By: Sarah Stone
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- 1: Cedar Breaks National Park, Utah
- 2: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona
- 3: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- 4: North Cascades National Park, Washington
- 5: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
- 6: Joshua Tree National Park, California
- 7: National Park of American Samoa
- 8: Zion National Park, Utah
- 9: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico
- 10: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
- 11: Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
- 12: Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
- 13: Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- 14: Biscayne National Park, Florida
- 15: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii
How many of America’s beautiful National Parks have you had the chance to visit? Here are just a few ideas for your next adventure!
1: Cedar Breaks National Park, Utah
![Cedar Breaks National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cedar-breaks-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Cedar Breaks National Park – Photo by emptypokts .. on Unsplash
Sitting at 10,000 feet above sea level, Cedar Breaks National Park offers stunning views of the Circle of Painted Cliffs in southern Utah. Go hiking or backcountry camping here, and enjoy some of the most amazing stargazing you can find in the United States.
2: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona
![Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/sunset-crater-volcano-national-monument-arizona-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – Photo by Jim Witkowski on Unsplash
North of Flagstaff, this amazing crater is the result of a volcanic eruption over 900 years ago! Visit the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument on a hiking tour, or even a day trip from the Grand Canyon.
3: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
![Shenandoah National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shenandoah-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport-720x1080-1.jpg)
Shenandoah National Park – Photo by Reshma Mallecha on Unsplash
A popular destination for people living in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is an incredible getaway if you want to see gorgeous views, and go hiking or camping along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
4: North Cascades National Park, Washington
![North Cascades National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/north-cascades-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
North Cascades National Park – Photo by Trevor Vannoy on Unsplash
Spanning more than 500,000 acres and lovingly known as the North American Alps, the North Cascades National Park in Washington state is one of the United States’ most pristine National Parks. Entirely protected as a wilderness, you won’t find many manmade structures or roads here.
5: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
![Ozark National Scenic Riverways - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ozark-national-scenic-riverways-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport-720x1080-1.jpg)
Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Photo by Connor Wilkins on Unsplash
The first national park area to protect a river system, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are comprised of the Current River and the Jacks Fork River. Go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or even caving through this amazing system.
6: Joshua Tree National Park, California
![Joshua Tree National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/joshua-tree-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Joshua Tree National Park – Photo by Cedric Letsch on Unsplash
Joining the Mojave and Colorado deserts, Joshua Tree National Park is an incredible place to enjoy some of the United States’ unique wilderness. Based in Southern California, you’ll see stunning sunrises and sunsets, and incredible stargazing here.
7: National Park of American Samoa
![National Park of American Samoa - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/national-park-of-american-samoa-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
National Park of American Samoa – via Pixabay
Our National Parks aren’t just relegated to States! The National Park of American Samoa is based in the gorgeous South Pacific and incorporates not only the islands and their mountains, but also some of their underwater coral ecosystems.
8: Zion National Park, Utah
![Zion National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/zion-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Zion National Park – Photo by Dave Babler on Unsplash
Utah’s first National Park, Zion National Park is famous for its gorgeous sandstone cliffs and breathtaking canyon. Go hiking or take a tour through The Narrows, or explore The Subway, both along the canyon.
9: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico
![Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/gila-cliff-dwellings-national-monument-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – via Pixabay
A 13th Century home to the Mogollon people, the Gila Cliff Dwellings are unique among our country’s parks in that you’ll be able to see ancient caves where the Pueblo people lived – a natural protector from weather and animals.
10: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
![Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
The most-visited National Park in the United States: the Great Smoky Mountains are an incredible place to see animals, enjoy a weekend in a quiet cabin, and connect with nature. And there’s no shortage of things to do for outdoors adventure: hike to the summit of Mount LeConte, check the view at Newfound Gap, or enjoy the beautiful Rainbow Falls Trail.
11: Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
![Above the caves - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kentucky-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Above the caves – Photo by Rafik Wahba on Unsplash
If you’re not claustrophobic, plan a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park, which is comprised of the cave system of the Green River Valley. Spanning more than 400 miles, this is one of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations and is the longest known cave system in the world.
12: Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
![Death Valley National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/death-valley-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Death Valley National Park – Photo by Brandon Brown on Unsplash
Also not for the faint of heart: Death Valley National Park is known for its extreme temperatures in the summer and winter – or even from day to night. Take a full-day driving tour, or even go backcountry camping here, and you’ll see outstanding views of sand dunes and canyons.
13: Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
![Kenai Fjords National Park - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kenai-fjorda-national-park-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Kenai Fjords National Park – Photo by McKayla Crump on Unsplash
Located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is home to stunning glaciers and fascinating forests. Take a boat tour, go hiking, or head out on a kayaking adventure – summer is the best time to visit, as you’ll have the best weather and the most sunlight.
14: Biscayne National Park, Florida
![Key Biscayne Lighthouse - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/15-breathtaking-national-parks-across-the-united-states-key-biscayne-lighthouse-frayed-passport.jpg)
Photo by Natali Quijano on Unsplash
A wonderful National Park in my home state! Florida’s Biscayne National Park is located off of the east coast of the state, and there is so, so, so much to do here. Go fishing, take a kayak out and explore mangrove forests, go diving or snorkeling, or just hang out at the beach.
15: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii
![Lava flow in Hawaii - 15 Breathtaking National Parks Across the United States - Frayed Passport](https://frayedpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/lava-flow-in-hawaii-breathtaking-usa-frayed-passport.jpg)
Lava flow in Hawaii – Photo by Cedric Letsch on Unsplash
Located in Hawaii, Kalok0-Honokohau National Historic Park is home to an amazing array of wildlife. Come here to see ancient petroglyphs, or lava rock carvings, created centuries ago by Native Hawaiians, and view fishponds, a stone slide, and even temples.
About the Author
Featured image via Unsplash.