America’s national parks not only offer beautiful views, but they are also a necessary source of protection and conservation of America’s natural and biological wealth. With over 400 sites under the National Park Service, including 63 major parks, these areas protect the ecosystems, wildlife, and historical milestones.
These parks are visited by millions of people annually; based on information from 2019, there were 327 million recreational visits. This tremendous popularity shows their significance as tourist attractions as well as centers for learning and conservation. These famous national parks offer unique experiences and help in developing a deep connection with nature.
5 Famous National Parks in USA for Wildlife Enthusiasts:
1) Yellowstone National Park | A Land of Wonder and Wildlife
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 is the oldest national park in the world and is located in Wyoming.
Spanning across three states of the USA, specifically Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal wonders such as the Old Faithful geyser and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring.
Its vast territories provide various climate zones, forests, and meadows. The park’s geological features, formed by ancient volcanic activity include canyons, lakes, and waterfalls such as the Yellowstone Falls.
Apart from being one of the most visited parks, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most important sites for the preservation of the natural landscape & animal species of the American West.
What animals can I see in Yellowstone?
- Bison (Yellowstone is one of the few places in the United States where you can see Bison).
- Elk
- Grizzly Bears & Black Bears
- Wolves (Yellowstone is known for its wolf reintroduction program, which has successfully restored wolf populations in the park).
- Pronghorn
- Moose
- Bighorn Sheep
- Coyotes
- Birds (Yellowstone is rich in birdlife, with over 300 species recorded).
Top Attractions Nearby:
- Grand Teton National Park
- Jackson Hole
- Cody, Wyoming
- Bozeman, Montana
- Beartooth Highway
Best time to visit Yellowstone:
The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on your choice and preference. The peak tourist season is summer (June to August) and at that time all park facilities and roads are open. This time is ideal for visiting the park’s geothermal features & hiking.
If you don’t like the tourist rush then you should visit in the fall season (September to October).
If you want to experience winter activities like snowmobiling then visit this park in winter (December to February).
And if you want to see newborn wildlife then you should visit in the spring season (April to May).
Also Read: Five Historical Sites in Mesopotamia
2) Grand Canyon National Park | Ancient Geological Marvel
Another one of the most famous parks is Grand Canyon National Park which is located in Arizona, is a geological wonder carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon, which extends for 277 miles with a depth of over one mile, is the evidence of the forces of erosion & geology.
Its layer band of soil shows the rich history of millions of years on the earth. Tourists who visit the park are impressed by the size and impressive views of the canyon from points like Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station. The park not only offers stunning views but also offers opportunities for hiking & river rafting.
What animals can I see in Grand Canyon National Park?
- Mule Deer
- California Condor
- Rock Squirrels
- Bighorn Sheep
- Coyotes
- Ringtail Cats
- Mountain Lions (Cougar)
- Various Birds (including ravens, Steller’s jays, and raptors)
- Gila Monsters
- Rattlesnakes
Top Attractions Nearby:
- Havasu Falls
- Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend
- Hoover Dam
- Sedona Red Rocks
Best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park:
It is most advisable to visit Grand Canyon National Park during the spring season (March to May) and the autumn season (September to November). These are the seasons when the climate is moderate, tourists are comparatively fewer in number than in summer, and excellent for enjoying the canyon’s breathtaking views.
3) Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Misty Peaks & Rich Biodiversity
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is famous for its rich biodiversity and huge mountains. As the most visited national park in the United States, it attracts around one million visitors per month.
Located in 855 square miles, the park is home to lush forests, waterfalls, and 19,000 recorded species such as black bears, elk, and synchronous fireflies.
Visitors can explore the Appalachian Trail (A beautiful hiking route), and enjoy scenic drives like the Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop Road. It also retains an essence of Southern Appalachian mountain culture through various buildings within the park.
What animals can I see in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- Black Bears
- White-tailed Deer
- Wild Turkeys
- Elk (reintroduced in recent years)
- Red Foxes
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
- Eastern Chipmunks
- Gray Squirrels
- Raccoons
Top Attractions Nearby:
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (home to Dollywood)
- Cades Cove
- Clingmans Dome
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, National Park:
The most preferred seasons to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are from March to May and September to November. This is the ideal time for hiking and wildlife spotting.
In summer (June to August) the tourists are at their peak and the weather is hot, so for me, this is no ideal time for visiting national parks.
In winters from December to February, there is no tourist rush, but in winters there are chances of road closure due to snow.
4) Glacier National Park | Nature’s Alpine Crown
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is famous for its beautiful Mountain View, crystal clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park covers an area of over 1 million acres and has more than 700 miles of trails and 26 glaciers, though this number has reduced from 150 glaciers in the late 19th century due to climate change.
Among the must-see attractions at Glacier National Park is Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and deep valleys. Glacier National Park is also titled as UNESCO World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve.
What animals can I see in Glacier National Park?
- Grizzly Bears
- Black Bears
- Mountain Goats
- Bighorn Sheep
- Elk
- Moose
- Deer (including mule deer and white-tailed deer)
- Wolverines
- Coyotes
- Gray Wolves
- Mountain Lions (Cougar)
- Bobcats
- Lynx
- Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles
- Osprey
- Peregrine Falcons
- Owls (including Great Horned Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls)
Top Attractions Nearby:
- Flathead Lake
- Whitefish Mountain Resort
- Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada)
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Lake McDonald
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park:
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is generally warm and roads (including the Going-to-the-Sun Road), and hiking trails are open. This is also the peak season for visitors, so make sure to book your accommodation in advance.
For those people who want fewer crowds & calmer temperatures, late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) can be excellent times to visit. However, some higher-elevation trails and facilities may be closed due to snow in early spring and late fall.
Winters (November to April) Glacier National Park is a quieter time and good for snow sports and wildlife viewing, but many areas of the park are inaccessible due to snow and road closures at this time.
5) Katmai National Park & Preserve | Bears and Volcanoes Galore
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in southern Alaska, known for its wild landscape and animals. The park was created with an aim of preserving an area known as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes which was formed after a Novarupta volcano in 1912. The park is famous for its largest brown bears which are rarely present in the world. In the summer, tourists can watch these bears catching salmon in Brooks River.
People come from all over the world to see this amazing sight and take pictures for memories. You can go hiking & fishing and can explore the volcanic region. It’s a special place to experience Alaska’s beautiful and untouched nature.
What animals can I see in Katmai National Park & Preserve?
- Brown Bears
- Black Bears
- Caribou
- Wolves
- Moose
- Red Foxes
- River Otters
- Beavers
- Bald Eagles
- Peregrine Falcons
Top Attractions Nearby:
- Brooks Camp
- Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
- Alagnak Wild River
Best Time to Visit Katmai National Park & Preserve:
The best time to visit Katmai National Park & Preserve is from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is milder (not too hot and cold), and most visitor services, including bear viewing opportunities at places like Brooks Camp, are available.
During this time, salmon lay eggs in rivers and streams, which brings brown bears to feed there, making it a great chance to see wildlife. However, it’s important to make reservations early for accommodations and tours, as this is the peak season for visitors.
