Top 7 USA National Parks Every UK Traveller Should Visit
Picture yourself standing on the edge of a vast canyon,
gazing at ancient sequoias that touch the sky, or watching a geyser erupt
against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The USA’s national parks are not just
places—they’re immersive experiences. Dive in to discover where to go and how
to make the most of America’s wild heart.
Grand Canyon Panoramas
No list is complete without Arizona's Grand Canyon, the natural wonder carved
by the Colorado River. Walk in the footsteps of the canyon's Indigenous peoples
and follow the South Rim’s Bright Angel Trail; the canyon walls light up in
oranges, purples and reds at sunrise. More adventurous travellers can hike into
the canyon or even take a mule ride to Phantom Ranch – the storied property,
the only park lodging on the floor of the Grand Canyon. For the ultimate
viewpoint, helicopter tours reveal the canyon’s immense scale. Tip: start hikes
at dawn to avoid scorching midday heat, and carry a litre of water per person.
Yosemite Adventures
California’s Yosemite National Park is a
blend of towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, and thundering waterfalls.
Hike to Mirror Lake for postcard-perfect Half Dome and Mount Watkins
reflections or seek the serene Chilnualna Falls trail. Taking you away from the
valley’s more popular paths, the eight-mile round trip hike unveils a trio of
waterfalls. For guided adventures, hop on the two-hour open-air tram across the
valley floor or explore Mariposa Grove’s majestic redwoods. Tip: stay at least
three nights to truly appreciate the park's magic and travel in spring when the
falls roar.
Yellowstone Wonders
Yellowstone National Park,
sprawling across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is a geothermal wonder. Catch Old
Faithful’s eruption, the crowd-pleaser delighting visitors with its steamy grandeur
every 60-110 minutes, or explore the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, a
rainbow-hued hot spring. For a quieter escape, hike the Fairy Falls Trail to a
serene tucked-away waterfall. Often dubbed the "Serengeti of North
America", the Lamar Valley offers thrilling chances to spot bison, bears,
or elusive wolves roaming the open plains. Tip: go in early autumn for fewer
crowds, cooler weather, and spectacular golden foliage.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Twin Parks
Technically two national parks—but sharing a border and even
the same entry pass—Sequoia and Kings Canyon are tucked side by side in California’s Sierra Nevada. Sequoia dazzles with its
colossal trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest. Kings
Canyon, just next door, captivates with its deep gorges and serene Zumwalt
Meadow, a quiet riverside haven with few crowds. A rewarding trek, hike the Mist
Falls trail for thundering waterfall views. Tip: visit in late spring for
blooming wildflowers and accessible trails.
Glacier Skies
Montana’s Glacier National Park is a rugged
paradise of jagged peaks and turquoise lakes. As you drive along the
Going-to-the-Sun Road's vistas will leave you speechless, and the Hidden Lake
Overlook is the perfect pitstop for a rewarding, moderate hike. Ranger-led
stargazing showcases the park’s pristine dark skies: typically peaking in
mid-August, the Perseid meteor shower is often the year's most spectacular
event. Tip: late summer ensures snow-free trails, but bring layers for chilly
mountain evenings and binoculars for wildlife spotting.
Bryce Canyon
One of the Beehive State's Mighty Five, Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park is a
surreal landscape of spiky, colourful hoodoos. Roam the Queen’s Garden Trail
and weave your way through these otherworldly formations, or visit Mossy Cave,
one of the lowest elevation hikes in the park, taking you to a small waterfall.
Looking for a winter adventure? From November through March, snowshoeing tours
turn the park into a sparkling dreamscape. Tip: catch sunrise at Bryce Point
for a magical interplay of light and shadow that’s worth the early wake-up
call.
A small selection of America’s 63 national parks; there are
plenty more wild treasures in store, a tailor-made fly-drive with Frontier America allows you to choose a selection based on your
interests. For example, the 14-night Las Vegas to The Coast covers five - the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and
Yosemite—in one stunning California journey.