Top 10 Must-Visit National Parks

A Love for Our National Parks

At Black Lantern, we’ve always believed that the best inspiration comes from the great outdoors. There’s something about standing beneath towering peaks or gazing out over endless forests that fuels creativity and leaves an indelible mark on the soul. It’s why so many of our designs are rooted in the beauty of America’s national parks. These wild places inspire us, not just as artists but as adventurers and conservationists. Today, we’re sharing our top 10 national parks for nature lovers, along with tips to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just love bringing the outdoors into your everyday life, this list is for you.

1. Yellowstone National Park
As America’s first national park, Yellowstone is iconic. From the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring to the geysers and roaming bison, it’s a land of surreal beauty. Wildlife is everywhere here, from herds of bison in Lamar Valley to bears and wolves in Hayden Valley. If you’re a geology lover, this park is a dream, with geysers, hot springs, and mud pots scattered across its vast wilderness.

Tip: Visit in late spring or early fall to enjoy the park with fewer crowds. For wildlife, head to Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk—wolves, elk, and bison are especially active in the cooler parts of the day. Late September is an incredible time to visit as the elk are in full rut, filling the air with their haunting bugles. You’ll also avoid the summer rush, and main attractions like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs remain open.

2. Yosemite National Park

Few places compare to the majesty of Yosemite Valley, with its granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. Beyond the famous landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite offers quieter corners like Tuolumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy for those seeking solitude. We like to be off the more touristy areas and one of our favorite hikes is Chilnuana Falls. This hike feaures five falls that range from 30 feet to over 300 feet and you can easily spend a few hours in this area taking in the breathtaking views and cool mist.

Tip: Don’t miss a sunrise hike to Glacier Point for panoramic views that include Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in Yosemite Valley, where popular spots like Bridalveil Fall can get packed by mid-morning. If you’re visiting in spring, the waterfalls are at their most powerful, but fall offers golden meadows and fewer people paired with cooler temperatures it makes for an amazing time to go.

3. Grand Teton National Park

Rising sharply above Jackson Hole, the Tetons are among the most picturesque peaks in the Rockies. The park’s pristine lakes, like Jenny and Jackson, offer perfect reflections of the jagged peaks above. Wildlife is abundant here too—moose, bears, and bald eagles are common sightings.

Tip: Take a sunrise paddle on Jenny Lake or explore Schwabacher’s Landing for one of the best photo opportunities in the park. Early mornings are the best time for wildlife spotting, particularly along the Moose-Wilson Road. For hikers, the Cascade Canyon Trail provides stunning views without the heavy traffic of other popular routes.

4. Glacier National Park

Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier boasts jaw-dropping alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and a rugged wilderness feel. Whether you’re driving the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road or trekking to Grinnell Glacier, this park is an adventurer’s paradise.

Tip: Late July through mid-August is the best time to visit for clear, snow-free trails and vibrant wildflowers. Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking viewpoints, but arrive before sunrise to beat the crowds. For solitude, explore less-traveled trails like the Iceberg Lake Trail or Ptarmigan Tunnel, where you’re likely to encounter mountain goats and maybe even a bear.

5. Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this park is a stunning display of red rock formations sculpted by wind and time. The iconic Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are must-sees, but there’s so much more to discover, like the Fiery Furnace or Tower Arch.

Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures, vibrant colors, and fewer crowds. Consider booking a ranger-led tour of the Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of narrow canyons and unique rock formations that’s as fun to explore as it is stunning to see. In summer, aim for early morning hikes to avoid the oppressive midday heat.

6. Rocky Mountain National Park

With towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, this park is a hiker’s paradise. The park’s Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., offering incredible views of the alpine tundra. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting elk, bighorn sheep, and moose throughout the park.

Tip: Visit in September for the golden aspens and the elk rut, when the haunting calls of bugling elk fill the air. The cooler temperatures push wildlife to lower elevations, making Estes Park and the golf courses prime spots for viewing. In the summer, take a sunrise hike to Dream Lake or Emerald Lake to experience the park’s beauty without the crowds. The Bear Lake area can be absolutely packed in late Spring through Summer so plan accordingly and most users will have to use a shuttle to access many of this area features. We like to get in at 5:30 am before the gates are open and you can be sitting on a pristine alpine lake by yourself while others are busy trying to find parking and sitting in traffic. Cap your day off on your way back into town at Rock Cut Brewing Company and grab some of the best bites Estes Park has to offer at The Rock Inn, you won't regret it.

7. Zion National Park

Zion’s red cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush riverbanks create a landscape that’s both serene and dramatic. The Narrows and Angel’s Landing are iconic hikes, but the park also offers less-traveled gems like the Kolob Canyons area.

Tip: Arrive early in the morning to catch the first shuttle and enjoy the park’s main attractions before the crowds. In summer, the Riverside Walk provides a shady retreat from the heat, while the cooler months are ideal for tackling Angel’s Landing without the oppressive sun.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Known for its misty, tree-covered peaks and diverse wildlife, this park is a treasure of the East Coast. With over 800 miles of trails, it’s perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The park is also a hotspot for black bear sightings and stunning waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls.

Tip: Plan your visit to the Smoky Mountains with these tips! Check the National Park Service website for road and trail closures and consider visiting in the shoulder season to avoid crowds. Stay in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville, and explore the park by driving to iconic spots like Newfound Gap or Clingman's Dome, enjoying activities like trout fishing, hiking(always with bear spray), or experiencing fall's stunning beauty. Don't miss unique attractions like Mingus Mill or the summer firefly spectacle lottery in April!

9. Crater Lake National Park

The deepest lake in the U.S., Crater Lake is a sight to behold with its vivid blue waters surrounded by volcanic cliffs. The lake was formed over 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted, and its clear waters have been drawing visitors ever since.

Tip: Drive the 33-mile Rim Drive for panoramic views and stop at Cleetwood Cove if you want to hike down to the lake for a refreshing swim. Visiting in July or August ensures that snow won’t block the roads, and you’ll get the clearest views of Wizard Island.

10. North Cascades National Park

Often called the “American Alps,” this park is a haven of jagged peaks, dense forests, and turquoise lakes. It’s one of the least visited national parks, making it perfect for those seeking solitude.

Tip: Visit in late summer or early fall for clear trails and stunning wildflowers. The Cascade Pass Trail offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. For a quieter experience, head to Ross Lake or Diablo Lake, where the vibrant turquoise waters provide a striking contrast to the rugged landscape.

Why Protecting These Spaces Matters
National parks are more than just destinations—they’re vital parts of our shared heritage and a reminder of the beauty worth preserving. At Black Lantern, we’re proud to support conservation efforts through our products, helping ensure these incredible places remain wild for generations to come.

Plan Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re gearing up for your next trip or reminiscing about past adventures, Black Lantern is here to help you bring a piece of the wild home. Explore our National Park Collection to find t-shirts, pint glasses, and more inspired by these iconic places. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of the outdoors and keep exploring!

At Black Lantern, our National Park Collection is a tribute to these incredible landscapes that inspire adventure and conservation. Each design in our collection captures the essence of these wild places, from the towering peaks of the Rockies to the serene waters of Crater Lake. Our t-shirts, pint glasses, and other thoughtfully crafted products are made for nature lovers who want to bring a piece of the outdoors home. With every purchase, you’re not only celebrating your favorite parks but also helping to preserve them for future generations. Explore our collection and find something that connects you to the beauty and spirit of America’s national parks.

Each year we are releasing dozens of new prints and bringing in a breath of fresh air into this collection seasonally. Follow along to see what parks we release next!

FOLLOW THE COLLECTION HERE...