Discover the 10 most beautiful national parks in United States[ultimate guide]

Have you ever set foot in Grand Canyon National Park, looked up at the impressive giant sequoias of the eponymous park, walked the endless trails of Yosemite Park? Here is a small overview of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, which may make you want to fly there! Otherwise, you can always travel from your sofa…

The United States has no less than 60 national parks (61 to be exact), managed by a government agency and established by Congress. California is the state with the largest number of parks (9 in all). On the other hand , it is Yellowstone National Park , located in Wyoming, the first to be erected in 1872 by President Grant. Continuing this momentum, the national parks of Sequoia and Yosemite were born a few years later. The primary purpose of these protected areas is the conservation of landscapes , wildlife and natural and/or historical elements. A beautiful legacy to bequeath to the future generation! Here is an overview ofmost beautiful national parks in the United States. Of course, this non-objective list is also non-exhaustive…

Summary

• 1/ Katmai Nature Reserve & National Park, Alaska
• 2/ The very famous Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• 3/ Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
• 4/ Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands
• 5/ Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
• 6/ Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• 7/ Sequoia National Park, California
• 8/ Yosemite National Park, California
• 9/ Yellowstone National Park, Idaho-Montana-Wyoming
• 10/ Arches National Park, Utah

1/ Katmai Nature Reserve & National Park, Alaska

This park, also a nature reserve, is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Katmai National Park is located in southwestern Alaska , and is distinguished by its many volcanoes, some of which are still active. But it is particularly its sumptuous Valley of the Ten Thousand Smokes , formed following the eruption of the Novarupta volcano in 1912, that this nature reserve stands out. In addition to its breathtaking landscapes and its spectacular flora, there is no shortage of fauna: more than 2000 brown bears , 137 species of birds and 24 varieties of fish .

2/ The very famous Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon and the national park of the same name have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Grand Canyon Park is located in northwestern Arizona. Apart from its very famous colored canyons and its typical Rocky Mountains , the eponymous park is home to more than 1,700 species of plants , 350 species of birds, 80 species of mammals (puma, coyotes, lynx, etc.), 47 reptiles and 17 of fish. A sudden urge to tread its rocks, or even to take up residence in this sublime region? 

3/ Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

With its mountain range, alpine lakes, forests and wild meadows, the Great Sand Dunes National Park has nothing to envy to other parks in the country. But it is particularly with its sand dunes , the highest in North America (230 meters) that the park stands out. These dunes, formed by the sandy deposits of the Rio Grande , add an unusual touch to the mountainous landscape.

4/ Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands

Classified as biosphere reserves by UNESCO in 1976, the virgin islands conceal natural and historical sites of exceptional richness. Archaeological sites, ruins dating from the time of Christopher Columbus, white sand beaches , mangroves or coral reefs , the Virgin Islands are, and will remain so for a long time, we hope!

5/ Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

This national park, having taken the name of its volcano, is located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. It extends over an area of ​​134 km, of which 100 km is desert . Haleakalā means in the Hawaiian language: “ the house of the sun ”. The national park is part of the Hawaiian Islands Nature Preserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

6/ Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park , in English, is located in the state of Colorado. Created in 1915, the national park covers an area of ​​107,800 hectares . Since 1976, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve . On the program for this expanse of choice: more than 145 lakes, alpine forests, expanses of tundra, large animals (mule deer, mouflons, black bears, cougars, etc.), magmatic mountains, magnificent long-distance hiking trails and glacial valleys. Just that.

7/ Sequoia National Park, California

Established in 1870, Sequoia National Park is home to the tallest tree in the world, the famous General Sherman Sequoia . There are also hundreds and hundreds of caves , magnificent mountain ranges (including Moro Rock and Mount Whitney ). The park is part of the Kings Canyon Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1976.

8/ Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of diversity. Stretching over more than 3000 kilometers , it offers a changing landscape as you hike: waterfalls , granite cliffs , valleys , lush meadows , giant sequoias, lakes and rivers … The Californian national park has it all! Hundreds of wild species (black bears, cougars, bats, etc.) as well as varied vegetation make this national park a natural reserve of choice and a popular destination for wilderness lovers.

9/ Yellowstone National Park, Idaho-Montana-Wyoming

Created in 1872, Yellowstone National Park (literally yellow rock ) is the first of a long list. Spanning three US states, the park is also home to the most geysers in the world ( Old Faithful , to name a few). This must- see park with incredible landscapes offers a beautiful diversity: alpine lakes, waterfalls, canyons, forests and of course, mountains. On the wildlife side: from grizzly bears to wolves , bison and elk , there is something for all wilderness lovers!

10/ Arches National Park, Utah

Located north of Moab, this national park with desert landscapes and natural red rocks lives up to its name. It has more than 2000 natural “arches” formed in the sandstone of the surrounding rocks (due to erosion).