19 Beautiful National Parks To Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime

19 Beautiful National Parks To Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime
Brenda
Brenda 
Updated
| 13 min read

A paragon of the spectrum of beauty the United States has to offer, national parks are home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural features and numerous endangered species. One of these national parks is Yellowstone National Park, which offers breathtaking views of flora and fauna, as well as awe-inspiring glaciers and boiling lakes. Unfortunately, many of them risk losing their most prominent aspects thanks to climate change, habitat destruction, rapid urbanization. The immediacy of these threats meant that at any moment, these national parks could be gone in the future. So plan your visit soon and check out some cave hotels and lakefront Airbnbs for your accommodation needs. Be sure to read these 19 beautiful US national parks to visit at least once in your lifetime.


1. Yosemite National Park, California

With stunning scenery and an amazingly rich history, Yosemite National Park has always been one of the most frequently visited parks in America. A particular spot inside the park known as the Tunnel View, has been known to attract many tourists with its outstanding view of the Yosemite Valley. Giant trees, like the sequoias, are also considered an attraction to the park’s visitors. Three groves inside the park are home to these giant trees, but the most visited one is the Mariposa Grove, and it is also the largest one. Two of the largest sequoia trees in the world can be found in Mariposa Grove. If you’re up for an adventure, marvel at the park’s wonders and even go for a hike to appreciate every little detail of the Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park

Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Price: 7-day Passes: Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus or van with more than 15 seats (aged 16 or older) - 20 USD/person; Motorcycle - 30 USD; Non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer seats - 35 USD/vehicle. Commercial Tours: Commercial sedan (up to 6 seats): 25 USD (plus 15 USD per person); Commercial van (7 to 15 seats) - 125 USD; Commercial mini bus (16 to 25 seats) - 200 USD; Commercial motor coach (26+ seats) - 300 USD. Other Passes (valid for 12 months from date of purchase/issuance): Yosemite Pass - 70 USD; America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass - 80 USD; Every Kid Outdoors Annual Pass - Free; Annual Pass for US Military - Free; Senior Pass - 20 USD. Lifetime Passes: Access Pass (for US citizens/permanent residents with permanent disabilities) - Free; Senior Pass - 80 USD.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 209-372-0200

Website: Yosemite National Park

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Layers of magnificent rocks can be seen in the Grand Canyon National Park. These rocks are proof of the spectacular history of the Great Canyon. It has existed for a few million years, yet its beauty still captivates its visitors. The park boasts plenty of scenic viewpoints; however, Mather Point and Yavapai Point seem to be two of the most visited ones because they are known to have the most breathtaking views and they are also very close to the visitor center, which guests find accessible. Activities such as hiking and camping are also available if you are wild about the outdoors. You can even come to the park to witness the stunning sunrise or sunset to make the trip even more special.

Grand Canyon National Park

Address: Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, USA

Price: Individuals entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway and private rafting trip: Aged 15 and below - Free; Aged 16 and above - 20 USD. Motorcycle - 30 USD. Private, non-commercial vehicle (up to 15 seats) - 35 USD.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 928-638-7888

Website: Grand Canyon National Park

3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Whether you are visiting Bryce Canyon National Park for a day or longer than that, the scenes that await will leave you in awe. Best visited to see the beauty of the sunrise, the Bryce Point is the perfect place for such a view. The alluring experience, of seeing the park’s whole amphitheater light up before your eyes, is enough to have you get up early to take that trip. Hiking and rock climbing are also popular activities in this park, especially for adventure seekers. Even in the winter, Bryce Canyon National Park invites tourists to come and visit for an unforgettable skiing experience. With the park’s perfect views and numerous activities within reach, you won’t really run out of things to do.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Address: Bryce, UT 84764, USA

Price: Youth (15 and under) - Free. 7-day Passes: Individual (bicycle, walk-in) - 20 USD; Motorcycle - 30 USD; Private vehicle (up to 15 seats) - 35 USD/vehicle; Private vehicle (15+ seats) - 20 USD/person. Annual Passes: Bryce Canyon National Park Annual Pass - 40 USD; Interagency (Good at most Federal Fee Areas) - 80 USD; Interagency Senior Annual (Aged 62+) - 20 USD; Annual 4th Grade Pass (Good at most Federal Fee areas) - Free; Military Annual Pass - Free. Lifetime Passes: Interagency Senior (Age 62+) - 80 USD; Interagency Access (Permanently Disabled) - Free. Commercial Tours: 1 to 6 passenger capacity - 30 USD (plus per person entrance fee not to exceed 50 USD); 7 to 15 passenger capacity - 50 USD; 16 to 25 passenger capacity - 60 USD; 26+ passenger capacity - 150 USD. All commercial tour passes valid for the day of purchase and for the next 6 days after purchase.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 435-834-5322

Website: Bryce Canyon National Park

4. Zion National Park, Utah

With more than four million visitors in 2019, Zion National Park is sure to captivate its viewers. To get a glimpse of the park’s history, there is a museum with numerous exhibits that document the beauty of Zion National Park just waiting to be visited and seen. That is one thing you can do. However, it would also be a good idea to see the park’s vast collection of plants and wildlife. Zion National Park is known to have 68 species of mammals. In its hanging gardens, a rare Zion Snail can be found. Another famous attraction is the Emerald Pools, named as such due to its beautiful green color. Several hiking options are available, and if you are doing it merely for the view, you will not be disappointed.

Zion National Park

Address: Springdale, UT 84767, USA

Price: Youth (15 and under) - Free. 7-day Passes: Individual (aged 16 and above) - 20 USD; Motorcycle - 30 USD; Private, non-commercial vehicle (up to 15 passenger capacity) - 35 USD. For non-commercial organized groups (Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc.): Non-commercial vehicles (15 or less capacity) - 35 USD; Non-commercial vehicle (16+ capacity) - 20 USD. Annual Passes: Interagency Annual Pass - 80 USD; Zion Annual Pass - 70 USD; Military Annual Pass - Free; Senior Annual Pass - 20 USD. Lifetime Passes: Lifetime Senior Pass (Aged 62+) - 80 USD; Lifetime Access Pass - Free. Appreciation Passes: 4th Grade Pass (valid from Sep 1st to Aug 31st of 4th graders school year) - Free; Volunteer Pass (Over 250 hours of service) - Free. Commercial Tours: 1 to 6 passengers of same vehicle - 35 USD (plus 25 USD/passenger); 7 to 15 passengers - 70 USD; 16 to 25 passengers - 80 USD; 26+ passengers - 190 USD.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 435-772-3256

Website: Zion National Park

5. Arches National Park, Utah

The Arches National Park definitely lives up to its name. Located in the northern part of Moab City in Utah, the park shows off thousands of magnificently formed sandstone arches. The stones’ reddish brown hue also catches the attention of the crowd. One of the most famous sights is the Delicate Arch, and it is aptly named because it is freestanding. Visitors are willing to brave the difficult hike just to see this. Also, a popular hiking trail in the park is Devils Garden. Camping and stargazing are also popular activities in this part of the park. This park offers plenty of astounding sights, though imagining a quiet, breezy night just staring up at the stars is enough to make you swoon.

Arches National Park

Address: Moab, UT 84532, USA

Price: Youth (15 and under) - Free. 7-day Passes: Individual bicyclist, hiker, and pedestrian - 15 USD; Motorcycle - 25 USD; Private, non-commercial vehicle (15 or less passenger capacity) - 30 USD. Annual Passes: Southeast Utah Parks Pass - 55 USD; Interagency Annual Pass - 80 USD; Military Annual Pass - Free; 4th Grade Pass for US Students - Free; Annual Senior Pass - 20 USD. Lifetime Passes: Interagency Access Pass - Free; Volunteer Pass - Free. Non-commercial Groups: 15 and below passenger capacity - 30 USD/vehicle; 16 to 25 passenger capacity - 15 USD/person; 25+ passenger capacity - 15 USD/person.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 435-719-2299

Website: Arches National Park

6. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

The Capitol Reef National Park is definitely more than just rocks. Whether you are traveling with other adults or even kids, this park is sure to provide activities that are perfect for any age. Guests of Capitol Reef do not just enjoy the usual outdoor activities, there are also other captivating attractions such as the historical Fruita district, where you get to see the rich orchards and even hand pick sweet, ripe fruits that are in season. If you are at the park for the view, you can check out the Waterpocket District and see the Waterpocket Fold, the geologic feature that gives Capitol Reef its reputation. If you’re spending more than a day at the park, make sure you make the most of your trip and go with every adventure nature has to offer.

Capitol Reef National Park

Address: Torrey, UT 84775, USA

Price: 7-day Passes: Individual bicyclist and pedestrian - 10 USD; Motorcycle - 15 USD; Private, non-commercial vehicle - 20 USD. Commercial Tours: 1 to 6 seating capacity - 30 USD; 7 to 25 seating capacity - 40 USD; 26+ seating capacity - 100 USD.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 435-425-3791

Website: Capitol Reef National Park

7. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park, known to be one of the largest and top-rated parks in Utah, has four districts that are definitely worth checking out. The Island in the Sky district, being the most visited and highly accessible one, gives visitors an eye-catching view of the far off mountains and the park’s other districts, whether they are hiking, biking, or driving on the White Rim Road. The Needles is another place in the park that can catch people’s attention because of its spectacular rock formations and hiking trails. The park also showcases a vast assortment of animals and plants that further adds to its allure. Tourists often visit Canyonlands National Park because of its distinctive desert scenery, but they discover that there is more to it, and each feature presents a different character that they are unable to resist.

Canyonlands National Park

Address: Moab, UT 84532, USA

Price: Youth (aged 15 and under) - Free. 7-day Passes: Individual bicyclist, hiker, and pedestrian - 15 USD; Motorcycle - 25 USD; Private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) - 30 USD.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 435-719-2313

Website: Canyonlands National Park

8. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

First off on our list is Badlands National Park. Defined as “extensive tracts of heavily eroded, uncultivable land with little vegetation”, the Badlands National Park got its name thanks to the terrain in this region. Of course, what better way to experience this natural wonder than visiting a park named after it? Stroll along grassy prairies to spot wildlife before hiking up rugged plateaus with striking vistas. An overnight camp in the backcountry is bound to inspire the wanderlust in you.

While daylight illuminates pinnacles and spires, the night brings a panorama of constellations that will take your breath away. Badlands National Park is also one of the world’s richest fossil beds, so report any bones you may find to a ranger — who knows, it could be that of an ancient sabre-tooth!

Badlands National Park

Address: Badlands National Park, Imlay Township, SD 57790, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicle – 20 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 10 USD; Motorcycles – 10 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 605-433-5361

Website: Badlands National Park

Visited this place?

9. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Can’t get enough of the badlands? Don’t worry, Badlands National Park isn’t the only place you can find this terrain. Head up to North Dakota, where Theodore Roosevelt National Park lies just before the western state border. Within its lush, hilly boundaries, one can find yet another plethora of marvels — be it more badlands, sprawling prairies, the Little Missouri River, diverse fauna or up to 186 species of birds.

Natural wonders aside, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also a historic location, renowned for being the former residence of American president Theodore Roosevelt himself! In fact, it was one of the park’s most prominent creatures, the bison, that drew him here in his twenties. If you wish to experience America’s extraordinary environment, the Standing Rock Reservation is located just a three-hour drive from the park.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Address: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Billings, ND 58645, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicle – 25 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 12 USD; Motorcycles – 20 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 701-623-4466

Website: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Visited this place?

10. Death Valley National Park, California

Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley is one of the world’s hottest places, and it is also the driest place in North America. A former borax hotspot, you’ll find a spectrum of extremes in this barren land. Scorching sand dunes and cracked flats illustrate a dystopian scene, where only certain animal breeds thrive. Seasonal snow also finds its way atop mountains. It’s also here that you’ll find the lowest point in North America: Badwater Basin, which lies 282 feet (85 m) below sea level!

Aside from Badwater Basin, interesting features within the park include the Devil’s Golf Course — a rocky salt pan along the floors of the valley — as well as Racetrack Playa, a dry lake where one can catch the bizarre phenomenon of “sailing stones”. Other must-see highlights include the colorful Artist’s Drive, the historical Harmony Borax Works, and vistas such as Dante’s View and Zabriskie Point.

While immediate threats such as logging elude it, Death Valley National Park may very well live up to its name soon — with the threat of climate change looming over it, the future of this park is uncertain. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation could not only mean unbearable heat for the visitors, but also a loss of life should the park’s flora and fauna fail to adapt.

Death Valley National Park

Address: Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicle – 25 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 12 USD; Motorcycles – 20 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 760-786-3200

Website: Death Valley National Park

Visited this place?

11. Joshua Tree National Park, California

The defining aspect of this park is pretty self-explanatory: dotting the park’s arid acres, the Joshua tree is a twisted, bristled tree that resembles numerous palm trees stemming from a single trunk. Yet, this iconic tree is just the tip of the iceberg in this locale, where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet!

Take a hike around one of the park’s many hiking or nature trails, the latter of which will lead you to impressive amounts of exotic flora such as the desert fan palm, cholla cacti, Mojave yuccas, and wildflowers. The topography of the park is also a sight to behold, with towering boulder piles, unique rock formations, and vistas looking out to geographical features like mountains and even the San Andreas Fault. Some features to look out for in the park include Skull Rock, Giant Marbles, Old Woman Rock, and Sheep’s Pass.

If you’re feeling adventurous, spice up your trip here by climbing one of the park’s many rocks. With the hot climate and rough granite surfaces, these rocks are ideal for winter climbs as well. Like many other national parks, the best way to experience Joshua Tree National Park is to camp in it. However, do practice caution — many nocturnal animals such as coyotes, bighorn sheep, and snakes make their home here as well.

Joshua Tree National Park

Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicles – 25 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist & motorcycles – 12 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 760-367-5500

Website: Joshua Tree National Park

Visited this place?

12. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Located in southwest Texas, Big Bend National Park shares the border with Mexico for about 118 miles (190 km). From its highest peaks, one can view breathtaking, far-reaching landscapes of the park’s topography and shrubs, as well as the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico. While you may not see many animals on your trip here (since most of them are nocturnal), Big Bend makes up for this with its splendid geographical features. Take a hike along the Chisos Mountains, Devil’s Den, Chimneys Trail, Tuff Canyon, or Santa Elena Canyon, through which the border river of Rio Grande flows.

As an isolated park, umpteen species of animals make their home in and around Big Bend National Park. This includes the endangered North American jaguar, black bears, desert bighorn sheep, and even the bald eagle.

Big Bend National Park

Address: Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicle (≤15 passenger capacity) – 25 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 12 USD; Motorcycles – 20 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 432-477-2251

Website: Big Bend National Park

Visited this place?

13. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming & Montana

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park are both USA and the world’s first national park. Built upon the largest volcanic system in the country, Yellowstone is home to an abundance of volcanic features, including surreal basalt lava columns, as well as the world’s largest collection of geysers. Aside from watching the Old Faithful erupt or gazing in awe at Artist’s Point, the park also provides countless wildlife-watching opportunities with its forests, mountains, and bodies of water hosting a wide diversity of fauna — including the largest concentration of mammals in the contiguous United States. Recreational activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, boating, and winter sports also await visitors here.

Yellowstone National Park

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicles – 30 USD; Motorcycles – 25 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 15 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Individuals under 15 years old can enter for free.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily, though hours for certain facilities and roads may very. Check the website for more information.

Contact: +1 307-344-7381

Website: Yellowstone National Park

Visited this place?

14. Pinnacles National Park, California

Having earned their status as a national park less than five years ago, Pinnacles National Park is a rugged, mountainous region comprised of decomposing, hardened lava that is now carpeted by acres of woodland. However, perhaps more important than these ubiquitous features are what earned the park its acclaim in the first place — their California condor recovery program.

In 1987, the California Condor was declared extinct in the wild. Reintroduction efforts have been taking place for years, but even so, California Condors are still critically endangered and threatened by poaching, deforestation, and habitat disturbance.

Aside from condor viewing, this park holds many more adventures and activities. Enter some of the only talus caves within the US, follow a trail into the lush forests, see the park’s famed rock formations, or visit gorgeous viewing points from which you can admire a sunrise or sunset. For daredevils, Machete Ridge offers a thrilling climbing opportunity.

Pinnacles National Park

Address: 5000 Highway 146, Paicines, CA 95043, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicles & motorcycles – 15 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 10 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

Opening Hours: West entrance – 7:30am–8pm daily. East entrance is open 24 hours daily.

Contact: +1 831-389-4486

Website: Pinnacles National Park

Visited this place?

15. Glacier National Park, Montana

Dubbed the “Crown Of The Continent”, Glacier National Park is home to some of the best glaciers in the contiguous United States. Here, you’ll find the headwaters of streams and rivers that flow out as far as Hudson Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. Riverine wonders aside, things to do in this park include the Going-to-the-Sun Road — a quintessential, 50-mile route that stretches across the park and allows you to witness the best of this park’s spectacles. When it comes to deciding on a destination for the day or somewhere to camp out in the park, you’re spoilt for choice. With marvels such as Many Glacier, Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass, St. Mary Valley, and Goat Haunt, limitless adventures lie in wait here! During the winter season, one can even participate in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Meanwhile, the summer brings opportunities for river camping.

Glacier National Park

Address: Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Price: Private, non-commercial vehicles – 30 USD; 20 USD during winter. Individual hiker/cyclist – 15 USD; 10 USD during winter. Motorcycles – 25 USD; 15 USD during winter. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Winter rates apply from November 1st to April 30th.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily, though visitor facilities may only operate seasonally.

Contact: +1 406-888-7800

Website: Glacier National Park

Visited this place?

16. Biscayne National Park, Florida

Just 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Miami lies Biscayne National Park, an oceanic wonder filled with a spectrum of spectacular environments. The largest marine park in the US National Parks System, one may not even be aware they have entered Biscayne — with up to 95% of this park underwater, no fences or markers define the boundaries this park reaches.

Above water, the park is more than thriving mangroves, vividly-feathered birds, and human amenities — there are also lagoons and creeks where one can kick back under the tropical sun and see hints of local wildlife. However, tucked away underwater is a dreamlike landscape, where surreal coral reefs coexist alongside a spectrum of vibrant, exotic fauna. Yet, these natural paragons are merely the tip of the iceberg. Within the waters of Biscayne lie fragments of history, such as the stilted shacks of Stiltsville and Maritime Heritage Trail, as well as resting places of ships sunk in the past.

As beautiful as Biscayne may be, it is important to note that everything that makes it marvellous — from reefs to mangroves — are fragile and at risk of fading. Aside from human activities, such as poaching and overfishing, it is believed that no National Park is more threatened by climate change than Biscayne. Its flora and fauna risk being killed by rising sea acidity, while its reefs risk bleaching, and lands stand the risk of being submerged by rising sea levels.

Biscayne National Park

Address: Elliott Key, Islandia, FL, USA

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Navigable waters, Elliott Key, and Boca Chita Key are open 24 hours daily.

Access: By boat, from Herbert Hoover/Homestead Bayfront, Black Point, Matheson Hammock or Crandon.

Contact: +1 305-230-1144

Website: Biscayne National Park

Visited this place?

17. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee

One of the most-visited National Parks in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States. A paradise for mountaineers, hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor buffs, these mountains offer a diversity of peaks for climbing, and an even further range of places to see and explore!

Take, for example, the roaring waterfalls that dot the park. Over 200,000 visitors hike the trails of the Smokies annually to marvel at these whitewater spectacles. Remnants of 18th and 19th-century settlements within the park can be found at Cataloochee and Cades Cove, along with a profusion of wildlife-viewing opportunities.

While it may come as a surprise that this park is threatened by climate change, the reality is such that the Great Smokies are threatened by air and water pollution from nearby industrial developments, with the former posing a larger threat. Over the past 50 years, the visibility of views in the Great Smokies has undergone serious degradation.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Address: Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 865-436-1200

Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Visited this place?

18. Redwood State Park, California

The great thing about Redwood State Park is that no matter how much time you have on your hands, there will still be something engaging to do. Housing the tallest trees in the world, the Coast redwood, visitors really do take the time to see the magnificent giants, either by walking or taking the scenic driving route on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. If you’ve got the time, go and see the serenely beautiful Prairie Creek, where the Coho salmon can be seen swimming. The Fern Canyon Loop Trail is also a popular destination; however, obstacles such as wild animals and wet and muddy trails are present. So as with any adventure, one must practice caution when proceeding to explore the picturesque trail.

Redwood State Park

Address: Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Price: Free

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 707-464-6101

Website: Redwood State Park

19. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Colorado is famous for its striking scenery. Rocky Mountain National Park, located in the northern part of the state, is one of the best places to see in Colorado. From its lovely views of the Rocky Mountains to the momentous wilderness experience, the park is sure to delight its guests. Leisure activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping are usually done by tourists. Driving along the Trail Ridge Road is also a popular activity here. Though breathtaking, the park’s weather can be extreme; so be sure that you are prepared before you visit to maximize your experience.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Address: Estes Park, CO 80517, USA

Price: Daily Entrance Passes: Individual (bicycles, walk-ins, and non-commercial groups) - 15 USD/person; Motorcycle - 25 USD; Private, non-commercial vehicle (less than 16 passengers) - 25 USD. Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass - 70 USD.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

Contact: +1 970-586-1206

Website: Rocky Mountain National Park

Protect these beautiful parks

Take a look at the beauty of the places on this list. Look beyond the world illustrated through your screens and listen beyond the voices of familiarity that surround you. Take a drive into the unknown. Get lost and discover. Explore all this world has to offer — from the mesmerising wonders it has sculpted, and learn that it is all worth protecting these beautiful parks. After all, these parks are not here to stay forever. You can join some virtual tours as well!

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Brenda is a vibrant individual passionate about (way too) many things. An explorer, artist and optimist at heart, she is in love with the world and the beauty it has to offer. Her travels thus far...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore United States of America
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.