America's National Parks: Natural Treasures on the USA Map
The national parks system is often called "America's Best Idea," preserving the nation's most spectacular landscapes and important historical sites for future generations. Our national parks USA map showcases all 63 official National Parks across the country, from the rugged coasts of Acadia in Maine to the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii.
These parks represent the remarkable diversity of American landscapes - from towering mountain ranges and deep canyons to vast wetlands and ancient forests. Established with the founding of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the National Park System has grown to protect over 85 million acres of America's most precious natural and cultural resources.
Use our interactive national parks USA map with states labeled to explore these natural wonders by location and plan your next outdoor adventure. Each park marker provides information about the park's features, establishment date, and visitor information. For detailed information about Arizona's incredible national parks, check out MapOfArizona.com's parks guide.
Interactive National Parks USA Map
Explore all 63 National Parks across the United States with our interactive map. Click on any park marker to learn more about that specific park. The map shows each park's location on the USA map with states clearly labeled.
Our national parks USA map highlights the geographic distribution of America's protected areas. You'll notice clusters of parks in the western states, particularly in California, Utah, and Alaska, while other regions have fewer designated National Parks.
Featured National Parks
While all 63 National Parks are showcased on our USA map, here are some of the most visited and iconic parks that represent the diversity of America's protected landscapes. Discover Arizona's magnificent national parks courtesy of MapOfArizona.com, alongside other remarkable parks across the country:
Grand Canyon National Park
A steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and spans 1,217,262 acres of breathtaking scenery.
Petrified Forest National Park
Known for its remarkable fossils, especially fallen trees that lived in the Late Triassic Period about 225 million years ago. The park covers 221,390 acres of colorful petrified wood and painted desert landscapes.
Saguaro National Park
Located near Tucson and divided into two districts, this 91,716-acre park protects the nation's largest cacti - the iconic saguaro - which has become the universal symbol of the American West.
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park, featuring spectacular geysers, colorful hot springs, and abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and wolves.
Zion National Park
Featuring massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into the bright blue sky, along with unique flora and fauna.
Yosemite National Park
Famous for its towering waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and iconic valley views with massive granite monoliths like El Capitan and Half Dome.
National Parks: State-by-State Guide
Our national parks USA map organizes all 63 National Parks by state. Some states like California and Alaska have multiple parks, while many states have none. Use this comprehensive guide to locate parks on the USA map with states labeled clearly.
Alaska
Arizona
Learn more about these stunning parks on MapOfArizona.com's parks guide.
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Indiana
Kentucky
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nevada
North Carolina and Tennessee
North Dakota
Oregon
South Carolina
South Dakota
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands
Virginia
West Virginia
American Samoa
Planning Your National Park Visits
Best Times to Visit
Optimal visiting seasons vary widely across the national parks USA map:
- Spring (March-May): Ideal for desert parks like Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and the Utah parks before summer heat arrives
- Summer (June-August): Best for northern parks and higher elevations (Yellowstone, Glacier, Rocky Mountain) when roads are clear of snow
- Fall (September-November): Perfect for colorful foliage in parks like Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, and Shenandoah
- Winter (December-February): Quieter season for southern parks; opportunity for snow sports in parks like Yosemite and Bryce Canyon
Park Passes
For those planning to visit multiple parks shown on our national parks USA map, consider these pass options:
- America the Beautiful Pass ($80): Covers entry to all national parks and federal recreational lands for a full year
- Senior Pass ($20 annual, $80 lifetime): For U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older
- Military Pass (Free): For active U.S. military members and their dependents
- 4th Grade Pass (Free): For U.S. 4th graders and their families as part of the "Every Kid Outdoors" program
- Access Pass (Free): Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities
Essential Visitor Tips
When visiting parks featured on our national parks USA map, remember these important tips:
- Reserve accommodations and permits well in advance, especially for summer visits
- Check park websites for current conditions, closures, and visitor center hours
- Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect these natural treasures
- Bring adequate water, sun protection, and appropriate gear for changing conditions
- Be aware of wildlife safety guidelines specific to each park
- Consider visiting during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds
- Download offline maps and guides, as cell service is limited in many parks
Conservation and the Future of National Parks
The national parks USA map represents not just beautiful places, but a commitment to preservation that continues to evolve:
Current Challenges
Today's national parks face numerous challenges:
- Climate Change: Affecting ecosystems, wildlife patterns, and natural features like glaciers
- Increased Visitation: Record crowds creating strain on infrastructure and natural resources
- Maintenance Backlog: Aging facilities and infrastructure requiring billions in repairs
- Invasive Species: Threatening native plants and animals in many parks
- Air and Water Quality: Impacted by activities outside park boundaries
Conservation Efforts
The National Park Service and partner organizations are addressing these challenges through:
- Scientific research and monitoring to inform resource management
- Restoration projects to improve ecosystem health
- Visitor education programs about conservation ethics
- Implementation of sustainable practices in park operations
- Development of reservation systems to manage visitor capacity
- Partnership with surrounding communities and landowners
How Visitors Can Help
Everyone who visits the parks shown on our national parks USA map can contribute to their preservation:
- Follow all park regulations and Leave No Trace principles
- Consider visiting less-known parks or during off-peak times
- Participate in volunteer programs and citizen science initiatives
- Support conservation organizations that work with national parks
- Share experiences responsibly to foster appreciation without promoting overcrowding
- Reduce carbon footprints in travel to and within parks