Beyond the Famous Five

Everyone knows Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Glacier. These iconic parks deserve their fame, but they also attract enormous crowds that can diminish the very wilderness experience people are seeking. Meanwhile, dozens of equally spectacular national parks receive a fraction of the visitors, offering pristine landscapes, uncrowded trails, and a genuine sense of solitude.

Here are ten national parks that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

1. North Cascades, Washington

Often called the American Alps, North Cascades features over 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the lower 48 states. Despite its proximity to Seattle, it receives fewer than 40,000 visitors per year — compared to over 4 million at nearby Olympic National Park.

2. Congaree, South Carolina

Home to the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. The park’s ancient cypress trees, some over 130 feet tall, create a cathedral-like canopy. Paddling a canoe through the park’s Cedar Creek is an unforgettable experience.

3. Isle Royale, Michigan

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks in the continental US. This remote island in Lake Superior offers exceptional backpacking, wildlife viewing (including wolves and moose), and a complete escape from modern life.

4. Great Basin, Nevada

Home to 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines — among the oldest living organisms on Earth — and the spectacular Lehman Caves. The park also boasts some of the darkest night skies in the country, making it exceptional for stargazing.

5. Guadalupe Mountains, Texas

Rising dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert, the Guadalupe Mountains contain the four highest peaks in Texas. The park features diverse ecosystems from desert scrub to high-altitude forests, and McKittrick Canyon is considered one of the best fall foliage destinations in the Southwest.

6. Lassen Volcanic, California

All four types of volcanoes found in the world — shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome — are represented in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park features boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hydrothermal areas that rival Yellowstone without the crowds.

7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado

The Black Canyon is deeper, narrower, and more dramatic than almost any other canyon in North America. The Gunnison River has carved through 2 billion years of rock, creating sheer walls that plunge over 2,000 feet. The views from the rim are vertigo-inducing and unforgettable.

8. Voyageurs, Minnesota

A water-based park where the primary mode of exploration is by boat. Voyageurs encompasses vast interconnected waterways that were once the highway system of French-Canadian fur traders. It is exceptional for fishing, paddling, and viewing the northern lights.

9. Dry Tortugas, Florida

Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park centers on Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress surrounded by crystal-clear Caribbean waters and some of the best snorkeling in North America.

10. Pinnacles, California

The remnants of an ancient volcano that was split by the San Andreas Fault and moved 195 miles from its original location. Pinnacles features dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and is one of the best places in California to see the endangered California condor in the wild.

Tips for Visiting Less-Known Parks

  • Check accessibility: Some remote parks have limited seasons or require special transportation
  • Plan for limited services: Smaller parks often have fewer lodging and dining options nearby
  • Bring supplies: Water, food, and gear may not be available within or near the park
  • Respect the solitude: Leave no trace and preserve these quiet places for future visitors
  • Visit midweek: Even uncrowded parks are busiest on weekends