You feel like you're entering a special place when you roll up in a national park. It could be the smell of trees or the mountain air. You're about to see a big event. It was something.

Two billion years of geological history can be seen in the walls of the canyon. You could fit buildings in the trees. The top sights and activities in the USA's national parks can't be missed if you only sample them.

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hiking Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park
Hiking Glacier Point Yosemite National Park © canadastock / Shutterstock

1. Yosemite Valley – Yosemite National Park, California

The crown jewel of the national park system is the granite rock formations over the river in the valley. The spectacle of waterfalls is created by wild creek plummets from the cliff tops. The icons of rock include El Capitan, Half Dome, the Royal Arches, and the Three Brothers. The sights of the valley are so amazing that no one can detract from the experience.

There are 11 of the most stunning waterfalls at the park.

A road curves around a misty mountain as another snow-covered peak appears between two crags
Driving through a mountain pass on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is like driving on the roof of the world © Loki1100 / Getty Images

2. Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park, Montana

One of America's most beautiful roads is in Glacier National Park. The drive of their life is offered by going-to-the-Sun road. The 50-mile, vista-laden strip of asphalt offers drivers access to some of the most astounding sights in the Rockies.

It feels as if you are driving on top of the world. Second gear is so much fun.

You'll want to get your backpack on these hikes.

The Hunt's Mesa, Grand Canyon, Arizona
The light of sunset paints the Grand Canyon in deep crimsons and purples © francesco ricca iacomino / Getty Images

3. Sunset – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the world. One of the best places to do it is Lipan Point.

You can enjoy a drink and a swing on the patio of El Tovar lodge, where you can watch the sunset.

Human history can be found in Grand Canyon National Park.

The Grand Teton Mountains from Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Wyoming
The Grand Teton Mountains from Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Wyoming © RIRF Stock / Shutterstock

4. Snake River – Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country can be seen from the Snake River. It is the perfect place to look at the Grand Tetons, but it is also a great place to watch wildlife.

float trips range from gentle to giant water Prepare to be awed.

On this women's history road trip, you'll discover why Wyoming is the Equality State.

Bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park, California
Bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park, California © Manuel Sulzer / Getty Images

5. Rock climbing – Joshua Tree National Park, California

The granite in Joshua Tree is perfect for rock climbing and bouldering. One of the world's rock meccas has more than 8000 established climbing routes.

There are classes for beginners and the climbing formations are great for experienced climbers. The Joshua trees give the scenery a strange character.

Getting to know a national park.

Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park
Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park © GerardoBrucker / Getty

6.  Longs Peak – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Longs Peak in the Rockies is truly a feast for the eyes, whether you hike to the top of its 14,259-foot summit or just stare from below. It should be the highest peak.

Those who attempt the ascent via the Keyhole Route have to brave the hair-raising Ledges, before conquering the Trough and crossing the Narrows. It's home stretch. There are amazing views from the top.

The best hikes in Colorado are in the mountain range.

The Narrows at Zion National Park
You'll have to quell your claustrophobia if you're to make it through The Narrows at Zion National Park © Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock

7. The Narrows – Zion National Park, Utah

Prepare to get wet on this hike up the Virgin River as you check your claustrophobia at the door. Wall Street is where the canyon narrows to under 30 feet as you make your way upriver.

No matter how many times you have looked at the weather, the river is bound by cliffs and it is impossible to forget about flash floods. The adventure in Zion is unforgettable.

Utah has national parks.

8. Wildlife watching – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

Nothing prepares you for the first time you see a moose outdoors. You probably have your eyes closed if you don't see a moose or a bison or a herd of animals in the park. The parks are comparable to the Galpagos, the Serengeti and Brazil's Pantanal.

There are big mammals all over the place. The knowledge that wolves and mountain lions are present adds to the rush. If you want to see all the dramatic mountain scenery and crystal blue water that Grand Teton has to offer, don't miss the chance to go to Yellowstone.

How to see 10 of the most amazing waterfalls at the park.

Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park
One tradition in Acadia National Park is for visitors to rise before the sun and make a pilgrimage by driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise © Katkami / Getty Images

9. Sunrise – Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine

One of the best ways to start a day is from the top of Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on Maine's Mount Desert Island at 1530 feet above sea level.

The island is one of the easternmost points in the USA and, while it is technically not the first place that catches the morning sun, we prefer to do what everyone else is doing at sunrise.

US national parks are some of the best in the world.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon's hoodoos are otherworldly © Fischeron / Shutterstock

10. Bryce Amphitheater – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Hoodoos are one of the most unusual formations on the planet.

The so-called Silent City is a conglomeration of hoodoos so vast you would be forgiven for not knowing it. Life's treats include sunrise over the amphitheater.

The best hikes in Utah are listed here.

A path runs through trees dripping with moss and foliage in Olympic National Park in Washington
Moss-covered trees are among the lush vegetation in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park © maislam / Getty Images

11. Hoh Rainforest – Olympic National Park, Washington

Don't let the rain affect you. The rainforest in Olympic is one of the most beautiful places in North America. It is one of the driest places with an average of 170in of rain per year.

A canopy so dense the forest floor seems trapped in the low light of dusk is created by a lot of water. You should pack a rain shell.

Sea stacks, waterfalls, and ancient petroglyphs can be found on the best hikes in the park.

Hispanic woman paddling kayak in everglades with lily pads and reeds on both sides
Get eyeball-to-eyeball with an alligator in the Everglades © Blend Images / PBNJ Productions / Getty Images

12. Paddling – Everglades National Park, Florida

The third largest of the country's national parks is a paddler's paradise with kayak and canoe "trails".

Some of the wildlife that boaters come across are crocodiles, alligator, turtles, cormorants, herons, egrets and fish. The waters are easy to navigate thanks to the helpful kayak and canoe trail maps. The binoculars should be packed.

There are eight best campgrounds in Florida.

The Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park
The Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park has 217 rooms and 23 kivas © Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock

13. Cliff Palace - Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

In Mesa Verde, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, there are 217 rooms and 23 kivas. Visitors are required to climb down a stone stairway and four 10ft ladders in order to reach the palace.

It is a great place to look at the clues left by the people who left in AD 1300.

Colorado's national parks are amazing.

Kayaking in John Hopkins inlet, Glacier National Bay
Kayakers glide through Johns Hopkins Inlet, Glacier Bay © David Madison / Getty Images

14. Kayaking - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

In Alaskan coastal areas, which are characterized by extreme tidal fluctuations, cold water and the possibility of high winds and waves, blue-water paddling is the means of escape.

Humpback whales, black bears, seals and bald eagles can be seen in this grand park, where a tide-water glacier appears to be calved.

There are some of the best wildlife experiences in the United States.

Purple arctic lupine, magenta paintbrush and beargrass wildflowers in Mt Rainier National Park
Mt Rainier is a riot of color © Rene Frederick / Getty Images

15. Wildflower Season - Mt Rainier National Park, Washington

The high meadow is covered in snow for nine months of the year. The flowers explode into bloom when the snow is gone. There are a lot of flowers on the slopes of the highest mountain in the state.

There are 63 national parks in the United States.

The article was published in June of 2019.