10 States With The Most National Parks In The United States

The United States protects some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth in its national parks, and a few states are far richer in them than others. From desert canyons to alpine peaks, certain states pack in an extraordinary number. Here are the ten states with the most national parks.

The United States has 59 protected areas known as national parks that are operated by the National Park Service. These parks aren’t spread evenly among the 50 states and the US territories. Before you is a list of the 13 states that have the most national parks (at least 2 parks) within their borders (here’s another list of the most popular parks)

1-2. Alaska – 8 national parks

The largest state in the US also has the most national parks (along with California). There are 8 national parks within Alaska:

• Denali National Park
• Gates of the Arctic National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park – home to numerous glaciers, including the famous Margerie Glacier
• Katmai National Park
• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Lake Clark National Park
• Wrangell, St Elias National Park

1-2. California – 8 national parks 

Tied for first place, California (third largest state) also has 8 national parks, including Yosemite – one of the most visited national parks in the country:

• Channel Islands National Park
• Death Valley National Park – Death Valley is located in both California and Nevada. It is home to wonderful sand dunes and famous Sailing stones phenomena
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Redwood National Park
• Yosemite National Park

3. Utah – 5 national parks 

There are five national parks in Utah, despite the fact that Utah is not even among the 10 largest states:

• Arches National Park – Where you can see more than 2000 natural arches, including the famous Delicate Arch
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Zion National Park – where you can walk the famous hike called The Narrows in a slot canyon

4. Colorado – 4 national parks 

The state of Colorado has four national parks:

• • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park – With more than 3 million visitors each year, the Rocky Mountain is one of the most popular national parks

5-7. Washington – 3 national parks 

There are three national parks in Washington:

• Mount Rainier National Park
• North Cascades National Park
• Olympic National Park

5-7. Florida – 3 national parks 

Also with 3 national parks is Florida:

• Biscayne National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Everglades National Park

5-7. Arizona – 3 national parks 

The State of Arizona has 3 national parks as well:

• Grand Canyon National Park – One of the most famous and breathtaking canyons in the world
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Saguaro National Park

8-13. Hawaii – 2 national parks 

Hawaii has two national parks:

• Haleakala National Park
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – One of the best places in the world to watch lava

8-13. Montana – 2 national parks

There are two Montana national parks:

• Glacier National Park
• Yellowstone National Park – The very first national park is divided between the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

8-13. Nevada – 2 national parks 

There are two Nevada national parks:

• Death Valley National Park – As mentioned before, the Death Valley is divided between California and Nevada, and it is home to wonderful sand dunes and famous Sailing stones phenomena
• Great Basin National Park

8-13. South Dakota – 2 national parks 

There are two South Dakota national parks:

• Badlands National Park
• Wind Cave National Park

8-13. Texas – 2 national parks 

There are two Texas national parks:

• Big Bend National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park

8-13. Wyoming – 2 national parks 

There are two national parks in Wyoming:

• Grand Teton National Park
• Yellowstone National Park – divided between the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

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