Every U.S. National Park I've Been To Ranked- 250 Subscriber Special (58 National Parks Ranked)

Last year, I had been to 48 national parks when I made a ranking. That number is now 58, so I am going to rank every single one based on my experience. I hope everyone enjoys this ranking! It took a very long time to make.
Thank you for 250 subscribers!
Timestamps:
#58: 1:26
#57: 1:42
#56: 2:11
#55: 2:27
#54: 3:04
#53: 3:43
#52: 3:59
#51: 4:11
#50: 4:33
#49: 5:09
#48: 5:36
#47: 5:58
#46: 6:33
#45: 6:54
#44: 7:36
#43: 8:03
#42: 8:39
#41: 9:22
#40: 9:59
#39: 10:24
#38: 11:00
#37: 11:45
#36: 12:13
#35: 12:46
#34: 13:18
#33: 13:59
#32: 14:43
#31: 15:06
#30: 15:34
#29: 16:08
#28: 16:43
#27: 17:23
#26: 17:53
#25: 18:25
#24: 19:01
#23: 19:24
#22: 20:11
#21: 20:30
#20: 20:50
#19: 21:30
#18: 22:00
#17: 22:35
#16: 23:05
#15: 23:38
#14: 24:16
#13: 25:18
#12: 25:44
#11: 26:34
#10: 27:24
#9: 27:49
#8 28:33
#7: 29:05
#6: 29:49
#5: 30:32
#4: 31:10
#3: 32:00
#2: 32:41
#1: 33:30
List of all national parks in the video and the states they're in:
Alaska:
Denali
Gates of the Arctic
Glacier Bay
Katmai
Kenai Fjords
Kobuk Valley
Lake Clark
Wrangell - St. Elias
Arizona:
Grand Canyon
Petrified Forest
Saguaro
Arkansas:
Hot Springs
California:
Channel Islands
Death Valley
Joshua Tree
Kings Canyon
Lassen Volcanic
Pinnacles
Redwood
Sequoia
Yosemite
Colorado:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Great Sand Dunes
Mesa Verde
Rocky Mountain
Florida:
Biscayne
Dry Tortugas
Everglades
Hawaii:
Haleakala
Hawaii Volcanoes
Indiana:
Indiana Dunes
Michigan:
Isle Royale
Minnesota:
Voyageurs
Missouri:
Gateway Arch
Montana:
Glacier
Nevada:
Great Basin
New Mexico:
Carlsbad Caverns
White Sands
North Carolina/Tennessee:
Great Smoky Mountains
North Dakota:
Theodore Roosevelt
Ohio:
Cuyahoga Valley
Oregon:
Crater Lake
South Carolina:
Congaree
South Dakota:
Badlands
Texas:
Big Bend
Guadalupe Mountains
United States Virgin Islands:
Virgin Islands
Utah:
Arches
Bryce Canyon
Canyonlands
Capitol Reef
Zion
Virginia:
Shenandoah
Washington:
Mount Rainier
North Cascades
Olympic
Wyoming:
Grand Teton
Yellowstone

[@NationalParkWild]

Updated List: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXTbeZurjpp_bas Thanks for watching and for 250 subscribers! Remember, there are 58 parks ranked here so it is nearly impossible for you to agree with all of them. Most of the parks are great and this was a very tough ranking! A list of all of the parks in the ranking and the states they're in is in the description. Timestamps: #58: 1:26 #57: 1:42 #56: 2:11 #55: 2:27 #54: 3:04 #53: 3:43 #52: 3:59 #51: 4:11 #50: 4:33 #49: 5:09 #48: 5:36 #47: 5:58 #46: 6:33 #45: 6:54 #44: 7:36 #43: 8:03 #42: 8:39 #41: 9:22 #40: 9:59 #39: 10:24 #38: 11:00 #37: 11:45 #36: 12:13 #35: 12:46 #34: 13:18 #33: 13:59 #32: 14:43 #31: 15:06 #30: 15:34 #29: 16:08 #28: 16:43 #27: 17:23 #26: 17:53 #25: 18:25 #24: 19:01 #23: 19:24 #22: 20:11 #21: 20:30 #20: 20:50 #19: 21:30 #18: 22:00 #17: 22:35 #16: 23:05 #15: 23:38 #14: 24:16 #13: 25:18 #12: 25:44 #11: 26:34 #10: 27:24 #9: 27:49 #8 28:33 #7: 29:05 #6: 29:49 #5: 30:32 #4: 31:10 #3: 32:00 #2: 32:41 #1: 33:30

[@Flowmander]

Appreciate you putting the effort to make this video! It's amazing how many you've been to, and it sounds like I really need to get to Alaska. Based on the way you've ranked the rest of the parks, I think you would REALLY REALLY enjoy a trip to the Eastern Sierras. If you've got a week to visit, backpack from the east over one of the passes. You'll see bears, deer, and plenty of wildlife. Stargazing is incredible. No crowds. The mountains are immense. And you can bag the tallest peak in the lower 48 by summiting Whitney. Make that trip, and I can guarantee Sequoia and Kings Canyon will climb the list. I also echo the sentiments of others for the North Cascades. If you like mountains, wildlife, and solitude, you can't do better than a backpacking trip there

[@NationalParkWild]

@@Flowmander thank you for your comments! I definitely hope to see more of the Sierras and Cascades in the future.

[@Jake-fe4uf]

Garden of the Gods, Colorado not in that top 10? You have to visit there. Maybe a different category but breathtaking views.

[@swishswoosh6556]

@@NationalParkWild you gotta check Arcadia national park! It’s beautiful. Take the time and drive up to Maine in the fall or spring (or summer if time) and check it out!

[@NationalParkWild]

@@swishswoosh6556 I have now been to Acadia. It is in the upadted list.

[@jeanmarco40]

I somehow love the mindset "Alligators? Meh, boring" "OMG there has been a single deer in this park, 10/10!" Really shows how living at different places changes your perception of nature

[@ST19859]

Deer bore me something awful, I have 2 sitting in my backyard as I type, probably trying to eat my vegetables

[@comicblossoms]

It’s so true, I’m from Miami so gators, although i don’t see wild ones often, are plastered on signs or in wildlife reserves or zoos. But a deer? THATS MAGICAL! THATS BAMBI!

[@hehehehaw1682]

From PA, I see deer more than my own family sometimes

[@bmoneybby]

Omg look at those cute squirrels.

[@fallows4life]

I'm in sweden and I never have seen a whitetail but I have loads of lynx, moose and roe deer in my area

[@Gamepro2112]

As a Missourian I’ll agree with the Arch being last on your list. I really think it should be a national monument though, not a national park.

[@NationalParkWild]

I agree. Gateway Arch is great as a monument or memorial, but it doesn’t really fit with the other national parks.

[@stevenmutzu8940]

One thing it is and that's a cash cow. I think it was payed off is 5 years.

[@Gamepro2112]

@Nobody Important I take no offense to that, I fully agree with you. Look at the Colorado national monument, that’s a massive park, the arch definitely should’ve been a monument instead of a park.

[@gav439]

its not even natural

[@aescleese2153]

Learn some more English. Limited vocabulary limits my attention span.

[@thatjillgirl]

"The eastern parks are just not as impressive as the ones in the west." This is mostly true, but just wait until you do eventually get to Acadia. It's really beautiful. I loved the rocky coastline there. It's really a wonderful park to look forward to.

[@NationalParkWild]

I went to Acadia in June and I agree. It rivals several stellar Western parks.

[@jamesberry4514]

A lot of the best parks in the East are state parks rather than National parks. Upstate New York, and Maine have awesome state parks putting many National parks to shame.

[@neckenwiler]

@@jamesberry4514 Completely agree. The Adirondack preserve is absolutely phenomenal - gorgeous mountains and endless lakes, and when you get away from the high peaks, it's very, very quiet. I did the Cranberry Lake 50 a couple years ago and ran into fewer than 10 people on the three days between the town of Cranberry Lake and Wanakena. Best canoeing in the lower 48, bar none. Lots of cool history too. Maine, for my money, is the most beautiful state except for Alaska - and, actually, only Alaska has more uninhabited forest than Maine. It gets so isolated up there, and the mountains are pretty rugged. Katahdin is probably the best summit hike I've ever done.

[@VDutATx]

@@NationalParkWild Really curious where Acadia would rank for you!

[@nathansautodetail]

Agreed. Acadia is one of my favorites. I don't like beaches generally but the Maine coastline is amazing. It was really busy when I went in October 2020 despite COVID. I can only imagine how busy it is now that people have gotten back out. I want to go back because a lot of the time I was there it was very foggy so although I went up on top of Cadillac mountain, I couldn't see a thing.

[@robertbeermanjr.2158]

How Truly Fortunate we are to be Citizens of our United States of America. These Magnificent Lands have been preserved for all of time. All of these wonderful places are available for the Entire World to visit and experience. I enjoyed your presentation. Thank you for the tremendous effort and dedication that I am sure that you expended here.

[@NationalParkWild]

I couldn't agree more. Thank you so much for this comment. Being able to share these breathtaking experiences is amazing, and people like you are what make it special.

[@CreatingShane]

How unfortunate for the people before the United States. Parks ecosystems are much different from the political lines drawn by people. Many of these places are unfortunately getting decimated by this.

[@brailrice]

China owns all this now.

[@tuyenhoang5546]

Yea that's the best part about the US ppl don't realize. It's massive and so diverse.

[@JacobPDeIiNoNi]

@@CreatingShane That's true but at least there's still some parts of these parts protected.

[@cjsm1006]

This guy seems really excited about seeing deer in various national parks, as he frequently mentions it. I occasionally see deer in my backyard, and lots of other places as well, so I find this puzzling as a talking point about how great a park is.

[@NationalParkWild]

For me, deer are a rare sighting outside of national parks, so they are noteworthy wildlife in the parks where I see them. I have seen them in a lot of parks, but it’s still special to me.

[@cjsm1006]

@@NationalParkWild Well, I can understand that. In the Midwest, they are everywhere outside of the big cities. You are lucky if you don't run into one on the highway during rutting season. Great, informative video, though. Thanks for compiling this!

[@cloverr.1463]

@@NationalParkWild I can understand where you are coming from also growing up south Florida. Seeing a few deer on the outskirts of the everglades was always special (LOL). now that I live in central TX, they are everywhere. Now I miss the damn alligators that showed up in my back all the time (LOL) I noticed no mention of Acadia National Park. have not been but definitely on my top 25 to visit by all accounts.

[@calliope720]

I grew up right in the back yard of Lassen National Park, and I'm so glad to see you enjoyed it! I've always found it highly underrated and often not even widely known. It has a lot to offer and I never get tired of it.

[@NationalParkWild]

It is a wonderful park and I think it’s quite underrated.

[@ryanotte6737]

I totally enjoyed the snowball fights in the pleasant warm temperatures just after the primary park road opened for the 2021 season. Great place to traverse snowfields as well via ice axe and boot spikes. We thought Lassen to be a very pleasant mini-Yellowstone tucked away in the lesser-known corner of California. Awesome!

[@gilesclone]

A real hidden gem. I highly recommend it

[@lesliesmith7835]

Wow Eric, you have been so fortunate to have seen so many awesome National Parks. I haven't been to many Parks but the one I go to the most is Zion NP. I have hiked Angel's Landing many times and it's always a huge thrill. I really enjoy your channel and thank you for sharing your adventures with us... Robin

[@NationalParkWild]

Zion is a breathtaking place. Thank you for all of your support Robin. You’ve been with the channel since the beginning.

[@lesliesmith7835]

Thank you Eric, your National Parks videos have been very entertaining and informative. Your channel has huge potential and I encourage all those who love the outdoors to treat yourself and subscribe !!

[@btaylor1]

Being from Michigan, it is interesting to hear how impactful seeing a deer can be. We have so many in our state that they wander through neighborhoods.

[@musa7606]

I have to avoid hitting them :)

[@rassiesmithiii2836]

Enjoyed your video. I've visited many of the parks you ranked, and as you mentioned in the video Smokey Mountain National Park probably should be ranked higher. Last year I hiked the 73 mile section of the Appalachian Trail that goes through the smokies over a 5 day/night period. The park is absolutely gorgeous. It's a temperate rain forest that makes you feel like you are in Olympic NP at times. Many people don't see that if they just drive through it.

[@NationalParkWild]

That sounds amazing. I'll definitely go back to the Smokies one day.

[@MS-ou5sb]

I agree. The little trickle down the rocks picture seems an intentional diminution of the park’s features. There are many beautiful waterfalls in those mountains.

[@Valkaneer]

Ya, if you didn't hike the Appalachian Trail, go on the Caldara loop, or the hike to the chimney tops how can you say you saw the park even a little bit? Just going to the top of Clingmans dome is not enough. Now, if he has only been to the smokies in the last few years I can understand a lot of that due to the fire back in 2016 that destroyed 18,000 Acers, that's about 28 square miles.

[@cisium1184]

For me the definitive Smokies experience is relaxing on one of the "balds" after a long morning hike, and imagining how the people who used to live on them got to take in those views every morning of their lives.

[@upside93]

I hope you get to more fully experience North Cascades one day. It's easily one of the most beautiful places I've been to in my life and some parts of the park are actually the most remote and difficult places to access in the US outside of Alaska. The mountains, forests and wildlife there is unbelievable. It is certainly very high up on the "underrated" list of the parks and if you get to experience it yourself, I'm sure you'll agree.

[@NationalParkWild]

I hope so as well. It definitely looks amazing and my love for mountains means it could rank very high. Thanks for watching.

[@julieetscheid9682]

@@NationalParkWild It's just so huge, and seeing it unimpeded by rain is limited to a small handful of months per year, nobody blames you for not being able to see it at its best. :) Even more amazing is Mount Baker Wilderness just west of the park, with the bright blue waters of Baker Lake, and Artist Point sporting breathtaking views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, and awesome hikes lacing through the area.

[@NationalParkWild]

@@julieetscheid9682 I appreciate that. I will definitely give it another go one day and I know I'll love it.

[@grantjones2863]

agreed, its very similar to olympic NP

[@recurrenTopology]

North Cascades is my favorite national park, but it has admittedly very low accessibility. Technically, driving highway 20 doesn't even take you through the park since as the area on either side of the highway is actually part of the Ross Lake National Recreation area. The only roads into the park are limited to a few lonely dirt roads. Even the hiking/backpacking options, while numerous, only provide access to a small subset of the park, with much of the terrain requiring off-trail hiking and mountaineering to access. Pretty unique amongst NPs in the lower 48.

[@sherrypalmer1283]

I have been to 44 of the 63 National Parks, and have enjoyed them all. I think it is unfair to judge them based on a half-day or one day visit. Each park has its own personality, history and attributes. The “wow” factor should only be part of the experience. Take time to visit the park, talk to the rangers and explore the less visited areas. We are the envy of the world to have so many great parks.

[@NationalParkWild]

I totally get your point. The parks that I’ve experienced less of are at a disadvantage, but I felt it was better to rank them than to exclude. Even so, nobody can experience all of a park and missing certain things can make one excited to go back. Thanks for watching.

[@kimrobb1965]

Andddd that’s what he has said 😅

[@07wrxtr1]

Bingo! I have done > 100 trips to Arches in the past year - guess what? I find something new each and every time……

[@richdean1113]

Yeah! Totally Unfair! This guy sucks!

[@sendthis9480]

@@07wrxtr1 100 trips to arches?!?!? Woah! How do you pass all the awesomeness, to get to arches? Islands in the sky…the maze…monti-lasalle… Whenever I try to go to arches…I end up at Wall St. I can NOT focus in Moab. lol.

[@adventuretravels7340]

Pretty solid format I've watched others where they just hate on half the parks and so annoying to watch you actually seem to appreciate every park even the ones in last and admit when u didn't have a full experience in the park to judge it. Great job this is always a controversial topic but I think u did it right ✅️

[@NationalParkWild]

I appreciate that. I always try to stay honest and even though I love most parks, I try to have a reason for every ranking. Thank you for your advice.

[@luisandreu3249]

Hi, great video. I am looking forward to a future where I am able to visit this many of our nation's parks. It's technically not a national park, but I highly recommend you visit El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. It's a truly unique landscape in the United States and has some incredible variety of flora and fauna, as well as great views.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you for your kind words. I would definitely love to visit that national forest.

[@alexshigeta6285]

I’m a bit sad Capitol Reef is so low on your list, it’s one of my all time favorites! The landscape is amazing, although some of the best spots are somewhat obscure and hard to get to. Temple of the moon & sun are breathtaking, especially in the evening!

[@NationalParkWild]

It was at a disadvantage and based on how much I love Arches and Canyonlands, I think it will rank much higher with a revisit. I know it's a great park and I can't wait to go back. Thank you for watching.

[@billricheter5678]

You blew it on capital reef. You do need to get out of car there

[@ta-chenwang6973]

Don't tell them! Keep Capitol Reef all to ourselves so crowds would not ruin the experience!

[@nooranik21]

Staying at the Cathedral Valley Campground and driving early in the morning to watch sunrise at Temple of the Sun is literally my best National Park experience. If it wasn't for the fact a rainstorm was on its way in that would have flooded our way out, we'd have stayed at least 3 more days.

[@xinzhouxu9510]

We just visited Capital Reef and Canyon Lands and Breyce Canyon. We think that the Capital Reef is the lowest one

[@maiyafae5484]

For me one of my favorite places in the world and easily my favorite national park is Zion. Though I haven't been to many parks over the years I can still safely say that would be my favorite and I'm glad to see it so high up on this list. Wonderfully done summarizing these parks so quickly.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you for your kind words. Zion has unbelievable canyon scenery.

[@jymnmeier3527]

Been looking forward to this one :) As I have shared a few time we love lists and have been ranking the NP's as we have been visiting them. As a fam of 4 we have been to 3 so far this summer with 1. Olympic, 2. Crater Lake and 3. Mount Rainier ( all a days drive from where we live ). On the 8th of Aug we are heading to Grand Teton, Yellowstone and North Cascades :) We are beyond excited. Thank you for all your videos Eric ! Congrats on hitting 250 :) Well deserved :)

[@NationalParkWild]

Thanks Jymn! Enjoy those parks! The Wyoming parks are amazing.

[@michaelcrossley4716]

You gotta come to California, you can knock out 10 in a week.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

Enjoy !! Grand Teton is one of my favorite parks… and I’m just talking for the sight of Mt. Moran across Jenny (or was it Jackson) Lake near the marina. It’s peaceful… as opposed to what you may experience at Yellowstone. If you have time, try the Beartooth Highway to the Montana border. It probably won’t mean as much to someone from the PNW (vs. me from the East Coast) but it’s an incredible drive.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

@@NationalParkWild They are beautiful indeed.

[@dallasfawson5332]

Canyonlands is my favorite park, largely because I live in Utah and, unlike all of the other Utah parks, it somehow hasn’t caught on. If you go during winter you can practically have it to yourself. I agree on Great Basin and Black Canyon being underrated, though I think North Cascades is the ultimate underrated park. I hope you get to explore it more, I’d be shocked if it stayed this low on your list.

[@NationalParkWild]

Canyonlands is amazing and I’m sure North Cascades will skyrocket the way Canyonlands did after my last visit.

[@Kevbot6000]

I’m 20 born and raised in Utah and love the natural beauty here. You’re never too far from a beautiful hike or scenery wherever you are in the state.

[@BobWestWA8YCD]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I used to travel a lot; not able to anymore, and it's great to see some of the ones I can't get to. I liked visiting Devil's Tower in Wyoming, but Yellowstone was by far my favorite! Happy trails!

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you! Devils Tower is among my favorite areas in the U.S. even though it isn't an official national park.

[@thembones1895]

Great video and great photos, awesome. Making me hyped for taking my parents out in September. Doing denver to vegas route, and will hit many of these. Canyonlands is just a special place for me, can't wait to get back there.

[@tlewisAK]

Glad you liked my backyard. I too love living in Alaska. I’ve lived here over 40 years (Fairbanks), I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. Great video.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you. Alaska has so many amazing places to see.

[@cweave5443]

Denali is so impressive because it is basically: relatively flat land, relatively flat land, relatively flat land, DENALI! Such a massive mountain that just happens to be on the edge of its range and not in the middle.

[@NationalParkWild]

Agreed. The prominence of the peak is something truly spectacular.

[@taraduffie7690]

Lol. Yeah... hard to listen to because the mtn is bigger than Everest.

[@anshul4608]

I loved watching this video, I'm going to save it and hopefully work my way through it eventually. But I was a little surprised to see Yellowstone so high. I guess you must have went during off season, but last summer it was insanely crowded. Literally bumper to bumper traffic from one end of the park to the other. And personally, the fact that it has a little bit of everything is nice, but on my trip I went to the Tetons, Grand Canyons, Big Bend, Mt. Rainer which made Yellowstone seem like kinda a bummer since all those places have an aspect of Yellowstone but better (except the wildlife, I agree on that). Either way, awesome video!

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you! Yellowstone is just a place where I loved the scenery, diversity, and wildlife. I wasn’t bothered by crowds and they were only really abundant in three or four areas.

[@kimm6589]

Thank you for this list. I don't think I'll get to all the parks in my lifetime, but this is so helpful. Nice to see Theodore Roosevelt so high up on the list! It really is a hidden gem, and so many people don't understand how beautiful North Dakota can be. As someone who lives in Minnesota now, it's too bad your experience at Voyageurs wasn't good. Our state park system is stellar for trails and wildlife, though. As far as the bugs go, I think we're just used to them. Sadly there's no way around that except a ton of bug spray. :*(

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you for watching. I respect anybody who likes Theodore Roosevelt. Also, I did like Voyageurs a lot apart from one or two hikes, but I just hadn’t ever really had an issue with ticks before that. The views from the lake are beautiful.

[@clav93089]

You need to give Smokey Mountain National Park another shot. It can definitely get crowded at certain spots, and Gatlinburg comes as a shock once you leave the park, but the mountain vistas are stunning. I saw a black bear and several elk down in the valleys too.

[@comicblossoms]

Smokey Mountains were unreal, I didn’t want to leave

[@danielespey5887]

I appreciate your dedication to visiting the parks and comparing them (I'm far behind you in seeing them all, only 11 in), but it breaks my heart to see GSMNP at basically last place (sorry gateway). It doesn't have the same levels of grandeur as Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, but there's a subtle and dignified beauty to it. Though it's not going to be the "best" park, it is certainly my favorite. You're 100% right about crowds, though. When I was in the area I'd try to get to the park before 5:00 so I could enjoy the quiet of the park during the morning and also be close to trailheads

[@NationalParkWild]

I understand that the Smokies have plenty to love, and I will go back. For now, I just didn't have the best experience, Thank you for watching and for your kind words.

[@VanessaReed]

Hopefully you get a chance to revisit Mt. Rainier in all its glory. Aim for a time of year when the Sunrise side is open. Your description of Denali is how I feel about Rainier every time. ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thanks for all your hard work on this! Very helpful!

[@NationalParkWild]

No problem. I’m happy you enjoyed.

[@jonathanbraski]

Thanks for the great video! As a Minnesotan, I understand the bugs/ticks, but I would say our true "hidden gem" is not Voyageurs NP, it our State Parks that dot Lake Superior on the "North Shore". We have well over a dozen waterfalls, amazing hiking, natural cooling from Lake Superior in the summer. It is truly one of the greatest places in our country. So, I always recommend that area of Minnesota over our one and only National Park. Hopefully you will come back to our great state again to visit Minnesota! :)

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you! I'll definitely head to those other areas one day. I did go to Amnicon Falls after Voyageurs but that's it so I'd love to return.

[@xxxYYZxxx]

Thanks for the tip. Savvy travelers look for state parks, national monuments, or national forests, and get all the best camp spots.

[@CowgirlSuzyQuinn]

I traveled to the North Shore a couple summers ago, and it was INCREDIBLE! I went to Acadia shortly after, and it honestly reminded so much of the hiking on Lake Superior. I can’t wait to go back!

[@brandtdavis5597]

The hike to Bear and Bean lake is well worth your time. Also, who can forget the boundary waters!

[@chrissessions6108]

Let's not forget that Minnesota also has natural cooling in the winter. 😂

[@RKT_art]

Great video! One underappreciated aspect of eastern parks I wish you'd mentioned is that the Appalachian Trail runs straight through them. Several of the best hikes in Shenandoah run along the AT, which adds quite a bit of magic!

[@NationalParkWild]

Great point. The same goes for the Pacific Crest Trail in the west.

[@peaceofwestphila]

What inspiring footage! I look forward to a follow up video when you have even more experience under your belt and maybe a less subjective rubric on which to judge these spaces.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you! In the future I could try to look at this from an objective standpoint, but it's tough to truly find out which parks are the best.

[@okzoomer5728]

I'm a Utahn and I was so sad to see Capitol Reef ranked toward the bottom. This is a park you need to spend a few days to start to appreciate properly; much of the park is only accessible on dirt roads. Even the section along the main road has many short hikes that are absolutely spectacular from a geologic perspective. Even stopping on the side of the road to sit by one of the creeks is a sight to behold.

[@rbv2710]

From California and totally agree to it.. lol if only he spends enough time here,otherworldy landscape..

[@ryanmorrison8833]

Everyone has different activities they like in parks. It’s funny how the lists change so much based on what you like to do. I love rock climbing and mountaineering so Joshua Tree, Acadia, Grand Teton, and Denali are all in my top few. You definitely need to make it to Acadia. Tons of hikes, scenery, beautiful stone bridges and carriage trails, etc.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’m going to Acadia this summer. Thanks for watching.

[@ryanmorrison8833]

@@NationalParkWild If you want a really unique experience, you can hire a climbing guide from Acadian Mountain Guides out of Bar Harbor for an hour or two and they can take you climbing at Otter Cliffs. People travel from all over the globe to climb there on the edge of the Ocean! Seems you'd also be a fan of hiking Beehive. Bring a swim suit and go for a dip in the bowl at the top if you do that hike!

[@sleigh4019]

Agree .. Acidia might be the best park in the east when that sun comes up on the rocks and beach .. Kinda surprising not on that .. Top 2 on the eastern side

[@NationalParkWild]

@@sleigh4019 I didn’t rank it because I haven’t been there yet. That said, I am going next month and I’m very excited.

[@07wrxtr1]

Same - wherever has the most amount of silence n photos!!! Would love to see this ranked based upon noise levels…

[@andscifi]

My great grandfather was one of the people who helped mark the early paths in Glacier National park. He traveled all through it before there were any roads and got paid for it. And going to the top is well worth it if you can get there, though the hike at the peak is a lot harder than you might assume since you're above the tree line.

[@NationalParkWild]

That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing that story.

[@overwatchxrescue]

That's an amazing story!

[@AWJanz1]

Fun list. I’ve been to the majority of these over the years. My favorite national park is Acadia National Park. However, your top 10 are all fantastic parks. When you’ve seen Acadia, I would be quite interested to see where it ranks in your updated list.

[@NationalParkWild]

That's awesome. I'm visiting Acadia this summer and I plan to do a full review of it. Thanks for watching and I'm happy you enjoyed the list.

[@MrZzzjjj]

after visiting most of the parks your favorite is still Acadia?

[@AWJanz1]

@@MrZzzjjj Yup. Pretty close between Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Acadia, but Acadia is my favorite.

[@ericcaloosa371]

@@NationalParkWild when are you visiting acadia? Will be driving up from Florida in July to camp and hike!

[@NationalParkWild]

@@ericcaloosa371 I’ll be going in late June

[@montewalker]

The smokies at 57 is just an injustice to the park system

[@brientkittrell6087]

Putting hot springs above the smokies...SMH

[@lukevega77]

Instant DISLIKE for the Smoky's being so low, smh

[@annabanabanana]

I was shocked as well. That park is amazing. But I could see if you go during busy season the crowds and traffic in town and through the park could ruin an experience. He needs to go back in the fall time and give an update.

[@JimmyNeutron1029]

@@brientkittrell6087Yeah but he wasn’t able to see much of it. He would rank it higher if it were less crowded

[@NationalParkWild]

@@annabanabanana I’ll give it another chance one day. I know I haven’t fully experienced the park.

[@hollymccormack4081]

I hope that you get an opportunity to come back to Washington to spend more time at Mt. Rainier NP & North Cascades - on a clear a day, which is certainly possible during the summer months. It's hard to grade Mt Rainier until you've had a chance to see the mountains and North Cascades you really need to take the time to hike all the way in. But it's amazing that you've been able to see so many National Parks - a worthwhile endeavor.

[@NationalParkWild]

I definitely want to go back to those parks. I hopefully will one day soon.

[@mars09]

Couldn't agree more. Mt Rainier is godly, visit it in Aug and you will know why it's a paradise.

[@mrvwbug4423]

I've heard North Cascades is very hard to really appreciate even from a day hike, it's like Olympic where you have to spend a few days backpacking to really see the best spots. That's one area where Rocky Mountain shines, it's a day hikers mecca, provided you're idea of a day hike is up to 15mi of distance and 4000+ ft of elevation gain all at over 10,000ft.

[@marksauck8481]

I’d put Mount Rainer much higher. I’ve seen it several times and on clear days it’s incredible. I call it scary beautiful because it’s still an inactive volcano but reaching a stage range where it could soon be active and with what nearby Mt Saint Helens eruption was like this 14,400 foot monster gives me the chills when viewing it from Seattle. It’s going to wipe out the whole area when it finally erupts.

[@mars09]

@@marksauck8481 Small correction- It's an active volcano currently at rest between eruptions.

[@thefourthbrotherkaramazov245]

Cool fact about Denail: It is believed to be the tallest mountain in the world from the ground level of its base. Mt. Everest for perspective is about 12,000 ft up from the surrounding ground level of its base. Whereas Denali begins at ~2,000 ft going all the way up to its collosal ~20,000 ft peak. Of course, it is bit arbitrary, but to be able to look up at something that is just so monstrous and see the sheer size of it is amazing. Denali is beyond massive in its stand alone size.

[@gladstone6338]

I very much enjoyed your video. I just added up my personal total and it's fifteen. I'm more or less a Glacier NP junkie having been there 15 times the latest being last year. I backpacked there in the late 1990's when I was in my 50's; kinda got a late start🙃. I think something that should be addressed is how crowded some of these parks have gotten. In 2007 I camped in Yellowstone then drove up to Glacier and found a campsite in the Many Glacier campground all without a reservation. That is no more possible today my playing the harp in Carnegie Hall. Last year even Theodore Roosevelt was packed in early September, glad we had a reservation. Again, great video and continued good adventures.

[@chrissessions6108]

It is tragic how crowded most national parks are becoming. Almost impossible to get camping spots in the popular ones even if you are online trying to reserve them the second they become available. And then the pandemic brought day-use reservation systems to some parks which just makes everything more complicated and stressful. I wish I lived in your generation when it was relatively simple!

[@matthewsevers5862]

Appreciate the time to put together this list. I’m biased because I live in WA and I think Rainier and Olympic are amazing, but wanted to say, North Cascades is pretty unbelievable but like you said you need time to actually experience it. There are some absolutely stunning places but you may have to backpack/hike a way to get there. I also like it because it’s less known/crowded typically.

[@trevor_corey8037]

Great video 👍 As a fellow Floridian I understand the grass is always greener concept, but I think objectively Everglades and Biscayne should be higher up. Just imo of course

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you. I agree that objectively those parks rank higher as they have some very unique wildlife.

[@rhondalinder8403]

Big Bend is my favorite park. The out of the way isolation of the park is very appealing not to mention the variety of scenery such as the high desert mountains, the Rio Grande river canyons, and the stark desert country. The variation in the wildlife is incredible to experience. It is so out of the way that you never have to worry about crowds, they just don’t exist even in the busiest times of the year. If you haven’t been your missing a big treat. Truly one of the great secret treasures in Texas.

[@NationalParkWild]

Big Bend is a spectacular and overlooked place.

[@gilbertchcs]

Much gratitude. Excellent video and very very very helpful.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’m happy I could help.

[@fredread9216]

Great job! Thanks. I have been to most of these parks but not Alaska………yet! Finally got to Glacier first of June. Incredible tour by Jack, Bigfeet Indian. Did grand Teton and Yellowstone last September. Surprised that you didn’t include My Acadia NP in Main. The Vertical hike is amazing. Agree that the parks as a whole are much nicer in the west over the east.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Grand Canyon is best appreciated from the very bottom, and spending a night or two at Phantom Ranch. I would rank the hike to the canyon floor (not just Indian gardens or some other point halfway down) as a truly bucket list level experience. And while down there, hiking up into the box via North Kiabab is by far the best place to find wildlife on the canyon floor.

[@steviejd5803]

I’ve tried several times to get a lottery win for Phantom Ranch. No luck.

[@parker8784]

I’ll have to revisit because the top was a little underwhelming if I’m being completely honest

[@stevedietrich8936]

@@steviejd5803 Contact them and ask if they have any cancellations. I did that and got a cabin in January for two nights (2014). Because of recent snows there was a little ice and snow on the trail, but we used crampons on our boots but were able to take them off at the 5000 foot elevation level and it was smooth sailing on the South Kaibab from that point on. We hiked to Ribbon Falls on the 2nd day and then hiked out on Bright Angel on day 3. Twenty degrees on the rim and 60 degrees down by the river.

[@steviejd5803]

@@stevedietrich8936 Hi, thanks for you kind reply. I think I might just try it again. We went to the North Rim back in May, fabulous.

[@Sobergirl_]

I want to hike down to the bottom of the canyon, and spend a few days camping and exploring while I am living here. I would like to do it a few times in different areas. There is so much to see.

[@ryanshuell]

This is what we have after the great flood! Absolutely tremendous and totally remarkable!!!

[@anncerull2520]

well done dude. my goal is to take my kids to every national park before they end high school. we have been to just 3 but just started this year. might want to check out canada too. jasper and banff and lake louise are awesome especially in the winter. Thanks for the videos.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you so much. I love Jasper and Banff.

[@LeNguyen-tv2cv]

Thank you for this video. I have been 19 of them so far, and wanted to see all of them before I die. I also rate Yellowstone #1 but Zion also so beautiful to see. I went to Zion 2 times so far and still wanted to go back soon.

[@KeMiZe44]

Great video. We've been to a number of them in the states, abroad, and a lot here at home in Canada and the big takeaway I always get from talking to people is how beautiful you find each one depends where you are from. The mountain parks are great but being from near Jasper they don't do it as much for me in terms of WOW factor where something like Joshua Tree feels so otherworldly to me. I think a diverse experience is important, so for me it's hard to compare say Bryce to Olympic but rather it seems wiser to compare them to similar parks. Mountain, Forest, Desert, Coast, Cave, ect... Also State parks are sometimes just as good or better and are often times underappreciated, Katchner Caverns and the Redwoods state park being two examples I know of. Enjoying just the National parks can mean missing out on some great stuff in and around those areas and it's a mistake I'm sure we've made in out travels despite our best attempts not to.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ryndanriley5348]

While I can't argue with your reasoning for having Yellowstone at number 1, I feel like the wow factor at places like Yosemite and Denali, and even Glacier and Zion, is really missing from Yellowstone.

[@NationalParkWild]

I actually agree quite a bit. I feel that many parks below the park have something to see that is more awe-inspiring from an objective standpoint. That said, Yellowstone just is my favorite and part of it is admittedly sentimental attachment.

[@johnhowell9486]

Of course I like Yellowstone quite a bit. We often visit Tetons and Yellowstone in the same trip. But my family and I always prefer the Tetons.

[@nunyabeeznez5205]

I totally agree with you! Yellowstone was actually underwhelming compared to Yosemite and Glacier, heck even Grand Canyon

[@StandingForLight]

I mean the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Old Faithful are pretty 'wow' in my opinion. But the Tetons would probably be the real 'Wow' scenery in that area. Even though they're technically two separate parks it's really almost like they're 1 park since they're so close together in my opinion.

[@bkanders1]

Totally agree!! No wow factor, beautiful, but nothing really that takes your breath away... Yosemite has what 4-7 different places. El Cap, Climbing the chains on Half dome, Bridal Falls Trail, etc.

[@davidyale75]

You absolutely must go to Acadia. I’ve been there on several occasions and the beauty is just extraordinary. Driving/hiking to the top of Cadillac for sunrise or sunset is unforgettable. If done right, the Loop Road - and everything inside of it - should take days. And the southern tip of Schoodic is startling, especially during or after a storm. I know you’ve already been to Mammoth Cave and New River Gorge so you should definitely make room for Acadia next.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’m headed there next month. I am super excited for that trip.

[@wildlifeatitsfinest778]

Congratulations on everything it’s awesome what you are doing keep working. Good luck on the rest of your channel work.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment.

[@advicepirate8673]

As a guy who is from a mountain desert, (20 miles from Great Sand Dunes) it's fun to compare and contrast what it is that we value in parks. We are almost polar opposites in what we're after, and neither of us are incorrect. For instance: I see a great horned owl almost every day.

[@NationalParkWild]

Awesome point. We may not agree, but we both love the parks and I respect and value your opinions on parks. Thanks for watching.

[@advicepirate8673]

@@NationalParkWild Honestly, I wouldn't even call it a disagreement. Subbed. Keep up the good work brother.

[@NationalParkWild]

@@advicepirate8673 thank you so much.

[@kimm6589]

Haha, I had the same thought when he was talking about wolves, since I live in Minnesota.

[@07wrxtr1]

What kind if steak do wolves like most? Do they have a preference? Second question: do they like it medium well or well? 🤣🤣🤣

[@maren3764]

this video came up on my recommended just two weeks from my first ever trip to the western united states where I will be visiting Yellowstone! My sister is moving out there and I am so, so excited to see it and I'm even more excited seeing so many people sing its praises!

[@NationalParkWild]

Awesome! I hope you have a great time at Yellowstone.

[@staciamwalrus]

Yellowstone deserves its reputation, it's amazing. And you might get an even better than usual visit because many people canceled trips due to the recent flood damage, so smaller crowds.

[@ExploreWithIsaac]

Amazing that you have had the opportunity to visit so many parks. Wow, great opinion peice based on your experiences. Thank you for sharing.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’m happy you enjoyed this, there are plenty of other videos about my experiences on the channel if you’re interested.

[@GoandLove]

Incredible video, thank you!! We’ve been to about half of these and it was so fun to have memories come back while watching this 🥰

[@NationalParkWild]

That’s awesome to hear. Reliving national park travels is always wonderful.

[@xgamerx360x]

I’ve never been to Great Smoky Mountains, so I can’t really say, but I can see myself putting it low in the list due to the insane crowds; especially considering that it’s the most visited park in the whole National Park System. As of right now, I haven’t been to any national parks-I’ve been to plenty of state parks, wildlife refuges, etc, but I live in the northeast, so the nearest national park is 3 hours away, and the next nearest is 9 hours away-so I’m living vicariously through you!

[@NationalParkWild]

Interesting take! Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@yoteslaya7296]

As someone who has been to many national parks in my life, its hard to find a place more amazing than yosemite. Dont get me wrong, yellowstone and glacier as well as rocky mtn ntl park are also incredible. However, yosemite is a place where you almost believe that this place was actually created by people. Its just too perfect and if you ever had to choose one place to visit before you die it would have to be Glacier Point. Truly amazing.

[@NationalParkWild]

That’s totally fair. Yosemite is among the most impressive and inspiring locations on the planet.

[@overwatchxrescue]

Bryce Canyon is also really spectacular in the sense that it's hard to believe that it's all natural and not human-made. Some of the hoodoos are absurdly intricate!

[@danieldunbar2956]

Olympic is one of my favorites. Awesome list! My goal is to get to all of them eventually.

[@12inch_monster]

love your list. perfect for checking off my yearly summer road trip with the fam. zion, arches, glacier, yellowstone, canyonlands, bryce, sand dunes, and badlands were all amazing. mesa verde was ok. need to revisit yosemite and redwood as we never got in too deep in those

[@amberm3605]

Love to see Big Bend being appreciated. It is an absolutely amazing place.

[@NationalParkWild]

That’s awesome to hear. The park is spectacular and I’m happy you also love it.

[@bagm27drano27]

i was surprised it was recognized. great hikes and few people

[@mikeydoggy]

Great video, dude. I'm heading to Big Bend next week. Can't wait.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thanks! I think you’ll love it there. Definitely don’t miss the Chisos Mountains.

[@cooperstravels5725]

Would love to see a listing of your best national park hikes. Thanks for sharing.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’ll definitely do that. Thank you.

[@jacobbagley1271]

Awesome video. I've been to a good number of the parks mentioned in this video, but there are so many that I have yet to visit and explore. I'm happy for you that you've been able to visit so many of them!

[@llerradish]

You sound like a young man, what a privilege it must be to travel to so many places. I'm 59 years old and have only been to 4 National parks, but plan on seeing at least 10 more in my life time. I live 95 miles from Crarter lake and have been to Crarter lake, death valley, Zion and the Grand Canyon.

[@NationalParkWild]

It has been an amazing experience. Thank you for watching this video!

[@upside93]

There's a few not too far from you! Redwood, Mt Lassen, Mt Rainier, North Cascades. All amazing and all you could drive to in a few hours.

[@kimm6589]

And you really need to get to Yellowstone (plus the adjacent Tetons). The crowds can be a bit much, but so worth it once you get out in the park. And you need at least 3 days to see the main parts. It's HUGE.

[@CheckThisOut77]

I agree that the diversity in Yellowstone NP makes it a top park. It was our first Park, too.

[@NationalParkWild]

Awesome!

[@larryhankins3586]

Actually, Yellowstone is just the first to be named National Park, Hot Springs is the oldest park in the NPS, being 40 years older than Yellowstone, Pres. Andrew Jackson established the Hot Springs Reservation in 1832.

[@Marko295]

It's pretty cool you've gotten to see so many parks! I've only seen a dozen or so. Would love to travel and see them all.

[@steveaumann6335]

Excellent video thanks for sharing 👏👏.

[@DSToNe19and83]

The lodge in Yellowstone blew me away, the history and the size is wild. Could imagine a 100 years ago everyone hanging out around that giant fireplace telling stories of what they all saw and did that day.. 🍻

[@kevindenny3607]

Kenai Fjords was my "goto" location for guests visiting when I lived in Anchorage. You get a tour out on the water and you see most of what makes Alaska special - Glaciers, Whales, Sea Lions, Puffins, Other Sea Birds, Dolphins, Mountains.....

[@reginaldwalden7650]

I’m so glad that you put a Theodore Roosevelt and Death Valley so high on this list. I worked as a ranger at both of them. One of my favorite things at Theodore Roosevelt was walking around the Cottonwood Campground before my evening program while the sun was setting.

[@NationalParkWild]

That’s awesome to hear. Both are wonderful parks that I would love to visit again.

[@georgekerr8804]

Thanks, excellent video. I've been to about a 10-20 of these NPs. I am living very near Joshua Tree NP, so have gone several times in the last few years. I love Joshua Tree.

[@NationalParkWild]

Joshua Tree is great despite its low ranking. Thanks for watching.

[@taylordixon5871]

Small bone to pick: There are small differences between coastal brown bears, Kodiak brown bears, and grizzlies. Small variations in characteristics, usually based on where they live, including the parks you visited. Also, North Cascades deserves another visit. I'm confident that will jump into your Top 20 on a clear day when the fall colors are out.

[@NationalParkWild]

Ah, thank you for the information. Also, I think you are probably right about North Cascades and I’d love to revisit.

[@mytech6779]

Funny that you never saw Mt Rainier, it basically takes up the whole park and is visible from every town for 50 miles around. July/August are best as they are mostly clear sky months. But the good parts really require several miles of hiking anyway, along with local knowledge of access points as a lot of roads have been abandoned rather than repaired after washouts over the past 4 decades, and others are dirt forest roads deep in the mountains.

[@NationalParkWild]

Interesting! I actually went in July and hadn’t seen it until recently, and that was outside the park.

[@mellybean1718]

I fell over when I saw that Olympic NP placed higher than North Cascades and Rainier. Haha this may be the only time Olympic won something over Rainier! I was drinking wine at the Paradise Lodge last weekend. Literally nothing else like it in the country

[@johnb.2111]

I found this comment odd as well. When you are in the park the mountain feels like it completely dominates the sky in front of you. I live 150 miles from the mountain and on a clear day we can see the mountain in spectacular fashion. I haven’t seen all these parks, but I feel like Rainier and Crater lake both kind of got low balled on this list. Unlike some of these parks, who are somewhat similar to some of the other parks, these two parks are honestly one of a kind. Yes there are other parks with mountains, but Rainier is the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states and when you are in the park it feels like it. It dominates your attention and commands your respect. You stare at it almost in disbelief and when you finally turn your head away, you turn back around to look again, because what you just saw almost doesn’t feel real.

[@NatureShy]

@@mellybean1718 As an Oregonian, I agree

[@nicklopez7536]

Love this video can't wait to go to redwoods and I live in Arizona and I've been missing out on Saguaro national park! But I really wish you names the State each park was in that would've been super convenient

[@NationalParkWild]

I appreciate your comment. Thank you for watching! I'm sorry about the state thing and I could try to fix that.

[@dougmartin7129]

@@NationalParkWild a list in your description would be very helpful to know where in the country we are visiting.

[@NationalParkWild]

@@dougmartin7129 great idea. I’ll do that now.

[@blooberry856]

Really great video, helpful for determining which park to go to next. Ive been to a few parks, and my experiences were mostly similar to yours actually, except, Voyageurs, and Great Smoky Mountains definitely ranks much higher on my personal list. Voyageurs, I guess just because I love to fish, and voyageurs definitely has some of, if not the best fishing of any national park. Also didn’t have terrible DEER tick luck, dog ticks were terrible though. As for Great Smoky Mountains, one of the better parks I’ve been too. I got quite lucky though, traffic wasn’t too bad compared to some stories I’ve heard. Like on the wildlife loops, we could just drive freely in a lot of places. I also got lucky in the wildlife I saw, including several bears. The history is also the best of the parks Ive been to and have heard of, on the Cade’s Cove loop, we saw multiple bears, and saw some really fascinating history. The idea I was inside of some of the earliest settlers houses west into the Appalachian mountains was amazing. To think when those people lived in these houses the area was untouched wilderness, is a thought that makes me jealous. Would highly recommend you go back to the great smoky mountains at a less popular time.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’ll definitely go back to the Smokies one day. Thank you for watching.

[@maxshrum5631]

Definitely think Great Smokey Mnts was too low, love it there. The views from some of the top peaks are amazing. I hated Bryce, may have been a bad experience but I would've put Capitol Reef way higher, to me it's like a poor man's Zion with barely a soul in sight. Lots more freedom on where to go in that park as well. Wish I could go to more but I might for a senior trip just go hiking and backpacking in a few national parks west that I haven't been to. Oh also Mammoth Cave is so amazing, totally have to go.

[@sherryeemery6615]

I visited all 59 National Parks that there were in 2014, in 51 weeks, the first person to duly record this, and I did it at age 80. The NPS followed my trip all the way, my nickname is The Patch Lady , but I got no recognition for it when they found out I was Canadian. I agree , the Arch should be a National Monument. I was amazed at your remark about Great Smokies as it is the most visited of all parks! My favorite is Yellowstone, Grand Canyon #2, Denali was #3 but if you want to go somewhere totally unique with fantastic folks you’ve got to go to American Samoa !

[@NationalParkWild]

It's so wonderful to hear from somebody who travelled to all of these parks! I'm glad you also love Yellowstone. Thank you for watching this video, it's honestly an honor and I hope to get to American Samoa soon.

[@dnG144]

i think i remember hearing about the 'patch lady'! that's awesome, it's a bummer they didn't give you credit due to your nationality, but your input is valued here!

[@sherryeemery6615]

@@dnG144 they kept in touch with me all through the trip and were excited when I said I was down to the last one which was American Samoa. But after I told them I was from Ontario they wouldn’t even take my calls ! Very annoying. I couldn’t even get any press coverage .

[@thundersnow93]

You MUST get back to Kings Canyon when you can make it into the canyon. I first went there last summer and will be visiting again this Fall. Grants groves was really nice, but felt like an extension of Sequoia Natl Park. Once you take the drive down the mountain into the canyon, the views and drive are spectacular!! I absolutely loved this park right up there with Zion, which is about my favorite. I'm looking forward to spending a couple more days here to try out some hikes and explore the park more deeply.

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

I really resonated and liked your perspective 😊 i want to get back into hiking/camping, so this is perfect for prioritizing the best. I think all the natural parks are a bit of a fuss during the summer. Too hot, too many people, too crowded 🤷🏾‍♀️ all of them are better outside of those months

[@brqxton8974]

Watched the sun set over the Grand Canyon and had the amazing opportunity of witnessing a small meteor shower at the same time, definitely my top NP experience

[@NationalParkWild]

That’s amazing! Sunset at the Grand Canyon is truly special.

[@vinny8195]

I’m going to Yellowstone and grand Teton this summer, I can’t wait!

[@NationalParkWild]

That’s awesome! Those are amazing parks and I hope you love them.

[@pdxcorgidad]

*Finally* somebody puts Big Bend in its proper spot. Thank you! Saw a badger there back in 2019.

[@NationalParkWild]

Awesome! It’s definitely a top tier park for me.

[@carlykaiser]

Great video! Was nice hearing you noticeably get more excited as we got closer to your top favorites :)

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you so much! And yes when I got to my favorites I got really excited to talk about why I love them so much.

[@nathangreer8219]

#28 Great Basin. An island of life and water in middle if a stark desert. So underrated. Almost never any crowds. If you had gone on the cave tour, it would have ranked higher :) Also, the park is now designated as one of the best dark sky viewing area in the US.

[@tomphillips3162]

I've been to many of the parks myself Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite all deserve top ten status but the Smokies and Glacier Bay are way too low. Watching a glacier break off into the ocean is an experience of a lifetime that film alone just doesn't come close to fulfilling as an experience.

[@NationalParkWild]

That's fair. With another trip to each I know those two would rank higher. I'm happy you love Yellowstone, Glacier, and Yosemite.

[@Jerrymc1975]

Smokies are way too low.

[@maryl8614]

With the Smokies, I think it depends on when you go and what trails you do. I grew up near there, and I know not to go anywhere near Laurel Falls- waaay too overcrowded. Same goes for Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, the overlook at Newfound Gap, and Clingman’s Dome, among others. In my personal list, I would rank Zion and GSMNP at the same place: gorgeous if you go at the right time of year and know which trails won’t be crowded. Otherwise, it can be a truly miserable experience.

[@MS-ou5sb]

@@maryl8614 Yes. If crowds are the problem, Zion has a real one on that score. The rock trickle picture used for the Smokies leaves the impression that there’s nothing there by way of waterfalls, which is untrue.

[@maryl8614]

@@MS-ou5sb For waterfalls, I still can’t find anything more gorgeous in the Eastern US than the pocket wilderness areas up and down the Cumberland escarpment. And regarding crowds at Zion: we visited multiple parts of the park and definitely preferred the areas that weren’t in the main valley. I mean, I loved the Narrows, but it took us 3 hours to get past the crowds to a place where we could really enjoy the scenery. I feel like if Zion had more trails, that would help. When we went, Watchman and several others were closed, so all the thousands of visitors to the main valley that week were crammed onto Angel’s Landing, Emerald Pool, and Narrows. Spreading them out onto other trails would have helped.

[@zayrocs]

Love the video. Glad to see that you're transparent about having not been to all of parks features and you don't rank parks you haven't even been to like some videos I have seen. I may be crazy but did I miss North Cascades? I watched the whole video and don't remember it and it didn't have a chapter.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thanks for your compliments! North Cascades is in the list and it’s unfortunately near the bottom because I didn’t see much of it. A revisit would definitely see it go to the top 30.

[@zayrocs]

@@NationalParkWild It's funny that as soon as you reply I find it in the video. 🤦‍♂️ I need a Seattle trip to hit up those 3 parks ASAP.

[@NationalParkWild]

@@zayrocs the Washington parks are beautiful.

[@evanstanek5838]

Very cool seeing Lake Clark up that high, I had the pleasure of spending a summer in Port Alsworth and got a chance to hike up and stay on Lake Kontrashibuna. Got over to Kenai Fjords as well, but Denali and Katmai...well I guess I just have to go back :-)

[@NationalParkWild]

Awesome! Lake Clark is incredible and I hope you get to experience Denali and Katmai at their finest.

[@MrCrazychristian86]

As someone that lived in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic area for most of my childhood to young adult life and worked many summer camps in the Adirondacks, the Smokies are way better than anything up and down the east coast. The Smokies deserve to be in the top fifteen or even 10. Just my opinion

[@Nikeair0117]

Definitely I laughed when he said he had it near last when it’s the busiest park for a reason😂 must’ve not known about the blue ridge parkway lol

[@drumline17]

Nobody who has been to yellowstone will disagree with your #1. It feels otherworldly, nothing else even compares. Great list

[@NationalParkWild]

Thanks. Yellowstone is an awe-inspiring location.

[@CBrandonChapman]

Thanks for sharing your list with people. I have my favorites, too. I actually DO think Yellowstone has the best canyon. Something about this canyon I like more than others.

[@droppedlung]

Awesome video! Thanks for the ideas. You should do one on state parks

[@thomascrew8268]

So glad Big Bend ranked so high. I too have been to most of the parks and nothing has compared to the five overnight trips I have made yo the South Rim of the Chisos.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’m so happy somebody else also loves Big Bend. To this day I consider it the most underrated national park. Thanks for watching and for your nice comment.

[@thomascrew8268]

@@NationalParkWild soaking in the hot springs right on the Rio Grande after backpacking the Chisos is stupendous.

[@NationalParkWild]

@@thomascrew8268 I’m sure it is. The park is just unbelievable. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

[@steveegbert7429]

First, I absolutely agree with your #1 pick. Over the years since 2011 I have probably spent 2-3 months there. Always early season to avoid the crowds and see more wildlife, late May through mid June. Second, I think if you revisit Rainier in late July to early August you will move it way up in rank, and be overwhelmed with the wildflower display, and then know why it is considered the best wildflower show in the world. Plus, once you see the Mountain looming over you from the wildflower meadows you will have it imprinted in your mind forever.

[@NationalParkWild]

I’m so happy you love Yellowstone!

[@billricheter5678]

Agree. Ranker depends when you go. It is amazing when you mentioned. Also some hiking is required

[@robcampbell3387]

Agreed. Rainier is easily top 5 for me.

[@byronjabara]

Nice job! Got me to subscribe, looking forward to seeing more.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thanks! I have another video in the works.

[@byronjabara]

@@NationalParkWild sweet!

[@MongoBongo271]

cool video if you ever get the chance you should head back to capitol reef its my favorite park in all of utah you have to do a little more research to get the full experience do to how under devolved the area is though but definitly try to do sulpher creek if the weather is permitting

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you! I will probably go back to Capitol Reef one day and I appreciate your comment. I imagine it would move up my rankings similar to how Canyonlands did on my revisit.

[@PackerManForLife]

I went to glacier last summer. Jaw Dropping views is an understatement. I'm not sure how such beauty is possible. It's a priviledge to live in the same country as that gift

[@NationalParkWild]

Agreed. My last trip was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

[@jameshughes6078]

I was surprised he ranked Glacier so much higher than Rainier, but I suppose it's just a matter of his experience when visiting each. Rainier was the first PNW park I went to, and the hike through paradise was nothing short of a spiritual awakening for me. The drive to it from Seattle, where it already looks huge from but as you approach the park it just. keeps. getting. BIGGER. The glaciers, the views, the waterfalls, the trees, the geology, the volcanism, the rivers, the lakes, the wildlife, the camping, the hiking... all just *chefs kiss*. It's also super accessible, being close to the major international airports that are Seattle and Portland. He did mention he didn't actually get to see the mountain, which I agree would rank it much lower. It's like if you didn't see the Sun road in Glacier, or didn't see Denali in... Denali (which to be fair is not uncommon given the clouds in the summer). Don't get me wrong, I love glacier. It's just that when we road tripped out to glacier from seattle, we were underwhelmed, as we felt we could see pretty much the same thing but way closer to home. I'll give glacier superior large wildlife (smaller rodents/etc are super common in Rainier, but not so much bears/deer), lake hikes, and the sweeping valleys (the grassy areas of rainier are more alpine than valley-ish), but overall I got the sense the parks are fairly similar. Denali is a bigger and better version than either for most criteria, I'll give you that.

[@peabarter_3074]

It should've shown on a US map the location of each of these parks as they are discussed.

[@chazmcbride4]

cool video / list, though I would definitely place Yosemite as #1 in my own list, so long as you aren't harangued by crowds there. Though I've yet to go to Alaska, so.. Was actually planning on doing that right NOW but got covid instead!

[@domhowe278]

Great video dude, just wondering if you’d consider doing a list of parks overseas as you mentioned you’d been to Australia (although our national park system is pretty messy). I’d also love to hear if you’ve been to some of the Canadian parks, if you liked glacier then the Canadian Rockies would be right up your street.

[@NationalParkWild]

Thank you so much! I've seen the great Barrier Reef and other great places in Australia and I have been to Banff and Jasper, all places that are among my favorites. I'm happy that somebody wants to hear my thoughts on Australia and Canada, so I will do those next. Thanks for your advice!

[@domhowe278]

@@NationalParkWild awesome I can’t wait!