12 U.S. National Parks That Will Take Your Breath Away
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Are you sourcing for a national park to visit in the United States? The U.S. is one country where nature’s beauty unfolds to spectacularly display breathtaking landscapes. It boasts a rich collection of awe-inspiring national parks, from the depths of the iconic Grand Canyon to the mist-covered peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will be spoiled for choice.
Ready to start touring? Read on to discover 12 enchanting U.S. National Parks, each promising to take your breath away with its unique charm and unparalleled beauty.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, is breathtaking. This geological masterpiece is famous for its immense canyon carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years. The canyon’s vastness is mind-blowing, with colors changing as the sun moves. While the canyon’s geography is phenomenal, visiting the park is also an excellent opportunity to dive into millions of years of rock formation history.
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho
Renowned for being the first National Park in America, Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser. It is an attractive site with colorful hot springs, exploding geysers, and diverse wildlife like bears and bison.
Elevated waterfalls and the Yellowstone Grand Canyon add to the park’s impressive features.
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Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its indescribable beauty, dotted with big mountains, giant waterfalls, and tall trees, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The enormous rock sculptures and the magical waterfalls elevate the park’s beauty. While the park is well-famed for its cascading waterfalls, its deep valleys, and the vast wilderness are a sight to behold. The park also features camping and wedding grounds that offer stunning panoramic views.
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Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, Utah, is famed for its humongous red cliffs that appear to touch the sky and narrow canyons carved by the Virgin River. The colorful rocks create a magical landscape, making it a great place to go hiking or take a scenic drive to witness nature’s artwork. Standing far from major urban centers, Zion National Park is also ideal for stargazing or being secluded from crowds.
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Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park in Utah is popular for its more than 2,000 sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. It is a mesmerizing place with red rock arches, towers, and balanced rocks. While the natural geology in Arches is impressive, the sunsets here are stunning. Sunsets by The Delicate Arch create vibrant hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle that is a must-see for sunset chasers. While here, be sure to experience the spectacular Fiery Furnace, Balanced Rock, and Broken Arch.
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The high-reaching peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park are awe-inspiring. While at it, take time in the crystal clear lakes that mirror the sky-touching peaks. Hiking trails winding the meadows offer an excellent opportunity to see wildflowers and wildlife roaming freely. From sunrise hues, starlit nights, protected mountains, majestic alpine tundra, and calm pools, the park’s beauty has so much in store for nature lovers. While here, take advantage of the famous Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road.
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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is strategically on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The park has misty mountains, dense woodlands, and diverse wildlife and plant life. Tall mountains, like Clingmans Dome, offer panoramic views you will love. The park’s tranquility, scenic drives, and vibrant fall foliage make it a breathtaking haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The impressive remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture are a beauty you want to experience firsthand.
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Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is a gem on the Atlantic coast, featuring a rugged coastline, granite peaks, and picturesque islands. Its dramatic cliffs, untapped lakes, rocky beaches, and green thickets create a mesmerizing blend. Glacier-covered peaks, like Cadillac Mountain, offer stunning vistas you will appreciate. With diverse wildlife and attractive scenery, Acadia is a sanctuary for nature lovers seeking simple yet profound beauty. Among the wild animals you could spot in this 47,000-acre facility are bears, moose, whales, and seabirds.
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Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is popularly known as the “Crown of the Continent” and is famous for its melting glaciers, freshwater lakes, endless alpine meadows, carved valleys, and mountainous landscapes. The enchanting scenery includes diverse wildlife and leafy woodlands. With its jaw-dropping landscapes, the park offers a mesmerizing experience, showcasing the untouched beauty of nature that leaves visitors in awe and wonder.
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Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali is home to North America’s tallest peak, which alone is an excellent reason to visit. Additionally, this park offers immense wild terrain, savannah grasslands, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The grandeur of North America’s highest peak, Denali, stuns and captivates visitors. Wildlife enthusiasts can revel in spotting grizzlies, moose, and caribou, making Denali any nature lover’s paradise.
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a surreal terrain famous for eroded rock formations. It is famed for having the most extensive collection of hoodoos worldwide. The orange-red hoodoos sculpted by nature are picture-perfect. Be sure to experience Sunrise Point and Sunset Point for breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. These spots offer spectacular views of the Bryce Amphitheater, letting you savor the massive collection of hoodoos.
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Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades National Park, Florida, is a unique ecosystem of wetlands and mangrove forests. It offers the biggest tropical wilderness in the U.S. With vast wetlands and mangrove forests, it’s home to rare and endangered species like manatees, Florida Panther, and American crocodiles. The park’s tranquil beauty is reflected in crystal-clear waters. Its diverse ecosystems make it a captivating destination for those seeking the beauty of untouched, natural landscapes.
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
