If you’re craving wide-open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and world-class trails, the national parks in the western U.S. are calling your name. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Rockies to the red-rock canyons of Utah, these parks are as diverse as they are jaw-dropping.
We’ve explored them on weekend trips, multi-week road trips, and everything in between—so you’ll find firsthand tips, route ideas, and must-see spots to make the most of your national park adventures.
Before you jump in…
Visiting all 62+ US national parks is a lifelong dream of ours. We can’t think of a better way to fully experience the natural beauty that makes up our incredible country.
Before you jump into the articles, be sure to download our National Parks Checklist so you can keep track of all the parks you’ve visited and be inspired to add new parks to your bucket list!
Recommended National Park Guides
USA National Park Checklist & Guide
Whether you simply aspire to the visit the parks in your neck of the woods or want to hit them all, we've put together this handy list of national parks by state to use as a guide. Then download our free national park checklist to keep track of your progress!
Best National Parks on the West Coast & Western U.S.
We may be biased, but we think the national parks on the west coast and western U.S. are some of the best in the country. Of course all are bucket list-worthy destinations that visitors flock to every year. Use this guide to the west coast national parks to get all [...]
Washington National Parks: Guide + Map
The three Washington National Parks are known as some of the best in the nation, and bucket list-worthy destinations that visitors flock to every year. Use this guide to the parks to get all the information you need about planning an amazing trip, from the best hikes, viewpoints, scenic drives, [...]
All National Park Guides
Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
Planning the perfect Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary can be overwhelming, especially with so much natural beauty to explore. This 3-day guide covers scenic drives, must-see trails, and breathtaking overlooks to ensure you experience the very best of this Colorado treasure.
2-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
With so much natural beauty to explore, planning the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming. This 2-day Grand Teton National Park itinerary covers breathtaking hikes, iconic viewpoints, and scenic drives, ensuring you make the most of every moment.
Perfect Itinerary for Olympic National Park (2, 3 and 4 days!)
In this flexible 2-4 day itinerary for Olympic National Park, we cover exactly how to see highlights like Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, and iconic beaches, as well as hidden gems and the best hikes, plus offer tips on camping, when to visit, and more!
5 Day Glacier National Park to Yellowstone Itinerary
Want to experience two of the best national parks in one epic trip? This 5-day itinerary takes you from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone, with two adventure-filled days in each park. This guide details the highlights, plus important things to know.
3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary (+ 4 & 5 day options!)
With so many incredible things to do and see, planning the perfect Glacier National Park itinerary can be tricky. We put together this itinerary to help you do exactly that, with several easy ways to customize it and some helpful tips for first-time visitors.
3 Days in Yellowstone Itinerary
We put together this detailed 3 days in Yellowstone itinerary to help you make the most of your time in this incredible, one-of-a-kind park. Between hikes and scenic drives, you’ll explore geothermal wonders like geysers and hot springs, wildlife, gorgeous scenery, and more.
Emerald Lake Trail: Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Guide
With multiple mountain lakes, non-stop views, and a relatively short distance, it’s no surprise that Emerald Lake Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. We put this trail guide together so you can plan out every detail of your Emerald Lake hike.
15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The majestic peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife of Colorado’s most famous national park draw millions of visitors each year. We’ve rounded up the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to help you plan your next adventure!
15 Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Several of the best views in Yosemite National Park can be accessed by short and sweet hiking trails. We put together this guide with the best easy hikes in Yosemite to help you get the most bang for your buck during your visit.
15 Grand Teton Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss
There is no shortage of incredible hikes in this national park. Our advice is to figure out which hikes you really want to do, and create your Grand Teton itinerary around them. We put together a detailed list the most epic Grand Teton hikes to help you plan your route.
17 Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is world renowned for its geysers and abundant wildlife. Enormous in size, there’s a ton to take in at America’s first national park. To help you plan your visit, we’ve rounded up the best hikes in Yellowstone!
21 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Tackling the best hikes in Yosemite National Park is really the only way to get even a small sense of its grandeur. We put together this list of Yosemite hikes so you can maximize your time among the park’s granite monoliths, waterfalls, lakes, and towering sequoias.
13 Easy Hikes in Jasper National Park, Canada
Get up close and personal with alpine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and impressive canyons on these easy hikes in Jasper National Park. In this Jasper hiking guide, we share more than a dozen of the best trails to help you plan out your itinerary.
15 Easy Hikes in Zion National Park
This list of easy hikes in Zion proves you don’t have to break much of a sweat to enjoy some of the park’s most impressive views. We put this Zion National Park hiking guide together to help you plan at least a few short and sweet trails.
Sol Duc Falls: Olympic National Park Trail Guide
Sol Duc Falls is one of the most unique, beautiful, and popular waterfalls in Washington’s Olympic National Park. In this detailed trail guide, we go over everything you need to know about this easy, family-friendly hike.
21 Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
With several distinct regions, each boasting incredible PNW wilderness and views, it can be difficult deciding which trails provide the best hiking in Mount Rainier National Park. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up our favorites that you don’t want to miss. Prepare to be mesmerized at every step!
Taggart Lake Trail: Grand Teton National Park Hiking Guide
With easy access, a shimmering glacial lake, and gorgeous scenery along the way, Taggart Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park is deservedly one of the most popular hikes in the park. In this guide, we share everything you need to know to safely hike to Taggart Lake.
Delta Lake Hike: Grand Teton National Park Trail Guide
The challenging Delta Lake hike rewards adventurers with one of the most iconic, pristine views in Grand Teton National Park. It comes at a ‘steep’ price, however, pun intended! We put together this Delta Lake trail guide so you know exactly what to expect.
15 Best Hikes at Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is a renowned climbing and astronomy destination, but it’s also home to some fantastic hiking trails. With features including slot canyons, long-abandoned mines, and boulders you can scramble, the best hikes in Joshua Tree are unique and memorable.
Mesa Arch Trail: Canyonlands National Park Trail Guide
The Mesa Arch trail leads to one of the most famous and stunning views in Canyonlands National Park. Amazingly, the hike is short and sweet, not to mention easy to reach. This guide covers everything to expect on the Mesa Arch hike.
15 Stunning Hikes in North Cascades National Park
From the easy trails to the most challenging, these are the best hikes in North Cascades that highlight the range’s dramatic and wild beauty. We put together this list of the best hikes in one of America’s least-visited national parks to help you plan your trip.
Navajo Loop Trail: Bryce Canyon National Park Trail Guide
The Navajo Loop Trail in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park is a short but challenging trail that delivers incredible views and takes you through towering red rock formations. This guide breaks down everything you should expect while hiking the Navajo Loop.
Hall of Mosses: Olympic National Park Trail Guide
One of the most popular hiking trails in Olympic National Park is the Hall of Mosses. This unique trail shows off some of the best views in the Hoh Rain Forest in a short and sweet distance. Keep reading for everything you need to know about hiking this stunning moss- [...]
15 Easy Hikes in Banff National Park for Beginners
While it may be surprising, there are several easy hikes in Banff National Park that deliver the most impressive views. In many cases, they even get you away from the crowds. In this guide we’ve rounded up the best easy hikes in Banff so you can get the most bang [...]
17 Best Hikes in Banff National Park, Canada
Hiking in Banff National Park is one of the best ways to experience the park’s stunning scenery and wildlife. With hundreds of trails to choose from, it can be intimidating just trying to decide on one — which is exactly why we put together this list of the best hikes [...]
Johnston Canyon Hike: Banff National Park Trail Guide
With multiple waterfalls, four-season access, and suitability for kids and pets alike, it’s no surprise that the Johnston Canyon hike is one of the most popular in Banff National Park. This guide goes over everything you need to know to hike the Johnston Canyon Trail.
15 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park, Canada
The best hikes in Jasper National Park offer jaw-dropping scenery, potential (likely) wildlife encounters, and an unforgettable way to immerse in nature. With many trails to explore and several things to know before you go, this guide to hiking in Jasper will help you plan your trip.
Valley of the Five Lakes: Jasper National Park Trail Guide
On the Valley of the Five Lakes trail, you’ll pass right by FIVE sparkling glacial lakes in a short, relatively easy loop. It’s no surprise this is one of the most popular day hikes in Jasper National Park! We put together this trail guide so you know exactly what to [...]
Mount Edith Cavell: Jasper National Park Trail Guide
The Mount Edith Cavell Meadows trail lets you discover the mesmerizing natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. This moderate hike combines glaciers and wildflowers into an easily accessible trail, making it a must in Jasper National Park.
Camping in Glacier National Park: 9 Best Campsites
One of the best ways to experience Glacier is by spending a night in the park under the stars. In this article we're coming everything you need to know about camping in Glacier National Park, including the best campsites, how to prepare and what to pack.
Big Beehive Hike: Banff National Park Trail Guide
There are many amazing trails in Banff, Canada, but none offer quite as much bang for your buck as the Big Beehive hike. With sparkling lakes, a historic teahouse, jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise, and a fairly short distance, you can’t beat Big Beehive!
Lake Agnes Teahouse: Banff National Park Trail Guide
Hiking to historic Lake Agnes Teahouse is on many Banff bucket lists, and for good reason. The trek involves a moderate challenge and incredible views, and at under five miles round-trip. This guide walks you through what to expect on the trail to the iconic teahouse.
Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout: Mount Rainier National Park Trail Guide
Hiking to the historic Gobblers Knob fire lookout in Mount Rainier National Park offers unbeatable views and a truly unique experience. This trail guide will help you plan out all the details for this unforgettable adventure in Washington state.
The Wonderland Trail: Mount Rainier Hiking Guide
The hike of a lifetime, the 96-mile Wonderland Trail weaves through the best of Mount Rainier’s spectacular scenery. There are tons of logistics to consider before attempting this hike, including wilderness permits, campsites, routes, and supplies. This detailed guide will help you plan it all out!
National Parks in Colorado: Guide + Tips
Few places can rival Colorado’s combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities. In this guide, discover the diversity and wonders of the four national parks in Colorado, along with essential tips for getting the most out of your adventure.
The Narrows Hike: Trail Guide for Zion National Park
Utah’s Zion National Park has countless jaw-dropping sights and incredible hikes, but there’s nothing quite like The Narrows hike. To help you plan your adventure, we outlined everything you need to know about hiking Zion Narrows.
20 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
From hikes that cross driftwood-strewn beaches to traversing mossy rainforest trails, we've rounded up the best hikes Olympic National Park for all levels and abilities. Plus we've included some important information you'll want to know before you hit the trails.
Hurricane Ridge: Hiking and Views in Olympic National Park
With incredible mountain views, gorgeous hiking trails, tons of wildlife, and one of the only official ski areas in a national park, Hurricane Ridge stands out as a highlight of Olympic National Park. This guide covers tips, some of the best hikes, where to stay, and more.
Marymere Falls Trail Guide for Olympic National Park
Near sparkling Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, the Marymere Falls Trail packs a tremendous punch in under two miles. This guide breaks down all the details and explains why Marymere Falls should be on your hiking bucket list!
Cascade Canyon Trail Guide for Grand Teton National Park
When it comes to effort-to-reward ratio, few backcountry hikes in Grand Teton National Park top Cascade Canyon Trail. With a ferry ride, glacial valley, a waterfall, and wildlife galore, this hike is truly unforgettable! We put this trail guide together to help you plan your outing.
12 Best Olympic National Park Beaches to Explore
Olympic National Park beaches are uniquely rugged and undeveloped. From dramatic sea stacks to places you can camp overnight, we’ve highlighted the park’s most noteworthy beaches.
National Forest vs. National Park: What’s the Difference?
When looking at a national forest vs national park, determining the differences can be a bit confusing, especially because they share many similarities. This quick guide breaks it all down, so you know which is which and some of the most notable differences!
Cracker Lake Trail Guide for Glacier National Park
An under-visited treasure in Glacier National Park, Cracker Lake’s milky, bright blue glacial waters mesmerize at first sight. Between the epic trail and excellent lakeside campsites, Cracker Lake is worth a full day! This guide details everything you need to know about the hike.
17 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park, Montana
With over 700 miles of trails, we’ve rounded up the best hikes in Glacier National Park to help you plan your trip, and we’ve added insider tips on things to know before visiting and what to expect from each hike.
Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
Although it’s the off-season for most national parks, some are at their best in winter, showcasing breathtaking scenery, unforgettable experiences, and unique adventures. Here are the best national parks to visit in winter—some just may surprise you!
Ultimate Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park Road Trip Itinerary
Both Bryce Canyon and Zion are filled with some of the world's most renowned hiking trails, viewpoints, and geology in the American Southwest. In this guide, we highlight all the best stops on an epic Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary.
Mount Storm King Trail Guide for Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park’s Mount Storm King hike is fairly short but grueling, and certainly memorable. To help you plan and prepare for the challenging trek, we’ve put together this detailed Mount Storm King trail guide.
4 Day Grand Teton to Yellowstone Itinerary
We think the best way to discover the heartland of the national park system is by road trip. In this article, we’ve outlined the perfect 4 day Grand Teton to Yellowstone itinerary that brings you to all the best sites in each park.
15 Best Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park boasts incredible red rock spires and hoodoos, panoramic vistas, and unforgettable hiking. Although small compared to other parks, it can be difficult deciding which trails to explore, so we’ve narrowed down the best hikes at Bryce Canyon.
15 Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Tackling some of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park is our top tip for immersing yourself in the otherworldly beauty of this Utah wonder. In this guide, we’re sharing tips on exploring the park’s five districts and epic overlooks to help you plan your visit.
15 Best Hikes in Arches National Park, Utah
Highlighting the many stunning natural arches scattered throughout the park, some of the best hikes in Arches National Park are also among the shortest and easiest! We’re sharing our favorites, with plenty of trails that will satisfy every interest and experience level.
15 Best Hikes in Zion National Park, Utah
It wouldn’t be a trip to southern Utah if you didn’t check out some of the best hikes in Zion! We put together this list of our top 15 Zion hikes, plus information on how to maximize your trip to this stunning and wildly popular national park.
17 Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
We believe Capitol Reef National Park is the most underrated park in Utah. Use this guide to the best hikes in Capitol Reef to help you fill your itinerary with the most scenic trails.
10 Best National Parks in Canada
All the best national parks in Canada perfectly highlight the vast country’s natural and diverse beauty. From amazing, unique wildlife species and the majestic Canadian Rockies to remote, rarely-visited coastal communities and the literal top of the Earth’s mantle, Canada has a lot to explore.
Best National Parks on the West Coast & Western U.S.
We may be biased, but we think the national parks on the west coast and western U.S. are some of the best in the country. Of course all are bucket list-worthy destinations that visitors flock to every year. Use this guide to the west coast national parks to get all [...]
Washington National Parks: Guide + Map
The three Washington National Parks are known as some of the best in the nation, and bucket list-worthy destinations that visitors flock to every year. Use this guide to the parks to get all the information you need about planning an amazing trip, from the best hikes, viewpoints, scenic drives, [...]
Highline Trail Glacier National Park Hiking Guide
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is one of the best hikes in Montana. In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to plan your hike, from when go, to how to prepare and what to expect on the trail.
Crater Lake Hikes: 10 Best Trails in the National Park
There are some seriously incredible hikes in Crater Lake National Park. Our advice is to figure out which hikes you really want to do, and plan itinerary around them. We put together a detailed list the best Crater Lake hikes to help you plan your trip to this spectacular national [...]
Enchanted Valley Trail Guide: One of the best hikes in the Olympic Peninsula
The Enchanted Valley Trail is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park Washington. In this article, we’re going to address the most commonly asked questions about this hike and go over all the information you need to know to prepare for your Enchanted Valley hike.
USA National Park Checklist & Guide
Whether you simply aspire to the visit the parks in your neck of the woods or want to hit them all, we've put together this handy list of national parks by state to use as a guide. Then download our free national park checklist to keep track of your progress!