Take a Deep Breath: A Journey to all 63 US National Parks, America’s Wild Soul
Picture this: from glacier-carved peaks that scrape the sky to sun-kissed beaches that warm your skin, the National Parks of the United States are not just plots of land; they are the very essence of wildness, the promise of an adventure set against landscapes that will steal your breath away. What began as a brilliant idea—to protect nature’s most magnificent creations for all of us to enjoy—has become a global heartbeat, a treasure passed from one generation to the next.
Think back to the U.S. Congress in 1872, when they had an incredible vision: they declared Yellowstone the first national park, a gift “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” That was the starting shot! Not only was our National Park System born, but it ignited a spark across the entire world to safeguard these green lungs and historical monuments. Since then, more than 15 billion adventurous souls have been captivated by the untamed beauty of these sanctuaries.
Speaking of inspiration, photographer Jonathan Irish felt an irresistible call. Driven by the spirit of the National Park Service, he launched an epic odyssey: 52 weeks, one park per week, until he had visited *all* of the U.S. national parks. “They are sacred places, treasures we hold in our souls, both personally and as a nation,” Irish tells us. “To be able to dedicate an entire year to adventure, capturing incredible moments and stories in some of the most beautiful corners of the planet… it was a true gift!” Since Jonathan’s journey ended, four more jewels have been added to the crown: Gateway Arch, Indiana Dunes, White Sands, and New River Gorge. That brings the grand total to 63 wonders waiting for you to discover!
So, are you ready to be swept away? Buckle up, because we’re about to unveil the magnificence of these priceless treasures. From the turquoise waters of Dry Tortugas in Florida to the deepest, darkest secrets of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, each image and word is an invitation to feel the magic.
A Journey Through America’s 63 Wild Hearts
- Zion National Park, Utah
Prepare to fall in love with Zion, Utah. One of those postcard views that takes your breath away is the majestic Watchman peak, looming over the Canyon Junction Bridge. Our photographer, Jonathan Irish, confesses that his favorite spot is right in the middle of the bridge, where the river leads your gaze directly to the imposing Watchman Spire. Pure magic!
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Ah, Yellowstone, the crown jewel, America’s first national park. Here, wildlife surrounds you, from the silent passage of a bear to the commanding presence of a bison. But the real stars are its geological wonders: thermal hot springs that paint the landscape in impossible colors and geysers that roar to life. Like the Great Fountain, which puts on a show every 9 to 15 hours, launching jets of water up to 67 meters high. A reminder of Earth’s unstoppable power!
- Acadia National Park, Maine
Want to be among the first in the United States to greet the sun? Escape the crowds on Cadillac Mountain and head to the Bass Harbor Head Light in Acadia, Maine. It’s a picture-perfect scene. And if you enjoy biking, don’t miss the historic carriage roads—they are a dream to pedal, winding through history and nature.
- Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite… a name that evokes grandeur. But have you ever considered visiting at night? Jonathan Irish shares a secret: the best time to see a rainbow here is under the light of a full moon! To capture these magical “moonbows,” you’ll need a wide-angle lens, a tripod, and a pro tip: a cloth to constantly wipe away the mist from the waterfall. Imagine that photo!
- Sequoia National Park, California
Venture into the embrace of the Sierra Nevada mountains and you’ll find Sequoia National Park, a sanctuary where nature reigns, covering almost 97% of the park. Here, over 2,000 giant sequoias stand tall, like silent guardians. Among them is the General Sherman Tree itself, the world’s largest tree by volume. Feeling small here is a privilege!
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
A blue mystery awaits you in Oregon: Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. It’s so immense that it reaches depths of 592 meters. And at its heart, appearing as if by magic, is Wizard Island, with its peculiar shape that resembles a sorcerer’s hat. Pure fantasy brought to life!
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon… what can one say? It’s not just a landscape; it’s an open book of millions of years of geological history, etched in infinite layers of pink, red, and orange. Gazing into it is like peering into the depths of time, an experience that will leave you breathless and feeling part of something much, much bigger.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
In the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, the fog isn’t just fog; it’s a mystical veil that dances among the forested hills of the Appalachians. That “smoky” layer that gives the park its name is a gift from nature, a visual echo of the hydrocarbons and water that the trees exude. It’s as if the mountains themselves are breathing, creating a fairytale atmosphere.
- Death Valley National Park, Nevada
Prepare for the extreme in Death Valley, Nevada. It’s the largest national park south of Alaska and, as its name suggests, it’s not for the faint of heart. Records are broken here: the driest and hottest place in North America, with less than five centimeters of rain per year and temperatures that have neared 56.6°C. To top it off, it hosts the lowest point on the continent, 86 meters below sea level. A lesson in resilience!
- Redwood National Park, California
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to walk through a living cathedral? Author John Steinbeck felt it when he set foot in Redwood National Park, among the sequoias, the tallest living things on the planet. A “cathedral silence,” he called it. Here, the oldest, largest, and tallest coastal redwoods welcome you, making you feel a deep connection to the history of the Earth.
- Olympic National Park, Washington
On the coast of Olympic National Park, Washington, nature runs wild along 117 kilometers of pure wonder. From cliffs that plunge into the void to beaches that invite you to get lost, past sea stacks that defy the ocean and tide pools teeming with life. It’s a paradise for ocean lovers!
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Looking for the perfect photo? In Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, Schwabacher Landing and the Snake River await, just as the great Ansel Adams immortalized them. It’s no wonder its jewel-colored lakes, blue and white glaciers, and sky-piercing granite peaks attracted more than 3.5 million souls in 2024. It’s pure visual poetry!
- Everglades National Park, Florida
Welcome to the Florida Everglades, a vast expanse of life stretching from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s not only the third-largest national park in the contiguous 48 states but also one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world. A vibrant ecosystem where nature invites you to explore its secrets.
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
In West Texas, Big Bend offers a spectacle that will leave you speechless: the world’s largest international dark sky reserve. Imagine one hundred miles of views embracing the hills, streams, and plateaus of the Chihuahuan Desert. The stars here shine like you’ve never seen them before!
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
Wander through Joshua Tree National Park in California’s Mojave Desert, and you’ll find these unique, twisted, and resilient trees that seem to be from another world. They are the Joshua Trees, reminding us of life’s fragility in the face of climate change. A place to reflect and admire their strength!
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
In southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park awaits with geology so stunning it will make you wonder if you’re on Earth or another planet. Over 2.7 million people a year come to marvel at its red arches and ghostly spires, the “hoodoos,” that seem to come alive in the sunlight. A natural wonder you have to see to believe!
- Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park in Utah is nature’s playground, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. It’s part of that vast canyon region where wind and water have been the artists, sculpting and shaping the land for eons. Every arch tells a story; every formation is a work of art.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Imagine a desert meeting the mountains… That’s Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Here, the tallest sand dunes in North America rise, offering you breathtaking views, all under the imposing shadow of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A spectacular combination!
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Located 112 kilometers from Key West in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas invites you on a journey through time and under the sea. Here you’ll not only find the imposing 19th-century Fort Jefferson but also the third-largest coral reef in the world and the only tropical reef in the continental US. An underwater paradise awaits!
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Delve into the bowels of the earth in Kentucky. Beneath hills and valleys lies Mammoth Cave National Park, a labyrinth of over 640 kilometers of caves. It’s like another world down there, and 16 kilometers of those passages are ready for you to explore on guided tours. An underground adventure you won’t forget!
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
In Petrified Forest, Arizona, every step along its trails is a journey through history. Gaze upon bluish clay hills and marvel at the largest concentration of brightly colored petrified wood in the entire country. It’s as if nature painted a canvas with million-year-old gems.
- Biscayne National Park, Florida
Just eight kilometers from bustling downtown Miami lies a blue treasure: Biscayne National Park. It guards the northern end of the Florida Reef, the longest stretch of mangroves on the east coast, the southern part of Biscayne Bay, and 50 precious Keys islands. An unexpected aquatic paradise so close to the city!
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
In Washington, the imposing Mount Rainier challenges you. It is one of the oldest national parks in the world, joining the federal system in 1899, just after its last eruption. But don’t be fooled by its serene beauty; it remains one of the most powerful volcanoes on the planet. A reminder of Earth’s latent power!
- Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Imagine paradise: that’s the tropical reserve of Virgin Islands in St. John. It covers nearly two-thirds of the island, and extends another 2,286 hectares underwater. Here you’ll find vibrant coral reefs, over 800 species of subtropical plants, and Caribbean waters that sparkle with astounding clarity. A dream come true!
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Just 120 kilometers from Washington, D.C., an oasis awaits: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. An embrace of forested hollows, windswept peaks, singing waterfalls, and more than 800 kilometers of trails inviting you to get lost in its nearly 32,375 hectares of pure nature. It’s your perfect escape!
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Immerse yourself in the mystery of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico, where more than 119 caves await underground at Carlsbad Caverns. Scientists have unraveled at least 48 kilometers of its passages, but the adventure doesn’t end there. You can explore five kilometers of them on a paved trail. An experience that will leave you speechless!
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
In Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio, history whispers in your ear. Stroll across the Everett Covered Bridge, a replica of an 1870s gem that was washed away by a flood. Jonathan Irish confesses he loved walking there, imagining the clip-clop of horse hooves and footsteps of old echoing on the wood. It’s like traveling back in time!
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
West Texas gives you the gift of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Here, masterfully sculpted canyons, desert scrub stretching as far as the eye can see, and an explosion of wildlife and birds await you. A symphony of nature at its finest!
- Congaree National Park, South Carolina
In South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a sanctuary of living history. It contains the largest and most pristine tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America. Lose yourself on its elevated trails or paddle a canoe among trees that touch the sky. It’s an embrace of the purest nature!
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Imagine a forest of green giants with arms raised to the sky… That’s Saguaro National Park, Arizona, which flanks Tucson. It’s named for the largest cactus in the U.S., the Saguaro, and millions of them live here, some reaching up to 15 meters tall. A sight that will leave you in awe!
- Kings Canyon National Park, California
In Kings Canyon, California, there’s a place Jonathan Irish remembers with special fondness: Paradise Valley. He tells us that camping by the river there was one of the most tranquil and beautiful experiences of his entire journey. Go find your own paradise in this magical corner of the world!
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
In Great Basin National Park, Nevada, the imposing Wheeler Peak rises over 3,962 meters. But what will truly move you is its treasure: a grove of bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living trees on Earth! A living testament to the planet’s resilience and history.
- Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Looking for a true escape? Isle Royale, Michigan, is for the adventurous at heart. Forget roads; you get here by ferry or seaplane. Experienced backpackers, kayakers, and canoeists come equipped to get lost in an untamed wilderness and paddle through chains of inland lakes. Pure freedom!
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Picture this: in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, a humpback whale gracefully breaches the icy waters of Icy Strait. It’s a spectacle that will make your heart skip a beat and remind you of the majesty of marine life, carefully monitored by the National Park Service since 1985.
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
The Kenai Fjords in Alaska are a masterpiece in constant evolution. For centuries, colossal glaciers, earth-shaking earthquakes, and ocean storms have sculpted a landscape that will leave you breathless. It’s an endless dance between nature and time.
- Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
In Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is a water lover’s dream paradise. More than a third of its surface is crystalline lakes, and its over 200 campsites are accessible only by boat. Get your canoe ready, because adventure awaits on every shore!
- Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Larger than New Jersey, Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is pure, untouched wilderness, a sanctuary untouched by human hands. And if you’re lucky, the famous clouds that often hide its secret will part to reveal the majesty of Denali, the highest peak in North America, soaring to an astonishing 6,190 meters. It’s a humbling experience!
- Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
In Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, you can witness wildlife in its full glory. Imagine a brown bear (affectionately nicknamed “Uno” for her single ear) and her two cubs exploring the riverbank. July is the magic month, when some 2,000 brown bears congregate at Brooks Camp to fish for salmon—a spectacle that will leave you speechless!
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska is the very definition of majesty. There, the 38-meter-deep, 9.6-kilometer-long Bagley Icefield is surrounded by a dramatic ring of snow and debris, the aftermath of an avalanche. To capture its colossal scale, Jonathan Irish had to take to the skies in a plane. A view that will remind you how small we are!
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of nature with its whispering streams and the historic elegance of Bathhouse Row. Here, eight majestic spa buildings from between 1892 and 1923 invite you on a journey to the past, to an era of relaxation and splendor.
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah
In Canyonlands National Park, Utah, the sun plays hide-and-seek through the iconic Mesa Arch. It is the largest and wildest of Utah’s parks, a canvas of stunning landscapes, with two rivers winding through, inviting you on an adventure into the purest nature.
- Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Venture into the vastness of the Arctic in northwestern Alaska, and you’ll find Kobuk Valley National Park. It’s much more than a park; it’s the heart of a legendary migration route for over half a million caribou. Imagine seeing that tide of life crossing the horizon!
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Just a two-hour drive from Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park awaits. Its majesty will take your breath away: rugged, snow-capped peaks stretching to infinity and 571 kilometers of trails inviting you to explore. It’s no surprise that over 4 million souls are seduced by its charm each year.
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Are you ready for the ultimate adventure? Beyond the Arctic Circle in Alaska lies Gates of the Arctic, the northernmost national park in the U.S. There are no roads, no marked trails, and no campgrounds. Your phone will have no signal. It is a true challenge, a total immersion in the wild, where planning and respect are key. Pure adventure for the bold!
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska
About 193 kilometers southwest of Anchorage, flying over Alaska, you’ll discover Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. It’s a world of contrasts, where imposing volcanoes rise alongside rugged mountains and waters teeming with salmon. A feast for the senses and a haven for wildlife!
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota
In South Dakota, Badlands presents a landscape that seems otherworldly: jagged, striped rock formations that will leave you speechless. But beyond its geological beauty, this land was sacred to the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe. To walk here is to feel the history and spirit of a people, long before it became a park.
- Glacier National Park, Montana
A drive along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, is an experience in itself. But don’t skip a mandatory stop: the Wild Goose Island Overlook, from where St. Mary Lake unfolds before your eyes. And here’s a moving fact: together with Waterton Lakes in Canada, it forms the world’s first international peace park. A symbol of harmony in nature!
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
In Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison awaits with a marvel: the Painted Wall. At 685 meters high, it’s the tallest cliff in the state, a natural canvas where bands of pink granite cut through nearly two-billion-year-old metamorphic rock. It’s like seeing Earth’s geological history painted before your eyes.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi
In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Earth breathes. Here, two active volcanoes remind you of their power, with Kīlauea being one of the most active in the world. It is a place of breathtaking beauty and respect, where the unstoppable force of nature has shaped and, at times, reclaimed its territory, as in 2018 when its eruptions transformed the Island of Hawaiʻi.
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
In Mesa Verde, Colorado, time stands still at sunset at Cliff Palace, the largest jewel of the stone dwellings hidden in the canyon walls. To feel the history, to appreciate every detail of its ingenious construction, the best way is to take a ranger-led tour. It’s a window into a fascinating past!
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
In the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, you’ll encounter something truly peculiar: the Cannonball Concretions. These are stone formations so unusual they look like works of art by nature, and they’re just a short drive from the Juniper Campground. A touch of eccentricity in the wild!
- Haleakalā National Park, Hawaiʻi
Feel the magic of Haleakalā, “the house of the sun” in Hawaiian. This is one of the world’s largest volcanic craters, a sacred place, and an International Biosphere Reserve. Watching the sunrise from here is an experience that will connect you with the very spirit of Hawaiʻi!
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Want to escape the ordinary? In Capitol Reef, Utah, if you dare to ford the Fremont River (for rugged vehicles only) and venture on a 93-kilometer dirt road loop, you’ll reach the desolate and awe-inspiring Cathedral Valley. An austere landscape, yes, but dominated by the imposing sandstone sentinels, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. An adventure for the soul!
- National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
Don’t forget the hidden gem: the National Park of American Samoa. This U.S. territory encompasses 10 volcanic islands (five with wonderful people), five vibrant rainforest communities, and two coral atolls. It’s a corner of paradise waiting for you with open arms!
- Channel Islands National Park, California
Feel the Pacific breeze at Channel Islands, California. Here, Santa Cruz Island (glimpsed in the distance) is just one of five isolated islands, protected along with 3,248 square nautical kilometers of surrounding sea. It’s a marine sanctuary, a unique ecosystem that invites exploration.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
In Lassen Volcanic, California, the Earth still breathes. Between 1914 and early 1915, Lassen Peak roared with over 150 steam and ash eruptions. Today, although the volcano is silent, its presence is the backdrop for a stunning landscape—a puzzle of lush forests, story-telling lava beds, and serene lakes. Pure force of nature!
- Pinnacles National Park, California
For adventure lovers, Pinnacles, California, is a dream come true. Its spectacular rock formations, the explosion of spring wildflowers, and the chance to see endangered condors will take your breath away. With 51 kilometers of trails winding through mysterious caves and cool streams, it’s a paradise for climbing and hiking.
- Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Delve into the depths of South Dakota at Wind Cave. With 209 kilometers of passages already explored, it’s one of the longest cave systems in the world, a true magnet for spelunkers. An underground labyrinth inviting you to discover its secrets!
- Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Indiana Dunes, Indiana, will surprise you. Its 24 kilometers of beaches on Lake Michigan welcome you, but then lead you to impressive dunes, marshes, wetlands, and groves of oaks and maples. It was recognized as a national park in 2019, and it’s a treasure that’s waiting for you!
- Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri is much more than an arch. It’s a powerful symbol: a tribute to Thomas Jefferson’s vision, a reminder of the bold Lewis and Clark expedition, and, proudly, our 60th national park. A structure that invites you to look to the future and honor the past!
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia
Welcome to the newest member of the national park family, New River Gorge, West Virginia, designated in 2020. Over 29,137 hectares of forested hills, deep ravines, and the majestic Appalachian Plateau await you. An invitation to explore the untamed beauty of the Appalachians!
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
In New Mexico, White Sands National Park is an otherworldly vision. Here lies the largest gypsum dunefield on Earth, a 712-square-kilometer basin that gleams with a blinding white and feels incredibly cool to the touch. Drive its 13-kilometer Dunes Drive, hike its trails, or come at night to see the translucent sand turn a bluish-white under the moon. An unforgettable experience!
- North Cascades National Park, Washington
A short three-hour drive from Seattle or Vancouver, North Cascades National Park, Washington, awaits like a sleeping giant. It’s home to more than 300 glaciers that glitter in the sun and over 500 lakes and ponds that mirror the sky. An alpine landscape that will steal your breath away!
This journey, which began in May 2017, and we have updated it through September 2025 to ensure you don’t miss a single one of these 63 sanctuaries, is much more than just a list. It is an invitation to pause, to feel the immense richness of our Earth, and to reflect on the tireless effort to protect it. Jonathan Irish, with his adventurer’s eye and his camera, has captured the soul of these places, inspiring us all to get out, to explore, and to cherish these treasures that belong to everyone. Adventure awaits!
