![\"grand](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Grand-Canyon-NP-2.jpg\")
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The United States is home to 63 of the most astounding national parks you will ever experience anywhere in the world, with the highest concentration being in the western states.<\/p>\n
They are all incredibly diverse and beautiful, so below is a list of my top 5 national parks in the Western US!<\/p>\n
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In southeastern Utah lies one of the most impressive national parks – Arches National Park<\/a>. With over 2,000 documented arches, it has the highest concentration of natural sand arches anywhere in the world!<\/p>\n The park covers over 70,000 acres of some of the most impressive sandstone formations you\u2019ve ever seen. In addition to its arches, you will find balanced rocks, fins, hoodoos, and towering pinnacles.<\/p>\n Although there are endless possibilities for hiking within the park, the most popular hikes almost always lead to some of the park’s most impressive arches. Below is a shortlist of some of the top choices.<\/p>\n Located just east of the main road near the Windows Area of Arches are the incredible petrified dunes. Many years ago, the area was covered by sand dunes created by drifting winds picking up dust and debris.<\/p>\n With time, sediment began to build over the dunes, compressing them down where the pressure turned them to rock. As erosion took its course, the dunes once again became exposed in a hardened, petrified state which is truly unique and awe-inspiring.<\/p>\n The Windows Area of the park is an area that is extremely easy to hike in and offers the highest concentration of arches in the park.<\/p>\n Here you can see the incredible Balanced Rock standing 128 feet tall, Double Arch where two giant arches share a common foundation, and Turret Arch where you can catch a beautiful sunrise.<\/p>\n Even if you don\u2019t have a lot of time to explore Arches or you don\u2019t feel like getting out to hike, you can see a great deal of the park by simply following the scenic drive throughout it.<\/p>\n Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time for stops along the way at its various viewpoints for incredible photo opportunities.<\/p>\n Visit Arches during the spring or fall to avoid the scorching heat of summer and the freezing cold temps of the winter. Just know that the park does get crowded during these peak seasons so plan to arrive early.<\/p>\n Death Valley National Park<\/a> is an incredibly unique place to visit which I feel has more diversity than any other national park in the country.<\/p>\n Many people do not add it to their must-see lists of parks and with a name that includes the word \u201cdeath,\u201d how can you blame them?<\/p>\n But despite ominous spots like Furnace Creek, Badwater, Devil\u2019s Playground, and Coffin Canyon, the park is astonishingly beautiful.<\/p>\n Bad Water Basin is the lowest point in all of North America laying 282 feet below sea level and provides a truly surreal experience.<\/p>\n The area got its name from the natural pool of undrinkable water that comes from a nearby spring which is in part due to the massive accumulation of salt build up in the basin for the area used to be an ancient lake that evaporated tens of thousands of years ago.<\/p>\n Must-see sites near Bad Water Basin include the salt polygons, Devil\u2019s Golf Course<\/a>, Artist\u2019s Drive, and Artist\u2019s Palette (a geological rainbow so to speak).<\/p>\n The Mesquite Sand Dunes are some of the most picturesque dunes you will ever find. Reaching heights of over 100 feet, the dunes are known for the incredible shadows thrown across their edges during certain times of day and their beautiful rippled faces.<\/p>\n How far you wander is up to you, just remember that for every 2 steps forward hiking in dunes, you may find yourself falling one step back.<\/p>\n Zabriskie Point is probably the most famous viewpoint in the park overlooking the incredibly vast badlands and the surrounding Black Mountains.<\/p>\n It is an incredible spot to catch the sunrise and a great place to begin a hike with trails leading through the incredible landscape and connecting to trails that go to Gower Gulch, Golden Canyon, and Red Cathedral.<\/p>\n If you plan on visiting the dunes in the summer, be prepared for scorching desert heat.<\/p>\n Death Valley<\/a> is well known for being one of the hottest places on earth where temperatures have reached 134\u00b0 F. It is not uncommon for summer temperatures to top 120\u00b0 F.<\/p>\n Bring plenty of water and tell me all about your trip when you get home for you will not be finding me there that time of year.<\/p>\n A great time to visit is in spring or fall. If you are lucky enough to visit in the spring after a rare rainfall, you may even get to witness the extremely rare wildflower super bloom that Death Valley is so famous for.<\/p>\n Located in northwestern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park<\/a> is by far one of the most impressive parks in the country.<\/p>\n It is a mile deep, 277 miles long, and 18 miles wide. In fact, it is so massive that it can, in and of itself, influence the weather.<\/p>\n It is divided into four different sections – the South Rim, Grand Canyon East, Grand Canyon West, and the North Rim. Although all areas are absolutely stunning, South Rim<\/a> is by far the most popular with tourists.<\/p>\n This incredible canyon was created through geological activity and quite literally carved out by the Colorado River eroding the landscape away over millions of years.<\/p>\n Although the Colorado River flows through 7 states, it is here that it has left its most incredible mark on the geology of the region.<\/p>\n Grand Canyon<\/a> includes nearly 40 major exposed layers of sedimentary rock and is one of the most studied geological sites on the planet.<\/p>\n Extensive fossils have been found here and there are a multitude of geological features that exist within the park. It is absolutely mind-boggling.<\/p>\n The South Rim<\/a> offers some of the most incredible sweeping views of anywhere in the Grand Canyon.<\/p>\n The South Rim trail stretches over 13 miles long and follows the rim around the canyon. There are shuttle buses that run along the trail with 14 stops spread out along it.<\/p>\n The shuttle is wheelchair accessible as are many of the incredible vantage points. The trail offers some of the best photo opportunities in the park.<\/p>\n There is also a Visitor Center and Museum<\/a> located at the start of the trail that are fun to explore.<\/p>\n Maher Point is a must-see stop along the south rim trail and the most popular of its viewpoints for a reason. From here, you can experience a truly jaw-dropping view out over the canyon and it\u2019s only a short walk from the Visitor Center.<\/p>\n Located not far from the South Rim Visitor Center is Yavapai Point<\/a> and Observation Station.<\/p>\n The front room of the station has a 3-dimensional tactile topographical model of the canyon that mimics its true color and is worth seeing as it gives you an aerial view of where you are. There are also a bookstore and museum shop.<\/p>\n From Yavapai Point, you can see the Colorado River down below and imagine how it has spent centuries carving out the canyon laid out before you.<\/p>\n From this viewpoint, you have an unobstructed view up and down the gorge that is unlike any other.<\/p>\n The Skywalk is managed by the Hualapai Tribe and located on tribal land. It extends out over the cliffs in a horseshoe shape with glass floors that allow you to walk out over 70 feet from the canyon rim as if floating in the air.<\/p>\n It is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist spots in all of Grand Canyon.<\/p>\n Do not expect to see more than one section of the park in a single day. The driving distance between the North and South rims is over 200 miles.<\/p>\n If you are planning on visiting in winter, check current road conditions and know that North Rim is closed much of the season.<\/p>\n Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet lies Joshua Tree National Park<\/a>, a high desert region in southern California.<\/p>\n Joshua Tree<\/a> features giant boulders, unique rock formations, and hundreds of twisted, gnarly Joshua trees that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book and from which the park got its name. It is a great place for hiking and rock climbing.<\/p>\n Barker Dam is one of the few places within the park where you can find an abundant water source, although it is sometimes dry.<\/p>\n The Barker Dam Trail<\/a> is an easy hike just over a mile long that takes you through a rocky desert landscape past the historic Barker Dam constructed in the early 1900s for cattle.<\/p>\n It is a gathering spot for desert wildlife, and you may get lucky enough to spot a bighorn sheep nearby.<\/p>\n Keys View is the tallest vantage point in the park perched atop the Little San Bernardino Mountains. It provides a beautiful panoramic view of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n The San Andreas fault, which spans 700 miles from the Gulf of California to the north of San Francisco, can be seen down below.<\/p>\n On an extremely clear day, you might even catch a far-off glimpse of Signal Mountain in Mexico.<\/p>\n Chollas are shrub-like cacti that can reach heights of 9 feet and are known for their barbed, sharp spines that tenaciously like to attach to anything they come in contact with.<\/p>\n The Cholla Cactus Garden<\/a> in Joshua Tree is nearly 10 acres of landscape just littered with teddy bear chollas. Don\u2019t let the name fool you, these teddy bear chollas are anything but soft and cuddly.<\/p>\n Joshua Tree is just littered with massive rock piles – a true wonderland of colossal boulders. It really is a haven for climbers, boulderers, and hikers not to mention kids (young and old) who just want to run around on the giant rocks and play.<\/p>\n It is truly a world-class climbing destination.<\/p>\n If you are not an avid rock climber, you will still enjoy hiking along the rocks and scrambling up them. The rocks are unique in that your feet almost grip them as you try to climb so they are incredibly easy to get up.<\/p>\n Plan a night hike on a full moon and you will be amazed at how far you can see. The moonlight almost reflects off the rocks creating a unique experience where you won\u2019t even need to use your headlamps.<\/p>\n Joshua Tree is also great for photographing night skies during a new moon!<\/p>\n Yosemite National Park<\/a> in California\u2019s Sierra Nevada is one of the most majestic of the national parks.<\/p>\n Known for its granite cliffs and waterfalls, it provides some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Covering over 1,200 square miles, the park offers endless hiking and things to do.<\/p>\n Probably the most photographed spot in the park is Half Dome, an awe-inspiring granite dome. One of the most beautiful spots to see the iconic dome from is Mirror Lake or Washburn Point Overlook.<\/p>\n El Capitan towers over 3,500 feet above the valley floor and is one of the most impressive granite monoliths that exist.<\/p>\n Loved by daredevil rock climbers, El Capitan is quite a sight to see and a perfect spot for avid adventurers.<\/p>\n Wawona Tunnel View is probably the most spectacular viewpoint in the entire park which was made famous by the work of photographer Ansel Adams.<\/p>\n From here you have a picture-perfect valley view that includes the big three – El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all at once. This is truly a must-see stop for everyone.<\/p>\n Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America at over 2,400 feet. It consists of upper, lower, and middle falls.<\/p>\n The trail to the falls is one of Yosemite\u2019s oldest historic trails built in the 1800s. You can take a leisurely, easy stroll to lower fall or hike the challenging trail all the way to the top.<\/p>\n Regardless of how far you make it, it is truly incredible. To see it at its peak flow, visit in Spring as the snow melts.<\/p>\n Take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to most of your destinations and avoid driving when you can. The shuttle provides convenient access to many of the best spots and typically runs year-round from 7 am to 10 pm.<\/p>\n If you are planning on visiting more than one national park on your visit, you should definitely consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass<\/a> for $80 annually.<\/p>\n The pass allows you to explore over 2,000 different public lands for free including national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other incredible locations.<\/p>\n When visiting our national parks, remember to leave no trace and leave it better than you found it.<\/p>\n What this means is pack out all trash or dispose of it only in designated places, do not disturb the wildlife or the natural landscape, and do not bathe or wash dishes in our natural lakes, streams, and rivers.<\/p>\n Do not do anything that would disrupt the enjoyment of our parks for future generations to come. Our national lands belong to all of us and must be protected.<\/p>\n We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit one of the National Parks in the Western US. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our<\/i><\/b> Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nEntrance Fees<\/h3>\n
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![\"Arches](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Arches-before-Windows-area.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThings To Do<\/h3>\n
Hike to the Arches<\/h4>\n
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Petrified Dunes<\/h4>\n
Explore The Windows Area<\/h4>\n
![\"Arches](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D-Arches-NP-arch-through-arch.jpg\")
<\/p>\nScenic Drive<\/h4>\n
Tips & Hints<\/h3>\n
![\"view](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Arches-National-Park-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDeath Valley National Park (California)<\/h2>\n
Entrance Fees<\/h3>\n
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![\"Death](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Death-Valley-Sunset-at-Dunes.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThings To Do<\/h3>\n
Bad Water Basin Area<\/h4>\n
Mesquite Sand Dunes<\/h4>\n
![\"Death](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Death-Valley-Kilns.jpg\")
<\/p>\nZabriskie Point<\/h4>\n
Tips & Hints<\/h3>\n
![\"road](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Death-Valley-National-Park.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGrand Canyon (Arizona)<\/h2>\n
Entrance Fees<\/h3>\n
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![\"Grand](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Grand-Canyon-near-Yavapai.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThings To Do<\/h3>\n
South Rim Trail & Viewpoints (South Rim)<\/h4>\n
Maher Point (South Rim)<\/h4>\n
Yavapai Observation Station (South Rim)<\/h4>\n
The Skywalk (Grand Canyon West)<\/h4>\n
Tips & Hints<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nJoshua Tree National Park (California)<\/h2>\n
Entrance Fees<\/h3>\n
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![\"Joshua](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Joshua-Tree-Jen-Sunrise.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThings To Do<\/h3>\n
Barker Dam<\/h4>\n
Keys View<\/h4>\n
Cholla Cactus Garden<\/h4>\n
![\"Jen](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Joshua-Tree-Jen.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBouldering & Rock Climbing<\/h4>\n
Tips & Hints<\/h3>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-Joshua-Tree-National-Park.jpg\")
<\/p>\nYosemite National Park (California)<\/h2>\n
Entrance Fees<\/h3>\n
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![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Yosemite-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThings To Do<\/h3>\n
Half Dome<\/h4>\n
El Capitan<\/h4>\n
Wawona Tunnel View<\/h4>\n
![\"lake](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Yosemite-National-Park.jpg\")
<\/p>\nYosemite Falls<\/h4>\n
Tips & Hints<\/h3>\n
![\"Yosemite](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rogers-Jennifer-D.-Yosemite-3.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAnnual National Park Pass<\/h2>\n
Leave No Trace<\/h2>\n
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