The Greatest Outdoor Spaces on Earth
America's national parks are the crown jewels of the country — 63 protected areas spanning deserts, canyons, mountains, forests, volcanoes, and coastline. Nothing in Europe (with the possible exception of Iceland and Norway) prepares you for the scale and variety.
For UK visitors, national parks are one of the strongest reasons to visit America. You don't need to be an extreme hiker. Many parks have drive-through scenic routes, accessible boardwalks, and short walks to jaw-dropping viewpoints.
The Essential Parks
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Why go: A 277-mile-long, mile-deep canyon carved by the Colorado River over 6 million years. It's the single most spectacular natural landmark in America. Photos don't capture the scale — your brain literally struggles to process the depth.
How to visit: South Rim is the most accessible (open year-round). East Entrance is 1 hr from Flagstaff, 4.5 hrs from Las Vegas. Free shuttle buses run along the rim. Sunrise and sunset are extraordinary.
Must-do hike: Bright Angel Trail — even the first 1.5 miles (to the first rest house) gives you a taste of hiking into the canyon. Do not attempt to hike to the bottom and back in one day — park rangers rescue dozens of people each year who underestimate the return climb.
Entrance fee: £28 per vehicle (7-day pass) or free with America the Beautiful Pass.
Yosemite National Park (California)
Why go: Granite monoliths (Half Dome, El Capitan), thundering waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and meadows that look like a screensaver. Yosemite Valley is one of the most photographed landscapes on earth.
How to visit: 3.5 hrs from San Francisco, 5 hrs from LA. Reservation required for day entry (book online in advance). Shuttle buses run within the valley March–November.
Must-do: Valley View for the classic Yosemite panorama. Yosemite Falls (easy 1-mile walk to base). Tunnel View for the iconic overlook. Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias.
Zion National Park (Utah)
Why go: Deep red-rock canyon with sheer 2,000-foot cliffs and the Virgin River running through the valley floor. Dramatic, intimate, and accessible.
Must-do hike: The Narrows — wade upstream through the Virgin River between 1,000-foot-tall canyon walls. Rent waterproof boots and a walking stick from outfitters in Springdale. One of the most unique hikes in the world.
How to visit: 2.5 hrs from Las Vegas, 4.5 hrs from Salt Lake City. Park shuttle required within the canyon (April–November) — no private vehicles allowed.
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)
Why go: The world's first national park (1872). Half of the world's geothermal features are here — geysers, hot springs, mud pots. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes. The Grand Prismatic Spring is the most vivid natural colour you'll ever see. Plus: bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and elk roaming freely.
How to visit: Nearest airports are Jackson Hole or Bozeman (both ~2 hrs drive). The Grand Loop Road is a 142-mile driving circuit through the park. Allow at least 2-3 days.
Must-do: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (yes, Yellowstone has its own canyon — Lower Falls is twice the height of Niagara).
Glacier National Park (Montana)
Why go: The "Crown of the Continent." Glacial lakes of impossible turquoise, mountain passes, waterfalls, wildlife (grizzly bears, mountain goats), and Going-to-the-Sun Road — one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world.
How to visit: Remote — nearest major airport is Missoula (4 hrs) or Kalispell (30 mins). Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open late June–mid October (weather dependent). Vehicle reservation required to drive it.
Arches National Park (Utah)
Why go: Over 2,000 natural stone arches in a surreal red-rock landscape. Delicate Arch (the icon of Utah) is reached by a 3-mile hike and rewards you with one of the most photographed natural formations in America.
How to visit: Based in Moab, Utah (5 hrs from Las Vegas). Timed entry reservation required April–October.
Planning Your Visit
What to Bring
National parks are often remote with limited facilities. Essential gear:
- Water bottles — Minimum 2 litres per person per day for hiking. More in desert parks.
- Sun protection — High-SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. UV at altitude and in the desert is intense.
- Hiking boots — Trail runners are fine for easy hikes, but proper boots for anything steep or rocky.
- Layers — Mountain parks can swing 20°C between morning and afternoon. A packable waterproof jacket is essential.
- Headtorch — If you're doing early morning hikes for sunrise (you should), a headlamp is invaluable.
- Binoculars — For wildlife spotting. Yellowstone bison, Grand Canyon condors, Glacier grizzlies.
Camping vs Hotels
Camping: Park campgrounds are cheap (£15-25/night) but fill up fast — often booked 6 months in advance. First-come-first-served sites require early morning arrivals.
Hotels/lodges: In-park lodges exist at most major parks (Grand Canyon Lodge, Old Faithful Inn) but are expensive and book out a year ahead. Gateway towns (Springdale for Zion, Moab for Arches, Gardiner for Yellowstone) have motels from £60-120/night.
Permits
Several popular trails and features require advance permits:
- Angels Landing (Zion) — Lottery-based permit system
- Half Dome (Yosemite) — Lottery-based permit, limited to 300/day
- The Wave (Arizona) — Lottery-based, only 64 permits/day
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier) — Vehicle reservation required
Budget Snapshot
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| America the Beautiful Pass | £64/year |
| Campground (per night) | £15-25 |
| Gateway town motel (per night) | £60-120 |
| Car rental (per day) | £30-50 |
| Fuel (per tank/fill) | £30-40 |
| Guided tour (half-day) | £40-80 |
| 7-day park trip total (budget) | £500-800 |
| 7-day park trip total (comfortable) | £1,000-1,500 |