Nine National Parks that Prove Mother Nature Has Range
Words & Photos Ashley Bowling
The national parks are calling, and once you see what they have to offer, it’s going to be hard to say ‘no.’ From bubbling geysers and lava fields to misty mountains, red rock canyons, and beaches that look like they are from another planet, these parks prove that the best kind of getaway is one with a view.
Glacier National Park
This land under a big sky is what happens when mountains decide to be overachievers. Located in Montana, this park is packed with alpine lakes, rugged peaks, wildflower meadows, and vistas so beautiful they feel slightly rude. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must, partly because of the views and partly because the name alone sounds like an optimistic, road-trip playlist. Keep an eye out for wildlife, bring layers, and prepare to say, “Is this real?” at least seven times before lunch. Must-hikes: Avalanche Trail to Avalanche Lake and Logan Pass to Hidden Lake Overlook
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
This park is hot. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is where lava, craters, steam vents, and rainforest trails all come together for one wildly dramatic orchestra. It is home to two of the world’s most famous volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and the landscape feels like nature hit “shuffle.” One minute you’re walking through lush greenery, the next you’re staring at hardened lava like the earth just finished burning the brownies. It’s a trip that will absolutely leave you saying, “That was otherworldly in the best way.” Must-hikes: Nāhuku (aka the Thurston Lava Tube) and Papakōlea Beach, one of only five green sand beaches in the world (south of the park)
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the original national park, and she knows it. With geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife, and enough scenery to make your camera roll beg for mercy, this park is a classic for a reason. Old Faithful is the headliner, but don’t sleep on the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring or the bison casually causing traffic jams like they own the place. To be fair, they basically do. Yellowstone is big, bold, and bubbling with personality. Consider it Mother Nature’s greatest hits album. Must-sees: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lamar Valley with binoculars, and Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalks
Virgin Islands National Park
If your idea of a national park includes turquoise water, white sand, and snorkeling instead of hiking boots, Virgin Islands National Park is ready to ruin all other vacations for you. Located on St. John, this park brings beaches, coral reefs, tropical trails, and ruins that tell the island’s layered history. It’s proof that “outdoorsy” can absolutely include sunscreen, swimsuits, and a beach nap. The views are so pretty, you may accidentally become the person who says, “I could live here.” Must-sees: Trunk Bay’s underwater snorkeling trail, Maho Bay’s sea turtles
Zion National Park
Zion is the kind of place that makes you whisper “wow” even if you are not normally that person. The red cliffs, canyon views, and winding trails are nothing short of dramatic, and undoubtedly, Zion could teach a master class in making an entrance. Whether you’re hiking The Narrows, taking in canyon views, or just trying not to look too sweaty in your photos, this park delivers. It’s scenic, stunning, and just the right amount of “I may have underestimated this trail.” Must-hike: The Narrows in the Virgin River
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos, which are tall, skinny rock formations that look like nature decided to get into sculpting. And honestly, she nailed it. The amphitheaters of orange and pink stone feel otherworldly, especially at sunrise or sunset when everything glows like it has a very good lighting designer. It’s less “a walk in the park” and more “a walk through a Dr. Seuss storybook,” in the best possible way. Must-hike: Queens Garden to Navajo Loop to Bryce Amphitheater
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smokies are America’s most visited national park, and it’s easy to see why. Misty mountain views, waterfalls, wildflowers, black bears, and forested trails make this park feel cozy and grand all at once. It’s like a cabin weekend, a nature documentary, and a family photo backdrop all rolled into one. Plus, the name already sounds like a country song. Whether you drive, hike, or simply snack your way through the scenic overlooks, the Smokies know how to make you set your screens down and just bask in the clouds for a while. Must-sees: Cascades Cove and Grotto Falls hike
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is the spa day of the national park system, and frankly, I wholeheartedly support this level of self-care. Naturally-heated thermal water has been drawing visitors for generations, and historic Bathhouse Row gives the whole place a vintage wellness vibe. You can hike, soak, stroll, and pretend your vacation is “for health reasons.” It’s smaller than many national parks, but it has big relaxation energy. You might go for the trails, but you’ll stay because you’re pruney and peaceful. Must-dos: Hot Springs Haunted History Tours (outside the national park) and Quapaw Baths & Spa
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is basically three vacations wearing one very stylish rain jacket. Located in Washington, it has rugged coastline, glacier-capped mountains, and a lush temperate rainforest all in one park. You can walk among mossy spruce, explore tide pools, and stare at mountain views without ever needing to pick a lane. It’s moody, magical, and a little mysterious, like the Pacific Northwest itself. Pack layers, embrace the mist, and let Olympic win the gold medal for variety. Must-hikes: Spruce Nature Loop in Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall, Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail, Crescent Lake to Marymere Falls
