Which National Park Should You Visit?

Granite cliffs, waterfalls, streams, valleys, meadows, giant trees, and more are found in these 1,200 square miles of spectacular wilderness. There's a lot going on here in one of the oldest and most striking national parks in the United States. It is the perfect place to visit if you want to see the dramatic effect of the Ice Age on the terrain. Whether you want to hike, climb, bike, raft, swim, or ski, you can do it here. Just watch out for bears!

Explore more than 400 miles of the world's longest known cave system at this national park situated in the Green River Valley in Kentucky. There are vast empty chambers, subterranean waterways, and dark maze-like tunnels to explore. See several varieties of bats, eyeless fish, and albino shrimp!

To say this stunning landmark is a 'steep-sided' canyon carved by the Colorado is an understatement. For thousands of years, Native Americans have lived here in this vast and gorgeous fissure in the earth. About 5 million people visit this park each year. There's something for the casual sightseer, the hiker, and the rafter. Helicopter tours are popular too. And what a way to take in the spectacular view!

Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, this park is not for the faint of heart! Stretching from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, the oldest and largest of the two, the landscape features barren lava fields, gaping pits, and cinder cones next to lush green rainforest. If you're interested in the otherworldy, this place is for you.

The Ice Age is still happening here, although for how much longer, who can tell? For those interested in seeing real glaciers, this is the place. A lot of people come by cruise ship, which offers perfect views of the abundant wildlife here, such as puffins, sea lions, whales, porpoises, bears, and mountain goats. And it's the perfect vantage point for those stunning views of deep, blue ocean water against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains too!

This national park boasts the world's largest collection of geysers, including Old Faithful, which spouts off dramatically every 90 minutes or so! But there's lots more to see. How about one of the world's largest petrified forests? Or any of the 290 waterfalls? Be forewarned: You could get up close and personal with grizzly bears and forest fires here.