OutsideAug 26, 2026
The Best National Park for Every Travel Personality
Whether you’re an introvert who hates crowds, or an adrenaline junky looking for a rush, our national parks columnist has the perfect park for you.
16 things in this story
- Cliff PalaceSightLargest cliff dwelling in North America with 150 rooms.
- Elsewhere
- Jenny Lake LodgeHotelGrand Teton National Park, United StatesFour-Diamond resort on historic ranch near Jenny Lake.
- Denali National ParkHotelDenali, United StatesBoasts five massive mammal species, including grizzly bears.
- Kobuk Valley National ParkSightKobuk Valley, United StatesLeast visited park; access by propeller plane, no facilities.
- Isle Royale National ParkSightIsle Royale, United StatesLeast visited in lower 48; access by boat or seaplane.
- Canyonlands National ParkSightCanyonlands, United StatesProtecting canyons, slickrock, and spires; offers overlanding routes.
- White Rim RoadTrailCanyonlands, United StatesClassic 100-mile route in Island in the Sky district.
- Trail Ridge RoadTrailRocky Mountain National Park, United StatesOne of the highest paved roads, peaks at 12,183 feet.
- Gore Range OverlookSightRocky Mountain National Park, United StatesOverlook near the crest of Trail Ridge Road.
- Arrowhead Trail systemTrailFayetteville, United States13-mile mountain biking trail system.
- New River Gorge BridgeSightNew River Gorge National Park, United StatesSecond tallest arch bridge in the world; site of Bridge Day.
- Bridge DayFestivalNew River Gorge National Park, United StatesThe event, held on the third Saturday…
- The Farmer's RailRestaurantCuyahoga Falls, United StatesFarm-to-table restaurant and butcher shop in Cuyahoga Falls.
- Delicate ArchSightArches, United StatesThe arch is the most widely recognized landmark in Arches National Park and is depicted on Utah license plates and a…
- Balanced RockSightArches, United StatesBalanced Rock is located next to the park's main road, at about 9.2 miles (14.8 km) from the park entrance.
- Park AvenueSightArches, United StatesMassive towers in Arches National Park, walk through in under two miles.
