It is fitting Grand Teton National Park scores so high. It has continually been my answer to “what is your favorite park?” With abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities galore this mountain paradise is excellent no matter the season—and trust me, it experiences all four seasons to the fullest.

Redwood National Park is a playground for all ages. With giant logs and soft wet forests, it’s just asking to be explored. Near the coast, weather remains stable year round creating a safe haven for all sorts of woodland animals—some of the most abundant of all my park visits.

More than a mile deep, Grand Canyon is not only a national park but one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, bearing testament to its grandeur, beauty and accessibility. Whether rafting the river, hiking the canyon or driving the rim, Grand Canyon is easily one of America’s prized treasures.

Yellowstone is easily one of the busiest parks, and it’s no wonder why with it’s explosive geothermal power, ever-present wildlife and pristine wilderness. People from all over the world come to enjoy the world’s first national park. But don’t let the crowds scare you. Even here I found plenty of space to get off the beaten path and enjoy some solitude.

I always knew Great Smoky Mountains was the most visited park many years running, but I had no idea how prevalent its wildlife population is. It seems around every corner a new animal makes an appearance—black bear, elk, deer, even an albino turkey—making this park worth the crowds.

Glacier is one of those parks you can’t visit just once. Each trail opens up more opportunities for stunning alpine views, curious wildlife, and epic recreation. The many lodges and campgrounds makes visiting this far-north park quite convenient. Just be sure to plan ahead as peak season books quickly.

Bryce Canyon is one of the my favorite surprises from my park quest. Overshadowed by Arches and Zion, Bryce Canyon is substantially quieter, just as photogenic and offers a variety of adventures. Where else can you take a horseback ride through vibrant orange hoodoos?

Badlands doesn’t get enough credit. It is actually quite stunning. Striated rock pinnacles rise from a sea of prairie grass providing refuge for some of the most abundant wildlife populations in the park system. And just wait for sunset when golden hour glazes the land in a dreamy haze. What’s so bad about that?

It’s true Sequoia is known for its massive trees, but it was a joy to journey beyond the trees to the high country of the Sierra Nevadas. Granite monoliths bejeweled with alpine lakes are ready to greet you. Just watch out for wildfire season. The dry climate ignites the underbrush easily. Good thing Sequoias thrive in wildfires.

You can’t beat Delicate Arch for a national park icon. It’s the poster-child of the NPS. And for good reason. It’s unique among the world. Arches contains over 2,000 naturally occurring arches, the highest concentration on Earth. Be sure to arrive early though, not just to beat the heat, but to avoid the crowds too as this park has only one entrance and it backs up often.

Denali is one of the most accessible and developed national parks in Alaska. Home to the continent’s tallest peak, the park attracts a lot of notoriety to the 49th state. Just keep in mind, Denali rarely shows her face. She is shrouded in cloud 2 out of every 3 days. So be patient and enjoy the smorgasbord of wildlife while you wait.

If it weren’t for its remote location, Wrangell would easily be in the top 5 parks. I was blown away by its grandeur and variety of recreational activities. Wander historic copper mines, hike moving glaciers, or soar among peaks in this one-of-a-kind wild mountain kingdom.

Death Valley was the park that first caught my imagination. Not fully knowing what to expect, I was immediately captivated by its abstract otherworldly landscape amidst an oven of nature—steaming sand dunes, sharp salt flats, intense colors in both rock and sky. It’s no wonder George Lucas chose this venue to film Star Wars.

Excellent facilities for a range of activities, abundant wildlife, and panoramic vistas above treeline make Rocky Mountain the premier mountain destination in the park system. And yet that is exactly what makes solitude all the more difficult to find in these mountains. The notoriety of recreational mountain bliss draws crowds from Denver and the ever-growing front range.

Everglades may not be the most beautiful, but it is a wildlife haven worth the time. Known for its population of American Alligators, Everglades is also home to an extraordinary amount of birds, fish, snakes and even manatees. Simply hike a trail, book an airboat, or rent a kayak to come face to face with these wild animals. It is best to keep young ones close as this jungle is not tame.

The beauty of Mount Rainier is truly unparalleled . . . that is, if you’re fortunate enough to see it. Much of the year it is obscured by clouds, but for those lucky to visit on a clear day (typically July–August), the sight is breathtaking: clear cascading waterfalls thundering through a carpet of redwoods at the feet of an eternally snow-capped summit. The scene is mythical.

Olympic is a jack-of-all-trades park, dabbling in rainforests, rocky shores and mountain peaks. It is sure to keep even the most avid hiker occupied. Accessibility is its one weakness however. Though geographically close to Seattle, it takes a good amount of time to reach and once inside, attractions of the park can be hours apart. Consider staying for at least two nights.

Pinnacles is aptly named for its rising rock spires in the middle of the California Coast Range. With plenty to see and do, this park is sure to gain more popularity in the years ahead, so take advantage of its obscurity now. Adventurous hikers will love the High Peak trail as it winds in and out, up and down rocky peaks amidst encircling California condors.

Arguably the least-known national park in the lower 48, Theodore Roosevelt is one of America’s best kept secrets. Beloved by its namesake, President Teddy Roosevelt, for its wilderness allure this park is an American safari waiting to be discovered. Cruise the Scenic Loop Drive in search of bison, antelope, deer, elk, horses, prairie dogs, turkey, and so much more. And the best part? No one knows it’s here!

A Jekyll and Hyde park, Congaree is either gorgeous or hideous. After severe rains, the once mucky swampland is transformed into a floodplain oasis, where visitors can literally paddle through a forest of bottomland old-growth trees. And for extra magic, during two weeks of the year, synchronous fireflies dance in unison under the leafy canopy. But you better visit before the clock strikes midnight and Congaree returns to its muddy, soggy self.

Zion is a conundrum—a classic case of loving a park to death. While it is visually stunning and offers unmatched recreational opportunities (like Angels Landing and The Narrows), crowds have reached a fever pitch causing the overall park experience to drop significantly. Your best bet to avoid the crowds is to visit in the off season.

Located on the convergence of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts where Joshua trees grow exclusively, visitors are treated to the magic of arid beauty. The weather here is highly predictable—hot and clear—making the park famous for its stargazing and rock climbing. To beat the heat, make sure to hike out to an oasis for a respite from the sun.

When it comes to Canyonlands, think Arches, but backcountry. This reputation comes with pros and cons. While you can find pristine sandstone rock formations all to yourself, they take a great deal of effort to reach. There is no easy way to penetrate the heart of this park without 4×4 vehicles, rafting, or backpacking. For some this is inconvenient; for others, heaven.

I can only recount a couple parks where I’ve felt completely overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. White Sands is one of those. An abstract landscape of pure white gypsum conjures thoughts of the arctic, but feelings of the desert. Venture out in the afternoon for one of the park system’s most epic sunsets you’ll ever see.

Yosemite is one of those parks that has exploded in popularity beyond recognition. And for good reason. Yosemite Valley is a real-life Rivendell with waterfalls free-falling down granite cliffs through temperate evergreen forests. The irony is crowds rarely venture past Yosemite Valley, leaving the rest of the park fairly open and private.

Overshadowed by the wonders of Arches, Zion and Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef is Utah’s forgotten park. But for some, that’s what gives it appeal. Lower crowds make exploring the canyons, arches, and bluffs of this desert wilderness a blast. And to top it all off, the park’s historic orchards still grow fruit for the picking. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family.

The giant saguaro cactus is a spectacle to behold. With arms reaching 10-, 20-, sometimes 60 feet tall, these endemic plants provide sustanence and protection for animal life—truly the lifeline of the desert. While this park seems accessible as it borders Tucson, Arizona, the city is actually a hinderance as it literally splits the park into two districts—east and west—creating a bothersome 45-minute urban commute.

Voyageurs National Park would score much higher if only it were more conveniently located. Tucked away in the far northern woods of Minnesota, this park takes some effort to reach. However, that may just be what gives this lakeside getaway its charm. Voyageurs is one of the few parks that exceeded my expectations. Visiting in the fall may have been responsible for that—few mosquitos and gorgeous color.

In the heart of the midwest, Indiana Dunes rests on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. While it’s only an hour outside Chicago, it may as well be worlds apart. The quiet peaceful groves and shorelines give a welcome change of pace from city living. This park may not have the best park personality, but its accessibility makes it the perfect weekend family escape.

Acadia is legendary among the national parks for its northeast intrigue and charm. With foggy lighthouses, craggy coasts, moody forests and the smell of lobster and saltwater in the air, it has a character all its own. But beyond its mystique, Acadia is also a recreational powerhouse. With bike paths, carriage rides, whale tours, hiking trails and the famous Beehive scramble, Acadia is rich with adventure for the thrill seeker.

I remember standing on the rim of Crater Lake for the first time thinking, Oh yes, this definitely deserves to be a national park. Wizard Island floating in crystal blue waters was too much to think otherwise. Even though Crater Lake is among the most beautiful parks out there, lodging is pretty limited in rural Oregon and wildfires are common making this park more difficult to visit.

Only a stone’s throw away from Washington D.C., Shenandoah is a business class retreat. Quiet woods, gentle wildlife and stunning vistas crown this portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia. Take the scenic Skyline Drive up to Hawksbill, the park’s tallest point, for some epic sunrises and sunsets over the surrounding land.

Biscayne National Park covers the northern portion of the Florida Keys, making this park an excellent beach vacation, but difficult to reach without a water vessel. Explore a maze of mangrove forests on the mainland or travel out to the keys for some tropical reef swimming. Keep an eye out for manatees and reef fish in these shallow blue waters.

Of California’s 9 parks, Channel Islands is the only one entirely off shore. Comprised of 5 islands and the surrounding waters, Channel Islands hosts a variety of land and marine animals and offers a plethora of activities from diving to hiking to kayaking. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the spring, you can witness 20,000 seagulls nesting on Anacapa Island—just a little added fun for your trip.

Colorado is home to the largest dunes on the continent. Towering 750 feet tall in an arena of mountains, this coast-less beach offers a unique chance for recreation. Sled down the dunes and splash into the seasonal Medano Creek or hike up the wooded foothills for a panoramic view. Whatever you choose this family-friendly park is a sandbox for all ages.

As the newest addition to the park roster, New River Gorge is still quite undiscovered, making it a quiet and restful destination. Home to the one of the world’s longest single-span bridges, the park is known for its activities more than its scenery. Those looking for a thrill wont be disappointed. Float the river rapids, tour the precarious bridgewalk, or hike the rim for precipice views. The choice is yours.

Virgin Islands is one of the least practical parks to visit. You don’t just arrive here by accident. The shortest path to the park involves a plane flight, ferry ride, and car rental. But once inside the park, let your cares wash out to sea in this Caribbean island paradise. Sleep away the day on white sand beaches, stroll the ruins of sugar mills or hike the spine of the island. It’s your vacation. How active do you want to be?

Deep in the cliffsides of Colorado, ancient Ancestral Puebloans built a metropolis still standing to this day, known as cliff-dwellings. These archeological wonders are extremely photogenic and worth the cost of a tour ticket where visitors can walk the ruins and climb the buildings. Mesa Verde is very well equipped to handle crowds but booking early during peak summer season never hurts.

Glacier Bay will forever be in my heart as one of the most beautiful parks I have ever visited. Silent still seawaters running up to impenetrable walls of ice cascading down snowcapped peaks is pretty hard to beat. The only drawback is the odyssean route required to arrive on this serene scene—not to mention how expensive this trip can quickly become.

Half above and half below, Wind Cave offers two parks for the price of one. Tour the deep recesses of underground passageways in search of delicate boxwork rock formations, and then return to sunlit lands of grass and bison. For those of us not enamored with geology, the beauty of this park is really reserved for the idyllic prairies above ground. Make sure to hike at least one trail. You’ll most likely have it all to yourself.

Tucked away in the desert of New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns isn’t much to look at on the outside, but deep underground in damp cold rooms are hundreds of grotesque, gnarled rock formations—stalactites and stalagmites, columns and flowstones. However, the best part of all is the summer nightly bat egress when nearly half a million bats pour out at sunset in search for water and food.

Washington’s least-visited and most remote park is a backpacker’s dream. Though a few front-country attractions exist off the park’s one major road, over 90% of the land is designated wilderness. Backcountry views are only accessible by miles and miles of trails. These epic mountain vistas seen by just a handful of visitors every year only add to park’s growing mystique.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the Colorado Park you’ve never hard of, and as a Colorado native just might be my favorite home-state park. Emerging from seemingly nowhere, this giant chasm in western Colorado is deep enough to swallow the world’s tallest building. Drive around the rim or hike the adventurous Gunnison Route to the river below. But plan early as permits for this trail disappear quickly.

Plan to be in the car a lot when visiting Big Bend. Not only is it located in a remote region of West Texas, but attractions within the park are far between. However, great rewards are in store for those willing to brave the long roads. Desert sunsets, wild horses, hot springs, and some of the darkest night skies you’ll ever find are just a few of the reasons Big Bend is worth the effort.

What Hot Springs lacks in beauty it makes up for in personality. Literally built around Bathhouse Row in the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, this quirky park offers a unique glimpse into historic 1900’s spa culture. With plenty of commerce nearby, lodging and restaurants are never in short supply. The few trails in the area grant a welcome sense of tranquility to the bustle of Bathhouse Row.

If you’re looking for an excuse to visit Hawai’i, this is it. Stocked with jungles, waterfalls, and Mars-like terrain, Haleakala National Park is a treat for the senses. Drive to the 10,000 foot summit crater for a spectacular sunrise, or traipse through dense bamboo forests looking for the infamous nene goose.

Not many people have heard of Lassen Volcanic. Think Yellowstone meets Mount Rainier. The park revolves around geothermal activity at the base of Lassen Peak, a dormant volcano dominating the region. High in California’s northern mountains, Lassen takes some effort to reach, but is one of the least-visited California parks.

Near Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley is extremely easy to access with major trails and roadways all along the Cuyahoga River. Probably best known for its Brandywine Falls, the park combines midwest charm and outdoor recreation. The peak of summer and fall are gorgeous, but avoid winter and spring if you are not a fan of mud.

Nevada is often considered a fly-over state, but this park isn’t worth flying over. It may be the most isolated national park in the lower 48, located on America’s loneliest highway, but the alpine oasis that unexpectedly arises from the desert floor is a real treasure. You hardly know you’re in Nevada. Protecting 4,000 year old bristlecone pine trees is what this park does best.

You never need to worry about the weather here at Mammoth Cave. Whether it is scorching, rainy, snowy or gusty, Mammoth Cave remains a stable 54ºF climate year round. Tour the mighty halls of the world’s longest cave system as park staff continues to discover the farthest reaches of Mammoth Cave.

Where else can you watch molten lava erupt from the ground? This phenomenon doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does the cool factor of Hawai’i Volcanoes shoots through the roof. I remember flying out to the park on a whim hoping to catch the latest eruption. I landed 4 hours too late. BUT, the afterglow that night was a sight to behold, like a giant campfire of red hot coals cooling under the stars.

Kings Canyon’s greatest liability is its accessibility. While it has a central road penetrating the interior of the park, much of the mountain wilderness is inaccessible to cars. Backpacking into the backcountry was the only way I was able to see the untouched beauty of the Sierra Nevadas in Kings Canyon.

Guadalupe Mountains is a land of contrasts. The desert floor is hot, dusty and rugged, but up in the mountains oak and evergreen forests thrive with cooler temperatures and moisture. Some even say autumn colors rival that of New England. Some trails even hold fossils from a prehistoric seabed adding to the eclectic character of this park.

Yeah, I’m as confused as you. Why this is a national park is beyond me. At only 91 acres in the heart of downtown St. Louis, it is the smallest park and does not feature any naturally-occurring landmarks. But even still, it ranks higher than some for its proximity and accessibility. And I will say, it has one of the best—if not the best—visitor centers I’ve ever seen.

American Samoa ranks as one of the best national parks, and yet one of the most impractical. This volcanic-born island has pristine beaches, lush tropical jungles, and exotic wildlife. What more could you want? . . . Maybe, a shorter commute. At 6,000 miles away, American Samoa is the farthest national park from any other. And its facilities constitute no more than a single-floor visitor center in town. But if you give this park a chance it can prove itself as a top travel destination.

Lake Clark was one of my favorite parks. . . after arriving. The journey to reach the park was a nail-biter. If any flight got delayed or canceled, I would have been up a creek—or stuck in Anchorage. Thankfully, my flights ran like clockwork and I had enough margin to make it. In the park, I was met with some of the most stunning views of any national park—untouched mountains and pure fresh lake water as far as the eye could see.

My experience in Isle Royale was unfortunately subpar. With high expectations of sunny weather and moose encounters, I found neither. Mosquitos galore and rain found me instead. And for a park that requires two flights and a ferry, it is disappointing. But Isle Royale has potential. Known to be the most revisited park, Isle Royale boasts seclusion, wildlife and lakeside adventures. Just know, it’s luck of the draw with this island.

Petrified Forest is a tricky one to describe. While it is completely un-photogenic as far as national parks go, it does still carry a sense of intrigue. Mounds of fossilized tree trunks the size of sofas litter the ground in the middle of nowhere, Arizona. And if you look closely the petrified wood is actually quite beautiful. Just wish the rest of the land got the memo.

In my opinion, this park probably deserves better, but the trick of it lies in the short summer months that makes it worth the time. Snow can hinder trails well into May and June. And though it is accessible by car from Anchorage, only a boat can take you out to the fjords, the major draw for the park. It’s remote nature tanks the score on this beautiful park

Though visually marvelous and recreationally incredible, Gates of the Arctic is rated my least practical park to visit. While it is in fact closer than American Samoa, there are no roads or structures in the park, forcing any visit to the park on the good graces of bush pilots. And while Alaskan bush pilots are hardy folk, they are indeed dependent upon the temperamental arctic weather.

If this list was based solely on wildlife, Katmai would be at the top every time. Its unmatched populations of coastal brown bears gives Katmai its reputation, but it also holds geothermal secrets elsewhere in the park. It’s just extremely hard and expensive to reach. Not only do you need to charter a plane, but also book a tour bus if you plan to venture beyond the infamous Brooks Falls as well as secure highly competitive lodging for overnight accommodations.

You may be shocked to find a tropical island park so far low on the list. Well, that’s because it is very tricky to reach. A flight or two into Miami, a rental car down to Key West and a seaplane (or ferry) over to the island makes a long journey just to reach this tropical paradise. Fun fact: Dry Tortugas oversees the largest brick building in this hemisphere. And guests are encouraged to explore and walk the halls of the fort.

Last and yes least, Kobuk Valley National Park. While this park has great potential it is rare that it delivers. Not only is accessing the park boundaries nearly as difficult as Gates of the Arctic, but once in the park, a short touchdown on the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes gives you all you need to see. It is told colossal herds of caribou migrate these lands, but in recent years that has occurred later and later in the year past the visiting season. So while it remains last on the list, it carries potential to move up in future years.