27 West Coast National Parks for Your U.S. Bucket List

Which are the best west coast national parks in the United States?

If you’re planning a trip to national parks in the west, the choices are almost endless.  Soaring mountains,  desert landscapes, dramatic canyons and coastlines.  There is something for everyone when it comes to national parks in the western U.S.

To help you decide, I’ve teamed up with experienced travelers to get their recommendations on the best national parks on the west coast.

Even they had trouble deciding. We’ve put 27 parks on the list, along with tips on what to see and do and where to stay for each one.

The western U.S. national parks are listed by state from north to south.  At the end, there’s a handy map showing the locations of all the recommended national parks on the west coast.

TABLE OF CONTENTS – West Coast National Parks in the U.S.

1. Washington National Parks
2. Montana National Parks
3. South Dakota National Parks
4. Oregon National Parks
5. Wyoming National Parks
6. California National Parks
7. Utah National Parks
8. Colorado National Parks
9. Arizona National Parks
10. New Mexico National Parks
11. Texas National Parks
12. Hawaii National Parks

National Parks on the West Coast in Washington

Mount Rainier National Park

Submitted by Lotte,  metcamperdooreuropa.nl

Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington, about a 2.5-hour drive (107 miles) from Seattle. Mount Rainier is a stunning western U.S. National Park and a hiker’s paradise. Nice trails are the short but sweet Alta Vista trail (1.8 mile) and the more challenging Skyline Trail (8.4 miles round trip).

During the fall, you can enjoy activities such as huckleberry and mushroom picking. Note that while you don’t need a permit to pick huckleberries, you do need to pick up a free mushroom picking permit (issued by the US Forest Service).

North Cascades National Park

Submitted by Julie Espinosa, Family Travel Lifestyle

Nestled in between the majestic peaks of the Cascades Mountains in Washington State is a little gem of a national park in the west. North Cascades gets less attention than Washington’s more popular parks, but it’s a can’t-miss destination if you’re in the area.  It’s also one of the few parks that stays relatively uncrowded throughout the year.

Highway 20 runs right through North Cascades National Park and it offers multiple turnouts and overlooks to enjoy the incredible views of turquoise lakes. Visitors with very small children or limited mobility could easily enjoy this destination almost exclusively from the car. It is even doable as a day trip from Seattle.

For those who want a more adventurous or longer stay, there are tons of gorgeous hikes, as well as water sports like kayaking and tubing. Since this park is less crowded, you can easily hike for miles without running into anyone else and campsites are almost always available.

Olympic National Park

Submitted by Catalin Geangos, TravelTrained.com

The Olympic National Park is situated in the United States in Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. The park protects an area of North America’s temperate rain forest and is a rich ecosystem. Filled with mosses and Stika spruces, the park’s most noticeable features are the Hoh and Quinault rainforests.

The vast park covers several different settings, including impressive mountain peaks to the rich forest depths. Highlights of the park include nature-filled hikes, hot springs, geysers, and the idyllic wildlife embodying nature’s beauty.

The Olympic National Park is popular with hikers, climbers, and backpackers exploring its awe-inspiring trails along the Pacific coastline.

Visiting the park during the spring months is perfect to see it in its full glory.  By late spring, the vegetation is fertile and vibrant, showing the park in its total abundance. Two full days would be well spent looking at the wonder it beholds.

National Parks in Montana

Glacier National Park

Submitted by Andy, Avrex Travel

Glacier National Park, located in the northwest corner of Montana, showcases the splendor of the Rocky Mountains. Explore clear glacier-fed lakes and splendid thick forests in the heart of the mountains.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the main attractions of the park. This 50-mile road crosses the entire width of the park. Spend an entire day driving the road through the park, enjoying the amazing mountain scenery.

With several days in Glacier National Park, hike some of the park’s many beautiful trails. One of the most popular hikes is Hidden Lake Trail with its impressive overlook of the lake and valley.

National Parks in South Dakota

Badlands National Park

Submitted by Shobha from Just Go Places

The Badlands National Park is an otherworldly landscape located east of Rapids City South Dakota.  The park is 244,000 acres of colorful geological formations. The Badlands is important to archeologists for its fossil formations.

There are lots of hiking trails in the Badlands. If you are feeling less active, there is a Badlands Loop Road that takes you through the park. Either way, you will enjoy the stunning views as well as wildlife encounters with bison and Bighorn sheep.

There are two visitor centres which you should stop by because they have lots of information including a Junior Ranger pack for kids.

National Parks in Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

Submitted by Erin Tracy, Traveling Thru History

Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in North America with a depth of 1,943 feet. The lake was created in what is now Southern Oregon when Mount Mazama erupted 7,700 years ago. The caldera slowly filled with rainwater and snowmelt to become the pristine lake it is today.

Along with exploring the lake on one of three private boat tours, visitors will enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, stargazing, and observing wild animals.

Due to snowy conditions, only the park’s West and South Entrances are open year round. The North Entrance Road, Rim Drive, and Pinnacles Road along with lodge, cabins, and campgrounds are only open mid-May through mid-October.

Note that dining options in the park are limited too. There is one cafe, two restaurants, and one small store with snacks near the lake. They are also only open mid-May through mid-October. The closest place to eat outside the park are in Union Creek, 25 miles away.

National Parks in Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park

Submitted by Sean Lau, Living Out Lau

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most underrated national parks on the west coast of the U.S. Often overshadowed by the neighboring Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton only receives a fractional amount of visitors as Yellowstone.

While there are many exciting things to do in Yellowstone, Grand Teton’s charm comes from its simple beauty. Visitors won’t find any geysers, mud pools, or hot springs. Instead, they will be blessed with nature’s simplest creations – the dramatic Teton Range, lush landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife.

The most popular thing to do in Grand Teton National Park is to admire the Grand Teton Mountains, and there are many viewpoints to do so. The easiest one to get to is Mormon Row, an area with two historic barns that sit in front of the Teton Range.

If you’re an avid hiker, there are plenty of pristine trails in the park. Since the park isn’t as popular as Yellowstone, these trails offer unspoiled nature and unparalleled serenity.

Yellowstone National Park

Submitted by Adriana Plotzerová, Czech the World

Yellowstone National Park is often considered to be the best national park in the west.  It’s located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho.  There is over 60% of all the world’s geysers and about 10,000 other geothermal features. It’s a true natural wonderland!

With an area of nearly 4000 square miles of wilderness, it is home to bears, coyotes, wolves, bison herds, and elk.

You’ll be amazed to see all these colourful hot springs, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and steam coming out of the earth. There are simply so many beautiful things to see in Yellowstone National Park, that you should plan a longer visit (minimum to see the best of Yellowstone are 2-3 days).

You shouldn’t miss the Grand Prismatic – 3rd largest hot spring in the world, the magnificent Old Faithful geyser eruption every 90 minutes, or the monumental Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

National Parks in California

Channel Islands National Park

Submitted by Tom, Travel Past 50

Channel Islands National Park is one of the real joys of the US National Park system because, even though it’s located off densely populated Southern California, it’s a bit difficult to get to. You can’t drive there. You have to take about a one-hour boat ride from Ventura. This makes it one of the most remote national parks in the west.

There are five Channel Islands, but it will take days and extensive preparation to adequately visit them all. There is no lodging on any of the islands. If you want a multi-day stay, you’ll be camping.

If you only have a day, it’s probably best to visit the largest island, Santa Cruz, where you can hike, kayak, snorkel, or scuba. Other than hiking, you’ll have to arrange the other activities in advance with one of the National Park Service approved vendors.

A several hour hike around Santa Cruz is rewarding.  Bald eagles, friendly ravens, and island foxes are among the wildlife you’ll encounter. Maybe best of all, there’s a very good chance you’ll see hundreds of playful dolphins swimming alongside your boat on the ride over.

Death Valley National Park

Submitted by Neha, Travelmelodies

Death Valley National Park is one the unique western national parks in the U.S that straddles between California and Nevada. It is easily reachable from Las Vegas by a 2-hour drive through Highway 190.

This western national park is the hottest place in the world and also the lowest and driest in the U.S. Even though the name sounds scary, Death Valley California has intriguing beauty and is known for the dry rocky formations and badlands.

Zabriskie Point is a popular attraction for the colourful rock formations that are beautiful especially at sunrise and sunset. Dante’s View peak is the highest peak in the park for the perfect panoramic bird’s eye view. The Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation point in the U.S. and are basically salt flat lands. Step out on the boardwalk and experience the vast expanse of white shimmery salt polygons.

Joshua Tree National Park

Submitted by Alanna Koritzke, Periodic Adventures

Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Southern California desert. The hallmark of the park are large Dr. Seussian Joshua Trees, which have thick curvy branches and spiky leaves in a ball at the end of each branch.

The best things to do in Joshua Tree include exploring the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, where you’ll see plenty of Joshua Trees and other desert plants and wildlife. Keys View has an epic view of the surrounding desert, the San Andreas Fault line, and even Mexico on a clear day! Don’t miss the Cholla Cactus Garden with its own unique cacti that are waist-high.

Kings Canyon National Park

Submitted by Kris, Nomad by Trade

Kings Canyon National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is home to a canyon with granite cliffs almost as spectacular as nearby Yosemite’s.

During warmer months, visitors can drive a long, winding road down into the canyon to be treated to spectacular views, roaring waterfalls, and plenty of chances to do some hiking. Try the Zumwalt Meadows trail deep in the gorge for a rocky, but not particularly strenuous hike.

Up in higher elevations, the park is home to numerous massive sequoia trees, including the second largest that we know about, called the General Grant Tree.

Pinnacles National Park

Submitted by Elaina Vieira, Mind Over Matter Travel

Pinnacles National Park is one of the most underrated, and newest national parks in the western U.S.  It’s one of the least visited California national parks.

Located to the East of the Salinas Valley, Pinnacles is just a day trip away from the bay area, Monterey area, or the central valley. You can enter the park through the west or east entrance. Choose which entrance based on which trails interest you, because the road between the west and east sides don’t connect.

The park’s geological formations set it apart from any other national parks in California. The various hiking trails consist of talus caves, rock climbing, rock scrambling, wildlife, and stunning views along the way.

If you’re looking for a moderate-level hike that checks all the boxes, take the 2.2 mile Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop. This hike will take you past several interesting rock formations, Bear Gulch Reservoir, and a scenic overlook.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Submitted by Patricia Pagenel, Ze Wandering Frogs

Barely one-hour drive north of San Francisco is Point Reyes National Seashore. This west coast park is known for its rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean, with hiking trails along high cliffs and rock formations or passing over the infamous San Andreas Fault responsible for the deadly 1906 earthquake.

One of the most popular hikes is the Tomales Point Trail, a 10-mile round trip hike that passes through the Tule Elk Reserve that several hundreds of Tule Elks call home.

Spot Elephant Seals by Chimney Rock, admire Harbor Seals in Drakes Estero or watch for Gray whales from the Point Reyes Lighthouse during their migrations from January to May. Another way to explore the park is kayaking Tomales Bay or Drakes Estero.

Sequoia National Park

Submitted by Stéphanie, Bey Of Travel

Located in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada in California, Sequoia National Park is a must visit when traveling the West Coast. We were lucky enough to see a mama bear with her two little cubs while entering the park.

Visit the park during spring or summer to climb Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the “lower 48” states. Enter the park during winter season to enjoy a real winter wonder land!

The most famous attraction in Sequoia National Park and a must do while in the park, is General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume. He is between 2,300 and 2,700 years old and the star of the park!

Yosemite National Park

Submitted by Noel Morata, Visit California and Beyond

Yosemite is possibly the the most iconic national park on the west coast of the United States.  Located on eastern side of the state next to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is truly majestic and one of the best U.S. national parks to visit.

The canyon loop you can take via shuttles visits all the major attractions on the valley floor, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, Glacier Point, Vernal Falls, Tenaya lake and so many other impressive places to visit around the park.

The go-to location for sunset and a view of the entire valley is up at Glacier Point – – you can actually hike there or take a shuttle bus for the 45-minute drive to the top. The views are simply breathtaking and sunset up at Glacier Point on a clear day is magical.

The rest of the park is fun to explore with fantastic hikes to choose from or just take the shuttle bus to take you to the major monuments or easy walks and photo ops in front of the site.

National Parks in Utah

Arches National Park

Submitted by Daria, The Discovery Nut

One of five Utah’s national parks, Arches is a real treasure.

Located just outside of Moab, Arches National Park attracts travelers from all over the world year-round because of its otherworldly landscape and countless recreational opportunities. The park is a home to the largest collection of natural arches in the world that were carved out by wind, rain and snow over millions of years.  This surely makes it one of the most photographed national parks in the west.

Since Moab is located hours away from major airports, you will have to fly either into Denver or Salt Lake City and take a highway drive from there.

Most people know Moab as a home to the world-famous Delicate Arch, an iconic feature whose image graces the license plates of many Utah cars and welcome signs along the state’s highways. However, there’s a lot more to this national park than the Delicate Arch.

Other prominent features of the western park include Balanced Rock, Devil Garden’s Trail, Fiery Furnace and the Windows Loop. Many of the trails and overlooks are located off Arches Scenic Drive, the main road that snakes through the park, however, there are two side roads, the Window Road and Delicate Arch Road that also lead to amazing overlooks.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Submitted by Jenessa Van Woerkom, Destination Daydreamer

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is one of Utah’s ‘Big 5’ National Parks and home to the largest collection of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) in the entire world.

This gorgeous park consists of scenic vistas overlooking huge, gorgeous valleys. Take the trails winding among these red rock hoodoos for a different and unique view.

Sunset Point is the most popular viewpoint in the park with perfect views of Bryce Canyon’s tallest hoodoo, Thor’s Hammer. From here you can hike down among the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop Trail or walk along the paved Rim Trail which is stroller/wheelchair friendly even in severe weather! Other popular viewpoints are Inspiration Point and Paria Viewpoint.

The most unique (and arguably the most beautiful time) to visit Bryce Canyon is in winter right after a snow storm. The red rock covered in snow is a breathtaking view you will never forget.

Canyonlands National Park

Submitted by Julia Williams, The Cure for Curiosity

Located just outside of Moab, Utah is Canyonlands National Park. It’s unique in that it offers four different districts to explore, each with their own vibe: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Colorado River and its tributaries.

As the four districts can be hours apart by road, determining the best way to see Canyonlands National Park is a bit complex. If you’re big into hiking, you can easily spend a week or more exploring the four districts.  If you’re more of a roadside explorer, you’ll need just two days to discover the highlights. These include catching sunrise at the famous Mesa Arch and taking in the expansive canyon views at Island in the Sky and hiking to Druid Arch or Chesler Park in The Needles.

Zion National Park

Submitted by Ale Leon, Sea, Salt & Fog

Located in southern Utah, Zion National Park is a land of red rock canyons, stunning vistas, and some of the best hikes in the United States.

You’ll want to spend at least two days in Zion. While you’re here, the best way to experience the park is on foot. The best views come from various hiking trails. The Narrows, for example, has you hiking through the river, with canyon walls towering over a thousand feet above you.

At Angels Landing, an exposed, adrenaline pumping hike rewards you with incredible views. Easier hikes in the park are no less rewarding. The Canyon Overlook trail is a short, one-mile hike with picturesque views of the park.

Often overlooked, the Pa’rus trail is an easy, 3-mile hike that’ll take you alongside meadows with yellow flowers. This is a great spot to watch the sunset.

National Parks in Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Submitted by Tanya Raedeke, Colorado Hikes and Hops

The Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado boasts the tallest sand dune in North America and is known for its legendary sand sledding and sand boarding. Sand dunes, grasslands, and alpine tundra make this diverse park super fun to explore.

After you’ve conquered the sand dunes to your heart’s content, an easy-going float down Medano Creek in late spring and hiking to the sweetest little box canyon to see Zapata Falls are top treats.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of four Colorado national parks and is found in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Home to a few Colorado Fourteeners, this breathtaking area offers hiking options, 4X4 trails and great campsites too.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Submitted by Alice, Adventures of Alice

The incredibly beautiful wilderness of the Rocky Mountain National Park stretches 3000 miles across the western U.S., through Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana and New Mexico.

Throughout the 5 US States, the landscapes change frequently, from the sparse environment of the Tundra trail, through the dense woodland surrounding Alberta Falls. It also contains some of the best alpine scenery in the world — gorgeous lakes, waterfalls and treetop panoramas that will leave you breathless.

There aren’t any official hotels, holiday homes or, in fact, any lodgings at all within the park, except for camping. If you do decide to camp, then be sure to check the park’s website before you set off and get any permits or supplies that you might need well in advance.

There is a selection of wonderful things to do within the Rocky Mountain National Park that is suitable for all types of travelers. The park is home to the United States’ highest continental highway. Located 12,000 feet above sea level, the road is a masterpiece and the views from the trail are phenomenal.

You can also find the highest visitor centre within the park – the Alpine Centre isn’t open all year round because of its location, however, if you’re visiting within peak season, it’s definitely worth a visit.

National Parks in Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

Submitted by James, Travel Collecting

Grand Canyon National Park is in Arizona, about a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. It is the largest and most spectacular canyon in the United States and is an absolute must-see!  Some even say it’s the best national park in the United States.

You can visit the north rim or the south rim, but the south rim is easier to access and has more facilities.

There are multiple viewpoints along the rim. Sunrise and sunsets are especially beautiful. You can also hike down into the canyon. The most popular trail is the Bright Angel Trail. In a day, you can make it half way down to Indian Garden.

To reach the Colorado River, you will need to overnight at Phantom Ranch (or camp) at the bottom of the canyon. You can also take a multi-day river rafting trip down the Colorado River if you love adventure! Mule rides are also available – either through the woods to a less-visited viewpoint or down into the canyon.

Petrified Forest National Park

Submitted by Andi Fisher, Misadventures with Andi

Petrified Forest National Park is a wonderful under the radar national park about 2 hours from Flagstaff and 3.5 hours from Phoenix. It’s full of petrified fossils, painted desert and badland landscapes, and a bit of Route 66.

There are several hiking trails that allow you to see a variety of geological phenomena – the Sonoran desert landscapes will blow you away. If you have the time, I highly recommend the back-country guided hikes to see parts of the park the general public doesn’t normally see!

The best time of the year to visit is when it is cooler: late autumn, winter (best of the best), and early spring.

National Parks in New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Submitted by Lina, BucketListPlaces.com

One of the best things to do in New Mexico is to pay a visit to Carslbad Caverns National Park. Located in the southwestern tip of New Mexico, it is one of the more difficult parks to get to. Once there, the 5 hour drive from Albuquerque will be worth it.

For those who love caves, this national park is considered to the best place for you to visit. “The Big Room” drops over 4,000 feet and is the seventh largest chamber in the world.

Aside from caves, this western U.S. national park is also home to beautiful scenery, incredible hiking opportunities, tons of fauna and flora and jaw-dropping canyons.

National Parks in Texas

Big Bend National Park

Submitted by Kate Storm, Lone Star Travel Guide

Located on the southern edge of West Texas, overlooking Mexico, lies the wild and gorgeous Big Bend National Park.

Packing everything from mountainous hikes to desert treks to hiking trails overlooking the Rio Grande River and even natural hot springs into one sprawling, gigantic park, Big Bend National Park is an incredibly impressive destination.

Some of the most popular hikes in Big Bend include the Lost Mine Trail (leading to a mountain overlook), the Balanced Rock Trail (leading to a quirky “window” of rocks in the desert), the Santa Elena Canyon Trail (which follows the Rio Grande) and the Hot Springs Trail (which, unsurprisingly, leads to natural hot springs that you can soak in).

The park also houses one of the most unique activities you can find in a US national park: walking (or riding a donkey) into Mexico for lunch and a drink on the other side of the border.

With immense driving distances between parts of the park (some of the popular hikes listed above are more than an hour apart by car!), we recommend spending at least 3 days in Big Bend National Park to make the most of your time.

National Parks in Hawaii

Haleakala National Park

Submitted by Jess, I’m Jess Traveling

Haleakala National Park can be found on the tropical island of Maui. There are several ways that you can explore this diverse national park.

The first way is by driving up Haleakala to the summit of the crater.  A popular way to experience the crater is by watching the sunrise over the volcanic floor. An experience that is out of this world and requires reservations in advance.

Another way to explore Haleakala National Park is via the Kipahulu District on East Maui.  Inside this entrance is one of Maui’s best and most popular hikes, the Pipiwai Trail. This trail offers views of several waterfalls and, takes you through a dreamy bamboo forest.  Then it finally ends at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

Map of National Parks on the West Coast U.S.

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