As the busy summer season winds down, fall presents the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy America’s magnificent national parks. With over 400 national park sites spread across the country, you’re sure to find incredible scenery, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else when you visit these national treasures. Planning your trip through Expedia makes booking your hotel, rental car, and activities simple, leaving you free to create lifelong memories exploring America’s natural wonders.

No matter which incredible park you choose, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas, diverse wildlife, and the grandeur of America’s most precious natural landscapes. Here are just a few of the must-see national parks to consider for your fall vacation:

Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone holds the distinction of being America’s first national park, founded in 1872. Located primarily in Wyoming, Yellowstone contains half of the world’s hydrothermal features including bursting geysers, bubbling mud pots, and shimmering hot springs tinted yellow, orange, and green by microbial mats. Watch Old Faithful erupt on schedule approximately every 90 minutes, hike past Steamboat Geyser, the world’s largest, or take Instagram-worthy pictures of Grand Prismatic Spring and its rainbow-colored rings. Yellowstone also provides incredible wildlife viewing opportunities – you may spot elk, bison, bears, wolves, and more!

Yosemite National Park, CA

Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is known for its towering granite cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. Postcard-perfect views await at tunnel view lookout and Half Dome peaks nearly 9,000 feet into the sky. Hike uphill for unobstructed vistas on trails through alpine meadows or walk through the mist from thundering waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. The landscapes seem endless, with over 95% of the park designated wilderness.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

One of America’s most iconic national parks, the Grand Canyon lives up to its name, measuring in at 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Gaze out over the layered canyon walls to see billions of years of geological history unfold before you. Hike your way down into the canyon along Bright Angel Trail, raft along the thrilling rapids of the Colorado River, or stroll along the South Rim taking in vistas of depth and scale that need to be seen to be believed.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN

For an array of dazzling fall foliage, head to the most visited national park in the U.S. – Great Smoky Mountains. Here you’ll be surrounded by colorful autumn hues painting the landscape as the leaves change from vibrant greens to stunning yellows, oranges, and reds. Take scenic drives along mountain passes, stop at lookouts like Clingmans Dome for spectacular views, and hike to thunderous waterfalls near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Keep an eye out for black bears, white tailed deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife.

Arches National Park, UT

Containing the most natural sandstone arches in the world, it’s easy to see how this Utah park got its name. Over 2,000 arches are found within the park, in fiery hues of red and orange formed by millions of years of erosion. Admire iconic arches like Delicate Arch, standing freely since the Jurassic period, or gaze up at Double Arch, a double-barreled beauty spanning more than 300 feet wide. Marvel too at rock fins, towers, balanced rocks, and massive walls of entrenched canyonlands as you explore the rugged desert landscape.

Denali National Park, AK

Home to North America’s highest peak, Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s crown jewels. Majestic Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) towers over 20,000 feet into the sky and is visible from 100 miles away when conditions are clear. Visitors can hike, camp, backpack, raft, spot wildlife like caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, moose and bears or take bus tours into the park for prime animal viewing. See Alaska’s wilderness at its finest, covering six million acres of mostly untouched backcountry.

With endless options across the country, the hardest part is choosing which incredible national parks to explore on your next vacation. The national parks provide access to some of America’s most prized natural landscapes, protecting stunning scenery, historical sites, diverse ecosystems and wildlife for the enjoyment of all.

As you plan your national park adventure, let Expedia take the hassle out of logistics like booking flights, hotels, rental cars and more. Their easy price guarantee ensures you find the best deals no matter when you book. Use Expedia’s trip planning tools to map out your perfect park route, get recommendations on places to stay nearby, and fill your itinerary with exciting activities like hiking, biking, rafting, or wildlife safaris.

With endless scenic driving, countless hiking trails, areas to spot unique wildlife, and sweeping picture-perfect vistas, America’s national parks showcase natural beauty like no other. Take advantage of the calm after the busy summer crowds and experience these national wonders in their full fall splendor. Let Expedia handle the bookings while you craft your own national park memories exploring all the incredible natural landscapes America has to offer.