The 30 Most Breathtaking Locations in U.S. National Parks
You couldn’t ask for a better photography subject than the national parks. Home to some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the world, the parks are also easily accessible. You don’t even need to leave the main roads to find incredible views and snag a few amazing photos. And for those willing to explore off the beaten path, not only will you find peace and quiet in the wild, you’ll also get unique shots that you won’t find on any postcards in the visitor center. However adventurous you’re feeling, you’d be hard pressed to explore any of these parks without being blown away by the views you find.
1. Capitol Reef National Park
Camp in Capitol Reef National Park
Photo: Mike Fennell
2. Olympic National Park
Hike Mount Storm King Mountain
Photo: Jason Horstman
3. Shenandoah National Park
Hike to Blackrock Summit
Photo: Sarah Giek
4. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Photograph Lassen Peak
Photo: Beth Young
5. Yellowstone National Park
Hike above Grand Prismatic Spring
Photo: Chase Dekker
6. Denali National Park
Climb Sheep Ridge
Photo: Jacob W. Frank
7. Rocky Mountain National Park
Drive Rocky Mountain NP’s Trail Ridge Road
Photo: Joel Bear
8. Rainier National Park
See the Milky Way over Mt. Rainier
Photo: Michael Matti
9. Canyonlands National Park
Hike to False Kiva
Photo: Eric Schuette
10. Redwood National Park
Hike to Tall Trees Grove
Photo: Brian Fulda
11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hike the Chimney Tops
Photo: Mason Boring
12. Grand Teton National Park
Photograph the Grand Teton at the Snake River Overlook
Photo: Josh Packer
13. Glacier National Park
Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook
Photo: Shane Black
14. Crater Lake National Park
Explore Crater Lake
Photo: Eric Johnson
15. Bryce Canyon National Park
Photograph Bryce Canyon during Monsoon Season
Photo: Phill Monson
16. Sequoia National Park
Hike the Congress Trail
Photo: Will Cebron
17. Grand Canyon National Park
Capture the Monsoons in Grand Canyon National Park
Photo: Michael Strickland
18. Yosemite National Park
Backpack Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest
Photo: Nathaniel Polta
19. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park
Photo: Justin Ritucci
20. Zion National Park
Hike the Zion Narrows
Photo: Stephen Marshall
21. Big Bend National Park
Hike Santa Elena Canyon
Photo: Sarah Vaughn
22. Death Valley National Park
Hike the Badlands Loop
Photo: Shannon Kalahan
23. Acadia National Park
Explore Cadillac Mountain
Photo: Chris Mongeau
24. Badlands National Park
Backcountry Camp off the Fossil Trailhead
Photo: Cameron Cech
25. Arches National Park
Short Hike to Double Arch
Photo: Scott Kranz
26. Haleakala National Park
Catch a Sunrise from Pa ka'oao White Hill
Photo: Eric Schuette
27. Joshua Tree National Park
Photograph the Cholla Cactus Garden
Photo: Ryan Dewane
28. Mesa Verde National Park
Explore Mesa Top Loop
Photo: Jason Hatfield
29. Isle Royale National Park
Backpack Isle Royale NP’s Greenstone Ridge Trail
Photo: Joe Whitson
30. Dry Tortugas National Park
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
