The United States has a bunch of beautiful places in nature called National Parks. Recently, Travel Lens looked at what people said on Google about 63 parks in 2023 and found the top 25 most beautiful national parks in the US.
Utah’s Beautiful Parks
Utah has four parks in the top 25, making it significant in the list. Places like Zion, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands have cool red rocks and big canyons that nature lovers should definitely check out. It’s like a special area in the southwest that shows off amazing rocks and land formations.
Other Cool Places
Colorado, Arizona, and Washington each have two parks in the top 25. Colorado has snowy mountains in “Rocky Mountain National Park,” Arizona has Saguaro National Park with tall cacti, and Washington has places like Mount Rainier with stunning views. These states offer a mix of natural beauty that sticks in your memory.
Famous Parks Missing
Even though the list talks about many beautiful parks, it misses some big names like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone. This makes us wonder why these parks didn’t find a place on the list. Travel Lens explains that they looked at things like how pretty the parks are and the wonder they create when people visit.
The Star of the Show – Crater Lake
The best of the best is Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Almost half of the reviews (45.26%) say it’s super beautiful. People describe the lake as “blue like the deep sea,” and it seems to create an amazing experience with its stunning views. If you’re into breathtaking landscapes, this park in the Pacific Northwest is a must-visit.
How Travel Lens picked the most beautiful national parks in the US?
They found out which parks are the best by reading what people wrote (reviews) about them on Google. The Travel Lens did this by going through many reviews from the year 2023. They looked at how often people used words like “beautiful,” “stunning,” “breathtaking,” and “gorgeous.”
The more people said these words, the higher the park went on the list. They paid attention to what visitors said about the parks and chose the top 25 that everyone thought were the most beautiful.
Here is the complete list of the top 25 most beautiful national parks according to Travel Lens:
| Rank | National Park | State |
| 1 | Crater Lake National Park, Oregon | Oregon |
| 2 | Acadia National Park, Maine | Maine |
| 3 | Glacier National Park, Montana | Montana |
| 4 | Shenandoah National Park, Virginia | Virginia |
| 5 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN & NC | Tennessee & North Carolina |
| 6 | New River Gorge National Park Preserve, West Virginia | West Virginia |
| 7 | Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming | Wyoming |
| 8 | Mount Rainier National Park, Washington | Washington |
| 9 | Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska | Alaska |
| 10 | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado | Colorado |
| 11 | Capitol Reef National Park, Utah | Utah |
| 12 | Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado | Colorado |
| 13 | Saguaro National Park, Arizona | Arizona |
| 14 | Olympic National Park, Washington | Washington |
| 15 | Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota | North Dakota |
| 16 | Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio | Ohio |
| 17 | Haleakalã National Park, Hawaii | Hawaii |
| 18 | Big Bend National Park, Texas | Texas |
| 19 | Zion National Park, Utah | Utah |
| 20 | Badlands National Park, South Dakota | South Dakota |
| 21 | Canyonlands National Park, Utah | Utah |
| 22 | Redwood National and State Parks, California | California |
| 23 | White Sands National Park, New Mexico | New Mexico |
| 24 | Arches National Park, Utah | Utah |
| 25 | Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona | Arizona |
Top 25 Most Beautiful National Parks In US 2023
Let’s talk about the “most beautiful national parks in the US and enjoy the awesome views that make people really like these places.
1. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Imagine you’re standing by a really deep blue lake. All around you, there are tall cliffs and lots of green trees. Crater Lake is like nature’s own masterpiece, a stunning sight that captures the essence of Oregon’s beauty.
2. Acadia National Park, Maine
Imagine standing on top of Cadillac Mountain, watching the sunrise above the Atlantic Ocean. Acadia offers a harmonious blend of rugged coastlines, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas. It’s a slice of coastal paradise.
3. Glacier National Park, Montana
If you’re a fan of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and wildlife in their natural habitat, “Glacier National Park” is your haven. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is your ticket to jaw-dropping views and unforgettable moments.
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Virginia’s gem along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah, is a tapestry of colors. From the vibrant fall foliage to the misty mountaintops, it’s a place that makes you feel small in the grandeur of nature.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Mist-covered mountains, historic cabins, and the sweet scent of wildflowers – the Great Smoky Mountains are a living canvas. Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome beckon, promising encounters with nature’s wonders.
6. New River Gorge National Park Preserve, West Virginia
The newest addition to the family, New River Gorge, is all about rugged beauty. With an iconic steel arch bridge and thrilling activities like rock climbing, it’s a haven for adventure seekers.
7. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Imagine waking up to the sight of jagged peaks and the Snake River winding through the valley. Grand Teton is a photographer’s dream, where elk roam freely, and the mountains touch the sky.
8. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Majestic Mount Rainier dominates the landscape, surrounded by alpine meadows and ancient forests. Hike to viewpoints, and you’ll be rewarded with scenes straight out of a postcard.
9. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is a symphony of glaciers, fjords, and marine life. Take a cruise through this icy paradise for a front-row seat to calving glaciers and playful wildlife.
10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Carved by the mighty Gunnison River, the Black Canyon is a testament to the power of nature. Sheer walls and dramatic landscapes make it a playground for rock climbers and a canvas for nature photographers.
11. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Utah’s hidden gem, Capitol Reef, is a wonderland of geologic formations. The Waterpocket Fold, towering cliffs, and colorful canyons make it a paradise for those who love to explore.
12. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
From alpine tundra to lush forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is a playground for nature lovers. Trail Ridge Road offers panoramic views, showcasing the diversity of this mountainous landscape.
13. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Welcome to the land of saguaro cacti, where the Sonoran Desert unveils its unique beauty. Trails wind among towering cacti, and the desert sunsets are nothing short of magical.
14. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic is a true wilderness, boasting rainforests, alpine peaks, and rugged coastlines. Hike through the Hoh Rainforest or venture up Hurricane Ridge for an adventure that spans ecosystems.
15. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Named after the adventurous president, this park preserves the badlands and prairies that inspired Roosevelt. Encounter bison, elk, and prairie dogs as you explore the scenic drives and hiking trails.
16. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Ohio surprises with Cuyahoga Valley, blending rural and urban landscapes. Waterfalls, rolling hills, and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal create a scenic escape for cyclists and hikers.
17. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Imagine standing at the summit of a dormant volcano, surrounded by otherworldly landscapes. Haleakalā’s colorful craters and rare silversword plants make sunrise at the summit a truly magical experience.
18. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Along the Rio Grande, Big Bend offers a diverse desert landscape, deep canyons, and the Chisos Mountains. Explore the Santa Elena Canyon and hike the Lost Mine Trail for a taste of Texas wilderness.
19. Zion National Park, Utah
Towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and a river carving through the landscape – Zion is a rock climber’s paradise and a hiker’s dream. The Narrows and Angels Landing are iconic trails that showcase the park’s splendor.
20. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The Badlands tell a tale of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and vast prairies. Fossil exhibits and scenic overlooks along the Badlands Loop Road provide a glimpse into the region’s geological history.
21. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Carved by the Colorado River, Canyonlands is a playground of expansive canyons, mesas, and natural arches. The Island in the Sky and Needles districts offer diverse landscapes for exploration.
22. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Home to the tallest trees on Earth, the coastal redwoods, this park is a sanctuary of ancient forests. The Avenue of the Giants and Fern Canyon immerse you in the magic of these towering giants.
23. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Endless gypsum dunes as far as the eye can see – White Sands is a surreal landscape that feels like another world. Sunset strolls and sledding down the dunes add to the park’s unique charm.
24. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches is a playground of natural stone arches and red rock formations. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are like sculptures crafted by nature, inviting you to explore the wonders of geological artistry.
25. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Walk among fossilized logs and vibrant badlands in Petrified Forest. This park provides a glimpse into ancient landscapes, where the Blue Mesa Trail and Painted Desert Inn reveal the rich history of the region.”
Conclusion
These 25 national parks are not just destinations; they are stories waiting to be written, experiences waiting to be lived. Each park invites you to step into a world of natural wonders, where the beauty of the United States unfolds in ways that words can only attempt to capture.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets in the desert, hiking through ancient forests, or marveling at the power of glaciers, these parks promise moments that stay with you long after you’ve left. So, pack your sense of wonder and get ready to explore the remarkable beauty of the most beautiful national parks in the US.
