U.S. National Parks Map

Discover America's 63 national parks, protecting the nation's most spectacular natural and cultural treasures. From the geysers of Yellowstone to the peaks of Denali, explore these magnificent landscapes preserved for future generations.

Total National Parks

Across 30 states & territories

Total Area

52M

Acres of protected land

Annual Visitors

312M

Visits in 2022

First Park

1872

Yellowstone established

National Parks by State

While some states have numerous national parks, others have none. California leads with 9 national parks, followed by Alaska with 8.

States with the Most National Parks

California: 9 parks
Alaska: 8 parks
Utah: 5 parks
Colorado: 4 parks
Arizona: 3 parks
Washington: 3 parks
Florida: 3 parks

                Did You Know? Twenty states have no national parks at all, though many have other National Park Service units like national monuments, historic sites, or recreation areas.
            

Featured National Parks

Yellowstone

Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

The world's first national park, famous for Old Faithful geyser, hot springs, and diverse wildlife including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.

Geothermal Wildlife Est. 1872

Grand Canyon

Arizona

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, revealing spectacular layered rock formations.

Canyon Geology Est. 1919

Yosemite

California

Known for towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and El Capitan. A paradise for hikers and rock climbers.

Mountains Waterfalls Est. 1890

Zion

Utah

Features massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red, plus narrow slot canyons. Famous for Angels Landing and The Narrows hikes.

Canyons Hiking Est. 1919

Rocky Mountain

Colorado

Over 300 miles of trails through alpine tundra, mountain lakes, and forests. Trail Ridge Road reaches over 12,000 feet elevation.

Mountains Alpine Est. 1915

Great Smoky Mountains

Tennessee, North Carolina

America's most visited national park, known for biodiversity, ancient mountains, and synchronous fireflies. No entrance fee required.

Biodiversity Forests Est. 1934

Acadia

Maine

Rugged Atlantic coastline, granite peaks, and woodlands. Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see sunrise in the U.S. (in winter).

Coastal Mountains Est. 1919

Denali

Alaska

Home to North America's tallest peak (20,310 ft). Six million acres of wild tundra, glaciers, and incredible wildlife viewing.

Mountain Wildlife Est. 1917

Everglades

Florida

Largest tropical wilderness in the U.S., protecting rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and Florida panther.

Wetlands Wildlife Est. 1947

Complete List of National Parks

Western United States

Alaska (8 parks): Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, Wrangell-St. Elias

California (9 parks): Channel Islands, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia, Yosemite

Washington (3 parks): Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Olympic

Oregon (1 park): Crater Lake

Utah (5 parks): Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion

Arizona (3 parks): Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Saguaro

Nevada (1 park): Great Basin

New Mexico (1 park): Carlsbad Caverns

Colorado (4 parks): Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain

Montana (2 parks): Glacier, Yellowstone (shared)

Wyoming (2 parks): Grand Teton, Yellowstone (shared)

Idaho (1 park): Yellowstone (shared)

North Dakota (1 park): Theodore Roosevelt

South Dakota (1 park): Badlands, Wind Cave

Eastern United States

Maine (1 park): Acadia

Virginia (1 park): Shenandoah

West Virginia (1 park): New River Gorge

Kentucky (1 park): Mammoth Cave

Tennessee (1 park): Great Smoky Mountains (shared)

North Carolina (1 park): Great Smoky Mountains (shared)

South Carolina (1 park): Congaree

Florida (3 parks): Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, Everglades

Midwest

Michigan (1 park): Isle Royale

Minnesota (1 park): Voyageurs

Indiana (1 park): Indiana Dunes

Missouri (1 park): Gateway Arch

Arkansas (1 park): Hot Springs

U.S. Territories

American Samoa (1 park): National Park of American Samoa

U.S. Virgin Islands (1 park): Virgin Islands

Pacific

Hawaii (2 parks): Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

                Newest National Park: New River Gorge in West Virginia became the 63rd national park on December 27, 2020, converted from a national river designation.
            

Most Visited National Parks

Based on 2022 visitation numbers, these are the most popular national parks:

Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina): 12.9 million visitors
Grand Canyon (Arizona): 4.7 million visitors
Zion (Utah): 4.7 million visitors
Rocky Mountain (Colorado): 4.3 million visitors
Acadia (Maine): 3.9 million visitors
Yosemite (California): 3.7 million visitors
Yellowstone (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho): 3.3 million visitors
Joshua Tree (California): 3.1 million visitors
Cuyahoga Valley (Ohio): 2.9 million visitors
Glacier (Montana): 2.9 million visitors

                Least Visited: Gates of the Arctic in Alaska receives fewer than 10,000 visitors annually, offering true wilderness for those willing to make the journey.
            

Planning Your Visit

Entrance Fees

Most national parks charge entrance fees ranging from $15-$35 per vehicle. Consider these options:

America the Beautiful Pass: $80 annual pass for all national parks and federal recreation sites
Free Entrance Days: Several days per year offer free entrance (MLK Day, first day of National Park Week, etc.)
No Fee Parks: Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree, Hot Springs, and several others have no entrance fee

Best Times to Visit

Spring (March-May):

Wildflowers in bloom
Waterfalls at peak flow
Fewer crowds than summer
Weather can be unpredictable

Summer (June-August):

All facilities and roads typically open
Peak season with largest crowds
Best weather for high-elevation parks
Reservations often required

Fall (September-November):

Beautiful autumn foliage
Cooler temperatures
Smaller crowds after Labor Day
Some facilities may close late in season

Winter (December-February):

Smallest crowds and lowest prices
Winter sports opportunities
Many roads and facilities closed
Stunning snow-covered landscapes

Reservations and Permits

Camping: Reserve campsites up to 6 months in advance at recreation.gov
Timed Entry: Some parks require timed entry reservations during peak season
Backcountry Permits: Required for overnight backpacking in most parks
Climbing Permits: Needed for technical climbs in certain parks

Safety Tips

Stay on designated trails
Keep safe distance from wildlife (25 yards for most animals, 100 yards for bears and wolves)
Carry plenty of water and sun protection
Check weather forecasts and trail conditions
Tell someone your plans before hiking
Pack out all trash (Leave No Trace principles)

National Park Service History

The National Park Service (NPS) was created by an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916, though the first national park (Yellowstone) was established 44 years earlier in 1872.

Key Milestones

1872: Yellowstone becomes world's first national park
1890: Yosemite and Sequoia designated as national parks
1916: National Park Service created to manage parks
1933: National monuments and military sites transferred to NPS
1980: Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act doubles NPS land
2020: New River Gorge becomes 63rd national park

Purpose and Mission

The National Park Service mission is to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations."

                Beyond National Parks: The NPS manages 423 areas including national monuments, battlefields, historic sites, seashores, recreation areas, and parkways - totaling more than 85 million acres.
            

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a national park and a national monument?

National parks are designated by Congress and typically protect large areas of outstanding natural beauty or unique geological features. National monuments can be designated by the President and often protect specific natural, cultural, or historical objects. Both are managed by the National Park Service.

Can I bring my dog to a national park?

Pets are allowed in most national parks but with significant restrictions. Generally, they must be on a leash and are only allowed on paved roads, parking areas, and designated campgrounds - not on trails or in buildings. Check specific park regulations before visiting.

Which national park is the largest?

Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska is the largest national park at 13.2 million acres - larger than the nine smallest states combined. In the contiguous 48 states, Death Valley is the largest at 3.4 million acres.

Do I need a reservation to visit a national park?

It depends on the park and the time of year. Some parks require timed entry reservations during peak season (like Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Arches). Always check the specific park's website at nps.gov before your visit.

What is the Junior Ranger program?

The Junior Ranger program is a free educational program for kids (and adults!) where participants complete activities in a workbook to earn a Junior Ranger badge. It's available at most national parks and is a great way for families to learn about the park.