{"id":2923,"date":"2025-07-08T21:10:59","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T04:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalpages.com\/animals\/?p=2923"},"modified":"2025-07-09T21:21:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T04:21:40","slug":"these-are-the-top-ranked-u-s-national-parks-of-2025-according-to-travelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalpages.com\/animals\/these-are-the-top-ranked-u-s-national-parks-of-2025-according-to-travelers\/","title":{"rendered":"The #1 U.S. National Park for 2025 Has Wildlife Viewing Compared to African Safaris"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Each year, Travel + Leisure<\/em> asks its readers to share their favorite destinations around the world\u2014from cities and islands to cruise lines and national parks. In the 2025 World\u2019s Best Awards<\/em><\/a>, voters once again weighed in on which U.S. national parks delivered the most memorable and meaningful experiences. The results span rugged mountains, remote glaciers, tropical shorelines, and iconic wilderness\u2014all celebrated for their natural beauty, accessibility, and the lasting impression they leave on visitors.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

July 8, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, Yellowstone National Park<\/strong> once again claimed the top spot. Covering parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone continues to captivate travelers with its geysers, colorful hot springs, expansive valleys, and incredible wildlife, like bison, moose, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep. \u201cI was completely taken aback by the sheer beauty,\u201d said one survey respondent; another noted that the wildlife-spotting \u201cfelt like we were on an African safari.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a strong second place is Kenai Fjords National Park<\/strong> in Alaska, known for its dramatic coastal glaciers and abundant marine life. Travelers praised its remoteness and pristine beauty, calling it a “bucket-list experience worth the journey.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rounding out the top three is Grand Teton National Park<\/strong>, also in Wyoming, with its sharp mountain peaks, reflective lakes, and abundant hiking trails. Readers consistently mentioned its breathtaking scenery and well-maintained facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the full Top 10 list from the 2025 World\u2019s Best Awards<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Yellowstone National Park<\/strong> (Wyoming, Idaho, Montana)
Reader Score: 91.03
Famous for: Geysers, hot springs, bison herds<\/a>, and grizzly bears<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Kenai Fjords National Park<\/strong> (Alaska)
Reader Score: 89.82
Famous for: Tidewater glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Grand Teton National Park<\/strong> (Wyoming)
Reader Score: 89.51
Famous for: Towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and scenic drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Yosemite National Park<\/strong> (California)
Reader Score: 89.03
Famous for: Iconic granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Rocky Mountain National Park<\/strong> (Colorado)
Reader Score: 88.36
Famous for: High-altitude hiking, elk herds, and the scenic Trail Ridge Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Glacier National Park<\/strong> (Montana)
Reader Score: 87.25
Famous for: Pristine alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Zion National Park<\/strong> (Utah)
Reader Score: 86.05
Famous for: Towering red rock cliffs, Angels Landing hike, and The Narrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park<\/strong> (Tennessee and North Carolina)
Reader Score: 86.00
Famous for: Mist-covered mountains, diverse wildlife, and historic Appalachian cabins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Virgin Islands National Park<\/strong> (St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands)
Reader Score: 85.92
Famous for: Coral reefs, tropical hiking trails, and turquoise Caribbean beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Katmai National Park & Preserve<\/strong> (Alaska)
Reader Score: 85.75
Famous for: Brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls and volcanic landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelers rated the parks based on their scenery, accessibility, cleanliness, crowd management, and overall experience. Notably, this year\u2019s top 10 features parks from diverse regions, including two in Alaska and one in the Caribbean\u2014showcasing just how varied the U.S. national park system truly is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re drawn to volcanic landscapes, glacier-carved coastlines, dense forests, or towering mountains, this year\u2019s winners reflect the enduring power of wild places to move and inspire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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