- Yosemite National Park (California)
Home to iconic granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in all the United States. The park’s majestic waterfalls, ancient sequoia trees, and scenic vistas like Glacier Point make it a must-visit destination. I traveled to Yosemite National Park with my father when I was just 12 years old, but I still remember the cold water on my feet as I walked through the stream like it was yesterday. The intense trails took my breath away as I looked up and saw a half circle protruding out of the Earth at a jaw dropping size. Overall, the park offers a variety of scenic landscapes and wildlife to awe at as you make your journey around the massive park.
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
This alpine paradise boasts soaring peaks, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. Trail Ridge Road offers breathtaking views, while Bear Lake and Emerald Lake provide serene hiking opportunities for visitors of all levels. One of my favorite childhood memories is walking around Emerald Lake with my cousin Lilly as we marveled at the scenery surrounding us. The mountains seemed to rise miles out of the ground right at the base of our feet! The park also overlooks Boulder, Colorado, which gave a stunning view of its notorious red roof buildings.
- Sequoia National Park (California)
Known for its towering giant sequoias, including General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, this park is a forest lover’s dream. Its caves, meadows, and rugged peaks make it a diverse and enchanting destination. While the trail down to the trees is quite long, and the hike back far worse, I promise you the views at the bottom make it all worth it. I could not believe the size of these trees as I looked straight up from the roots and could not seem to find the top. While I am not a self-proclaimed tree lover these red woods captivated me!
- Acadia National Park (Maine)
Nestled on the coast of Maine, Acadia features rocky shorelines, forested trails, and the famous Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch one of the first sunrises in the U.S. The park’s combination of ocean views and woodland adventures is unmatched. The vibrant colors from the warmth of summer provides this park with astonishing scenery. Complete with their famous maple walnut ice cream, this park is any travel enthusiast dream!
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
This park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. I witnessed lava fields, volcanic craters (they do not smell pleasant), and lush rainforests, making it a thrilling and otherworldly experience. It was an incredible sight to see waves crashing as I drove along the side of a cliff carved out by volcanic rock. Although I have to say my favorite spot was at the Black Sand Beaches, which is a notorious location for spotting sea turtles. I spent the day snorkeling with fish and picking up black volcanic rocks, while eating Dole Whip!
- Glacier Bay National Park (Alaska)
A pristine wilderness of glaciers and towering peaks, Glacier Bay is a dream for adventurers like me. As I boated among icebergs, I spotted whales, and marveled at bright blue glaciers, which made it an unforgettable journey. Even in the dead of summer the terrain was incredibly cool and windy, which is what made seeing the glacier fall off into the ocean so surreal. I cannot even imagine the temperatures that area of the park reaches in the winter months!
- Arches National Park (Utah)
This desert wonderland features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, with Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch being the most iconic. The park’s red rock formations and unique geological structures create a surreal and photogenic landscape for all its visitors. During my experience at Arches National Park, I took a picture under Delicate Arch and captured a fading rainbow from the thunderstorm rolling out. As the sun peaked through, the serene imagery of the mountains behind the red arches created the most magnificent picture.
- Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
Centered around the towering Mount Rainier, this park offers breathtaking alpine scenery, wildflower-filled meadows, glacier-fed rivers, all while being located 20 minutes away from the city of Seattle. This past summer I had the privilege of visiting this astounding natural wonder. I was in awe of the size of the volcano, especially for being in such a cool climate! It was incredible to fly into Seattle and see the snowcapped volcano dimmish our Boeing to almost nothing. If you’re lucky enough you will get just the perfect day to lay a blanket out in the grass and enjoy your lunch as you listen to the sounds of the meadow.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
Known for its mist-covered mountains and diverse plant and animal life, the Smokies offer tranquil forests, cascading waterfalls, and historical homesteads. As a little girl we came to the “Smokies” each summer to spend time splashing in the pool and walking the beautiful little mountain town. Though, my favorite part was always riding the horses in the mountains as it provided a less vigorous way to see the sights without traveling on foot!
- Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
A retreat into the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah is famous for its scenic Skyline Drive and panoramic vistas. With over 500 miles of trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, it’s perfect for hikers and nature lovers. My “Nana” had a house on the river when my cousins and I were growing up. I vividly remember spending our mornings swimming and our afternoons in the National Park, while my dad and sister biked the infamous Skyline Drive. They also host a large farmers market in the summer months for those who do not enjoy outdoor sports!