The 10 Most Underrated National Parks in the USA
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah
The United States is home to some of the most famous National Parks in the world, such as Yellowstone and Yosemite, drawing millions of visitors every year with their legendary landscapes. But beyond these household names, there exists a treasure trove of lesser-known National Parks, each offering its own extraordinary beauty, rugged terrain, and unique ecosystems. These parks provide unforgettable experiences, breathtaking scenery, and an opportunity to explore nature without the crowds.
For travelers seeking solitude, adventure, and a deeper connection to the wild, these 10 underrated National Parks offer some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country. From remote deserts and alpine lakes to towering canyons and hidden islands, these parks showcase the diversity and grandeur of America's natural wonders.
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the more famous destinations and discover some truly extraordinary places, these places deserve a spot on your travel list:
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park, Texas
Why Visit: A remote gem with desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and the Rio Grande.
Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring (October to April) for cooler temperatures.
Top Things to Do:
Take a scenic drive along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Explore Santa Elena Canyon on a kayak or hike.
Stargaze in one of the darkest night skies in the country.
Popular Hikes:
Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles round trip) – One of the best panoramic views in the park.
South Rim Trail (12-14.5 miles round trip) – A strenuous hike leading to stunning overlooks.
Boquillas Canyon Trail (1.4 miles round trip) – A short hike with scenic views of the Rio Grande.
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
Why Visit: Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall (May-June, September-October) to avoid extreme heat.
Top Things to Do:
Try sandboarding or sledding down the dunes.
Walk along Medano Creek during seasonal flow (spring to early summer).
Take a 4WD adventure along Medano Pass Primitive Road.
Popular Hikes:
High Dune Trail (2.5 miles round trip) – A challenging but rewarding climb to the tallest dune.
Star Dune (8 miles round trip) – The highest dune in the park at 750 feet.
Montville Nature Trail (0.5 miles round trip) – A short forested hike with views of the dunes.
3. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Why Visit: A remote paradise with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a historic 19th-century fort.
Best Time to Visit: Winter through early spring (November to April) for pleasant temperatures and calm seas.
Top Things to Do:
Snorkel around Fort Jefferson for vibrant marine life.
Take a guided tour of the historic fort.
Camp overnight for incredible stargazing and solitude.
Popular Hikes:
Garden Key Trail – A short walk around Fort Jefferson with scenic coastal views.
Bush Key Loop (Seasonal) – A sandy trail open when nesting birds are not present.
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado
Why Visit: One of the steepest and most dramatic canyons in North America.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall (May-September) for the best conditions.
Top Things to Do:
Drive along the South Rim Road for breathtaking overlooks.
Go rock climbing if you're an experienced climber.
Fish in the Gunnison River, known for world-class trout fishing.
Popular Hikes:
Rim Rock Trail (1 mile round trip) – A scenic walk with spectacular canyon views.
Warner Point Nature Trail (1.5 miles round trip) – A short but rewarding hike at the end of South Rim Road.
Gunnison Route (2.7 miles round trip) – A steep, unmaintained route to the river.
5. North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park in Washington
Why Visit: A rugged wilderness of jagged peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (July-September) for accessible trails and wildflowers.
Top Things to Do:
Take a boat tour on Diablo Lake.
Drive the North Cascades Highway for incredible scenery.
Spot wildlife like black bears and mountain goats.
Popular Hikes:
Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm (12 miles round trip) – One of the most breathtaking trails in the park.
Maple Pass Loop (7.4 miles round trip) – A must-see during fall foliage.
Hidden Lake Trail (9 miles round trip) – Leads to a stunning alpine lake and an old fire lookout.
6. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah
Why Visit: Less crowded than other Utah parks, but just as stunning with canyons, cliffs, and natural bridges.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November) for ideal temperatures.
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Waterpocket Fold, a massive wrinkle in the Earth's crust.
Pick fresh fruit in the historic Fruita orchards.
Drive the Cathedral Valley scenic loop.
Popular Hikes:
Hickman Bridge (1.8 miles round trip) – A short hike to a stunning natural bridge.
Cassidy Arch (3.4 miles round trip) – Named after outlaw Butch Cassidy.
Grand Wash Trail (4.8 miles round trip) – A scenic canyon hike.
7. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park in California
Why Visit: A geothermal wonderland featuring steaming fumaroles, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and rugged volcanic peaks. Lassen is home to all four types of volcanoes, offering diverse landscapes and unique hiking experiences.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (July-September) when trails are snow-free and accessible.
Top Things to Do:
Explore Bumpass Hell, the park’s largest hydrothermal area, with boiling springs and bubbling mud pots.
Hike to the summit of Lassen Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Kayak or fish in Manzanita Lake, a picturesque spot with reflections of the volcano.
Popular Hikes:
Bumpass Hell Trail (3 miles round trip) – A scenic boardwalk trail through an active hydrothermal basin.
Lassen Peak Trail (5 miles round trip) – A challenging ascent to the top of an active volcano.
Kings Creek Falls Trail (2.3 miles round trip) – A beautiful hike leading to a cascading waterfall.
8. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park in Michigan
Why Visit: A remote wilderness island in Lake Superior, offering solitude and incredible wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-September) when the park is accessible by ferry or seaplane.
Top Things to Do:
Kayak or canoe along the rugged shoreline.
Watch for moose and wolves in their natural habitat.
Explore historic lighthouses and shipwreck sites.
Popular Hikes:
Greenstone Ridge Trail (40 miles one way) – A multi-day trek across the island.
Scoville Point Trail (4.2 miles round trip) – A scenic coastal hike.
Tobin Harbor Trail (5 miles round trip) – A peaceful hike through forests and lakeshores.
9. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park in South Dakota
Why Visit: A striking landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, Badlands National Park offers one of the most unique geological formations in the country. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (April-June, September-October) for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Top Things to Do:
Drive the Badlands Loop Road for breathtaking panoramic views.
Explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail and learn about the park’s ancient history.
Watch the sunset at Pinnacles Overlook for an unforgettable view.
Popular Hikes:
Notch Trail (1.5 miles round trip) – A fun and adventurous hike featuring a wooden ladder climb and a dramatic overlook.
Castle Trail (10 miles round trip) – The longest maintained trail in the park, offering stunning views of rock formations.
Saddle Pass Trail (0.7 miles round trip) – A short but steep climb leading to sweeping vistas of the Badlands.
10. Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Island National Park
Why Visit: A stunning archipelago off the California coast, Channel Islands National Park is a haven for marine life, sea caves, and rugged island landscapes. The park’s remote location helps preserve its pristine beauty, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (April-June, September-October) for mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds.
Top Things to Do:
Kayak through the famous Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world.
Snorkel or dive in the vibrant kelp forests teeming with marine life.
Take a boat tour for whale watching and dolphin spotting.
Explore historic ranching sites on Santa Cruz Island.
Popular Hikes:
Cavern Point Loop (2 miles round trip) – A short but scenic trail with incredible ocean views and wildlife sightings.
Smugglers Cove Trail (7.5 miles round trip) – A moderate hike leading to a secluded beach on Santa Cruz Island.
Scorpion Canyon Loop (4.5 miles round trip) – A rugged island trail offering panoramic coastal views.
