Alright, let’s be real—America’s national parks are basically Mother Nature flexing on everyone. And if you’re plotting a getaway in 2025, you’ve got options that’ll straight-up knock your socks off. Seriously, did you see how many people rolled in last year? Over 300 million, according to Nat Geo. That’s more than the population of most countries. So yeah, everyone and their grandma is going wild for these spots.
Why Even Bother? Here’s the Deal for 2025
Look, national parks aren’t just about epic scenery (though, duh, they’ve got that in spades). They’re actually a killer deal, too—tons of parks are waving you in for free on six days next year. Yeah, you heard me. Sure, you might wait in line a bit because of, I dunno, budget cuts and all that jazz, but with a little planning it’s not a dealbreaker. Yellowstone and Acadia? Still accessible. I mean, just ask @ParkLover2025, who basically had their mind blown on Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. That could be you.
Here’s my hot take: 2025 is the year to hit the parks, crowds be damned. You want adventure, you want Instagrammable views, and you want your soul refreshed. Boom—national parks.
10 U.S. National Parks You Gotta See in 2025
- Yellowstone (Wyoming and a bit of Montana/Idaho)
The OG of national parks. Geysers popping off, bison just, like, chilling everywhere, and landscapes that make you question reality. Old Faithful is basically a celebrity at this point.
Why 2025? Over 10,000 thermal features, bison herds that look straight out of a Nat Geo doc.
Don’t Miss: Fairy Falls Trail for that wild Grand Prismatic view.
Pro Tip: Check the official park site or Travelzoo for deals (no, really).
- Yosemite (California)
Granite cliffs, waterfalls, and Half Dome looking like a screensaver come alive. Over 4 million folks showed up last year, but it’s worth it.
Why 2025? Iconic hikes, and it chills out a bit in the fall.
Don’t Miss: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. Wear decent shoes, trust me.
More Info: Yosemite NPS or, if you’re feeling outdoorsy, REI.
- Grand Teton (Wyoming)
Peaks so sharp they look fake, lakes, wildlife, and it’s right next to Jackson Hole. Easy access, big adventure energy.
Why 2025? Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls, jaw-dropping.
Don’t Miss: Kayaking on Jackson Lake = main character vibes.
More Info: Grand Teton NPS or Expedia.
- Glacier (Montana)
This one? Total hiker heaven. Going-to-the-Sun Road is basically a rite of passage.
Why 2025? Wildlife galore and they’re managing crowds with timed entries.
Don’t Miss: Hidden Lake Overlook hike.
More Info: Glacier NPS or Booking.com.
- Zion (Utah)
Red cliffs that look painted on, and the trails here? Wild. Angels Landing is for the brave (or the slightly reckless).
Why 2025? Unique hikes, and the Narrows are like walking through another planet.
Don’t Miss: Wade through The Narrows—prepare to get wet.
More Info: Zion NPS or Tripadvisor.
- Acadia (Maine)
Rocky coastline, lobster rolls nearby, and fall colors you have to see to believe. Mount Desert Island is where it’s at.
Why 2025? Park Loop Road is a sweet drive, and sunrise at Cadillac Mountain? Chef’s kiss.
Don’t Miss: Beehive Loop Trail if you’re not afraid of heights.
More Info: Acadia NPS or Vrbo.
- Grand Canyon (Arizona)
You think you know, but you don’t. That first look over the edge? It’s something else. It’s huge, it’s iconic, it’s basically the Beyoncé of parks.
Why 2025? South Rim is open year-round, killer views on Rim Trail.
Don’t Miss: Bright Angel Trail. Bring water.
More Info: Grand Canyon NPS or Travelzoo.
- Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina)
Over 12 million people can’t all be wrong, right? Misty peaks, endless trails, and it’s free to enter. Gotta love that.
Why 2025? Fall colors are unreal.
Don’t Miss: Cades Cove Loop drive—classic Smokies.
More Info: Great Smoky NPS or Airbnb.
- Olympic (Washington)
From rainforests to mountains to the coast, this place has everything except, like, a desert.
Why 2025? Fewer people, more peace.
Don’t Miss: Lake Quinault’s vibes are immaculate.
More Info: Olympic NPS or Hotels.com.
- Arches (Utah)
More stone arches than you thought possible. Bring your camera—seriously.
Why 2025? They’re keeping the crowds down with timed entry.
Don’t Miss: Delicate Arch hike. The payoff is worth the sweat.
More Info: Arches NPS or Expedia.
How to Crush Your 2025 Park Adventure
A few tips from someone who’s been burnt by bad planning (literally and metaphorically):
- Book ASAP. Some parks, like Glacier, require timed-entry reservations and they go FAST.
- Go off-peak if you can—spring and fall are cheaper and less crowded.
- Download the NPS app for maps and geyser predictions (yes, that’s a thing).
- Pack smart. That $130 Osprey Tempest 20 backpack? It’s not overkill.
- Stay flexible. Parks change stuff up for staffing, weather, and wildlife. Check alerts, don’t get surprised.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these parks. Just get out there and make some memories. And maybe a TikTok or two.
