Best National Parks to Visit in 2025: U.S. Adventure Guide (But Make It Fun)

Alright, listen up—if you’re even thinking about hitting up a national park in 2025, you’re not alone. Apparently, like 325 million folks did the same in 2023. Wild, right? America’s parks are straight-up blowing up in popularity. From Yellowstone’s boiling mud pots to Acadia’s salty ocean air, there’s something for everyone (unless you’re allergic to trees, in which case, yikes). This is your not-so-ordinary guide for picking the best U.S. parks to hit next year.


So, Why Bother With National Parks in 2025?

You want mountains? We got ‘em. Lakes, forests, deserts, moose, bison, weird rock formations, and, yes, geysers that look like they’re about to launch your grandma into orbit. Plus, most parks are way cheaper than Disneyland and you won’t have to wait in line for $12 churros. Even with all the budget drama and those timed-entry systems (thanks, bureaucracy), you can still sneak in and feel like a wilderness boss. Pro tip: Some random guy on Twitter swears by Glacier and Yellowstone—he called the views “jaw-dropping,” which is a big mood.

The Big 10: Best National Parks to Visit in 2025

1. Yellowstone National Park, WyomingOG national park. Geysers doing their thing, bison just chilling like they own the place. You’ll see more geothermal features than you have socks.
   • 2025 Hype: 10,000+ bubbling, steaming, slightly terrifying features. Bison. Everywhere.
   • Must-Do: Upper Geyser Basin Trail (don’t fall in).
   • Crash Here: Yellowstone Lodges or, if you like deals, Travelzoo.
2. Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaGranite for days. Waterfalls taller than your ambitions. Every rock climber’s fever dream.
   • 2025 Hype: Climbing, meadows, and Instagram-worthy sunsets.
   • Must-Do: Tioga Road (if it’s not buried in snow).
   • Crash Here: Firefall Ranch or get bougie at AutoCamp.
3. Grand Teton National Park, WyomingJagged peaks that look fake. Sparkly lakes. Basically, the backdrop of every nature calendar ever.
   • 2025 Hype: Stargazing. Like, Milky Way-level stuff.
   • Must-Do: Inspiration Point hike. Name says it all.
   • Crash Here: Sylvan Lodge or just hop on Booking.com.
4. Glacier National Park, MontanaLakes, mountains, and that one road everyone Instagrams. You might see a bear. Or twelve.
   • 2025 Hype: Free ranger hikes. Stargazing events. Bring your binoculars.
   • Must-Do: Iceberg Lake Trail. It’s cold, it’s pretty, just do it.
   • Crash Here: Many Glacier Hotel or, if you’re feeling outdoorsy, REI.
5. Zion National Park, UtahRed rocks, epic hikes, sweat. Angels Landing is basically a rite of passage for hikers.
   • 2025 Hype: Free shuttles so you don’t have to play parking lot roulette.
   • Must-Do: The Narrows. Prepare to get your feet wet.
   • Crash Here: Zion Lodge, or go wild and get a Vrbo.
6. Acadia National Park, MaineLobster rolls nearby. Rocky coastlines. Trees turning all the colors in the fall.
   • 2025 Hype: Fall colors = chef’s kiss. Carriage roads are perfect for biking.
   • Must-Do: Cadillac Mountain at sunrise. Don’t sleep in.
   • Crash Here: Acadia Inn or just hop on Expedia.
7. Grand Canyon National Park, ArizonaYou know this one. It’s big. It’s deep. It’s a canyon.
   • 2025 Hype: Helicopter tours if you like adrenaline. Mule rides if you like, well, mules.
   • Must-Do: Bright Angel Trail. Bring water, thank me later.
   • Crash Here: Grand Canyon Lodges or just stalk Tripadvisor.
8. Olympic National Park, WashingtonRainforests, beaches, and mountains all crammed into one park. Weather? Who knows.
   • 2025 Hype: Easy hikes, cool coastline. Bring a rain jacket.
   • Must-Do: Hurricane Ridge. Don’t forget your camera.
   • Crash Here: Kalaloch Lodge or Hotels.com.
9. Bryce Canyon National Park, UtahHoodoos. (Yes, that’s a real word.) Orange rocks that look like they were designed by Dr. Seuss.
   • 2025 Hype: Scenic drives you can do in flip-flops.
   • Must-Do: Navajo Loop Trail. It’s trippy.
   • Crash Here: Bryce Canyon Inn or, you guessed it, Travelzoo.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)Most-visited park for a reason. Waterfalls, wildflowers, foggy mornings—pure vibes.
    • 2025 Hype: Free entry! 800+ miles of trails. Bring the fam.
    • Must-Do: Cades Cove. It’s a classic.
    • Crash Here: Smoky Mountain Ventures or Airbnb.

Quick Tips For Your 2025 Park Trip

• Book Early: Some parks are getting fancy with timed-entry permits. (Looking at you, Glacier and Zion.)
• Go Off-Peak: Spring or fall saves you cash and sanity. Seriously, crowds in July are brutal.
• Pack Smart: Go light. Nobody has ever said, “I wish I’d brought more stuff on this 12-mile hike.”

Bottom line? National parks are America’s flex. Pick one, grab your boots (and maybe bear spray), and get out there before everyone else does.