Western USA is just one of those areas that is blessed when it comes to scenery. From the dramatic Big Sur coastline of California to the barren expanse of Death Valley, the landscape in this part of the world is varied, uncompromising and awe-inspiring.
With so many natural wonders in the western half of the USA, it’s no wonder the government saw fit to establish a large number of national parks there, stretching from Wyoming to Arizona and from California to Utah.
As a result, for visitors to the USA it can be quite a tough decision-making process deciding which ones to visit! In order to help you fix your itinerary, here’s a guide to the top five national parks in the west.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Forget being the best in the west of USA, this incredible place is arguably one of the top five attractions anywhere on earth. Regularly placed on lists of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is really a place that needs no introduction.
The sheer scale of the panorama here is what really takes your breath away at any time of day, but for the most impressive views arrive at sunrise or sunset to see the rocks change colour from red to purple before your very eyes.
Absolutely unmissable.
2. Yosemite National Park
The fact that the most famous and celebrated landscape photographer of all time, Ansel Adams, practically called Yosemite his home should give you some idea of why Yosemite must be on your itinerary.
Standing at the Tunnel View lookout where Adams would regularly set up his camera and tripod gazing out over a sea of trees towards the towering granite edifices of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall is a vista that will remain imprinted on your mind forever.
3. Zion National Park
After picking up your jaw from the floor at Tunnel View, prepare to be left with your mouth gaping once again in Zion National Park after you hike your way to Angels Landing.
This almost 1,500ft rock formation provides the perfect viewing platform to take in the wondrous spectacle of the tree-lined Zion Canyon stretching out before you between a corridor of towering orange cliff faces.
4. Arches National Park
Like Zion, Arches is one of the lesser-known national parks in the region, but that’s not for any good reason.
If you’re unsure of what to expect here, the clue is the name. This vast expanse of rocky terrain in Utah is so-called because it protects some 2,000 beautiful natural sandstone arches that have been created by the forces of erosion – the most-photographed of which is Delicate Arch.
5. Yellowstone National Park
The Grand Canyon was included for its sheer scale; Yosemite and Zion for their views; and Arches for its fascinating geology. Yellowstone gets its place in the top five thanks to its collection of geysers – the world’s largest.
Old Faithful is the most visited explosive water spout in the park and is so-called because it reliably shoots a more than 100ft burst of hot water into the air every 91 minutes – you could set your watch by this remarkable natural phenomenon.
Photo credit: arches
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