As the new year approaches, national parks in the U.S. continue to beckon adventurers, nature lovers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The year 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to explore some of America’s most stunning natural landscapes. With 63 designated national parks across the country, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking vistas, it’s hard to choose where to begin. Here’s a look at the best national parks to visit in 2025, featuring diverse environments, abundant wildlife, and an array of activities for visitors of all kinds.
1. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park stands out as one of the most diverse parks in the U.S., making it a top destination for 2025. With four distinct ecosystems, visitors can explore lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, alpine peaks, and temperate valleys all in one visit. The park’s lowland forests are home to iconic wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, while the Hoh Rainforest offers one of the most serene and enchanting environments on Earth. Olympic’s coastline stretches over 50 miles, providing plenty of opportunities for beach hikes and tidepooling. The diverse landscapes make this park a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Renowned for its dramatic mountain range and pristine wilderness, Grand Teton National Park is a favorite among adventurers. Towering peaks like the Teton Range rise sharply from the Jackson Hole valley, creating an iconic skyline. The park offers world-class hiking, climbing, and wildlife viewing, with grizzly bears, moose, and bison frequenting the landscape. Visitors can also enjoy activities like paddle boarding on Jenny Lake or fly fishing in the Snake River. Scenic drives, such as the 42-mile loop around the park, provide stunning views of the Teton Range, making it ideal for photographers and sightseers.
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, remains a top destination in 2025. Famous for its geothermal wonders, the park features iconic landmarks such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring. The park’s vast wilderness is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including wolves, bears, bison, and elk. Beyond its geothermal attractions, Yellowstone offers spectacular hiking trails, waterfalls, and the scenic beauty of the Yellowstone River. Whether you’re an avid hiker, photographer, or wildlife enthusiast, Yellowstone delivers unforgettable experiences year-round.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
As the most visited national park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws millions each year, and 2025 will be no exception. Its stunning mist-shrouded mountains, rich biodiversity, and vibrant history make it a favorite for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the largest population of black bears in the eastern U.S. Popular activities include hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail, driving through Cades Cove to spot wildlife, and exploring historic homesteads. In spring, wildflower enthusiasts flock to the park for its diverse array of blooms.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
Utah’s Zion National Park remains a favorite destination for 2025 due to its striking sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and adventurous trails. For thrill-seekers, Zion is home to some of the most exhilarating hikes in the national park system, including the famous Angels Landing and the Narrows. While Zion’s slot canyons and steep cliffs are major draws, the park also offers milder trails for casual hikers, along with opportunities for rock climbing and canyoneering. Zion’s vibrant desert ecosystem, filled with unique rock formations and hidden oases, provides endless opportunities for exploration.
6. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a bucket-list destination for many, and 2025 is the perfect time to visit this stunning wilderness. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” the park features towering mountains, glacier-carved valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Popular activities include hiking along the famous Highline Trail, driving the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and wildlife watching for species like mountain goats, bears, and moose. Glacier’s rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes offer breathtaking views at every turn, making it one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the U.S.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, with its soaring peaks and alpine meadows, is a top pick for 2025. The park boasts over 350 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. One of the most popular scenic drives is along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., offering stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, while the park’s numerous lakes, waterfalls, and forests provide endless opportunities for exploration.
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Big Bend National Park offers vast desert landscapes, rugged canyons, and the winding Rio Grande. The park is one of Texas’s hidden gems, featuring the Chisos mountain range and the Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hot springs, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, with opportunities for camping, river trips, and birdwatching. Big Bend’s remote location ensures fewer crowds, making it an ideal destination for solitude and star-gazing.
9. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park remains a crown jewel of the U.S. national park system in 2025. Its iconic granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, are beloved by rock climbers and photographers alike. The park’s lush valleys, ancient sequoias, and powerful waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, create a dramatic landscape that has inspired visitors for generations. Hiking, rock climbing, and camping are popular activities, while winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park’s snowy meadows.
10. Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands
For a more tropical escape in 2025, Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush forests. Visitors can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Trunk Bay, hike through tropical forests, or explore historic sugar plantation ruins. The park’s rich marine life, including vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles, makes it a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. With its combination of relaxation and adventure, Virgin Islands National Park is a unique entry on the list of top national parks.
As you plan your trips for 2025, these national parks offer unparalleled beauty and adventure, from the towering mountains of the Rockies to the serene beaches of the Virgin Islands. Whether you seek rugged backcountry hikes, wildlife encounters, or simply breathtaking scenery, these parks promise unforgettable experiences.
