HideAcadia National ParkCoastal Views, Lush Forest Trails, and Historic Harbor Towns.Acadia is most well known for its fall foliage, carriage roads which are great for hiking and biking, its many fresh water ponds, and its coastal views and sealife. Go
HideBend OregonLaid back community between snow-capped volcanoes and high desert plateau.1 . Crater Lake National Park and Newberry Volcanic Monument should be on the top of your list, but Smith Rock State Park is a treat for hikers and climbers. Go
HideBig Sky MontanaThe Biggest Skiing in America, next door to Yellowstone National Park. 4 . The nearest park is the ever famous Yellowstone, filled with wildlife, geothermal wonders, easy and well maintained trails, and winter attractions like snowcoach rides. Go
HideBlack Hills South DakotaHistoric Attractions, Scenic Drives, and the Wild West.4 . Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park are must sees, but you'll enjoy a day exploring Custer State Park as well. Go
HideBozeman MontanaLively Ski Town near Mountainous Expanses and Wide Open Spaces.11 . Southeast of Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park is easily accessible for a day or multi-day trip. Don't miss the opportunity to see the wildlife and natural wonders of this amazing park. Go
HideBryce Canyon National ParkSmall, unique, and colorful park. Easy to see in one day.1 . On your way to or from Bryce Canyon, check out Kodachrome Basin State Park, Cedar Breaks Monument, and Escalante State Park. Go
HideCody WyomingNightly Rodeo and the Wild West. On the Eastern edge of Yellowstone National Park and home to Buffalo Bill State Park, Cody offers visitors easy access to the great outdoors. Go
HideEstes Park ColoradoEuropean Style at the Gateway to the Rockies.2 . A few town parks offer great picnic areas and playgrounds. For endless trails, scenic drives, and high alpine tundra, save a handful of days for Rocky Mountain National Park. Go
HideFlagstaff ArizonaGateway to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.4 . The Grand Canyon is a must-see, but other nearby parks that are worthwhile include the Petrified Forest, Homolovi Ruins, and the Wupatki Monument. Go
HideGlacier National ParkVast Mountain Valleys, Glacial Lakes, Epic Hikes, and Historic Lodges.Glacier National Park extends into Canada under the name Waterton Park. Both parks are equally amazing. If you have time, dead further north into Canada to visit Banff National Park. Go
HideGrand Canyon National ParkVast, deep and awe-inspiring, from above and within.Other than the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, the Pipe Spring National Monument is a worthwhile side trip. Go
HideGrand Teton National ParkMountain Paradise with Hidden Gems around every Corner. 2 . Grand Teton National Park is a doing park. While you can easily drive by the Tetons, the majestic views and serenity come to those who explore the park's trails. Go
HideJackson Hole WyomingAdventure Capitol of the Rockies for Skiers, Families, and Cowboys.7 . While the Tetons are beautiful from afar, visitors don't realize the grandeur of Grand Teton National Park until they hike on one of the park's trails. Head north of Grand Teton Park to reach Yellowstone, where you can easily spend a week exploring it's s Go
HideLake TahoeBeautiful lake. A dozen ski resorts. Active community. Lively nightlife.Some of our favorite nearby state parks include Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada, Grover Hot Springs, and Washoe Lake. Go
HideLeavenworth WashingtonA taste of Germany in the heart of the Cascades.3 . North Cascades and Mount Rainier National Parks are just a short drive away and well worth a visit. Other nearby state parks offer fun summer activities and nice campgrounds. Go
HideMammoth CaliforniaHigh Alpine Lakes and Mountains in the Eastern Sierras.The east entrance to Yosemite National Park is easily accessible from Mammoth. Make sure you set aside some time to discover the granite rock walls and many waterfalls of this park. Go
HideMcCall IdahoLakeside Recreation, a great Weekend Getaway.Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Other nearby parks include Lake Cascade and Ponderosa State Parks. Go
HideMissoula MontanaMissoula is filled with State Parks. You can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping in the Blue Mountain Recreation Area. Go
HideMoab Utah1 . Moab is an epicenter for State and National Parks. Arches is just 10 minutes north of town. Canyonlands, a remote expanse of canyons, spires, and rivers, is nearby as well. Other nearby state parks include Goblin Valley, Dead Horse Point, and Gooseneck. Go
HideMount Hood OregonA huge mountain bordering a huge river. Something for every season and every visitor.3 . Some of our favorites include Crown Point, Beacon Rock, and Viento State Parks. Go
HideOlympic National ParkSecluded rainforest, rocky Pacific beaches, hidden glaciers and snow capped peaks.The most obvious is Olympic National Park. Plan to spend at least a handful of days cruising its scenic roads and hiking trails. There are also many nearby state parks. Go
HidePark City UtahLuxury Ski Destination with Lively Annual Festivals.Don't miss out on Mount Timpanogos Cave National Monument, a great destination for hiking and exploring. The 2002 Olympic Park is also a fun attraction for the whole family. Go
HidePrescott ArizonaLively downtown with many outdoor opportunities.6 . Prescott provides easy access to Grand Canyon National Park, but other nearby parks include Dead Horse Ranch, Fort Verde, and Tuzigoot. Go
HideRed Lodge MontanaSmall western town near Beartooth Pass and the great outdoors. On the northeast side of Yellowstone National Park, you can easily visit the geysers and wildlife of this park from Red Lodge. Go
HideRocky Mountain National ParkLush Valleys, Jagged Peaks, High Alpine Wilderness.5 . Rocky Mountain National Park is a park for trails and grand vistas. Start your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park with a drive up Trail Ridge Road and a stop at the Alpine Visitor Center. Go
HideSan Juan IslandsKiller Whales, Quaint Villages with Ocean Vistas Only Accessible by Boat or PlaneTons of marine parks and state parks dot the islands and the water that surrounds them. Go
HideSedona ArizonaA spiritual oasis in the heart of the northern Arizona desert.7 . Check out the natural waterslide at Slide Rock State Park and the many canyons and trails at Red Rock State Park. Go
HideSteamboat Springs ColoradoFamily Friendly Western Hospitality.18 . The Yampa River Botanical Park is perfect for an afternoon stroll but you might also check out nearby Pearl Lake, Steamboat Lake, and Stagecoach State Parks. Go
HideSun Valley IdahoChic downtown, family friendly skiing, nearby hiking, biking and fishing.Craters of the Moon monument, south east of Sun Valley, is a must-see on your way to or from the area. Go
HideWest Yellowstone MontanaYellowstone Basecamp and Snowmobiling Mecca.4 . Directly adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone is the perfect basecamp for viewing geysers and wildlife. Other nearby parks include Harriman Ranch and Henry's Lake. Go
HideWhitefish MontanaFlathead Lake and an Outdoorsy Lifestyle in Far North Montana.6 . Whitefish is a wonderful basecamp for visiting Glacier National Park. Go
HideWinter Park ColoradoWide open spaces for all outdoor recreation.1 . Just north of Winter Park you can enter the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Either take a scenic drive through the park or enjoy one of the park's many hiking trails. Go
HideYellowstone National ParkView Wildlife and Geysers in America's 1st National Park.10 . You'll want to dedicate a week to America's first national park, discovering easily accessible hot springs, geysers, and trails. If you have more time, head south to Grand Teton National Park. Go
HideYosemite National ParkMassive granite walls, stunning waterfalls, endless trails.Yosemite National Park appeals to any nature lover. Kids will enjoy the valley trails and refreshing rivers while hikers can spend days in the backcountry. Go
HideZion National ParkMassive canyons, brilliant red rock, lush oases. 4 . You can easily spend a week exploring Zion National Park, but if you have more time, visit Snow Canyon State Park, Quail Creek State Park, and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Go
Tim's good word:One of the classic National Parks!More on Parks in Grand Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Canyon National Park
Tim's been there:Simply driving around the Grand Canyon for your first visit will give you a taste of the mind-blowing vastness of the 'Grand'!More on Parks in Grand Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Canyon National Park
B.J. crushed it:The Grand Canyon seems to be on everyone's National Park checklist. If you only make it to a few National Parks, this should be one of them.More on Parks in Grand Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Canyon National Park
Dan crushed it:Slide Rock State Park features great Oak Creek access for splashing and sunbathing, surrounded by massive canyon walls. Jerome and Fort Verde State Parks provide historic perspective, as does Montezuma Castle.More on Parks in Sedona Arizona >>Top Pick: Sedona Arizona
Lisa wants you to know:Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park can get busy but offer a beautiful escape from the crowds of downtown.More on Parks in Sedona Arizona >>Top Pick: Sedona Arizona
Lisa's little secret:The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing natural formations in the country and the best of Arizona national parks. If you've never seen it, go make it happen. Try a horseback ride down to Phantom Ranch.More on Parks in Grand Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Canyon National Park
Lisa crushed it:Vast valleys, granite peaks, and cascading rivers make this California national park unique. It gets busy in the summer, but you can still find great trails and ways to escape the crowds in Yosemite.More on Parks in Yosemite National Park >>Top Pick: Yosemite National Park
Dan's two cents:Recreation areas around Lake Tahoe and in surrounding mountains provide one large park-like experience. Visit California national parks like Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic parks for a great tour of the region.More on Parks in Lake Tahoe >>Top Pick: Lake Tahoe
Dan's tidbit:Yosemite is one of my Top 5 favorite National Parks. Breathtaking!More on Parks in Yosemite National Park >>Top Pick: Yosemite National Park
Carli's tidbit:One of the world's most well known National Parks has connections to so many great Colorado attractions and destinations like Estes Park, Summit County and Frisco. Make some time for this Colorado national park.More on Parks in Rocky Mountain National Park >>Top Pick: Rocky Mountain National Park
Dan crushed it:Henry's Lake and Harriman State Parks are popular local recreation areas, and of course, Yellowstone National Park is right next door.More on Parks in West Yellowstone Montana >>Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana
Dan suggests:Glacier and Waterton National Parks are close to Whitefish Montana. The state park areas on Whitefish and Flathead lakes are wonderful. Life is good in Northwest Montana!More on Parks in Whitefish Montana >>Top Pick: Whitefish Montana
Dan's two cents:Glacier makes my Top 5 list for National Parks (been to most of them) and borders Waterton National Park, one of Canada's finest. The Flathead Valley features excellent Montana state parks along Whitefish and Flathead Lakes.More on Parks in Glacier National Park >>Top Pick: Glacier National Park
Dan wants you to go:Mountain goats! Be sure to have plenty of disk space and battery life available on your camera when you enter Glacier National Park! We really enjoyed our visit to Waterton NP as well. Red Jammers are way cool.More on Parks in Glacier National Park >>Top Pick: Glacier National Park
Drew suggests:Big Sky is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park!More on Parks in Big Sky Montana >>Top Pick: Big Sky Montana
Alyson loves it:Great Montana parks can be enjoyed along the Chief Joseph scenic highway. I've camped in many of them while driving between Portland and Missoula in college.More on Parks in Missoula Montana >>Top Pick: Missoula Montana
Lisa loves it:It's right next door to Yellowstone National Park, offering some of the best access to the park's attractions. More on Parks in West Yellowstone Montana >>Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana
Lisa did it:While you can drive through the park in a day, to really see Glacier National Park requires a week of exploration. There are so many hiking trails, different places to stay, and water sports like canoeing and boat tours.More on Parks in Glacier National Park >>Top Pick: Glacier National Park
Lauryn suggests:Big Sky is only 55 miles north of the Western entrance to Yellowstone National Park. You can stay at very nice resort lodging for 1/2 of what you pay for motel lodging in West Yellowstone. More on Parks in Big Sky Montana >>Top Pick: Big Sky Montana
Lauryn's good word:Whitefish is a great basecamp for exploring Glacier National Park. It is only 23 miles away, with some of the best lodging for families and larger groups. More on Parks in Whitefish Montana >>Top Pick: Whitefish Montana
Carli suggests:There is first and foremost Yellowstone, then Gallatin Forest.More on Parks in Bozeman Montana >>Top Pick: Bozeman Montana
Carli suggests:It is the west entrance to Yellowstone after all. Harriman State Park and Grand Teton National Park are nearby as well. More on Parks in West Yellowstone Montana >>Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana
Carli gives props:Bridger Mountains, the Gallatin National Forest, as well as the proximity to Yellowstone make Big Sky exceptional for a wilderness retreat.More on Parks in Big Sky Montana >>Top Pick: Big Sky Montana
Mike raves:Yellowstone is at its front door, need we say more. Then, out the backdoor is the Gallatin National Forest, Lee Metcalf Wilderness and the Quake Lake Historic site.More on Parks in West Yellowstone Montana >>Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana
B.J. wants you to know:Glacier is one of my favorite national parks and the top of the list for Montana national parks. The mountains here go on forever and the trail network lets you explore them for days on end!More on Parks in Glacier National Park >>Top Pick: Glacier National Park
Dan raves:Crater Lake National Park is an eyeful - gorgeous! Newberry Volcanic Monument, Tumalo State Park, and Smith Rock State Park (very popular for climbing) are all nearby. This is Oregon tourism at its best.More on Parks in Bend Oregon >>Top Pick: Bend Oregon
Alyson wants you to know:Deschutes National Forest, Wind Cave National Park, Ochoco Nat'l Park, Crater Lake Nat'l Park, and Wind Cave National Park are all totally unique and great Oregon parks to explore. More on Parks in Bend Oregon >>Top Pick: Bend Oregon
Lisa wants you to go:Smith Rock State Park has hiking trails and is well known among the climbing community. The stunning blue waters of nearby Crater Lake, one of the finest Oregon national parks, is also well worth a visit.More on Parks in Bend Oregon >>Top Pick: Bend Oregon
Alyson's been there:Plenty of National Park travel available everywhere. This lends itself to a high density of RV parks and camping, great for budget and family travel.More on Parks in Black Hills South Dakota >>Top Pick: Black Hills South Dakota
Dan did it:Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Jewel Cave Monument, Buffalo Gap and Thunder Basin National Grasslands... all here. Custer State Park is a favorite of ours. More on Parks in Black Hills South Dakota >>Top Pick: Black Hills South Dakota
Carli's little secret:Custer State Park and Badlands National Park.More on Parks in Black Hills South Dakota >>Top Pick: Black Hills South Dakota
Dan's good word:Bryce IS a National Park, and a unique and awe-inspiring one at that. Nearby Red Canyon State Park is pretty darn cool as well!More on Parks in Bryce Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Bryce Canyon National Park
Dan's tidbit:Moab is the gateway to Canyonlands and Arches National Park and is near the north end of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. Capitol Reef National Park is not far away from Moab, and is a very scenic park!More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
B.J.'s good word:Although harder to access than many National Parks, the more adventurous will find solitude, serenity and absolute splendor as they explore the depths of Canyonlands National Park.More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
B.J.'s good word:There is almost nothing that can compare to the sunset hour at Arches National Park. The orange and red of the rock highlighted against the white mountain tops of the La Sals is unreal.More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
B.J. wants you to go:We return to Zion each and every spring to bask in the red glow of its canyon walls and warm up from the winter months.More on Parks in Zion National Park >>Top Pick: Zion National Park
Tim gives props:The canyons of Zion National Park are a 'do not miss' on any trip through the desert southwest.More on Parks in Zion National Park >>Top Pick: Zion National Park
Tim suggests:The dreamsicle hoodoos of Bryce make it truly unique among our Utah National Parks and make it worth driving to see for a day.More on Parks in Bryce Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Bryce Canyon National Park
Tim's tip:Moab's proximity to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park makes it a 'must-see' on a tour of the southwest.More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
Alyson's good word:Arches National Park is small but offers many points of interest. Check out the ways the rock have formed arches over the years.More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
Lisa loves it:This unique Utah National Park is known for the crazy looking hoodoos. All trails lead to these interesting formations.More on Parks in Bryce Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Bryce Canyon National Park
Lisa wants you to know:One of the most uniquely formed parks around and easily accessible from Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is known for red rock formations. Lots of short trails quickly lead you to the goods.More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
Lisa gives props:You can easily access Arches and Canyonlands National Parks from Moab, along with a handful of Utah state parks. This is by far one of the top destinations for seeing remote wilderness.More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
Lisa suggests:Zion is my favorite National Park. It surprises me every time. I never realized how much life, greenery, and cool canyons could exist in the desert. The contrast of towering red walls and lush river valley floor is stunning. More on Parks in Zion National Park >>Top Pick: Zion National Park
Chris wants you to know:Two National Parks in your back yard definitely make the list. Canyonlands is vast and expansive, where as Arches National Park is more condensed, but both Utah parks have incredible geological features.More on Parks in Moab Utah >>Top Pick: Moab Utah
Dan wants you to know:Zion is probably my favorite National Park. It is also within range of Bryce Canyon National Park, Escalante/Grand Staircase National Monument, Glen Canyon / Lake Powell Recreation Area and the Grand Canyon.More on Parks in Zion National Park >>Top Pick: Zion National Park
Alyson raves:State parks exist on one or more of the islands and are some of the most unique in the country.More on Parks in San Juan Islands >>Top Pick: San Juan Islands
Tim gives props:Olympic National Park is one of America's hidden gems. Climate ranges from pacific coastline, through rainforest, temperate forests and finally alpine glaciated mountains. More on Parks in Olympic National Park >>Top Pick: Olympic National Park
Tim raves:Lake Quinault Lodge is a 'must-see' lodge built in the historic tradition of the National Park Service - truly a place to escape and appreciate the beauty of Olympic National Park!More on Parks in Olympic National Park >>Top Pick: Olympic National Park
Sam did it:Olympic National Park is one of my favorite parks in the country.More on Parks in Olympic National Park >>Top Pick: Olympic National Park
Dan's little secret:Olympic National Park covers much of the Olympic Peninsula. At least half a dozen state and county parks can be enjoyed nearby, highlighting everything from beaches and wild areas to historical points of interest.More on Parks in Olympic National Park >>Top Pick: Olympic National Park
Carli's little secret:Over 2.2 million acres in one protected park area. That's pretty impressive! Not a day trip my friends!More on Parks in Yellowstone National Park >>Top Pick: Yellowstone National Park
Carli suggests:Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Targhee National Forest, Gros Ventre, Bridger-Teton Forest and Shoshone Forest are Wyoming parks that are all worth exploring in the area. A week just isn't long enough, plan for more.More on Parks in Grand Teton National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Teton National Park
Carli's tip:Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.More on Parks in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
B.J. loves it:Grand Teton Park is obviously one of my favorite National Parks. That is why I live at the base of the mountains in Teton Valley, Idaho.More on Parks in Grand Teton National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Teton National Park
B.J. knows:It can't be called "America's Favorite National Park" for nothing.More on Parks in Yellowstone National Park >>Top Pick: Yellowstone National Park
Tim's tidbit:Jackson Hole is bounded by two of America's most famous national parks: Grand Teton and Yellowstone!More on Parks in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
Tim's good word:America's first National Park, and truly the most unique park in the system!More on Parks in Yellowstone National Park >>Top Pick: Yellowstone National Park
Tim suggests:A visit to Grand Teton National Park also provides an opportunity to visit its northern neighbor, Yellowstone: America's first national park.More on Parks in Grand Teton National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Teton National Park
Mike knows:Jackson is blessed to have a National Elk Refuge near the town limits and Grand Teton National Park just 10 minutes away. Not to mention Yellowstone Park 60 minutes away.More on Parks in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
Alyson raves:Near Yellowstone, about 50 miles away. More on Parks in Cody Wyoming >>Top Pick: Cody Wyoming
Lisa's two cents:Grand Teton National Park is often overlooked because visitors are so focused on visiting Yellowstone, just north of the Tetons. These two national parks border one another, offering a wide variety of natural attractions. More on Parks in Grand Teton National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Teton National Park
Lisa's little secret:Jackson is a great basecamp for visiting both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Stay in a campground in one of the parks, but if you are in need of groceries or a night out on the town, Jackson has options. More on Parks in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
Lisa's tidbit:Yellowstone's blend of geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, along with easy to moderate hiking trails, great scenic drives, and ideal fishing spots puts it on the top of the list for many.More on Parks in Yellowstone National Park >>Top Pick: Yellowstone National Park
Chris's been there:Yellowstone was the first national park in the US, and being the size of Rhode Island, there is obviously a lot to see.More on Parks in Yellowstone National Park >>Top Pick: Yellowstone National Park
Chris wants you to know:Yellowstone's east gate is a beautiful drive from Cody. There is also a Wyoming state park on the reservoir just outside of Cody which is popular for lake fishing, swimming and camping.More on Parks in Cody Wyoming >>Top Pick: Cody Wyoming
Dan suggests:When you say "national park", I bet most people picture Yellowstone, the first in the US. Grand Teton Park is immediately to the south. The combo is a fantastic taste of Wyoming tourism!More on Parks in Yellowstone National Park >>Top Pick: Yellowstone National Park
Dan's good word:Two great national parks in one location... excellent! There's a lot to explore outside the parks as well.More on Parks in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
Dan wants you to know:Between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, you have a lot of beautiful Wyoming national parks to explore! Don't miss the National Elk Refuge fall through spring, and stop in the new visitor center in Grand Teton Park.More on Parks in Grand Teton National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Teton National Park
