Well, we have come to the end of another year.
So now the time has come for our annual National Park Rankings!
Tara and I visited three new national parks in 2021, all in Alaska: Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, and Denali. We have now been to a total of 54 National Parks! We also re-visited Grand Canyon this year (a brief stop on Thanksgiving Day). Will the Alaska parks do well in the rankings?
typical Fall scene in Denali along the park road...um, yeah...I think the Alaska Parks are going to do well in the rankings. 😀
We adopted a new approach to our rankings this year. Certainly, all lists like these have some degree of subjectivity to them, but this year we decided to attempt a more objective, mathematical method to rank each park.
I gave a 1-10 score on five separate categories for each park, further described below: (1) Scenic; (2) Activities; (3) Re-visitability; (4) Accessibility; and (5) Wildlife. The five categories are not weighted evenly.
(1) Scenic - visual scenery; scenic beauty; what's the "wow" factor when gazing at the park? etc. Low scores are for rather unremarkable scenery, while high scores are for jaw-droppingly amazing scenery. All of our National Parks are places of great natural beauty and I appreciate all of the parks and the diverse scenery, but let's face it, the scenic beauty of Zion or Yellowstone is going to score more than say...Hot Springs (no offense to Arkansas) 😄😉 I feel that scenic beauty is a major reason why people visit the national parks, so this category is afforded the most weight - 40%
(2) Activities - opportunities for hikes, guided tours, other activities such as camping, flight tours, boating, backpacking, kayaking, spelunking, horseback riding, etc. I'm also including quality of visitor centers and museums, etc. in this category. Outdoor activities are another major reason why people visit the national parks, so this category also is given a lot of weight - 30%
(3) Re-visitability - this category covers the amount of things to do in a park and the desire to return to the park to re-experience what it has to offer. For example, can you pretty much cover everything to do in a relatively short visit? If so, it will get a lower score. If not, it will get a higher score. This category has a 20% weight.
(4) Accessibility - this category covers factors such as how easy to get to/visit as a family? Close to major towns/roads? Activites for the average tourist? Cost of visiting? etc. If easy to access then it gets a higher score, if hard to visit, it gets a lower score. However, crowds are also a factor in this category. Recently, high visitation and crowds have introduced a number of permits and timed entry for key parts of certain parks. Issues with crowds will lower a score for a park. This category is weighted 5%.
(5) Wildlife - opportunities to see wildlife on an average visit. Diversity and abundance of wildlife that you will see. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed, but you will have more success at some parks over others. This category is also weighted at 5%.
I then added up my scores in each category to give a total score for the park (out of 10). Tara also individually scored each park by the same method. We then took the average of my score and Tara's score to come up with a final score. There were a number of ties. In the event of a tie, the park with the highest score given individually by either me or Tara won the tiebreaker.
We mostly based our scores on our individual experience in each park, but we did our best to consider all activities offered in each park (even activities we did not ourselves experience, etc.)
So, without further adieu, here is our ranking of the 54 National Parks we have visited:
1. Denali (Alaska) - 9.525
Mighty Denali from the air. It's impossible to take a bad picture in Denali.😀Perhaps there is some recency bias here, but Denali was absolutely spectacular! Denali scored very high (10/10) in all categories except accessibility (it's expensive to visit, and way up north, and most of the park road is closed to private vehicles, but with all that said, Denali is one of the more accessible parks in Alaska). The scenery is amazing, especially during our visit in early September, we caught the brief window of vibrant and explosive fall colors. Also, top notch activites (drop the cash to take the scenic flight through Talkeetna Air. It flies around Denali and lands on Ruth Glacier - a life changing experience), river rafting, see the sled dog demonstration, take a tour bus. We saw lots of moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. A simply incredible National Park!
2. Yellowstone (Wyoming) - 9.475
Our first tie comes between Yellowstone and Yosemite. Yellowstone breaks the tie thanks to the near perfect score that Tara awarded it (9.9). And, frankly, Yellowstone deserves to be in this spot. The granddaddy of the National Park System is an incredible place of stunning scenery, unique geothermal features, fun activities, tons to do, crowds aren't *too* bad, and lots and lots of wildlife to see.
3. Yosemite (California) - 9.475
Yosemite contains two of the most fantastic viewpoints in the NPS: Glacier Point (shown above) and Tunnel View. Yosemite Valley, Half-Dome, El Capitan, etc. offer unparalleled scenery in this crown jewel of our National Park System.
4. Glacier (Montana) - 9.35
We have another tie between Glacier and Zion...but Glacier gets the bump thanks to Tara's superior individual score for the park (9.55). Going to the Sun road is a once-in-a-lifetime drive that is a must-do (they are now doing a timed-entry for the road), tons of hikes. Crowds have definitely affected this park recently...it has become incredibly popular. And the glaciers are quickly dwindling...so make sure to visit soon!
5. Zion (Utah) - 9.35
Zion contains two of the best, most adventurous hikes in the entire NPS: Angels Landing and the Narrows. Zion has long been at the top of the heap of my rankings, but Zion scored low on accessibility: we have been loving this park to death. The huge amount of visitors in recent years, and almost all of them converging on Zion Canyon, have put an incredible strain on park resources. You'll have to plan ahead to visit in order to ensure tickets on the Zion shuttle and they just recently introduced a lottery system to hike Angels Landing. Don't let this deter you! This park is absolutely worth a visit. Must be seen in person to truly appreciate.
6. Mt. Rainier (Washington) - 8.95
Skyline Loop Trail was one of our favorite hikes we have done. Mt. Rainier serves as a fantastic centerpiece to this amazing park.
7. Wrangell-St. Elias (Alaska) - 8.825
The Glacier Adventure day tour through Wrangell Mountain Air was one of the most exhilarating and fun things we have done in our National Parks. Incredible flight into the park, explore the mine, strap on the crampons and hike on Root Glacier. It was quite the experience!
8. Kenai Fjords (Alaska) - 8.725
Alaska is an embarrassment of natural beauty and riches. Getting up close and personal with a glacier via a boat tour with Major Marine Tours out of Seward was a breathtaking experience. We also saw tons of wildlife (including humpback whales) on the trip. Well worth it.
9. Acadia (Maine) - 8.675
Acadia is a treasure-trove of activities: boat tour of Cranberry Islands, sunset cruise on a three-masted schooner, the adventurous and precarious hike of Beehive Mountain, sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, tea and scones at Jordan Pond House. Come experience the best of New England at Acadia.
10. Rocky Mountains (Colorado) - 8.5
Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake are highlights of this incredible alpine park.
11. Olympic (Washington) - 8.45
From the lush Hoh Rainforest, to windswept rocky beaches full of gnarled seastacks, to a myriad of waterfalls, and high alpine views at Hurricane Ridge - Olympic might be one of the most diverse parks in the entire NPS.
12. Grand Teton (Wyoming) - 8.425
The jagged peaks and towering vistas of the Tetons make for an incredible park.
13. Grand Canyon (Arizona) - 8.35
Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world...and for good reason.
14. Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina) - 7.975
The Great Smokies scored big on the activities category...there is tons to do here. And plenty of fun going on in nearby Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg as well. We had a blast in the most popular National Park in the country (by number of visitors). However, the park is big enough and the infrastructure handles the crowds well (except that Cades Cove, pictured above, can get very crowded, make sure to visit that place early or on a car-free day so you can ride a bike along the road).
15. Arches (Utah) - 7.975
I have to admit, I'm a little surprised by the low ranking for Arches. Arches is a playground of incredible vistas and hikes: Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Devils Garden, Fiery Furnace, Windows, list goes on. Crowds have become a problem here lately, so make sure to start your day early.
16. Redwood (California) - 7.7
Another diverse park with many things to see and do. Giant trees, tall trees, wander among the groves, watch the sunset on the shore, Fern Canyon (pictured above) is a must-visit. You also have a good chance to see lots of Roosevelt Elk at Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
17. Voyageurs (Minnesota) - 7.45
Make sure to do the free Canoe Program at the Visitor Center to learn about the Voyageurs and paddle on Lake Kabetogama. Also take the boat tours to experience this park from the water and visit the Kettle Falls Hotel (which is not accessible by road).
18. North Cascades (Washington) - 7.45
Stunning views at Lake Diablo. You really need to backpack into the wilderness to truly explore and experience this park, for there is not much off the main road to experience here. So, North Cascades scored low on the accessibility category...of course, for some that might be a main draw to this park.
19. Canyonlands (Utah) - 7.375
Once again, another park that is not very accessible for a quick visit (you really got to get out in the backcountry to explore). However, Canyonlands is very rewarding. We can't wait to go back and explore more of the Needles area.
20. Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico) - 7.25
Hiking from the Natural Entrance down to the Big Room of Carlsbad Caverns is one of the most incredible experiences we have done in our National Parks. Carlsbad will spoil you on caves, no other cave has come close to matching the spectacular formations and cavernous chambers of Carlsbad. Make sure to visit the Ranger program at night to see the bats fly out of the cave entrance.
21. Shenandoah (Virginia) - 7.2
Explore the forested mountains of the Appalachians and numerous waterfalls at this Park just a few hours west of Washington DC.
22. Bryce Canyon (Utah) - 7.1
See the spectacular and somewhat spooky hoodoos at Bryce Canyon in southern Utah.
23. Big Bend (Texas) - 6.975
My favorite desert park is full of unique and exciting activities: hike Santa Elena Canyon, boat trip down the Rio Grande, swim in the natural hot springs along the river, take the international ferry (a rowboat) into Mexico for goat tamales. An electic and engaging National Park.
24. Crater Lake (Oregon) - 6.925
The spectacularly-blue waters of Crater Lake will take your breath away.
25. Dry Tortugas (Florida) - 6.9
The boat ride out to Fort Jefferson was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
26. Mesa Verde (Colorado) - 6.85
The guided tours available at Mesa Verde are very good (especially Cliff Palace, pictured above, and the spine-tingling Balcony House, which includes a climb up a 30-foot ladder).
27. Everglades (Florida) - 6.65
Caution: you will see alligators! 😀 When it comes to chances to see unique wildlife, and lots of it ... Everglades is unmatched.
28. Kings Canyon (California) - 6.625
Kings Canyon is divided into 2 sections, the small section near Sequoia that contains the General Grant tree (pictured above), and the large section that contains the eponymous Canyon.
29. Great Basin (Nevada) - 6.625
Enjoy incredible isolation at this remote park in eastern Nevada. Explore Bristlecone Pine groves, alpine lakes, Rock Glacier (pictured above) and fabulous night skies for stargazing at this park.
30. Theodore Roosevelt (North Dakota) - 6.575
A rugged, untamed park named for the rather rugged, untamed President. 😀
31. Sequoia (California) - 6.525
Giant, towering, spectacular trees await you at Sequoia National Park.
32. Glacier Bay (Alaska) - 6.5
Margerie Glacier at Glacier Bay was a highlight of our Alaskan cruise a few years ago. Glacier Bay accessiblity score was a little low...a cruise ship is probably your best way to visit, but unfortunately, it does not dock anywhere in the park, but it does provide ample amount of time to take in the scenery as you cruise through the bay.
33. Isle Royale (Michigan) - 6.5
The ferry from Grand Portage out to the island was absolutely a highlight in our quest to visit all the National Parks, and we cannot wait to return and explore more of Isle Royale...but this is a tough place to get out to. It requires lots of planning and preparation to visit, but well worth it.
34. Capitol Reef (Utah) - 6.45
I feel like we have ranked Capitol Reef (Utah's "best kept secret") a little low...but maybe that's a good thing. The other Utah parks get a ton of attention, and maybe it's best that the red rocks and canyons of this alien landscape stay under the radar. 😀😆
35. Channel Islands (California) - 6.425
The boat tour (and the wildlife we spotted, including 3 humpback whales) was a highlight of our visit to these islands off the coast of California.
36. Lassen Volcanic (California) - 6.4
California's version of Yellowstone makes for a great visit.
37. Joshua Tree (California) - 6.4
This unique desert landscape not far from Los Angeles is a real treat.
38. Pinnacles (California) - 6.3
This high desert/mountain landscape in central California is an underrated and overlooked gem. We were lucky and saw lots of condors close up as we hiked through the park.
39. Cuyahoga Valley (Ohio) - 6.15
There are two very entertaining trails in this "urban" park - Ledges (pictured above) and Brandywine Falls. Biking down the Towpath Trail was also a highlight in this surprisingly beautiful park.
40. Guadalupe Mountains (Texas) - 5.85
There's plenty to explore in this desert park in West Texas.
41. Indiana Dunes (Indiana) - 5.775Indiana Dunes gets a bad rap for being "undeserving" of National Park status...but I strongly disagree. Admittedly, we weren't expecting much when we visited, but we had a great time exploring these unique dunes along Lake Michigan. Lots of fun, short trails, and it was really fun to swim in the Lake at West Beach. Also, the 3-Dune Challenge hike at the nearby State Park is a lot of fun (and surprisingly hard)!
42. White Sands (New Mexico) - 5.45
The stark-white dunes provide a unique and unforgettable vista.
43. Biscayne (Florida) - 5.45
Life's a party at this park just off the coast of Miami.
44. Death Valley (California) - 5.2
I know...I know...I'm sure many will be surprised (or maybe even offended) that this iconic park is getting such a low ranking here. Tara's individual score boosted the average score for this park a little bit...but I scored it rather low, I don't know, Death Valley doesn't do much for me. It is certainly a unique landscape, but when it comes to desert parks, I prefer Big Bend or Joshua Tree, Death Valley is a little too bleak for me when it comes to scenery and activities 😁...perhaps I need to revisit. My assessment might be too unfair to this park.
45. Mammoth Cave (Kentucky) - 5.125
Mammoth Cave is the largest cave in the USA, but it's a little lacking in formations inside the cave itself (at least, compared to Carlsbad). Make sure to take a tour of the Frozen Niagara section to see the best the cave has to offer in terms of formations.
46. Badlands (South Dakota) - 5.1
This alien landscape provides a memorable experience.
47. Saguaro (Arizona) - 5.075
Walking alongside these giant cacti is a cool experience.
48. Petrified Forest (Arizona) - 4.925
A unique and memorable experience, but you can easily experience everything this park has to offer in a half-day/full-day trip (that boosted its accessibility score, but hurt its re-visitability score).
49. Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Colorado) - 4.85
I'm not sure how this park got so low. The scenery is incredible, but activities are rather limited (unless you want to undertake the arduous adventure to the bottom of the canyon), and like Petrified Forest, you can pretty much cover everything this Park has to offer in one day; that likely hurt its score in both activities and re-visitability categories.
50. Great Sand Dunes (Colorado) - 4.6
Another surprise that this park is ranked so low. I probably scored it a little too low in retrospect. The main activity here is sand-sledding, which was not my cup of tea. (Plus, I was terrible at it...😜)
51. Hot Springs (Arkansas) - 4.5
Taking a traditional bath at Hot Springs is certainly one of the most unique experiences one can have in our National Parks ... but it's not an experience I'm looking forward to doing again any time soon. 😆
52. Wind Cave (South Dakota) - 4.2
I feel bad that Wind Cave ends up at (or near) the bottom of my rankings every year...but, the cave is rather unremarkable scenery-wise. The box work formation is very unique to Wind Cave...but it doesn't do much for me. Thankfully, the above ground scenery is really neat, and it is close to the Black Hills, home to lots of other great destinations.
53. Gateway Arch (Missouri) - 3.6
Gateway Arch has certainly been a "controversial" decision to re-designate as a National Park...but not all of our National Parks focus on natural scenery (Mesa Verde anyone?). The Arch is incredible to see and is truly an architectural marvel, and the visitor center/museum is fantastic and taking the elevator to the top of the arch is a lot of fun ... but yeah, I can understand why some might think this place is not deserving of National Park status.
54. Congaree (South Carolina) - 3.05
I love all of our National Parks...but one of the parks had to be at the bottom of the rankings. Congaree is beautiful in its own way (again it's certainly unique, and it's important that this type of environment, one of the last intact old growth bottomland hardwood forests, is protected), but outside of the Boardwalk Trail, there's not a whole lot to do here. I must admit that this is a place we would not have visited but for the goal of going to all 63 National Parks. Still, we had a pleasant time on our visit, and we are glad we went.
Alright, that's it! This goal of ours to visit every National Park has been such an enriching and wonderful adventure. Thanks for reading our blog, and we hope it has assisted you in planning your travels. Tara and I wish you a Merry Christmas and here's hoping we all have a great 2022! Happy Travels!
Indiana Dunes gets a bad rap for being "undeserving" of National Park status...but I strongly disagree. Admittedly, we weren't expecting much when we visited, but we had a great time exploring these unique dunes along Lake Michigan. Lots of fun, short trails, and it was really fun to swim in the Lake at West Beach. Also, the 3-Dune Challenge hike at the nearby State Park is a lot of fun (and surprisingly hard)! 
