The top 12 national parks in the United States

Hiking in Sequoia National Park. My Good Images/Shutterstock

Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, these two adjacent parks, managed as one, are superlative in every way. Here, you’ll find great stands of giant sequoias, the world's largest trees, as well as the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states (Mount Whitney, at 14,505ft). Kings Canyon is the second-deepest canyon in the United States – more than 1600ft deeper than the Grand Canyon. Opportunities abound for both day hikes and longer wilderness backpacking trips, as well as recreational activities on and around the parks’ wild, scenic rivers, many waterfalls, and thousands of lakes and ponds. Guided horseback riding and tours of some of the parks’ many caves are also available (book well in advance).