The 5 States With the Most National Parks

With 63 national parks scattered across the United States, some states stand out as veritable treasure troves of natural beauty. These landscapes aren't just postcard-perfect—they're protected for their geological wonders, rare ecosystems, and cultural significance. But which states boast the most of these cherished natural spaces? And what sets their parks apart from the rest?

Explore the five US states with the most national parks. Each of these states offers a distinct flavor of America’s wilderness—from snow-capped mountains and volcanic islands to desert canyons and towering forests. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a weekend explorer, these states promise once-in-a-lifetime adventures within their park boundaries.

California – 9 National Parks

California leads the country with nine national parks, more than any other state, and each one offers something dramatically different. Together, they showcase the full range of the state’s geography: deserts, forests, coasts, islands, and mountains.

• Yosemite National Park: A bucket-list destination for climbers, photographers, and families, known for Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: These adjoining parks offer jaw-dropping alpine scenery and house the largest trees on Earth.

• Death Valley National Park: The hottest and driest park in the US, it boasts surreal landscapes from salt flats to sand dunes.

• Joshua Tree National Park: Famous for its namesake trees and otherworldly rock formations.

• Channel Islands National Park: Often overlooked due to its remote location, but ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and spotting unique island wildlife.

California's parks span both the Sierra Nevada and the Mojave Desert, offering unparalleled ecological and recreational variety. They're among the most visited in the US, drawing millions annually.

Alaska – 8 National Parks

Alaska may be remote, but it's second only to California in national park count—and first when it comes to sheer scale and remoteness. Alaska’s eight national parks are among the wildest and most pristine in the country.

• Denali National Park: Home to Denali, North America’s tallest peak, and vast tundra landscapes filled with wildlife.

• Gates of the Arctic National Park: No roads, no trails—just untouched Arctic wilderness.

• Glacier Bay National Park: Known for tidewater glaciers and rich marine life, often explored via cruise ship or kayak.

• Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: The largest US national park, larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined.

Visitors to Alaska’s parks come for the chance to experience true wilderness. Access often requires small planes or boats, but those who make the journey are rewarded with solitude and staggering natural beauty.

Utah – 5 National Parks

Nicknamed the "Mighty 5," Utah’s five national parks are a study in red rock grandeur. Together, they attract millions each year, offering some of the best desert hiking and photography in the country.

• Zion National Park: Known for narrow slot canyons and the dramatic hike up Angel’s Landing.

• Bryce Canyon National Park: Home to the largest concentration of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock—in the world.

• Arches National Park: Features over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch.

• Canyonlands National Park: A rugged, lesser-visited park with labyrinthine canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.

• Capitol Reef National Park: Offers dramatic rock layers and hidden fruit orchards from early Mormon settlers.

What makes Utah unique is how accessible these parks are from one another. Road trippers can visit all five in a single week—making it a dream route for outdoor lovers.

Colorado – 4 National Parks

Colorado’s four national parks showcase its alpine soul and geological diversity. From high-altitude meadows to canyon walls and ancient dwellings, the state offers a varied menu of natural and cultural exploration.

• Rocky Mountain National Park: The crown jewel of the Rockies, with sweeping views, abundant wildlife, and Trail Ridge Road—the highest paved road in the US.

• Great Sand Dunes National Park: An unexpected marvel of towering dunes backed by snow-capped peaks.

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: A steep, dark canyon that's a favorite for hardcore climbers and solitude seekers.

• Mesa Verde National Park: A window into Ancestral Puebloan life with remarkably preserved cliff dwellings.

Colorado balances outdoor adventure with archaeological depth, making it an ideal destination for those who want to blend natural exploration with cultural insight.

Washington – 3 National Parks

With its lush rainforests, glaciated peaks, and rugged coastlines, Washington state offers one of the most diverse national park collections in the country—despite having just three parks.

• Olympic National Park: Contains three ecosystems: temperate rainforest, alpine mountains, and coastal wilderness.

• Mount Rainier National Park: Dominated by its namesake volcano, it's a haven for hikers and wildflower chasers.

• North Cascades National Park: Often overlooked, but stunningly beautiful with jagged peaks and over 300 glaciers.

Washington’s parks appeal to adventurers and nature photographers looking for dramatic scenery with fewer crowds than California or Utah. The state’s climate diversity also means you can experience snow, forest, and surf—all in a single trip.

Why These States Are America's Outdoor Crown Jewels

These five states don’t just lead in quantity—they shine in quality. They offer unmatched diversity, from the glacial wilderness of Alaska to the sun-scorched valleys of California and the sandstone arches of Utah. Visiting them offers more than just views; it's an invitation to witness the best of America’s wild heart.

Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or mapping out years of exploration, these national park-rich states provide endless opportunities to experience the natural grandeur that defines the US.

Each visit is more than a journey—it’s a story waiting to unfold in the mountains, deserts, rivers, and forests that only a national park can offer.