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These Are the Top 10 Jam-Packed National Parks You May Want to Avoid This Summer

Author: Catherine Xu
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If you’re looking to escape to the great outdoors, the last thing you probably want is to be elbow-to-elbow with a crowd of tourists. Even though now might be your only chance to pack up the tent and hit the trails, know you’re not the only one with big nature vacation plans this season.

I’ve spent two years living the vanlife dream, road-tripped across nearly 40 states, and have gone to every park on this list. I’ve seen my fair share of crowded trails and packed parking lots. So, if you’ve ever been stuck in traffic in the middle of a supposedly serene National Park, you’re not alone.

These top 10 national parks are absolutely gorgeous, but according to the National Park Service records, over 3 million people visit each of them every year. So if you’re looking for a more secluded experience, you may want to steer clear of these most visited national parks in the USA during peak season.

The observation deck of Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Visitors: 13,297,647
  • Percentage: 14.39%
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October)

Tucked between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains is renowned for its fog rolling over the canopy of its ancient mountains and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

The park has an impressive range of elevations, leading to various ecosystems. From dense forests teeming with flora and fauna to misty peaks with captivating views, the Great Smoky Mountains is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited park on this list by far.

Must-Visit Highlights: Start your adventure with a sunrise hike up Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest peak, where you can take in panoramic vistas that stretch out over 100 miles on a clear day. The scenic Cades Cove is a valley area that peers into the lives of early settlers with historic log cabins and churches. For those who love waterfalls, Laurel Falls is a relatively easy hike leading to a gorgeous 80-foot cascade. Finally, the Alum Cave Bluffs is a stunning rock formation that reaches the summit of Mount LeConte.

 📖 Read Also: 10 of the US National Parks’ Most Iconic Landmarks

Grand Canyon Skywalk, Hualapai Reservation, Grand Canyon Nationa

2. Grand Canyon National Park

Often considered one of the “seven natural wonders of the world”, Grand Canyon National Park is the apple of America’s eye. It’s a bucket list destination for many and a site that draws millions of visitors each year.

Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon stretches an astonishing 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. The layered bands of red rock reveal millions of years of geological history into a visual feast of colors and textures that change with the light and weather.

Must-Visit Highlights: The Grand Canyon is sectioned into three portions: South Rim, West Rim, and North Rim. South Rim has the most popular viewpoints, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Watchtower. Many adventurers choose to hike the extremely different Rim to Rim hike that connects the South Rim to the North. The West Rim is famous for its Skywalk, a transparent horseshoe-shaped glass bridge extending over the edge of the canyon.

 📖 Read Also: One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary

the view from the top of angels landing in zion national park

3. Zion National Park

In the southwestern corner of Utah, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise of dramatic red cliffs with the calm Virgin River slicing through the landscape.

The park’s main attraction, Zion Canyon, is up to 2,600 feet deep and comprises colorful red sandstone cliffs that soar into the sky. The nearby Virgin River has been carving through the rocks for centuries and has created a dramatic landscape with hanging gardens and natural springs.

Covering nearly 150,000 acres, you can also take scenic drives or ride a shuttle bus along the canyon.

Must-Visit Highlights: Angel’s Landing is one of the hardest hikes in the USA, as those who are afraid of heights have to conquer narrow paths with steep drop-offs. The Narrows is another popular hike where you wade or swim through a slot canyon with towering rock walls on either side. Take a scenic drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and stop at viewpoints like Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For an easier hike, hit the Emerald Pools for beautiful waterfall cascades.

 📖 Read Also: One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary for Adventurers

Tourists watching the Old Faithful erupting in Yellowstone National Park,, one of the Most Visited National Parks in the USA

4. Yellowstone National Park

Known as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone’s 2.2 million-acre wonderland features everything from erupting geysers to boiling hot springs and bubbling mud pots. The park’s unique geothermal features result from its location atop a dormant supervolcano.

Volcanic activity shapes the unique landscape of mountains, canyons, forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The area also offers incredible wildlife-watching opportunities.

Must-Visit Highlights: There are so many must-see spots in Yellowstone, but definitely go to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, which has vibrant rainbow colors. The Upper Geyser Basin is also a must-visit to see Old Faithful erupting around every 90 minutes.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone gives you a view of the lower and upper falls that cascade down the massive canyon. For wildlife lovers, Lamar Valley is prime territory for spotting bison, elk, wolves, and even grizzly bears.

 📖 Read Also: The Top Epic Yellowstone Adventures to Hit in One Day

Emerald Lake and reflection with rocks and mountains in snow around at autumn. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, USA.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

Located in Colorado’s Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, this park is a hit with hikers, with over 300 miles of trails and 150+ lakes. From Montane meadows to rugged alpine tundra, you’ll find some of Colorado’s most iconic mountains here, including Longs Peak, at nearly 15,000 feet high.

The park also features the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an altitude of 12,183 feet, and the Continental Divide.

Must-Visit Highlights: Bear Lake is one of the most popular areas in the park, with its reflective lake surrounded by mountains. Dream Lake and Emerald Lake are both accessible via short hikes. Trail Ridge Road is also a must-do, reaching elevations higher than many ski resorts. And, of course, make sure to visit the nearby haunted Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining”!

 📖 Read Also: Here’s The Best Way to Spend One Day in Rocky Mountain for First-Timers

Sunrise at the Hikes Half Dome Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

6. Yosemite National Park

  • Visitors: 3,897,070
  • Percentage: 4.22%
  • Best Time to Visit Yosemite: Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October)

High amongst the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is known for its dramatic waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and vast wilderness.

The park’s granite cliffs, like the famous El Capitan and Half Dome, attract rock climbers from around the world. The scenic drives and waterfalls also make it a popular destination for photographers, especially during the annual “Firefall” phenomenon in late February.

Must-Visit Highlights: Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park and home to famous landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Hike to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail or check out the towering sequoias at Mariposa Grove. Take an open-air tram tour through the valley or drive along Tioga Road for views of the high country and Tuolumne Meadows.

And if you’re up for a challenge, try scaling the sheer rock face of Half Dome with cables (permit required).

 📖 Read Also: The Top 8 Hardest Hikes in US National Parks and Why They’re Worth It

Bass Harbor Lighthouse at sunset, in Acadia National Park, Maine.

7. Acadia National Park

  • Visitors: 3,879,890
  • Percentage: 4.20%
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) and fall (September-October)

Along the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park spans over 49,000 acres of rocky beaches, granite peaks, and several smaller islands off the coast.

If you’re an early riser, head to Cadillac Mountain—it’s the first place in the U.S. that sees the sunrise for part of the year! You won’t run out of things to do with over 150 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads here.

Must-Visit Highlights: Take a drive or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. Visit Sand Beach for coastal views and the Bass Harbor Head Light on Mount Desert Island. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park’s historic roads. And make sure to try some fresh Maine lobster!

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

on a Grand Teton Tour to Mormon Road iconic barn

8. Grand Teton National Park

The Grand Teton mountain range is the star of this park in Wyoming, rising over 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole’s valley floor. The Snake River runs through the park for scenic float trips and white-water rafting.

Its striking skyline and rugged terrain include over 200 miles of trails, glistening alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, ranging from moose and bison to adorable pikas. The landscape itself is a compelling mix of rolling meadows and the dramatic mountain range that pops against the brilliant blue sky.

Must-Visit Highlights: Take a scenic drive along the entirety of the Teton Park Road. Jenny Lake tops the list with crystal-clear waters perfect for boating or kayaking. Take a boat shuttle across the lake to access Inspiration Point Hike. Visit the Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and historic Mormon Row for iconic photo stops.

 📖 Read Also: Perfect One Day in Grand Teton Itinerary for First-Timers

Close up of a Joshua Tree with blue sky background and giant rock formation

9. Joshua Tree National Park

In Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is where the Colorado Desert meets the Mojave Desert. Named for the Joshua Trees, which are actually a type of yucca, the park spans nearly 800,000 acres.

The park’s unique geography makes it a popular spot for rock climbers and nature lovers. The clear night skies offer prime conditions for stargazing, while the springtime brings blooming wildflowers throughout the park.

Must-Visit Highlights: Known as “the heart of the desert,” Keys View gives you panoramic views of Coachella Valley to the south and the San Andreas Fault to the north. Hike through the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunset or drive along Pinto Basin Road. Don’t miss the park’s funky rock formations, like Skull Rock and Arch Rock, which are perfect for bouldering and photo ops.

Make sure to stay overnight at Jumbo Rocks Campground for a night of stargazing. Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places to view the Milky Way.

 📖 Read Also: Perfect One Day in Joshua Tree Itinerary for First-Timers

Olympic National Park Rialto Beach at sunset

10. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park in Washington State encompasses nearly one million acres of diverse ecosystems, from mountain ridges and glaciers to temperate rainforests and coastlines.

Must-Visit Highlights: Ride to the top of Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the mountain range and explore the Hoh Rainforest, one of the few temperate rainforests in the U.S., where you can wander along the Hall of Mosses Trail. Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach has dramatic sea stacks and tide pools teeming with marine life.

 📖 Read Also: First Time in Olympic National Park? Follow This Day Trip Itinerary for an Epic Visit

Final Thoughts: Most Visited National Parks in the USA

Having been to every one of these incredible national parks, I can attest that they are popular for good reason! Sure, they can get a bit crowded, but that means others want to experience the magic too. As long as you plan your trip for the right time of year, you’ll be able to soak in all the beauty without feeling like you’re in a tourist trap.

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Writer

Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.