Here Are the Very Best National Parks in the USA

Here Are the Very Best National Parks in the USA

Welcome to van lifee with Steve and thank you for joining me as we have a look at the top 10 best national parks in the United States if you’re new to the channel I’ve spent the better part of the last two years traveling all across the country

And I’ve been to the majority of national parks in the contigous United States including all of the good ones the five criteria I’m going to subjectively evaluate all the parks on are going to be the geological features when you go there what can you see at the park if those features provide you

With a Magic Moment most commonly that involves sunriser or Sunset but it doesn’t always have to we also evaluate the parks in terms of crowds which really important when it comes to enjoying the park during all my travels I have never once paid for an overnight camp spot so boondocking each of the

Parks is pretty important and finally I will let you know how the S Services in each of these parks and with all that said let’s go ahead and get started we’re going to begin with seoa national park in California as our 10th best national park in the United States which

Boasts an abundance of gigantic sequoia trees which really have to be seen in person to be fully appreciated walking amongst these towering and massive trees just invokes a sense of awe and wonder you feel like you’re in a magical forest walking throughout the national park among which is the General Sherman tree

Which is the largest known living single stem Tree by volume in the world but the park offers much more than just these massive trees Morrow Rock which is a granite Dome formation provides breathtaking panoramic views of the High Sierra region and the vast landscape below my opinion just walking amongst

These massive trees is a magic moment in and of itself but sunrise or Sunset viewed from more rock is one of the most incredible views in the entire National Park Service I found the crowd levels to be extremely manageable at Sequoia and I had no difficulties moving around the

Park or any of the overlooks cell service was essentially non-existent and I didn’t have S service for about 2 days moving between Sequoia and the neighboring King’s Canyon National Park however the seoa national forest which is located between King’s Canyon and seoa off offers ample boond docking opportunities it is extremely easy to

Camp when visiting both parks and the proximity of King’s Canyon to seoa is just an added bonus which would just further enhance any visit to seoa National Park coming in at number nine undoubtedly one of the most iconic and mesmerizing National wanders in the United States is the Grand Canyon

Located in Arizona its towering Cliffs and vibrant layers of rock carved by the mighty Colorado River River over millions of years offer breathtaking views from every vantage point the Grand Canyon is home to several renowned trails that provide unique experiences for all hikers of all skill levels the

Bright angel Trail and the South kibab Trail lead at venturers into the depths of the canyon offering stunning views along the way one such Viewpoint UA point is renowned for its panoramas that leaves visitors in awe additionally the South room Trail offers an easily accessible and scenic route for those

Who prefer to stay above the Canyon Rim along this Trail you’ll find ma Point popular Lookout offering stunning views of the Grand Canyon and its surrounding landscape just to the south of the park visitors can enjoy boondocking in the kibab National Forest it’s extremely easy access from the national park and

One of the best boondocking experiences I’ve ever had you will find large crowds at the Grand Canyon it’s an extremely popular National Park however the park service does manage the crowds pretty efficiently and an excellent shuttle service I would say your magic moments are sunrise or sunset from pretty much

Any Overlook although UA point would be a really good one and taking in the immenseness of the entire Canyon is just really an incredible thing to see cell service is available pretty much anywhere that’s above the Canyon Rim moving to the eighth spot on our list nestled along the rugged Coastline of

Maine aadia National Park captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and unique landscape offering a truly Unforgettable experience aadia is definitely the top national park on the East Coast within the park you’ll find fascinating geological formation such as bubble Rock a boulder that seemingly defies gravity while perched on the edge

Of a cliff also within the park is Jordan Pond which offers relaxing views of the mountainous landscape of Mount desert island where the park is located the highest point within aadia is Cadillac Mountain offering a spectacular 360° Panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding Coastal terrain visiting

Its Summit at Sunrise you will witness the magical golden Hues Illuminating the sky which creates a truly mesmerizing site in addition Acadia is home to several historic lighthouses that serve as iconic symbols of the Region’s Maritime Heritage while aadia experiences large crowds during its peak season the well-managed infrastructure

Ensures that everyone can enjoy the Park’s Many Wonders a drawback is the lack of boondocking opportunities within close proximity to the park but nearby campgrounds and lodges offer comfortable accommodations for visitors and you can find self-service in most of the areas of the national park Sunrise is magical

From the summit of Cadillac Mountain but also as a backdrop to the lighthouse or from some of the spectacular overlooks along the rocky shores moving along to seven on our list nestled in the Majestic rocky mountains of Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America’s most incredible National Treasures this Park’s pristine

Wilderness offers a myriad of Adventures for visitors to enjoy from Scenic Alpine Lakes such as bear and dream Lake will crystal clear water reflect the surrounding Peaks to the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road a 48 Mile Stretch that winds its way through five distinct ecosystems Rocky Mountain National Park offers experiences for every outdoor

Enthusiast despite its popularity the park dual reservation system helps manage crowds effectively ensuring that everyone can enjoy this breathtaking landscape without feeling overwhelmed visitors can find boondocking opportunities in the nearby National Forest cell service will be limited in most of the areas of the park away from visitor centers so make sure you

Download your Maps I would say Trail road is one of the most amazing scenic drives in the country and driving along the road was just an incredibly magical experience located in the breathtakingly beautiful Montana region Glacier National Park is a must visit destination for nature lovers and

Adventurers alike coming in at 6th on our list of best national parks this Wilderness Paradise offers an abundance of stunning landmarks and Scenic trails that will leave you in awe the iconic Highline Trail leads hikers along a narrow path suspended above the stunning Valley offering unparallel views of

Jagged Mountains Hidden Lake and be hat Mountain are particularly popular destinations for their panoramic Vistas while Jackson Glacier and St Mary’s Falls provide opportunities for visitors to witness the power of nature up close the Park’s most renowned attraction is going to the Sun Road considered by many

As America’s best scenic drive this 50-m route traverses Glacier National Park showcasing the Region’s breathtaking Landscapes and offering numerous viewpoints and trails the park does implement a reservation system to manage crowds however visitors still should expect congestion during peak season particularly with parking so you want to

Definitely make use of the shuttles cell service can be limited in certain areas of the park and boondocking is available to the south and west of the park but you do got to drive a little bit to get there and as I rank going to the Sun

Road as the best scenic drive that’s going to be your Magic Moment moving on to number five on our list Canyon lands National Park situated in the heart of Utah’s desert landscape captivates visitors with its Stark Beauty and immense scale among its many landmarks a peil dome stands out as a geological

Wonder an enormous crater-like formation that scientists still debate whether it was created by an ancient meteor impact or tectonic forces the buck and Schaefer Canyon overlooks provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and the most famous landmark is going to be Mesa Arch which offers one of the most incredible and reliable photo

Opportunities in the entire National Park Service this is where I took one of my most favorite photos of the sunrise that is perfectly framed by the arch Canyon lands experiences much smaller crowds than the other more famous Utah national parks and outside of Mesa Arch you’re not going to find any trouble

With any crowds uh cell service is quite limited and it does take you a little while to get to The Boondock spots that are outside of the park but the sweeping panoramic views from the island in the sky District when you’re on top of a

Mesa are some of the best views in the entire National Park system and the Magical Sunrise that’s framed by Mesa Arch is just a is a visual you will not forget nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California Yos National Park is number four on our top 10 list

And is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and a inspiring landmarks at the heart of this incredible Park lies El Capitan a towering Granite monolith that stands over 3,000 ft tall and is a sought after challenge for rock climbers from around the world yusim falls boville falls Half Dome and Nevada Falls

Are just a few of the many waterfalls and Peaks that contribute to the Park’s breathtaking views there are significant crowds at yosee so you do need to plan in advance and be patient s service is particularly good in the valley however if you venture off to some of the more

Remote regions on Hikes cell service can become spotty there are boondocking opportunities along El Portal Road in the National Forest however you can’t really get very far away from the road and viewing half at sunset or from Sentinel Bridge or viewing any of the landmarks during sunrise or Sunset are

Just magical moments for each and every one of them it’s just incredible so while it is crowded yosity definitely earns its reputation as just an amazingly beautiful place moving to Third on our list located in Washington state Mount reneer National Park is home to the most prominent mountain in the

Contiguous United States Mount reneer which boasts stunning glaciers and captivating Alpine Landscapes Mount reneer offers a mesmerizing experience for its visitors at the heart of This Magnificent Park lies Mount reneer itself standing at an impressive 14,410 ft above sea level mount rineer is the most topographically prominent and heavily Glacier mountain in the

Region there are as many named glaciers on Mount reneer as in all of Glacier National Park you have have to see the mountain in person to really appreciate its awesome scale however Mount reneer is much more than just the mountain the national park includes picturesque waterfalls such as Christine Falls

Alpine lakes and amazing views of the surrounding national forest and other mountains I found the crowds to be extremely manageable and the Jackson Visitor Center in particular offered exceptional cellular service and as Mount reneer National Park is surrounded by a national forest you can pretty much Boondock on any of the access roads

Leading into the park and in my opinion any views of the mountain are magical as long as it’s not covered by clouds which typically happens in the afternoon Christine Falls is a waterfall that looks like it comes out of a fairy tale Mount reneer is definitely a national

Park that you don’t want to miss coming in at number two and runner up for the best national Park in the United States Yellowstone National Park which is located in parts of Wyoming Montana and Idaho was the world’s first national park and a true gym of America’s natural heritage Yellowstone offers an

Unparalleled experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the Majesty of an untamed Wilderness iconic landmarks like Old Faithful Mammoth Hot Springs and the grand prismatic spring Captivate the senses with their breathtaking Beauty the park is also home to an abundance of wildlife including bison herds that roam freely

Across expansive grasslands and perhaps the most incredible site in all of the contigous United States is the lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Cascades over 300 ft into the river below despite its popularity and significant crowds that it attracts Yellowstone National Park is an absolute must visit for anyone seeking to

Experience the best of America’s national parks so so if it was not for the significant crowds at Yellowstone I would actually rank Yellowstone as the best national park because of the incredible diversity of the amazing landmarks you will need to be prepared for lack of Self Service there pretty

Much isn’t any within the park and there is boondocking pretty much outside of any of the entrances however due to the size of the park it does take you a while to get there but the lower Falls of the Grand Canyon you Yellowstone old fateful the Bison grand prismatic spring

All of those are magic moments in any lighting condition or at any time of day it’s really incredible and if you could only go to One National Park I would suggest you go to Yellowstone if you’ve enjoyed this video so far I’d really appreciate it if you give me a like and

Consider subscribing or following me if you want to see more videos like this thank you so much and let’s get on with these honorable mentions before we get to our top park I’m going to give you three parks that many people usually include in the top 10 and give my reason

Why they’re not there and then in addition I’m going to give you three parks that are less visited first up we have the Great Smoky Mountains which it’s a really good Park my opinion it’s kind of a jack of all trades master of none so it has a lot of really good

Things but none of them are truly great you can see better stuff at other parks next Zion is an incredibly beautiful Canyon it’s just way too crowded and then finally Bryce is a technically excellent National Park in my opinion the hudos as taken as a whole look

Really cool and you get some great views from the overlooks however the hudos are a little too similar to each other and so they’re not distinguished enough similar to bad lands so I I don’t think it can be a top 10 because of that but

Bryce is a is a good par there’s no question about that now as for Overlook Parts first we have New River Gorge which is the newest National Park in America the on inspiring new River Gorge Bridge Grand View’s panoramic Vista and the mesmerizing beauty of sandstone Falls make New River Gorge National Park

A must visit destination for National Park enthusiasts the crowds here are very minimal and this was an extremely easy Park to visit except for there aren’t a lot of Crossings of the gorge there so you do have to drive ways to get some of the areas but you’re not going to have

Any problems at Trail heads or anything like that one of the least visited national parks is Great Basin if you can get a reservation to visit the Leman caves I would say this is an incredible experience Wheeler Peak dominates the park landscape and there are very few

Crowds here but the views here are just as amazing as any in the National Park Service so don’t sleep on this park and finally nestled along the ri grind border with Mexico you have big Benin National Park in Texas which features the Santa elenia and Bia canyons and the

Chos mountain range Big Bend is a truly incredible Park it’s an extremely remote location similar to Great Basin so Crowds Are small but the things you see here are befitting of one of the best national parks in America so you definitely want to check out this park

As you can also however there is little to no boondocking around there that was a tough visit and finally for our top pick Nestle in the heart of Wyoming Grand tetan National Park in my opinion is the most picturesque and a inspiring National Park in the park system its

Crown Jewel the grand T time mountain range is so amazing how it is perfectly reflected in The Still Waters of the Snake River below and in my opinion three of the parks most captivating moments are some of the best you will see in any place in America you have

Swarer Landing this idic spot offers breathtaking views of of the Tetons with a Serene setting for photography enthusiasts and it looks like something out of a painting or a postcard it’s really incredible sometimes moose will come there and drink from the river and you just get an absolutely Unforgettable

Sight the molten Barn is probably the most famous Barn in the world and the how it is perfectly framed by the mountain range again looks something like it’s out of a painting and just seeing it in person during Sunrise was just a a real experience and then

Finally the moon rising over Jenny Lake and the changing of the colors across the landscape created an enchanting moment that transcends words and left me with an unforgettable memory I found the crowds at Grant time to be extremely manageable even though it does have high visitation numbers selfservice is pretty

Available as long as you’re within Jackson Hole and for a little while if you go off on any of the hikes the neighboring National Forest offers plentiful boondocking opportunities and so you can stay there quite a while for free and then maybe most amazing of all most of the national park that’s located

Within the Jackson Hole Valley you don’t actually pass a entrance station and so you can access all of that for free so in sumary Grant T time National Park offers a truly exceptional experience for those seeking Beauty and Adventure from its pristine Landscapes to Unforgettable sunrises and the moon

Rising over jinny Lake in my opinion this park is undoubtedly the best in the United States so as we conclude our list here I want to thank you so much for joining me for this video I hope this helps you on any future travels you may have please leave me any comments you

Have about my list if you agree or disagree or if there’s any other Parks you think I should add to it please let me know in the comments below again I want to thank you so much for watching and I’ll catch you in the next video thanks and take care bye

In this video I give you the top ten best national parks to visit in the lower 48 States. Additionally, I provide reasons for excluding some very popular parks from this list and include three other parks with smaller crowds for you to consider on any future travels.

Thank you so much for watching.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:05 10
02:46 9
04:24 8
06:04 7
07:08 6
08:33 5
09:55 4
11:18 3
12:54 2
14:40 Omissions
15:50 Honorable Mentions
17:26 1
19:35 Outro
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