formations: Navajo Sandstone, Towers of the Virgin, The Watchman
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514votes
Plh1234us · CC BY-SA 3.0Acadia National Park
Woodrow WilsonAcadia is a stunning park located on the rugged coast of Maine. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and bald eagles, and boasts a stunning network of hiking trails and scenic drives.Acadia National Park, located in the state of Maine, is a breathtaking natural wonder that showcases the best of America's rugged coastline and stunning landscapes. With its diverse range of ecosystems, including granite peaks, rocky shores, and pristine forests, it offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in the great outdoors.- Establishment: 1919
- Size: 49,076 acres
- Location: Hancock County, Maine
- Highest Point: Cadillac Mountain (1,530 feet)
- Coastline: Approximately 21 miles
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616votes
Charles M. Sauer -- Charlessauer · CC BY-SA 3.0Rocky Mountain National Park
Woodrow WilsonWith its soaring peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife-filled forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is a true outdoor paradise.Rocky Mountain National Park is a renowned national park located in north-central Colorado. Spanning over 415 square miles, it is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. The park was established on January 26, 1915, by President Woodrow Wilson, with the aim of preserving the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.- Location: North-central Colorado
- Size: 415 square miles
- Established: January 26, 1915
- Elevation: 8,000 to over 14,000 feet
- Landscape: Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, forests, and lakes
Rocky Mountain National Park in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful part of the Rocky Mountains
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711votes
U.S. National Park Service · Public domainGlacier is a stunningly beautiful park located in the mountains of Montana. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats, and boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the country.Glacier National Park is a breathtaking national park located in the state of Montana, USA. It is known for its stunning glacier-carved peaks, crystal clear lakes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. The park covers an area of over 1 million acres and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Glacier National Park showcases the natural beauty and grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.- Location: Montana, United States
- Size: 1,583 square miles
- Established: May 11, 1910
- Elevation: 3,153 to 10,466 feet
- Glaciers: 26 active glaciers
Glacier National Park in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful part of the Rocky Mountains
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86votesArches is a unique park filled with stunning rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.Arches National Park is a stunning national park located in eastern Utah, United States. It is renowned for its unique geological formations, including more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering pinnacles, and balanced rocks. The park's rugged desert landscape, rich red and orange sandstone cliffs, and contrasting blue skies create an awe-inspiring sight for visitors. Arches National Park offers numerous hiking trails and viewpoints that allow visitors to experience the park's breathtaking beauty up close.
- Location: Eastern Utah, United States
- Size: 76,679 acres (31,031 hectares)
- Number of Natural Arches: Over 2,000
- Elevation: From 4,085 to 5,653 feet (1,245 to 1,723 meters)
- Visitor Center: The park has a visitor center with exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history.
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9-1votes
Scott Basford · CC BY-SA 3.0Great Smoky Mountains is a beautiful park located in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is home to a wide range of plant and animal life, including black bears, and boasts some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a breathtaking national park located in the United States, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. It is renowned for its majestic mountain range, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history. The park gets its name from the enchanting smoky haze that often blankets the mountains, creating a mystical and awe-inspiring atmosphere. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most beautiful national parks in America.- Location: Tennessee and North Carolina, United States
- Size: 522,427 acres (2,114.15 km²)
- Elevation: Clingmans Dome, the highest point, reaches 6,643 feet (2,025 m)
- Mountain Range: The Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains
- Biodiversity: Home to over 1,500 species of plants and countless animals, including black bears and elk
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1010votes
Bryce Canyon National Park
Theodore RooseveltBryce Canyon is a unique park filled with stunning rock formations, including hoodoos and spires. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope and mountain lions.Bryce Canyon National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in southwestern Utah. Known for its vibrant orange and pink rock formations called hoodoos, the park offers breathtaking panoramic views and otherworldly landscapes. It is a photographer's paradise and a hiker's dream destination. With its diverse flora and fauna, Bryce Canyon National Park provides a unique and captivating experience for visitors.- Location: Southwestern Utah, United States
- Established: 1928
- Total Area: 35,835 acres (14,502 hectares)
- Elevation: 6,620 feet (2,018 meters)
- Annual Visitors: over 2 million
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Ranking factors for beautiful national park
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SceneryThe natural beauty and unique features of the park, such as mountains, canyons, lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife.
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BiodiversityThe variety of plant and animal species that can be found in the park, as well as the abundance of ecosystems.
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Geological FeaturesUnique geological formations and features within the park, such as rock structures, caves, and natural arches.
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Recreational OpportunitiesThe variety of outdoor recreational activities that can be enjoyed within the park, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and water sports.
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Historical and Cultural SignificanceThe park's importance in American history, culture, or heritage, including any archaeological sites or landmarks within its boundaries.
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Accessibility and Visitor FacilitiesThe ease of access to the park, as well as the quality and availability of visitor facilities such as campgrounds, visitor centers, and interpretive programs.
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Sustainability and Conservation EffortsThe park's commitment to preserving its natural and cultural resources, as well as its efforts to promote sustainable tourism and minimize visitor impacts.
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Size and Wilderness QualityThe overall size of the park and the extent to which it remains untouched by human development, offering visitors a true wilderness experience.
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Seasonal VariationThe range of different experiences and landscapes available to visitors during different times of the year, such as wildflower blooms, fall foliage, or winter snowscapes.
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Popularity and Visitor ExperienceThe overall popularity of the park, and the satisfaction of visitors who have experienced it, as indicated by reviews, ratings, or surveys.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful national park in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or park is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
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- 174 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each park once every 24 hours. The rank of each park is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful national park in america
National parks have always been a source of fascination and inspiration for people around the world. In America, these natural wonders are diverse and abundant, each with its unique beauty and significance. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sweeping deserts of the Southwest, these parks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
The national park system in America consists of over 400 protected areas, including national parks, monuments, historic sites, and more. Among them, there are some of the most iconic and visited parks in the world, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Zion.
When it comes to beauty, it's hard to pick just one national park as the most beautiful. Each park has its own charm and allure, making it difficult to compare them. However, there are some parks that stand out for their stunning landscapes, unique features, and cultural significance.
In this article, we'll explore some of the most beautiful national parks in America, with a focus on their natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Whether you're an avid hiker, nature lover, or simply looking for a place to relax and unwind, these parks offer something for everyone. So, join us on a journey through some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States.
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