Situated near famed Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park's crown jewels include the Cathedral Group of peaks and the majestic Snake River. The dramatic spires that inspired Ansel Adams rise straight from valley floors, providing awe-inducing views. See them at their most compelling from the comparatively gentle Jenny Lake and Hermitage Point's trails or the switchbacks of Death Canyon. Jackson Lake is favored for windsurfing and sailing. Colter Bay Visitor Center contains an Indian Arts Museum.

Don't miss Jenny Lake Trail, 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive and Jackson Lake

The Grand Canyon is on almost every traveler's bucket list. Indeed, Theodore Roosevelt called it "the one great sight which every American should see." The Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails offer stunning views, but if hiking's not your cup of tea, rent a bicycle or take a scenic drive through the park.

Don't miss Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail and Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower

The spectacular rock formations, rugged canyons, tumbling rivers and pine-blanketed peaks of Zion National Park provide a southwestern wonderland for unparalleled camping, hiking, canyoneering and climbing. Drive Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway or get out and hike. Zion's sandstone monoliths and other geological wonders, like the Great White Throne, Grand Staircase and Checkerboard Mesa, backdrop challenging trails from The Narrows to Canyon Overlook, providing inspiration for artists and dreamers.

Don't miss The Narrows, Angel's Landing and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Denali National Park and Preserve is most famous for being the home of Mount McKinley, also called Denali, meaning "The Great One." At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America. The park, which is larger than the state of Massachusetts, has only one road, making it the perfect backcountry adventure. Try to spot The Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears.

Don't miss Park Road, Horseshoe Lake Trail and Wonder Lake

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is a national treasure. Located primarily in Wyoming, the park also extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone has active geothermal features with geysers and boiling mud pots throughout the park. The most famous is Old Faithful, a geyser that has erupted on the clock for decades. Travelers be warned, July is the busiest month of the year, with almost a million visitors alone. The park has a tour bus system, nine visitor centers, and 2,000 campsites.

Don't miss Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lamar Valley

Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park encompasses more than one million acres of terrain. Explore glacial-carved mountain peaks and valleys, cascading waterfalls and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which runs through the heart of the park and crests the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. The park is open year-round and offers sightseeing, wildlife watching, fall foliage, boating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bicycling, fine dining and luxury accommodations.

Don't miss Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald and Logan Pass

Hawaii's premier natural attraction offers a wealth of live volcano activity, rainforest, hiking trails and spectacular scenery. See the park's wonders from fifty miles of usually navigable roads - lava flows sometimes necessitate a detour - or take a few days to explore its marvels. Don't miss Kilauea's four-kilometer-wide Halemaumau caldera, Kilauea Iki crater trail, the easy Kipuka Puaula Trail or the chance to pick up a souvenir of the red hot action at Volcano Art Center & Gallery.

Don't miss Kilauea Iki Trail, Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube and Holei Sea Arch

If you can swing it, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom. But there’s plenty to do at other times of the year as well: go horseback riding (there are four rental stables); hike some of the 800 miles of trails; or bring your fishing gear and see if the trout are biting. Climb to the top of Clingmans Dome for amazing vistas.

Don't miss Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove

Pink cliffs, dramatic hoodoos and towering red and yellow spires make Bryce Canyon a geological wonder. While its founder, Ebenezer Bryce, thought that the canyon was just "a helluva place to lose a cow," visitors today will appreciate the panoramas, the flora and fauna and the limestone formations. Hike on the mile-long Bristlecone Loop or on the 22-plus mile Under the Rim trail. With 50 miles of trails, mountain biking, horseback riding and star talks, Bryce is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Don't miss Navajo/Queens Garden Loop, Sunset Point and Inspiration Point

Tucked into the mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs and waterfalls. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the formations made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. The valley is open year-round for camping, hiking, and climbing. Traffic is congested during peak season and park rangers encourage visitors to use the free shuttle system. For upscale visits, the Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927, is chic and luxurious.

Don't miss Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

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