These National Park Views Will Make Your Jaw Drop
America’s National Parks are full of awe and beauty. But some are just simply better than the rest. Inside are the National Park views that will make your jaw drop and have you looking at booking a trip ASAP.
Grinnell Glacier Hike
Where is it: Glacier National Park, Montana
Why I like it: I’ve been here twice. The first was in 2017, and the most recent was in 2023. The view has been living rent-free in my head since I first saw it, and I couldn’t wait to return. It’s one of my favorite Glacier National Park hikes and really isn’t that difficult – though it is long.
Taft Point
Where is it: Yosemite National Park, California
Why I like it: A mile-ish walk from the trailhead to the Yosemite Valley presents you with this wild viewpoint. With Taft Point – the ledge on the left – it’s an awesome place to get some scale and maybe a phenomenal sunset.
Burroughs Mountain
Where is it: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Why I like it: This is one of my favorite hikes in Mt. Rainier, and hilariously, the best views are not looking at the mountain. This shot, on my 600mm lens, is looking north at Fremont Lookout and Glacier Peak. The endless layers dazzle.
Overall, this is a moderate to hard hike (to reach Second Burroughs) and is about 8 miles round trip.
Yavapai Point
Where is it: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Why I like it: Don’t want to or have the time to hike far? That’s okay! Yavapai Point is a short walk from the village and offers stunning views of the entire canyon. It’s one of the park’s listed ‘sunset destinations’ so it’s not a secret and you won’t be alone. Still, it’s gorgeous, and you’ll want to stick around.
Haleakala Summit
Where is it: Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii
Why I like it: How often do you get to see inside of a volcano? Not often! This was my first time, and the views inside took my breath away! All the ridges, craters, and low-hanging clouds were stunning. Plus, being so high above the ocean was gnarly.
Potato Harbor
Where is it: Channel Islands National Park, California
Why I like it: Potato Harbor is the spot to watch sunset if you camp overnight on the Channel Islands. A moderate 5-mile round trip trail, you’ll experience the best of the island and see some gorgeous views.
Congress Trail
Where is it: Sequoia National Park, California
Why I like it: No matter how many times someone visits this place, the size of the Giant Sequoia trees still dazzle. There’s honestly nothing like walking up next to them, craning your neck, and trying to find the very top. They’re magnificent and one of the places I always recommend to people to visit.
Rae Lakes
Where is it: Kings Canyon National Park, California
Why I like it: This one requires a lot of effort. It’s either a 30-mile backpacking trip or a 40-miler, depending on where you start. But Rae Lakes offers some of the most pristine views in California without the crowds.
Morning Glory
Where is it: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Why I like it: While Grand Prismatic gets a lot of love (rightfully so), this one is less visited, and the colors are mesmerizing. I particularly love the blue and green in the interior.
Schwarbacher Landing
Where is it: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Why I like it: It’s a favorite of photographers as it requires no effort to reach. Simply drive up, and you have one of the most magnificent photography opportunities imaginable.
Denali National Park
Where is it: Denali National Park, Alaska.
Why I like it: This Denali flightseeing trip was one of the most unbelievably beautiful excursions I’ve ever done. We had a clear day and could see every jagged peak and, best, Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
