As travel continues to rebound and more people seek outdoor escapes, national parks are set to be at the top of many travelers’ 2025 bucket lists. From dramatic mountain peaks to desert wonders and pristine coastlines, the U.S. National Park System offers some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. Whether you’re chasing adventure, wildlife encounters, or simply a breath of fresh air, here are the best national parks to visit in 2025.
- 1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
- 2. Yosemite National Park (California)
- 3. Glacier National Park (Montana)
- 4. Acadia National Park (Maine)
- 5. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
- 6. Zion National Park (Utah)
- 7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
- 8. Olympic National Park (Washington)
- Final Thoughts
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
As America’s first national park, Yellowstone remains one of the most iconic. Its geothermal features—including Old Faithful geyser and the technicolor Grand Prismatic Spring—continue to amaze. Beyond the bubbling pools, visitors can expect to spot bison, elk, and grizzly bears roaming the vast wilderness. In 2025, improved visitor facilities and eco-friendly shuttle services make exploring the park easier and more sustainable.
2. Yosemite National Park (California)
A magnet for photographers and climbers alike, Yosemite is world-famous for its granite giants, including El Capitan and Half Dome. In spring, the park bursts with waterfalls, while summer and fall are ideal for hiking trails through giant sequoia groves. For 2025, Yosemite is expected to expand digital reservation systems, making it easier to plan ahead and avoid overcrowding.
3. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Often called the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park dazzles with snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a bucket-list drive, winding past turquoise lakes and jaw-dropping vistas. With glaciers retreating rapidly, 2025 is an important year to visit and witness the park’s namesake features before they vanish.
4. Acadia National Park (Maine)
On the rugged Atlantic coast, Acadia offers a unique mix of mountains, forests, and seascapes. Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the U.S. to see sunrise during parts of the year, drawing early risers for unforgettable views. In 2025, Acadia is promoting sustainable tourism, with more bike-friendly trails and electric shuttle services to reduce car congestion.
5. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Few sights on earth rival the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Its immense scale, layered geology, and fiery sunsets are unforgettable. In 2025, new guided hiking and rafting experiences will allow visitors to dive deeper into the canyon’s hidden corners. Whether you stand at the rim or venture below on the Bright Angel Trail, this natural wonder is a must-see.
6. Zion National Park (Utah)
With its red-rock cliffs and narrow slot canyons, Zion has become one of the most popular parks in the U.S. The legendary Angels Landing hike, now permit-based, remains a bucket-list adventure. In 2025, the park is focusing on crowd management and trail preservation, making it a great year to explore responsibly. Don’t miss The Narrows, where you wade through the Virgin River flanked by towering canyon walls.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains blend natural beauty with Appalachian culture. Misty ridges, wildflower-filled valleys, and historic log cabins offer plenty to explore. In 2025, visitors can expect enhanced wildlife-viewing programs and improved ranger-led experiences. With no entrance fee, it’s also one of the most budget-friendly national parks to visit.
8. Olympic National Park (Washington)
A park of extremes, Olympic encompasses everything from glacier-capped mountains to lush rainforests and wild Pacific coastline. Few places on earth pack so much diversity into one destination. Hike through the mossy Hoh Rainforest, spot tide pools along Rialto Beach, or climb into alpine meadows on Hurricane Ridge. In 2025, the park is emphasizing conservation programs to protect its fragile ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
National parks are more than destinations—they are living museums of nature, history, and culture. Visiting them in 2025 means not only experiencing their beauty but also supporting conservation efforts to preserve these landscapes for generations to come. Whether you’re marveling at geysers in Yellowstone, chasing sunrises in Acadia, or hiking the canyons of Zion, these parks offer the ultimate reminder of why we call the outdoors America’s greatest treasure.
