Visit the USA's National Parks

America's great national parks are a genuine highlight for many visitors to the US. as well as a host of verdant green forests and spectacular mountain scenery, America is also home to volcanic carters and arid deserts, which form some of the world's most fascinating protected areas. And don't forget the USA's indigenous wildlife; bears, bald eagles, rattlesnakes and many others thrive within these diverse habitats.

Dramatic Landscapes

The big hitters are undoubtedly the epic Grand Canyon – one of the wonders of the natural world – and the otherworldly volcanoes of Yellowstone, regarded as the oldest national park on Earth. Millions of years of geological history are exposed within the layered bands of red rock in the Grand Canyon, the perfect place to take in a sunrise or sunset or charter a helicopter for an unrivalled aerial view. Yellowstone, sitting atop a volcanic hotspot, showcases alpine rivers and gushing hot springs against a backdrop of lush green forest, best experienced up close and on the ground.

Geyser at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

An Explorer's Paradise

Just north, in Yosemite, a wilderness of imposing mountains, dense forests and roaring falls pave the way for unforgettable hikes and lodge stays, while the mesas of Monument Valley that rise up from the Arizona Desert have come to symbolise the American Wild West thanks to numerous appearances in film and TV. Less-visited national parks are well worth a visit, too, from Colorado's monolithic Black Canyon to Alaska's snow-topped Denali and Alberta's hoodoo-dotted badlands.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Wyoming

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

The Wilderness Experience

Some 34 million hectares has been preserved as National Park in 49 of the 50 USA states, most offering a full range of facilities and lodges alongside and a variety of brilliant outdoor activities to make the most of the spectacular surrounds. Our tailor-made itineraries will get you as close to true wilderness as you wish, with stays in snow lodges, canyon-side hotels and lakeside spas designed to truly immerse you in nature. From your accommodation, you'll be able to hike or take a guided tour to spot wildlife or take in some of the USA's most panoramic vistas.

Mountains in Denali, Alaska
Denali, Alaska

Moab

From twisted spires and arching rocks to mighty rivers and red-rock deserts framed by snow-capped peaks, Moab's Arches and Canyonlands national parks are Utah's adventure capital. Explore it all on activities that range from hikes and bike rides to river rafting and rock climbing.

Zion

Reshaped over millenia by wind, rain and ice, Zion Canyon lies at the very heart of its national park namesake. A six-mile scenic road will introduce you to its red-and-white cliffs framed by wild meadows and hanging gardens, while guided hikes bring you to spectacular overlooks.

Monument Valley

The famous buttes and mesas of Monument Valley rise up along scenic Highway 163. These ancient rocks, famed for their starring role in countless Hollywood Westerns, are a stunning backdrop to ancient trails, horseback routes and the home of the Navajo – America's largest tribe.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Characterised by its cavernous amphitheatres filled with blazing red-rock spires and hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is a visual treat best seen at dawn or dusk. It's rugged beauty is best explored on an 18-mile scenic road that runs along its rim, or on guided hikes that plunge to the canyon floor.

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a vast wilderness of imposing mountains, giant forests, gushing waterfalls and daunting granite rocks. Established in 1890 to protect some of North America's most spectacular mountain terrain, Yosemite's beauty is unrivalled.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a true global icon and certainly one of its most unique landscapes – and Yellowstone holidays off the opportunity to see the USA at its most wild and most bewitching.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's great natural wonders, an instantly recognizable symbol of the Southwest. Slicing through Grand Canyon National Park for 217 miles, it is four to 18 miles wide and more than 5,000ft deep.