Most popular U.S. national parks by visitors
The United States is home to a vast array of stunning national parks, each offering unique landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking natural beauty. In 2023, millions of visitors flocked to these protected areas to experience the great outdoors, connect with nature, and create unforgettable memories. Data is released by the national parks service in the following year, so we’ll only be able to share data on most visited national parks of 2023 for now. We’ll also discuss the most searched queries regarding visitor numbers to national parks in the US, providing insights into the growing popularity of these amazing parks.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), in 2021, National Parks in the United States welcomed more than 297 million visitors, a significant increase from the 237 million visitors recorded in 2020. This increase can be attributed to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and a growing interest in outdoor recreation as people sought alternatives to indoor activities during the pandemic.
Historically, visitation to National Parks has seen steady growth, with occasional fluctuations due to various factors such as economic conditions, gas prices, and major events. For instance, the National Park Service’s centennial celebration in 2016 led to a record-breaking 331 million visitors that year.
The Most Visited National Parks of 2023
Based on the latest statistics, the top ten most visited national parks in 2023 were:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 13,297,647 visitors
- Grand Canyon National Park: 4,733,705 visitors
- Zion National Park: 4,623,238 visitors
- Rocky Mountain National Park: 4,115,837 visitors
- Acadia National Park: 3,879,890 visitors
- Yosemite National Park: 3,897,070 visitors
- Yellowstone National Park: 4,501,382 visitors
- Joshua Tree National Park: 3,270,404 visitors
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park: 2,860,059 visitors
- Glacier National Park: 2,933,616 visitors
For more detailed Visitor Data on all the US National Parks, check out our page on the National Park Visitation Numbers.
Now, let’s explore each of these top destinations and discuss what makes them so popular among park visitors.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With more than 13 million visitors in 2023, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most visited national park in the United States. Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, this park is renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, mist-covered mountains, and rich cultural history. Visitors can hike the park’s extensive trail network, including the famed Appalachian Trail, enjoy scenic drives, and explore historic structures.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Attracting over 4.7 million visitors, Grand Canyon National Park located in Arizona is a must-see destination that offers awe-inspiring views of the vast, colorful canyon. The park provides numerous opportunities for hiking, rafting, and sightseeing, along with educational programs that highlight the area’s geological and cultural history. The South Rim is the most accessible and popular area, but the North Rim and inner canyon also offer unique experiences for adventurous travelers.
3. Zion National Park
Zion National Park in Utah, which drew more than 4.6 million visitors in 2023, is known for its striking red rock formations, lush hanging gardens, and impressive canyon views. With popular hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, Zion offers a variety of outdoor activities for all skill levels. Additionally, the park’s shuttle system allows visitors to easily access key attractions while minimizing environmental impact.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park attracted over 4.1 million visitors in 2023. The park boasts towering mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike the park’s extensive trail network, take scenic drives like the iconic Trail Ridge Road, or participate in ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.
5. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, situated on Maine‘s rugged coastline, welcomed close to 4 million visitors in 2023. The park offers a unique blend of coastal and forest ecosystems, with attractions like Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Thunder Hole. Visitors can hike the park’s extensive trail network, enjoy scenic drives along Park Loop Road, or explore the charming town of Bar Harbor, just outside the park’s borders.
6. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in California, drew over 3.8 million visitors in 2023. Famous for its towering granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite also boasts majestic waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and expansive meadows. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing, as well as exploring the park’s numerous educational centers and museums.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, attracted over 4.5 million visitors in 2023. Spanning three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, as well as its diverse wildlife, such as bison, elk, and wolves. The park offers countless opportunities for exploration, with scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs that cater to visitors of all ages.
8. Joshua Tree National Park
With over 3 million visitors in 2023, Joshua Tree National Park is a unique destination that showcases the beauty of the California desert. Known for its otherworldly landscape, featuring the park’s namesake Joshua trees and massive boulders, visitors can partake in activities like hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The park also offers various campgrounds and ranger-led programs, providing a well-rounded experience for all visitors.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in Ohio, welcomed nearly 2.9 million visitors in 2023. This park offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions, including waterfalls, rolling hills, and historic structures. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, taking a scenic ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or attending concerts and events at the park’s various venues.
10. Glacier National Park
Rounding out the top ten is Glacier National Park in Montana, which attracted nearly 2.9 million visitors in 2023. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Glacier provides a true wilderness experience. The park’s famed Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a breathtaking scenic drive, while over 700 miles of trails provide ample opportunities for hiking and backpacking.
Year Over Year Trends (2019-2023):
From 2019 to 2023, National Parks in the United States have experienced fluctuating trends in the number of visitors. Below are the percentage changes in visitation for each year:
- 2019 to 2020: -0.9% decrease
- 2020 to 2021: 4.2% increase
- 2021 to 2022: 4.7% increase
- 2022 to 2023: 3.8% decrease
Top 5 Parks with the Greatest Increases (2022-2023):
- North Cascades National Park: 33.8% increase
- Redwood National Park: 11.1% increase
- Capitol Reef National Park: 3.3% increase
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: 3.8% decrease
- Katmai National Park and Preserve: 0.4% increase
Factors Influencing Visitation:
Several factors influence the number of visitors to National Parks each year, including:
- Weather: Favorable weather conditions, particularly during peak travel seasons, can significantly impact visitation numbers. For example, warm and sunny weather during summer months can draw larger crowds to parks.
- Gas prices and economic conditions: Lower gas prices and a healthy economy often encourage people to take road trips and visit National Parks. Conversely, high gas prices or economic downturns can lead to reduced visitation.
- Major events and promotions: Special events, anniversaries, and promotional campaigns can boost interest in National Parks and lead to increased visitation. For example, the NPS’s “Find Your Park” campaign in 2016 encouraged people to visit parks during the centennial celebration.
- Accessibility and infrastructure: Improved accessibility, such as new roads or transportation options, can make it easier for people to visit National Parks. Additionally, investments in park infrastructure, like visitor centers and campgrounds, can enhance visitor experiences and encourage repeat visits.
COVID-19 Impact on visitors to the national parks:
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on National Park visitation. In 2020, when lockdowns and travel restrictions were at their peak, many parks experienced temporary closures or limited access. Despite these challenges, overall visitation still increased by 3.5% compared to 2019.
As restrictions eased in 2021, people sought outdoor recreational activities as a safer alternative to crowded indoor spaces. This contributed to an 8.2% increase in National Park visitation from 2020 to 2021.
In 2022, with the widespread availability of vaccines and a better understanding of COVID-19, visitation continued to grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace of 6.7%. The desire for outdoor experiences and the continued popularity of road trips likely played a role in this sustained growth.
National Parks in the United States continue to attract more visitors each year, with some parks experiencing significant increases in visitation. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a noticeable impact on these trends, as more people seek outdoor recreational activities. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how visitation patterns evolve and if the popularity of National Parks continues to grow.
Least visited National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, is the least visited National Park in the United States. Despite its stunning beauty and vast wilderness, its remote location and challenging access deter many potential visitors. In this section, we’ll explore the characteristics of this lesser-known park and the factors contributing to its low visitation numbers.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve covers over 8.4 million acres of pristine wilderness in the Brooks Range of northern Alaska. Established in 1980, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. The park also contains six Wild and Scenic Rivers, offering opportunities for rafting and kayaking.
With a visitation count of 11,045 in 2023 it is the least visited national park in the US. One of the main factors contributing to Gates of the Arctic’s low visitation is its remote location and lack of infrastructure. There are no roads leading into the park, and visitors must either fly in on a small aircraft or embark on a long, arduous hike to access the park. This makes it difficult for casual tourists to visit, as it requires significant planning, time, and resources.
The climate in Gates of the Arctic can be harsh and unforgiving. Winters are long, with temperatures often dropping below -40°F (-40°C). Summers are short and cool, with temperatures rarely rising above 60°F (15°C). The unpredictable weather, including sudden snowstorms and rain, adds to the challenges of visiting the park.
Gates of the Arctic is a true wilderness park, with no visitor centres, camp grounds, or established trails. Visitors must be well-prepared, self-sufficient, and experienced in backcountry travel and survival skills. The park’s rugged, untamed nature, while appealing to some, can be a deterrent for those seeking a more accessible and comfortable National Park experience.
Summary
The national parks of the United States offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and education. As visitation numbers continue to rise, it’s clear that these parks hold a special place in the hearts of both domestic and international travellers. Whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of remote wilderness or the excitement of popular attractions, there’s a national park for everyone. We hope this blog post has provided you with valuable insights into the top destinations of 2023 and inspired you to explore the natural wonders that America’s national parks have to offer.
National Parks in the United States continue to be popular destinations for millions of visitors each year. Annual visitation trends are influenced by various factors, including weather, economic conditions, major events, and park accessibility. As interest in outdoor recreation and the importance of preserving our natural heritage grows, National Parks will likely continue to see strong visitation numbers in the coming years.
