The United States boasts a vast and diverse landscape, from towering mountains to sprawling deserts, and from lush forests to stunning coastlines. Protecting these natural wonders is a network of national parks, offering unparalleled opportunities for recreation, exploration, and appreciation of nature’s beauty. Perhaps you were inspired by the recent addition of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia, or maybe you’re simply curious about the scope of America’s preserved lands. The question naturally arises: How Many National Parks Are There In The Us?
While the National Park Service (NPS) oversees a remarkable 429 sites across the nation, the official designation of “National Park” is reserved for a select number of these treasured locations. As of today, there are 63 national parks in the United States. This impressive figure represents a legacy of conservation that began with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant – long before the NPS was even founded in 1916.
These 63 national parks are geographically spread across 31 states, and even extend into two U.S. territories: American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To experience the full spectrum of these natural wonders, you would embark on a journey across diverse regions, each offering unique landscapes and ecosystems.
It’s important to understand the distinction between “national parks” and the broader network of “national park sites.” The 429 sites managed by the NPS encompass a variety of designations, each with its own focus and purpose. Beyond National Parks, you’ll find National Monuments, National Historic Sites, National Battlefields, National Recreation Areas, National Seashores, and more. While all these sites are significant and offer enriching experiences, the “National Park” designation typically implies a larger scale and a primary focus on preserving expansive natural landscapes.
Popularity among national parks varies greatly. Iconic destinations like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park attract millions of visitors annually, drawn to their breathtaking scenery and renowned features. Conversely, there are lesser-known gems, such as Capitol Reef National Park and Great Basin National Park, which offer equally stunning experiences with a sense of tranquility and fewer crowds.
Planning your visit to a national park requires considering the time of year. Summer months often bring larger crowds, while spring and fall can offer a more balanced experience with pleasant weather and fewer visitors. Winter visits can be magical, showcasing snow-covered landscapes, but it’s crucial to check for seasonal closures of roads and amenities within the park. Some parks, like Arches and Glacier National Parks, have implemented timed entry pass systems during peak season to manage visitor volume. Others, like Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, offer shuttle services to alleviate traffic congestion, especially around popular trails and viewpoints.
To help you plan your national park adventures, here’s a regional breakdown of all 63 national parks:
Northeast
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Acadia National Park in Maine showcases the rugged beauty of the northeastern coastline.
Southeast
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Congaree National Park in South Carolina protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.
Southwest
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The iconic Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, a vast and breathtaking landscape carved by the Colorado River.
- Big Bend National Park: Texas
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park: New Mexico
- Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Texas
- Petrified Forest National Park: Arizona
- Saguaro National Park: Arizona
- White Sands National Park: New Mexico
Midwest
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Exploring the unique geological formations of Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
- Badlands National Park: South Dakota
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Ohio
- Gateway Arch National Park: Missouri and Illinois
- Indiana Dunes National Park: Indiana
- Isle Royale National Park: Michigan
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota
- Voyageurs National Park: Minnesota
- Wind Cave National Park: South Dakota
West
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The otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, a spectacle of natural erosion.
- Arches National Park: Utah
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Colorado
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Utah
- Canyonlands National Park: Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park: Utah
- Channel Islands National Park: California
- Crater Lake National Park: Oregon
- Death Valley National Park: California and Nevada
- Glacier National Park: Montana
- Grand Teton National Park: Wyoming
- Great Basin National Park: Nevada
- Great Sand Dunes National Park: Colorado
- Joshua Tree National Park: California
- Kings Canyon National Park: California
- Lassen Volcanic National Park: California
- Mesa Verde National Park: Colorado
- Mount Rainier National Park: Washington
- North Cascades National Park: Washington
- Olympic National Park: Washington
- Pinnacles National Park: California
- Redwood National Park: California
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado
- Sequoia National Park: California
- Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
- Yosemite National Park: California
- Zion National Park: Utah
Alaska, Hawaii, and American Samoa
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The stunning glacial landscapes of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, a testament to the power of nature.
- Denali National Park: Alaska
- Gates of the Arctic National Park: Alaska
- Glacier Bay National Park: Alaska
- Haleakalā National Park: Hawaii
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Hawaii
- Katmai National Park: Alaska
- Kenai Fjords National Park: Alaska
- Kobuk Valley National Park: Alaska
- Lake Clark National Park: Alaska
- National Park of American Samoa: American Samoa
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Alaska
In conclusion, while the National Park Service oversees 429 sites, the answer to “how many national parks are there in the US?” is a proud 63. These national parks represent a commitment to preserving America’s most extraordinary natural landscapes for generations to come. From coast to coast and beyond, these parks offer diverse experiences and beckon travelers to explore the unparalleled beauty and wonder of the United States. Plan your visit, discover a new park, and immerse yourself in the natural heritage of America.
