Before we get started
Before I head out on my National Park adventure next week, I wanted to rank my top 5 parks, so I can see if this trip changes the order. Actually, I’d like to do this before every trip!
As a disclaimer, ranking them and picking a favorite is SO hard because they are all vastly different. Very few of the ones I have been to are even remotely similar, and I have had fantastic experiences at every park, even the one that ranks last.
I have only been to 13 parks, and many of them are the weird, quirky, or hard to get to parks. I realize I am missing some of the most popular like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Rockies. That’s why doing this every so often will be fun to see how my list changes as I add those parks.
LASTLY: I did not include Shenandoah. Shenandoah is one of my favorite places on this earth and I visit multiple times a year. It’s a National Park but it’s also more like a second home. I’ve ranked my favorite parks based on my whole trip “experience.”
Number 5: Bryce Canyon National Park
I spent 3 days in Bryce Canyon and I don’t think I appreciated it until the end of the 2nd day. My first day was after traveling a few hours, and I was coming from Zion, which completely stole my heart. Everything looked so bland compared to Zion. But I accidentally hiked Wall Street during golden hour and it truly made me see Bryce with different eyes.
Number 4: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
I have found that the more time I spend in a park, the more I appreciate it. You will read online that you can see Hawaii Volcanoes in one day or less, but that is NOT true. I spent 2 very full days, including sleeping, in the park and there was still stuff I didn’t get to do. You will never see another park like Volcanoes – the vegetation, the scenery, the wildlife – all of it!
Number 3: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smokies are absolutely beautiful and there is so much to do. There are so many hiking options: mountain peaks, caves, waterfalls, the Appalachian Trail, you name it! There is truly something for everyone of all ages. I have not spent enough time in the Smokies and hope to go back soon.
Number 2: Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is the most unique and magical place I have ever been. I can’t describe it and I feel like people don’t grasp when I try and explain. You must experience it for yourself. Everything about going to Dry Tortugas is hard. It’s expensive, far away from everything (even if you live in Florida), and it’s impossible to get boat tickets. If you do get tickets it’s hard to plan how you will get your gear down there, where to stay the night before, where to park, I could go on. But it is the most worth it destination, just trust me!
Number 1: Zion National Park
As much as I hyped up Dry Tortugas you’re probably wondering why it isn’t ranked first! Well, Zion was a very special park and trip for me. I went in the height of Covid; I still can’t even believe I got to go. My trip in 2019 was a dang mess (first trip!), and Zion/Utah felt so much more organized. I snagged an AMAZING hotel because hotel prices plummeted. There were thousands less people than normal because of the pandemic, and my experience was just top-notch. I spent 5 full days in the park so it really felt like home by the end.
You left off which park?!
It’s true – the Grand Canyon did not make my list. I don’t want to say that it’s overrated, but that’s what I’m kind of saying. It is unreal scenery, it looks like a painting. I had a great visit, but it currently ranks as number 6 on my list. Camping at the bottom and Havasu Falls are on my bucket list, and I really want to explore the North Rim. Maybe once I complete those goals I will feel differently!
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