In the course of my time growing up in a 1991 Airstream Motorhome with a family of 7, we visited our fair share of national parks. I loved every second of it, but there were times when certain famous landmarks and parks were honestly too crowded to enjoy. This was before many national parks started implementing a reservation system, but even these days, I’ve found that visiting a popular national park during the crowded season isn’t my favorite thing to do. Think about it: The National Park Service reported 13 million visits to the Great Smoky Mountains alone in 2023.
During these busy seasons, the only course of action is to opt for lesser-known U.S. national parks. Poetically enough, it’s at these places that we created some of our best memories. Here are some little-known U.S. national parks that are just as cool (if not cooler) than their famous counterparts.
Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)
If you’re hankering for the lush hot springs, geysers, and volcanic landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, you’re not alone. Everyone else is going to head there right when the weather gets nice, so why not try something else for a change? The Lassen Volcanic National Park in California also has these geothermal features, but you can experience them in a quieter setting.
For a similar experience, go to Bumpass Hell, which is Lassen’s largest hydrothermal area. This place gives Norris Geyser Basin vibes with its bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hot springs.
Kings Canyon National Park (California)
Hands down, King Canyon National Park rivals anything you might find at Yosemite. With tall granite cliffs, waterfalls, and deep valleys, you’ll have a similar experience. Here, you can visit iconic spots like Cedar Grove and the Zumwalt Meadow, but you can also explore the Kings River canyon, which is actually deeper than the Grand Canyon; just surrounded by giant sequoia trees, and oh, way fewer crowds.
Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing sights to behold, but you’ll definitely be fighting for that photo op with millions of other visitors. Canyonlands National Park is also pretty famous in its own right, and while it’s not quite as vast as the Grand Canyon, it still provides a similar experience. View dramatic canyon ledges, mesas, and arches, all while in a remote, desert climate.
Some key things to see in this area would be the Mesa Arch and Grand View Point Overlook in the Island in the Sky District, where you’ll see layered canyons carved out by the Colorado and Green Rivers. For some great rock formations, head over to the Needles District for the Chesler Park Loop Trail. If you want to go rafting, head to Cataract Canyon, where you can ride some thrilling rapids that rival the Grand Canyon’s experiences.
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
In my humble opinion, Bryce Canyon National Park is way more stunning than the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park. This area is full of rock formations called hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that rise from the canyon floor. These hoodoos are layered in vibrant reds, oranges, and whites that practically glow at sunrise and sunset. One of my favorite memories was viewing this phenomenon from Inspiration Point, but they also have even more spectacular experiences at Sunrise Point and Sunset Point.
The most famous trail is the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. It’s shorter and less strenuous than trying to hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and in my opinion it’s even cooler. Once at the amphitheater at the bottom, visitors can explore the towering hoodoos up close.
San Juan National Forest (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park is well known for its expansive alpine views and outdoor recreation, but did you know that the San Juan National Forest might be even better? The San Juan Mountains are a part of the Rockies, but they are even more rugged. Some of the peaks are over 13,000 feet tall, and they are surrounded by lush alpine meadows, forests, and crystal clear lakes. You’ll also find waterfalls and red rock formations. The best part is that you won’t need a timed entry reservation to visit like you would at Rocky Mountain National Park!
If you’re looking for high-altitude hiking similar to the Rocky Mountain’s Bear Lake and Sky Pond trails, try the Ice Lakes Basin Trail, which will take you through turquoise alpine lakes and flower meadows. The Highland Mary Lakes Trail is also an excellent less-traveled hike, but the Engineer Mountain Trail is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to take the road less photographed, so if you’re wanting to experience more of our stunning national parks without everyone accidentally photobombing your shots, try one of these
