You are here

Home » Reader Participation Day: How Would You Build A "Top 10" National Parks List?

Reader Participation Day: How Would You Build A "Top 10" National Parks List?

Share

Published Date

February 11, 2015
Alternate Text
Would you list Denali National Park on your Top 10 list of national parks?/NPS

Recently, a website that will go unmentioned put together a list of "the nation's worst national parks." While that list was soundly, and justifiably, ridiculed and dismissed, it brings to mind this question: What are the nation's best national parks? If you were to compile a Top 10 list of national parks, which would you include on it?

Would Yellowstone be on everyone's list? How about Acadia, or Canyonlands, or Denali?

So tell us, travelers, what does your Top 10 list of national parks look like?

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by justinh on February 11, 2015 - 7:09am.

Tough list to make, but today these would be my ten favorites.  (Might look different tomorrow):

Theodore Roosevelt

Olympic

Congaree

Acadia

Virgin Islands

Rocky Mountain

Death Valley

Isle Royale

American Samoa

Redwood


Submitted by Lee Dalton on February 11, 2015 - 8:51am.

Will I get my hand slapped if I am of the philosophy that the word "park" is only an unimportant and artificial label and that many less "important" places deserve to be on a top ten list? 

So, knowing I am at risk of punishment, here is my list:

Yellowstone

Zion

Hovenweep

Natural Bridges

Golden Spike

Pipe Spring

Great Basin

Death Valley

Apostle Islands

Devils Tower

Okay, you can slap me now.


Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on February 11, 2015 - 9:55am.

Lee, no hand-slapping here, though I do note a peculiar geologic layout to your choices;-)

 


Submitted by trailadvocate on February 11, 2015 - 10:05am.

I've given up on "Best & Better." 

What, one of the 7 Natural Wonders in the world doesn't rate:)?


Submitted by brad_murrell on February 11, 2015 - 10:38am.

Yosemite

Zion

Glaicer

Yellowstone

Grand Tetons

Sequoia / Kings Canyon

Death Valley

Olympic

Arches

Denali

Honorable Mention: Bryce, Acadia, Canyonlands


Submitted by rmackie on February 11, 2015 - 11:11am.

I am with trailadvocate on this, I to like them all. 


Submitted by David Crowl on February 11, 2015 - 11:21am.

My List has two parts five I have been to and five on my bucket list;

Yellowstone/Grand Teton

Zion

Glacier

Great Smokies

Rocky Mtn.

Bucket List;

Yosemite

Acadia

Big Bend

Biscayne

Katmai


Submitted by NP_Day_Hiker on February 11, 2015 - 12:45pm.

For me at the moment it is:

Glacier

Grand Teton

Olympic

Yosemite

Yellowstone

Bryce Canyon

Zion

Acadia

Crater Lake

Arches


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.