12 Most Beloved National Parks Among Travelers
Even if you don’t consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, the beauty of American national parks is undeniable. With 63 national parks across the country, YouGov conducted a poll to find out which ones Americans love the most.
Take a Hike
YouGov conducted an online poll asking 1,000 US adult citizens about their experiences with national parks, including which they’ve visited and which they would recommend to others. These were the results.
1: Grand Canyon National Park
Tying in the top spot for the most recommended national park is the Grand Canyon. Eighty-four percent of visitors strongly recommend it. Grand Canyon National Park sits in Northern Arizona and is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the United States.
2: Yellowstone National Park
As the flagship of the National Park Service and the world’s first national park, Yellowstone attracts millions of visitors yearly. There are thousands of miles of trails and main attractions to explore, and Yellowstone National Park is home to more geysers and hot springs than anywhere on Earth. As with the Grand Canyon, 84% of visitors recommended visiting it.
3: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Imagine exploring the summits of the world’s most active volcanoes. That’s precisely what you’ll get into at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It extends from sea level to 13,680 feet, and 82% of visitors sing its praises, making Hawaii Volcanoes National Park the third most recommended park.
4: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains are something to behold. Nestled between the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and bursting with biodiversity, you’ll experience a wealth of wildlife and nature like no other. Eighty percent of adventurers who’ve visited the park recommend it.
5: Rocky Mountain National Park
Take one trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, and you’ll understand why John Denver wrote a song about the views. With 415 square miles of spectacular mountain ranges, lush meadows, and glimmering lakes, this park in Colorado ties with the Great Smoky Mountains for having an 80% visitor recommended rate.
6: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in central California is one of the most popular national parks in the country. It’s been a family vacation staple for decades and was the nation’s first land officially dedicated to recreation and enjoyment. Seventy-nine percent of people who’ve been to Yosemite recommend it to others.
7: Sequoia National Park
Another park known for its impressive trees, Sequoia is a top-visited destination for outdoorsy Americans. You’ll discover larger-than-life trees, vast caverns, and huge mountains while you stroll through California nature. Seventy-eight percent of visitors recommend this park.
8: Redwood National Park
Prepare to gaze skyward if you visit Redwood National Park, which you’ve probably heard of for being home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. The highly rated California wonderland comes in eighth place, with a 76% visitor recommended rate.
9: Zion National Park
As Utah’s first national park, Zion is a popular destination that 76% of visitors recommend seeing for yourself. You’ll find massive sandstone cliffs colored in pink, cream, and red, unique plants and animals, and paths people have walked for thousands of years.
10: Bryce Canyon National Park
Dubbed the nation’s amphitheater by the National Park Service, Bryce Canyon is a truly breathtaking park to explore. Located in Southwestern Utah, the park is famous for the world’s most extensive collection of hoodoos (unique, tall rock formations). Seventy-five percent of park-goers said they’d suggest Bryce Canyon to a friend.
11: Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is a highly recommended national park with a wide range of extraordinary wildlife and over 200 miles of trails. Home to one of the most iconic views in the country, 74% of visitors said they’d recommend the Wyoming-based park to someone.
12: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Tap into your inner explorer when you visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, this park is well-known and highly recommended for its incredible cave systems. Seventy-three percent of visitors recommend the park, which features one of the largest underground chambers in the world.
Least Recommended
The national park visitors recommend the least is Death Valley National Park in Eastern California and Nevada, with only 46% of visitors suggesting a visit. Following behind it are Joshua Tree National Park (49%), Gateway Arch National Park (50%), and Hot Springs National Park (50%).
Been There
Although Everglades National Park in Florida is the third most likely park for people to say they’ve visited, it ranked 18th among those who say they’d strongly recommend it. The unique subtropical wilderness spans across 1.5 million acres in South Florida.
Most and Least Visited States
Data company YouGov compiled the states Americans have visited the most and least. How many of the states on their list have you been to?
Most and Least Visited States by Americans
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