The USA is a really big place. Within the wide-open spaces of the contiguousUnited States, as well as Alaska and the far-flung islands of Hawaii, there’s just about everyclimate and ecosystem you can imagine; from temperate rainforests and pine-clad mountainsto deserts and scrublands. Naturally, there are a lot of national parksdedicated to preserving the best that nature has to offer in the USA. Otherworldly sandstone monuments, multicoloredhot springs, craggy coastlines, scorching deserts – it’s all here. Have a look at the best national parks inAmerica. Number 25. Big Bend. The aptly named Big Bend National Park inTexas is so-called because it’s set in a dramatic meander of the Rio Grande. On one side of the river is Texas, USA, andon the other side is Mexico. Almost the same size as Rhode Island, BigBend is known for it’s diversity and has loads to discover on its many trails. The Chisos Basin is the most popular areaof the park and features mountain views, but the Chihuahuan Desert – home to real-liferoadrunners and coyotes – is really the place to escape into nature. Number 24. Saguaro. Saguaro is home to the classic southwest Americancactus – their iconic shapes of the park’s namesake stand tall in this deserted areain Arizona. Divided into East and West portions, the twohalves of the park are separated by the city of Tucson. Both portions of the national park offer anabundance of trails amid its desert landscapes. The Rincon Mountain District is the larger,eastern portion of the park and serves up adventurous horseback rides and camping opportunities. In the west, the Tucson Mountain Districtis spectacular and is well worth the effort. Number 23. Shenandoah. A breathtaking national park, Shenandoah isfull of an abundance of wildflowers in summer. In autumn, however, the trees burst into brilliantoranges and reds for some prime fall foliage. Situated 75 miles from Washington D.C., thereare lengthy hiking trails to discover in this national park. In fact, part of these trails make up around100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking is certainly the order of the day here;the climb up to the peak of Old Rag Mountain, for example, is strenuous, but worth scramblingfor the views. For those less interested in hiking, the SkylineDrive means stunning vistas from the comfort of your car. Number 22. Mesa Verde. Mesa Verde is the perfect spot for adventuresamong nature, and to understand more about mysterious, centuries-old cultures. This is the site where the ancient Puebloansonce lived in their cliff dwellings. Where they went or why they left, nobody knows,but their houses built in precarious places can be seen to this day. Because of the important history, walkingoff-trail is forbidden, as is entering the ancient dwellings without a ranger. Take the Mesa Top Road Circuit that loopsaround ten of the excavated pueblos, and you’ll be able to discover more about these fascinatingold dwellings. Number 21. Death Valley. Death Valley National Park might sound likesomewhere that’s quite hot and hellish, but there’s actually an abundance of natureto enjoy here. There are huge boulders seemingly lying aroundon a grand scale, canyons carved by gushing streams that slice through the land, sanddunes that actually ‘sing’ and soaring mountains to tackle. True to its title it is nevertheless a scorchingarea: one of the hottest spots in the US. Dante’s View offers a panoramic vista acrossthe southern portion of Death Valley Basin from atop the Black Mountains. Number 20. Crater Lake. The only national park in Oregon, Crater LakeNational Park is named after the eponymous lake; formed by a huge volcanic eruption around7,700 years ago. It’s the deepest lake in the entire UnitedStates. The sparkling waters of this magnificent lakeitself reflect the surrounding craggy mountain peaks in its mirror-like surface for a gorgeouseffect and some inspiring photo opportunities. There are over 90 miles of trails that criss-crossthe park, but most of these are only be accessed in summer as snow covers trails for much ofthe year. Number 19. Acadia. New England’s one and only national park,dating back to 1916, Acadia sits on the coast and boasts some dramatic views of this region’sstoried shoreline. Acadia National Park is all about rewardingmountain hikes, strolls along the shore, beautiful bike rides, and drives that will induce oohsand ahhs. There’s a surprisingly varied landscapeto discover in this national park; from its dense forests and languid lakes to boulder-strewnbeaches dotted with lonely lighthouses. There are also sandy beaches and islands,such as the famous Mount Desert Island, to explore here. Number 18. Canyonlands. Canyonlands National Park is a truly otherworldlyplace. With a landscape more like something you wouldexpect on Mars than Earth, the largest national park in Utah is all about its canyons. These snake around its ancient landscape,which is also punctuated by 1,000-foot-tall white cliffs above the Colorado and GreenRivers, as well as strange rock formations. The park itself is divided into four sectionsby both those rivers forming a Y shape in this rocky, alien stretch of land. Island in the Sky sits in the middle, andis the busiest part of the park – for good reason; the views are incredible. Number 17. Redwood. Home to the giant trees of the same name,Redwood National Park lies on the northwestern Pacific Coast in California. It’s home to some of the tallest trees inthe world. There’s an enigmatic mix here of lush coastalscenery and lush prairielands. The redwood trees are also some of the mostancient trees on the planet, with branches covered in moss and ferns. There are plenty of trails to enjoy walkingthrough the vast forests, which make for good days out. To really soak up what the park has to offerit boasts campgrounds and backcountry sites for overnight stays. Number 16. Grand Teton. Grand Teton in the Rocky Mountains is a wildwilderness of 12 peaks sculpted throughout the ages by glaciers. This includes, of course, the Grand Tetonitself, which stands at an impressive 13,775 feet above sea level. The beautiful landscape here is just beggingto be hiked. There are captivating canyons filled withfresh forests to explore, crystal alpine lakes to marvel at, and fragrant wildflowers whichprovide pops of color. This rugged land plays host to all mannerof beasts, including elks, moose, and bears. 'Number 15. Mount Rainier. The fifth-highest peak in the United States,Mount Rainier itself is an icon of a mountain that can be seen throughout much of Washingtonstate. Rainier is actually an active volcano thatlast erupted as recently as 1854. Close to the urban areas of Puget Sound, MountRainier National Park and its 26 glaciers is a hikers paradise, with fabulous hikingtrails lacing the foothills, and carpets of flowers blooming in spring and summer. Many people attempt to climb to the snowypeak of Rainier, but it’s tough going; only half the adventurers who try go the wholeway. Number 14. Sequoia. This national park is named after anotherspecies of the Sequoia family, the Sequoiadendron giganteum – colloquially known as the giantredwood. Drive-through trees and huge, ancient examplesof the redwoods here characterize the park. In fact, it’s here that you will find GeneralSherman, a giant redwood that’s claimed to be the largest living tree on Earth. There are also deep, 10,000-year-old cavesthat hide supersize stalactites. For a breathtaking vista of the Sierra Mountains,head to Eagle View. Number 13. Arches. Another of Utah’s national parks that ismade up of Martian badlands, the sandstone landscape here is out of this world. There are a sublime selection of rock archesstriped pink and red buttes, as well as other strange and intricate rock formations. Landscape Arch is actually one of the largestnatural arches in the world, measuring in at 306 feet across. This is an easy access national park witha selection of short hikes to embark on, but possibly more popular are rock climbing andcanyoning. The Fiery Furnace – a famous formation – blazesorange and red as the sun sets each day. Number 12. Glacier. Glacier National Park boasts an outstandingnatural world that has been, as you might expect from the name, carved and sculptedover thousands of years by glaciers. It’s a land of dramatic rocky outcrops,snow-topped peaks, raging waterfalls, and beautifully reflective lakes. There are an impressive amount of hiking trailshere that wind like arteries of adventure around the jaw-dropping landscape. This is also the place where grizzly bearsroam in abundance in the dense mountain forests. Popular scenic drive Going-to-the-Sun Roadis an excellent way to see the beauty of the national park without stepping foot out ofyour car. Number 11. Rocky Mountain. One of the most spectacular slices of naturein Colorado, the Rocky Mountain National Park is awash with imposing granite mountains,aqua-colored alpine lakes, and meadows that burst into life come summer. It’s the perfect place for adventures amidstnature, with a selection of trails where you can find peace, quiet and serenity. The wilderness of the national park makesthe ideal host for many wild animals too, like elk, moose, and black bear. Bear Lake – one of ten lakes in the park– is a famous scenic spot for visitors, where you can soak up views of the glacialvalleys and mountaintops. Number 10. Everglades. A gigantic area of land that’s as famousas Florida itself, the Everglades National Park is home to vast tracts of swamp, andthe ubiquitous alligators that make the Everglades what they are. You can take a kayak out and explore the mangrovewaterways for yourself, slicing across the silent waters of the myriad lakes, or youcould opt for a quintessential airboat tour of the swamp. The Anhinga Trail is where you can spot cold-blooded‘gators basking in the sun, and the eponymous anhinga lying in wait for their prey; youcan even head out on a nocturnal walk with a ranger. Number 9. Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for itsrock formations. Known as hoodoos, these spire-like sandstonerocks jut into the sky for a supremely interesting landscape. It’s been sculpted over time by freeze-thawerosion that has morphed the soft sandstone into the marvelous landscape it is today.Thereare various trails, such as the Rim Trail, weaving through the rocks. Bryce Point is the perfect spot for viewsout over the so-called Silent City, with the vista below made up of walls of rock and hoodooslooking like somewhere from another time and place. Number 8. Hawai’i Volcanoes. Set on the Big Island in the Pacific Ocean,Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park encompasses Mauna Loa. This massive volcano has a summit that, surprisingly,is sometimes covered in snow. The national park also features volcanic coastsmade from cooled lava flows, rich rainforests, magnificently green meadows in the mountains,and geological formations such as lava tubes. Kilauea – a shield volcano in the nationalpark – has erupted as recently as 2018. The last eruption quite literally changedthe shape of the park itself – an insight into the power of nature. The park remains open, but some areas areunderstandably closed. Number 7. Carlsbad Caverns. Located 25 miles from a former ranch town,Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a network of caverns, and is in equal parts an eerieand incredible sight to behold. The main chamber of the cave itself – calledthe Big Room – is impressive, to say the least: to access it, you can choose to takean ear-popping elevator that runs the equivalent to the entire height of the Empire State Building. Or you can take a snaking pathway into thesubterranean abyss below. The Big Room is a cathedral-like opening completewith a trail and the largest stalagmite in the world. Number 6. Great Smoky Mountains. This national park is a world of beautifulnature. Think verdant forests as far as the eye cansee, glistening waterfalls, and undulating mountain peaks. The forests themselves come alive in springtime,with a rainbow of wildflowers blazing between the trees. Autumn brings the famous fall foliage fora sea of auburn, and winter is all about snow. Dubbed ‘the Smokies’ because of the mistymountaintops, exploring this national park is like stepping into the past; there arestill remote mountain communities who call this region home. It’s a great spot to truly unwind and leavethe modern world behind. Number 5. Denali. Denali National Park is the monumental tractof land that makes up Alaska’s most famous national park. The centerpiece, by a long stretch, is Denali. Formerly known as Mount McKinley, this toweringmountain is the tallest in North America at 6,190 meters above sea level. It’s truly a sight to behold, as its snowytip seems to actually pierce the sky. Snowy boreal forests, desolate tundra, jaggedmountains, and lakes all play host to caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves. For those seeking true wilderness, this mightjust be the place. Number 4. Zion. Utah’s splendid national parks don’t getbetter than Zion. The red and white cliffs and buttes that makeup Zion Canyon slice into the air; they’re edged by greenery, making for a colorful placeto soak up this amazing wonder of nature. And there are some great ways to get rightinto the thick of things. The Narrows, for example, is a 16-mile adventurethrough the canyon and along the Virgin River at the base of it; elsewhere, there’s theBig Springs, a hike that weaves along the eponymous fern-edged spring itself. Number 3. Yosemite. This famous national park is a popular placeto explore some of California’s best nature. There are giant sequoias that tower into theair at Mariposa Grove; there’s the glorious green of the Yosemite Valley with its granitewalls; and there’s the spectacular Vernal Fall – falling 317 feet to the a below. Owing to its popularity, Yosemite NationalPark welcomes a whopping four million visitors annually, but thankfully, there’s spacefor everyone amid the sweeping peaks of Half Dome and the gleaming lakes. Number 2. Grand Canyon. Renowned the world over, the Grand Canyonneeds no introduction. One of the largest canyon in the world reallyhas to be seen to be properly appreciated. Whether you visit the North, South, East orWest Rim areas, it’s always a giant sculpture of light and shadow that barrels its way acrossan awesome landscape. Around the national park that encompassesit there are a whole host of trails and viewpoints; Cape Royal on the North Rim is a top vistaof many major parts of the Grand Canyon. You can even reach down to the canyon floor,over a mile down in some places, via steep, meandering trails. Number 1. Yellowstone. The granddaddy of American national parks,Yellowstone is the oldest in the United States (and the world), having been founded in 1872. When it was first discovered, stories of themagnificence of the area were passed off as lies and tall tales. You can see why: erupting geysers here belchsteam and water, such as the clockwork Old Faithful. There are boiling hot springs, like the GrandPrismatic Spring; thanks to differing temperatures and minerals as the waters spread out, thisis a veritable rainbow of unbelievable colors. There’s even the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone– a natural wonder in granite. This place is a true icon of must-see nature.