14 Western US State Parks That Rival Any National Park

While everyone raves about Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, state parks often fly under the radar, but guess what? They serve up jaw-dropping landscapes and thrilling adventures without the massive crowds.

I lived the vanlife dream for two fantastic years, cruising across the western US. I hit up so many parks that I lost count, but what blew my mind was discovering some real hidden gems along the way. Seriously, some of these state parks are so stunning that it’s hard to believe they haven’t been designated as national parks yet.

Ready to uncover some of the best US State Parks in the West? Find some of my favorite state parks that might just outshine the big-name national parks!

1. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Highlights: Red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, hiking trails

Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, and it doesn’t disappoint. Cradled in the Mojave Desert, this park is famed for its vibrant red sandstone formations that seem to ignite under the sun, giving it its fiery name. The sandstone formations date back to the age of the dinosaurs. In addition to its geological features, the park has ancient petroglyphs etched by the Basketmaker culture over 2,500 years ago.

Things to Do: An easy day trip from Las Vegas, hikers can explore trails like the White Domes Trail, which weaves through narrow canyons and past striking rock formations. For a less demanding yet equally stunning hike, the Fire Wave Trail has portions that resemble a wave frozen in rock. Climb the staircase to Atlatl Rock for the ancient petroglyphs. If you’re into photography, the Elephant Rock formation is a must-see.

 📖 Read Also: 24 Hours in Las Vegas: A First Timer’s Perfect One Day Itinerary

2. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

Highlights: Volcanic rock spires over a river, rock climbing

Smith Rock State Park in Oregon is known for its imposing volcanic rock spires that jut dramatically from the landscape. It’s one of the premier rock-climbing destinations in the world. These ancient geological formations, created by volcanic activity, offer a stark yet beautiful contrast against the clear blue skies and the winding Crooked River below.

Things to Do: The park is a haven for climbers, with climbing routes like the pinnacle Monkey Face that’s a challenge. For hikers, the Misery Ridge Trail, despite its daunting name, rewards with panoramas of the Cascade Mountains and the meandering Crooked River. The River Trail runs along the river’s edge for those who don’t want to scale the cliffsides. 

3. Montana de Oro, California

Highlights: Bluff trails, tide pools, secluded beaches  

Montana de Oro, translating to “Mountain of Gold,” is one of the most beautiful spots on California’s coastline. Right by Morro Bay, it doesn’t get that much clout, but it is one of my favorite spots along the PCH, with a dazzling mix of rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and golden wildflower fields in spring. 

This state park spans over 8,000 acres and 7 miles of shoreline, making it one of the largest in California. Its hallmark feature, the Bluff Trail, has sweeping ocean vistas that are both breathtaking and humbling, especially during the sunset. 

Things to Do: For hikers, the Bluff Trail is very accessible along the coastline trail that hugs the Pacific Ocean. The more adventurous can take on the Valencia Peak Trail to reach a 1,347-foot summit. Don’t miss the tide pools at Corallina Cove, where you can find starfish, anemones, and various tide pool critters.

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4. Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

Highlights: Red and white Navajo sandstone, lava flows, sand dunes  

If Snow Canyon State Park wasn’t right next to Zion National Park, I bet it would make a run for its status. In the red rock country of southern Utah, this underrated gem has patterned geological features much like Checkerboard Mesa in East Zion.

This park got its name not from snow but after early Utah leaders Lorenzo and Erastus Snow. It’s a place where fiery red and creamy white Navajo sandstone formations flank the canyon. The park also has ancient lava flows and petrified sand dunes.

Things to Do: Adventurers can explore the park’s many incredible trails, like the 1.5-mile round trip Hidden Pinyon Trail to sandy washes and sandstone outcrops. The Pioneer Names Trail lets you scramble up short rock faces to see historic carvings left by pioneers. For a more leisurely experience, the Lava Flow Overlook Trail takes you to a canyon and ancient lava beds. Don’t miss the Sand Dunes area, perfect for kids (and adults!) who want to climb and roll down the soft, sun-warmed dunes.

 📖 Read Also: 11 American Places So Surreal, You’ll Think They’re Photoshopped

5. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California

Highlights: Coastal waterfall, redwood forests, scenic vistas  

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a real gem along California’s Big Sur coast. Named after a respected pioneer woman of the Big Sur country, the park is most famous for the McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades directly onto a picturesque beach. Aside from this iconic waterfall, the park has ancient redwood groves and more exposed coastal cliffs. 

Things to Do: Start your visit with a hike along the McWay Falls Overlook Trail for an unforgettable view of the waterfall crashing onto the beach below. The Ewoldsen Trail provides a more challenging hike through redwood groves and up rugged terrain to incredible coastline vistas. Another must-see is the Partington Cove Trail, which takes you through a historic tunnel and down to a secluded cove.

 📖 Read Also: 11 Dreamy Lakes in West USA That Will Take Your Breath Away

6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

Highlights: Desert landscapes with large boulders, intricate slot canyons  

Known as California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park spans over 600,000 acres of diverse desert landscapes that rival that of Joshua Tree. From sweeping vistas of giant mountains made of boulders to arid badlands and lush oases, this park surprisingly has a lot of varied ecosystems for a harsh desert environment. 

Every spring, the park turns into a floral wonderland with its famous wildflower super blooms, drawing visitors from all over. Adding to its intrigue, Anza-Borrego houses multiple sites with fossilized bones and teeth from ancient creatures that once roamed these lands.

Things to Do: Cruise along the Borrego Palm Canyon Drive. Hike the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail to a hidden oasis with California fan palms. Slot canyon enthusiasts will enjoy the Slot Canyon Trail. For stargazers, head to Font’s Point for an unparalleled Milky Way view in one of California’s darkest skies.

7. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Highlights: Colorful canyon walls, diverse wildlife, outdoor amphitheater  

Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon State Park has the second-largest canyon in the United States. Its colorful rock layers include craggy peaks and deep ravines. A variety of plant and animal life also call this vast park home, from roadrunners and wild turkeys to bobcats and mule deer.

Things to Do: Try the Lighthouse Trail for a moderate hike leading to the park’s most iconic rock formation, The Lighthouse. For an easier trek, the Roja Bluff Trail has grand vistas that require less effort. 

 📖 Read Also: 7 Heart-Stopping Canyons in the US, And Why They Beat the Grand Canyon

8. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

Highlights: Spectacular river landscape below sheer cliffs

Perched 2,000 feet above the Colorado River in the high desert of southeastern Utah, Dead Horse Point State Park has some of the most astonishing sceneries in the American Southwest. Legend has it that cowboys once corralled wild mustangs on a narrow point here, giving the park its unique name.

Things to Do: Just outside Moab, people usually detour here before heading on a trip to Canyonlands and Arches National Park. The Dead Horse Point Overlook is a must-see for the most dramatic views of the Colorado River and the landscape below. The East Rim Trail has a moderately challenging route, while the West Rim Trail is more relaxed.

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9. Deception Pass State Park, Washington

Highlights: Long bridges, wild shorelines, tidal currents 

Deception Pass State Park is one of Washington’s most popular parks. This stunning park is located on two islands—Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south—connected by the Deception Pass Bridge. The park’s namesake, Deception Pass, is a narrow channel of water that has some of the most powerful tidal currents in the Pacific Northwest.

Things to Do: Start with a stroll across the Deception Pass Bridge to see the swirling waters below. The Goose Rock Trail is a moderately challenging trek to the highest point in the park. Water lovers can rent a kayak to explore the coastline around Bowman Bay or try fishing at Cranberry Lake. 

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10. Waimea Canyon State Park, Hawaii

Highlights: Red and green cliffs, cascading waterfalls

Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon State Park on the Hawaiian island of Kauai stretches approximately 14 miles long and up to 3,600 feet deep in shades of red, brown, and green. This impressive gorge along the Na Pali Coast was formed over millions of years through the relentless forces of erosion and is filled with cascading waterfalls.

Things to Do: Start your adventure at the Waimea Canyon Lookout for unbeatable viewpoints of the expansive canyon and distant waterfalls. The Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls takes you up-close to the stunning waterfall. If you’re up for a more arduous hike, the Kukui Trail descends into the canyon where most visitors never venture.

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11. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Highlights: Bizarre rock formations, Martian-like landscape

Goblin Valley State Park is an otherworldly landscape dotted with thousands of unique rock formations, called goblins, that have been sculpted by years of erosion. These curious sandstone structures, some resembling mushrooms, animals, or even faces, give the park a surreal vibe. 

Things to Do: The Goblin Valley Observation Point is a great starting point. For some light adventure, explore the hidden cave of Goblin’s Lair. The park’s numerous trails, such as the Curtis Bench Trail and the Entrada Canyon Trail, cater to various skill levels and lead to amazing natural features.

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12. Antelope Island State Park, Utah 

Highlights: Herds of wildlife over an expansive salt lake

Imagine a place where bison roam freely, where you can hike to scenic overlooks and see for miles across a shimmering saltwater lake. That’s Antelope Island State Park, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. 

Home to a wide variety of wildlife including pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and a resident bison herd, the park gives you as good a chance to see these creatures up close as places like Grand Teton or Yellowstione National Park.

Things to Do: Aside from driving the entirety of the island, hike up to Frary Peak, the highest point on the island for Great Salt Lake views and beyond. If you’re interested in some history, the Fielding Garr Ranch dates back to 1848.

 📖 Read Also: Perfect One Day in Salt Lake City Itinerary for First Timers 

13. Slide Rock State Park, Arizona

Highlights: Natural water slide, red rock formations

Slide Rock State Park is a natural playground and a historic apple orchard in Oak Creek Canyon just outside Sedona. The park gets its name from the 80-foot-long sandstone slide surrounded by red rock formations and the flow of the clear, chilly waters of Oak Creek.

Things to Do: The main attraction at Slide Rock State Park is, of course, the famous Slide Rock itself, where you can glide down the smooth, slippery creek bed. Swimming is popular in the creek, especially in the summer. 

 📖 Read Also: 24 Hours in Sedona: The Incredibly Detailed Itinerary You Need

14. Goosenecks State Park, Utah

Highlights: Winding river bends, plunging canyon formations  

Although quite a small park, Goosenecks State Park is one of those places that really highlights the incredible power of nature. Situated in southeastern Utah, the park is named after its distinctive river bend shapes, known as “gooseneck,” carved by the San Juan River over millions of years. These entrenched river meanders give you a jaw-dropping view of 1,000-foot-deep twists and turns as far as the eye can see.

Things to Do: The main Goosenecks Overlook for cliffs is absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light plays off the canyon walls. Although the park itself doesn’t have designated hiking trails, you can take a short walk along the rim for slightly varied perspectives of the bends. Be careful; there are absolutely no railings.

If you’re interested in more, consider taking a short drive to the nearby Valley of the Gods for a scenic loop drive or a variety of off-the-beaten-path hiking trails.

Final Thoughts: Best US State Parks

National Parks may get all the fame, but don’t overlook the incredible beauty found in state parks across the US. Whether you’re drawn to pounding waterfalls and canyons or curious rock formations and expansive landscapes, there is undoubtedly a state park worth visiting in the United States. 

For more inspiration on your journey, check out our post on the weirdest roadside attractions you may want to detour for.

Before you Close That Tab…Looking for More Inspiration?

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