Top 5 National Parks for First-Time Visitors
If you’re thinking about visiting a national park for the first time, your decision will come down to a few key factors:
How much time do you have?
How far are you willing to travel?
What level of activity are you comfortable with?
As recent retirees, we had the freedom to go big—and we did. After hitting several parks on the East Coast, we headed west and built a route based on the parks we had to see, then added stops along the way.
Whether you’re chasing epic hikes or scenic overlooks, here are my top 5 picks for first-time park explorers.
1. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks – WY/MT
If you want the ultimate national park experience, start here. Yellowstone has it all: geysers, wildlife, waterfalls, hikes, and scenic drives—and right below it, the Tetons offer jaw-dropping mountains and peaceful lake views.
Yellowstone Highlights:
Enter through any of the five park entrances.
Easy-to-follow scenic loop (Figure 8) connects the best sights.
Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley.
Must-see spots: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs.
There are 6 visitor centers, ranger programs, first-come-first-serve campgrounds, and 7 major lodges (plus cabins next door). Reservations open 13 months in advance at nps.gov/yellowstone.
Grand Teton Highlights:
Just two hours south of Yellowstone’s south entrance lies the Tetons.
Stunning views of the range from every angle of the park.
Visit Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain Lodge, or Jackson Lake Lodge.
Nearby: Teton Village and Jackson, WY offer restaurants, bars, outfitters, and the famous Cowboy Bar.
We stayed in Wilson, WY at Fireside Resort www.firesidejacksonhole.com—a peaceful cabin in the trees that felt like home. We liked it so much, we extended our stay.
2. The “Mighty 5” in Utah – UT
Utah is packed with five unforgettable national parks—and they’re fairly easy to connect by road:
Zion
Bryce Canyon
Capitol Reef
Arches
Canyonlands
Suggested Route:
We drove in from Grand Canyon NP and hit the parks in this order:
Zion – Don’t miss The Narrows (river hike), Angels Landing (permit required), and Emerald Pools.
Bryce Canyon – Hoodoos everywhere! Try the Rim Trail or Navajo/Queens Garden Loop.
Capitol Reef – A less-crowded gem with hikes and orchards.
Arches – Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, Balancing Rock. Go after 4pm to skip timed entry.
Canyonlands – Divided into Island in the Sky and The Needles. Ideal for backcountry lovers.
Stay in Moab for the last two parks—it’s a hub for restaurants, outfitters, and stunning red rock scenery. https://discovermoab.com You can also fly into Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) or Grand Junction (GJT) and rent a van or join a guided tour.
3. Crater Lake & the Oregon/Northern California Coast – OR/CA
Perfect for travelers who want dramatic scenery without intense hiking.
Crater Lake National Park is a collapsed volcano now filled with deep sapphire-blue water. Drive the full Rim Trail loop, stop at overlooks, and snap photos of Wizard Island.
Head west to the Oregon Coast, stopping in Eugene for wineries and relaxed vibes.
Continue down to Redwoods National and State Parks in Northern California.
The Redwoods are surreal—towering trees, quiet meadows, and shaded trails. Dog-friendly, low-effort, and absolutely unforgettable.
Budget-friendly lodging and campgrounds are scattered throughout this route, and the scenic drives are some of the best in the country.
4. Glacier National Park – MT
For first-timers looking for high drama in the mountains, Glacier is a top pick:
Drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road ( a 50- mile E-W or W-E twisty mountain drive with stunning views)
East side stay at Many Glacier Lodge or the Rising Sun Motor Inn: towns nearby Whitefish or Kalispell
West side (vehicle registration req’d) stay at historic Lake McDonald Lodge or Village Inn at Apgar
Great for wildlife sightings, alpine lakes, and boat tours
Hikes for all levels, from flat lakeside strolls to multi-hour climbs, https://.glacierguides.com
This park books fast, especially in July and August. Make reservations early.
5. Acadia National Park – ME
Acadia is one of the most accessible and beautiful national parks in the East.
Located on Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, Maine
Stay at the Bar Harbor KOA (stunning views, coastal camping experience) Don’t miss lobster dinner with all the fixins’ from the Trenton Lobster Pound
Enjoy coastal drives, easy hikes, and sweeping ocean views
Don’t miss Cadillac Mountain sunrise, Jordan Pond, and Ocean Path Trail
Acadia is pet-friendly and packed with charming New England vibes. Ideal for those not ready to venture west just yet.
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors
Plan early – Lodging in and near parks books up fast, especially in peak season (summer/fall).
Be flexible – Weather, wildfires, and crowds can all affect your trip.
Pick a region – Group nearby parks to avoid zigzagging long distances.
Mix it up – Alternate between active and relaxing parks to keep everyone happy.
Stay safe – Bring bear spray, download offline maps, and always check trail status at the visitor center.