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The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and its National Parks stand as both a celebration and protection of nature's beauty. Every year, millions head out to explore these majestic spaces—each unique, each a treasure. From steaming geysers to towering cliffs, these parks offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here’s an in-depth look at ten iconic U.S. National Parks, their histories, their standout features, and why they continue to captivate millions. Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone, the first National Park, was established in 1872. It’s often referred to as the birthplace of the National Park movement. President Ulysses S. Grant sought to protect the park’s geothermal marvels, unique wildlife, and vast wilderness from commercial exploitation. This park offers over 2 million acres of adventure. Witness the awe-inspiring Old Faithful geyser, roam through steaming hot springs, and try to spot grizzly bears, bison, and wolves. There’s also something magical about swimming near river hot springs, like the Boiling River. Yellowstone contains more than half the world’s geothermal features—over 10,000 of them! It also sits on top of a supervolcano, creating the park’s dramatic, otherworldly landscapes. Over 4.9 million people explored Yellowstone in 2021, confirming its place as a global icon. Yosemite National Park. Yosemite became a national park in 1890, though President Lincoln had previously signed it into protected state ownership during the Civil War. Its focus has always been safeguarding Yosemite Valley and its stunning granite cliffs, including the world-renowned Half Dome and El Capitan. If you love waterfalls, Yosemite is paradise. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America! Visitors can hike hundreds of trails, climb iconic rock faces, or gaze up at ancient sequoia trees like Mariposa Grove's Grizzly Giant. Famous naturalist John Muir was instrumental in Yosemite’s creation as a National Park. His writings painted Yosemite as a sanctuary worth protecting. This California gem saw over 3.6 million visitors in 2021. Grand Canyon National Park. Declared a National Park in 1919, the Grand Canyon’s colossal, colorful chasm stood as a national treasure long before Theodore Roosevelt called it “the one great sight which every American should see.” Whether you stick to the South Rim's panorama or descend into the depths of the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, the sheer scale of beauty overwhelms. River rafting on the Colorado River is equally jaw-dropping. The Grand Canyon is home to fossils that date back 1.2 billion years! This park is living history. The Grand Canyon attracts over 4.5 million visitors annually. Zion National Park. Zion, initially designated as Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909, was rechristened and expanded in 1919. Its goal? To protect its unique desert canyons, including Zion Canyon, carved by the Virgin River. Adventurers flock to Zion for hikes like Angels Landing—a heart-pounding ascent with mind-blowing views. Others trek The Narrows, a river wading experience through dramatic, towering canyon walls. Zion’s sandstone cliffs light up in dazzling reds and oranges during sunrise and sunset. It’s a photographer’s dream. This Utah park welcomed over 5 million visitors in 2021. Rocky Mountain National Park. This Colorado sanctuary became a National Park in 1915, protecting its unique ecosystems that climb from plains to rugged alpine tundra. Its expansiveness showcases the Rockies' dramatic peaks and delicate natural systems. Drive the Trail Ridge Road for panoramic mountain views or hike the Bear Lake trails for up-close encounters with towering pine forests and serene glacial lakes. Wildlife isn’t shy either—you might spot elk or marmots! Rocky Mountain National Park has 72 rocky peaks over 12,000 feet tall, offering plenty of climbing challenges. Over 4.4 million people visited in 2021. Olympic National Park. Designated a National Park in 1938, Olympic protects three distinct ecosystems—temperate rainforest, rugged coastline, and alpine meadows. This variety makes it a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors switch between moss-covered rainforests at Hoh Rain Forest to wild coastal scenes at Rialto Beach. And if you’re craving mountaintop adventures, head to Hurricane Ridge for breathtaking peaks. Olympic is home to species of plants and animals that exist nowhere else on Earth! Approximately 2.7 million people visited Olympic in 2021. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Created in 1934, this park spans both North Carolina and Tennessee. It was secured thanks to an outpouring of public support and local fundraising efforts. Hiking enthusiasts will love exploring over 800 miles of trails through misty, forested mountains. Don’t miss Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, for incredible views of the iconic Smoky haze. This park isn’t just beautiful—it’s a biodiversity hotspot with over 19,000 documented species! As the most-visited National Park, the Great Smokies drew a record-breaking 14.1 million visitors in 2021. Acadia National Park. Established in 1916, Acadia was the first National Park east of the Mississippi River. It preserved Maine’s rugged Atlantic coastline and Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the eastern seaboard. From scaling mountain trails like Beehive Loop to biking along scenic carriage roads, Acadia caters to both adventurers and those seeking seaside serenity. Don’t miss sunrise from Cadillac Mountain—it’s the first place sunlight hits the U.S. in the morning. Acadia is home to 26 mountains, 6,000 lakes and ponds, and hundreds of bird species, making it a nature lover’s dream. Acadia welcomed over 4 million visitors in 2021. Glacier National Park. Glacier, established in 1910, preserves over a million acres of Montana’s rugged wilderness and majestic glaciers. The park is a critical piece of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem, connecting the U.S. to Canada’s Waterton Lakes. Drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road for expansive vistas, or hike trails like Highline. Wildlife is abundant—keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats or grizzly bears! While the park once had around 150 glaciers, climate change has reduced that number to just 26. Scientists believe these may vanish completely by 2030. Glacier drew over 3 million visitors in 2021. Joshua Tree National Park. Named for the quirky, spiky Joshua trees, this desert wonderland officially became a National Park in 1994 but had been protected as a National Monument since 1936. The unique blend of Mojave and Colorado deserts creates an otherworldly environment. Beyond the famous Joshua trees, you’ll find endless bouldering opportunities, stargazing under crystal-clear skies, and stunning sunrise views from Keys View. Legend says Mormon settlers gave Joshua trees their name because their shapes reminded them of the biblical figure Joshua raising h