US National Parks Map

Prepared for educational and reference requirements, the US National Parks Map offers an easy-to-understand view of geographic boundaries and locations, helpful for educational analysis and regional planning purposes. This US National Parks Map may be downloaded for offline reference by selecting Download Now below.

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About US National Parks Map

The above US national park map shows all the national parks or protected areas in the United States. Each national park is marked with a green-colored tree symbol, as this indicates protected green areas for plants and animals, etc. US states Alaska and Hawaii are shown in an inset, and national parks for these two states are also marked within these state’s boundaries. All 50 states with boundaries are also shown in the US map, which helps in finding which national park falls under which state(s).

List of National Parks in the United States

S.N.	Name	Area in km2	Area in Acers	Established as a National Park in
1	Wrangell-St. Elias	33,682.60	8,323,146.48	December 2, 1980
2	Gates of the Arctic	30,448.10	7,523,897.45	December 2, 1980
3	Denali	19,185.80	4,740,911.16	February 26, 1917
4	Katmai	14,870.30	3,674,529.33	December 2, 1980
5	Death Valley	13,793.30	3,408,395.63	October 31, 1994
6	Glacier Bay	13,044.60	3,223,383.43	December 2, 1980
7	Lake Clark	10,602.00	2,619,816.49	December 2, 1980
8	Yellowstone	8,983.20	2,219,790.71	March 1, 1872
9	Kobuk Valley	7,084.90	1,750,716.16	December 2, 1980
10	Everglades	6,106.50	1,508,938.57	May 30, 1934
11	Grand Canyon	4,862.90	1,201,647.03	February 26, 1919
12	Glacier	4,100.00	1,013,126.39	May 11, 1910
13	Olympic	3,733.80	922,649.41	June 29, 1938
14	Big Bend	3,242.20	801,163.21	June 12, 1944
15	Joshua Tree	3,217.90	795,155.85	October 31, 1994
16	Yosemite	3,082.70	761,747.50	October 1, 1890
17	Kenai Fjords	2,710.00	669,650.05	December 2, 1980
18	Isle Royale	2,314.00	571,790.30	April 3, 1940
19	Great Smoky Mountains	2,114.20	522,426.88	June 15, 1934
20	North Cascades	2,042.80	504,780.94	October 2, 1968
21	Kings Canyon	1,869.20	461,901.20	March 4, 1940
22	Sequoia	1,635.20	404,062.63	September 25, 1890
23	Hawaiʻi Volcanoes	1,395.40	344,812.18	August 1, 1916
24	Canyonlands	1,366.20	337,597.83	September 12, 1964
25	Grand Teton	1,254.70	310,044.36	February 26, 1929
26	Rocky Mountain	1,075.80	265,847.74	January 26, 1915
27	Channel Islands	1,009.90	249,561.00	March 5, 1980
28	Badlands	982.40	242,755.94	November 10, 1978
29	Capitol Reef	979.00	241,904.50	December 18, 1971
30	Mount Rainier	956.60	236,381.64	March 2, 1899
31	Petrified Forest	895.90	221,390.21	December 9, 1962
32	Voyageurs	883.10	218,222.35	April 8, 1975
33	Shenandoah	811.20	200,445.92	December 26, 1935
34	Crater Lake	741.50	183,224.05	May 22, 1902
35	Biscayne	700.00	172,971.11	June 28, 1980
36	Zion	595.90	147,242.66	November 19, 1919
37	White Sands	592.20	146,344.31	December 20, 2019
38	Redwood	562.50	138,999.37	October 2, 1968
39	Great Sand Dunes	434.40	107,345.73	September 24, 2004
40	Lassen Volcanic	431.40	106,589.02	August 9, 1916
41	Saguaro	375.90	92,876.75	October 14, 1994
42	Guadalupe Mountains	349.50	86,367.10	September 30, 1972
43	Great Basin	312.30	77,180.00	October 27, 1986
44	Arches	310.30	76,678.98	November 12, 1971
45	Mammoth Cave	293.30	72,472.87	July 1, 1941
46	Theodore Roosevelt	285.10	70,446.89	November 10, 1978
47	Dry Tortugas	261.80	64,701.22	October 26, 1992
48	Mesa Verde	212.40	52,485.17	June 29, 1906
49	Acadia	198.60	49,071.40	February 26, 1919
50	Carlsbad Caverns	189.30	46,766.45	May 14, 1930
51	Bryce Canyon	145.00	35,835.08	February 25, 1928
52	Wind Cave	137.50	33,970.84	January 9, 1903
53	Haleakalā	135.50	33,488.98	July 1, 1961
54	Cuyahoga Valley	131.80	32,571.89	October 11, 2000
55	Black Canyon of the Gunnison	124.60	30,779.83	October 21, 1999
56	Congaree	108.00	26,692.60	November 10, 2003
57	Pinnacles	108.00	26,685.73	January 10, 2013
58	Indiana Dunes	62.10	15,349.08	February 15, 2019
59	Virgin Islands	60.90	15,052.33	August 2, 1956
60	American Samoa	33.40	8,256.67	October 31, 1988
61	New River Gorge	28.40	7,021.00	December 27, 2020
62	Hot Springs	22.50	5,554.15	March 4, 1921
63	Gateway Arch	0.80	192.83	February 22, 2018

US Major National Parks Shown on the Map

The US is lucky to have an amazing collection of national parks - over 60 of them. These parks are really special because they protect so many different kinds of landscapes, like huge mountains, deep canyons, deserts, forests, and coastlines. The National Park Service takes care of all these parks, making sure they stay beautiful and healthy for years to come. People love visiting these parks - hundreds of millions of them go every year. They're not just pretty to look at, though - they're also important for animals, history, and teaching people about nature. Plus, they help local communities and the whole country by bringing in money and creating jobs. Whether you like hiking, camping, or just learning about the world around you, US national parks are truly one of a kind.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a really big deal - it was the first national park in the world, set up back in 1872. Most of it is in Wyoming, but it also spreads into Montana and Idaho, covering a whopping 2.2 million acres. You might know it for its crazy geothermal stuff, like Old Faithful, which is a geyser that shoots up into the air. And then there's all the amazing animals that live there, like bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. What's really cool is that the park is sitting on top of a volcanic hotspot, which makes it one of the most geologically active places on the planet. This means there's always something new and interesting happening beneath the surface. With its unique mix of geology and wildlife, Yellowstone is an incredible place to explore and learn about the natural world. Whether you're interested in hot springs, geysers, or just seeing some amazing animals up close, Yellowstone has something for everyone.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon, a truly amazing sight, is one of the most famous natural wonders in the US. It's located in Arizona and was carved out by the Colorado River over a really long time - we're talking millions of years. The canyon is huge, stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. It became a national park back in 1919 and now lots of people visit every year to take in the stunning views, hike the trails, and learn about its interesting geology. With its breathtaking scenery and rich history, it's no wonder the Grand Canyon is a must-see destination for so many people. Whether you're interested in hiking, learning about the area's unique geological features, or just taking in the views, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California, is a really famous place known for its huge granite cliffs, massive waterfalls, and incredibly large sequoia trees. The park is enormous, covering almost 750,000 acres of land, and includes some very well-known landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome. Yosemite played a big role in the early days of conservation and was officially made a national park back in 1890. It's also been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, which is a pretty big deal. This park is not only beautiful, but it's also very important to our history and our environment.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a really special place, it's right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. This park is actually the most visited national park in the whole country. One of the things that makes it so amazing is the way the mountains are always covered in mist, it's like something out of a movie. And the best part is, it's home to a huge variety of plants and animals - we're talking over 19,000 different species that have been documented. The park is massive, covering over 500,000 acres of land. It was first established back in 1934, and today it's not only a national park, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a pretty big deal.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah is really something special. It's got these huge sandstone cliffs that tower above you, and narrow slot canyons that are a lot of fun to explore. The scenic drives are amazing too. The park has been around since 1919 and it's pretty big - about 146,000 acres. Some of the most famous spots include Zion Canyon, Angels Landing, and The Narrows. What makes Zion so unique is its desert landscape and the striking red rock formations. It's definitely one of the most beautiful parks in the country, with a look that's all its own. When you visit, you can't help but be impressed by the natural beauty of the place.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a really beautiful place with a lot of rugged mountains. The mountains are super tall, with some of them going from 7,500 feet all the way up to over 14,000 feet. This park has been around since 1915 and it's huge - we're talking more than 265,000 acres of land. You can find lots of cool things here like alpine lakes, big mountain peaks, and all sorts of wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep. One of the best things to do is drive on Trail Ridge Road, which is one of the highest paved roads in North America. The views from up there are just stunning and you can see for miles and miles. It's a great place to visit if you love nature and the outdoors.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park in Florida is a really special place - it's the biggest tropical wilderness in the United States. Back in 1947, the park was set up to protect this amazing area, which covers a whopping 1.5 million acres of wetlands, mangroves, and sawgrass marshes. You can find all sorts of rare and endangered species here, like the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee. The Everglades is also super important for managing water and keeping the ecosystem healthy in South Florida. It's a pretty cool place, and we need to make sure we take care of it. The park's unique landscape and diverse wildlife make it a vital part of the state's natural heritage, and its preservation is crucial for the well-being of both the environment and the people who live nearby.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, is a really special place because it's home to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, standing at 20,310 feet. The park is huge, covering about 6 million acres of land, and it's filled with wild, untouched areas, glaciers, and lots of animals like grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. Since it was established in 1917, Denali has remained one of the most remote and unspoiled national parks in the US, which is pretty amazing. You can still experience the wilderness in its natural state, and that's what makes it so unique and beautiful. With its vast open spaces and incredible wildlife, Denali is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Whether you're hiking, camping, or just taking in the stunning views, Denali National Park and Preserve is an unforgettable experience.

FAQs about National Parks of the United States

What is the most visited national park in the United States?

The most visited national park in the United States is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park welcomes millions of visitors every year due to its stunning mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, beautiful waterfalls, and extensive network of hiking trails. Another major reason for its popularity is that it does not charge an entrance fee, making it one of the most accessible national parks in the country.

Which is the largest national park in the United States?

The largest national park in the United States is Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Covering more than 13 million acres, it is larger than several U.S. states and contains vast wilderness areas, glaciers, mountains, rivers, and abundant wildlife. Its immense size and remote location make it a favorite destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

What is the best national park to visit for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors, the best national park often depends on personal interests, but many travelers recommend Yellowstone National Park because it offers a unique combination of geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Other popular choices include Grand Canyon National Park for its breathtaking canyon views and Yosemite National Park for its iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

How much does it cost to enter a U.S. national park?

Entrance fees for U.S. national parks vary depending on the park and the type of vehicle used. Most parks charge between $15 and $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass, while some smaller parks may have lower fees or no fee at all. Visitors who plan to explore multiple parks throughout the year can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass, which provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

What is the oldest national park in the United States?

The oldest national park in the United States is Yellowstone National Park, which was established in 1872. It is widely recognized as the world’s first national park and is famous for its geothermal features, including the Old Faithful geyser. Yellowstone’s creation inspired many countries around the world to establish their own protected national parks.

When is the best time to visit U.S. national parks?

The best time to visit U.S. national parks depends on the destination and the experience visitors are seeking. Spring offers pleasant weather, blooming wildflowers, and flowing waterfalls, while summer provides full access to trails and park facilities. Autumn is popular for colorful foliage and smaller crowds, and winter attracts visitors interested in snow-covered landscapes and seasonal activities in parks such as Rocky Mountain National Park and Yosemite National Park. Choosing the right season can greatly enhance the overall park experience.