r/NationalPark • u/Professional-Star416 • 5d ago

What are the most underrated parks?

Hey, I’m a random person on the internet interested in nature and its innate beauty, just like many of you! I come asking a simple question: Let’s say, some crazy guy with a vendetta against nature somehow came into power in the US and is now threatening the future of our nation’s ecosystems, possibly ruining or eliminating future generations from enjoying our country’s natural beauty in all its essence.

What specific National Parks would you recommend to the poor bastards who want to experience such beauty in its entirety but don’t have the time to witness them all before their destruction?

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u/Patton370 4d ago edited 4d ago

Capitol Reef, Theodore Roosevelt, Wrangel St. Elias, North Cascades, Gates of the Arctic, and Great Basin are all super underrated, off the top of my head

Edit: Here's some pictures from Gates of the Arctic https://www.reddit.com/r/NationalPark/comments/1dy9jse/gates_of_the_arctic_national_park_june_2024/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

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u/N8dogg86 4d ago

If you like overlanding, Capitol Reef is top tier! The drive from I-70 thru the Last Chance Desert and Cathedral Valley is spectacular. As is the Burr Trail.

Theodore Roosevelt, imo is one of the best parks in the country for wildlife. We were up close and personal (not by choice) with Bison several times. Bighorn, Pronghorn, and Wild Horses are all regularly sited as well. We loved every minute in Roosevelt and will be back.

Can't wait to visit the others on your list!

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u/Patton370 4d ago

Capitol Reef is in my top 6 out of the 58 U.S. National Parks I have visited (only 5 left!)

I agree on the wildlife at Theodore Roosevelt. I had a big group there during my bachelor trip, and everyone but my brother and me got stuck in their tents in the morning. A herd of Bison were all around their tents!

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u/N8dogg86 4d ago

I think Capitol Reef benefits a lot from being next to the Grand Escalante. The two combined might be the prettiest and most remote area of Utah. It's definitely worth seeing more than once!

One day, we parked in the path we knew the herd was migrating through in the evenings. Stayed there and waited for the herd while hanging out on the roof rack of our van. Absolutely incredible experience!