A couple who visited all 63 national parks in the United States have revealed which ones are the best and why.
Seattle’s Matt and Karen Smith took to Instagram to share their must-see list with their 141,000 enthusiastic followers.
Enthusiastic travelers chose winners in several categories, including “most diverse,” “best wildlife sightings” and “most underrated.”
But the duo finally named Grand Teton in Wyoming for having “the best of everything.”
Seattle’s Matt and Karen Smith took to Instagram to share their must-see list with their 141,000 enthusiastic followers.
Enthusiastic travelers picked winners in several categories, including “most diverse” and “most otherworldly.”
The clip shared stunning footage of a herd of buffalo running on the side of the road, as well as a wolf trotting through the snow, earning Yellowstone the “best wildlife sightings” accolade.
The pair began their video by sharing a selfie taken against a scenic backdrop, before launching into their list of recommendations.
the clip featured snippets of several stunning views, ranging from deserts to mountains and lakes.
In the first shot, Karen walked through a forest with moss-covered trees while an overlay of text read, “The most diverse park: Olympic.”
Death Valley was billed as “the most otherworldly park” with its sprawling desert landscape before the award for “most epic hiking trails” was shared between Glacier and Mount Rainier national parks.
The clip then shows stunning footage of a herd of buffalo running along the side of the road, as well as a wolf trotting through the snow, earning Yellowstone the accolade of “best wildlife sightings.” “.
Bryce Canyon was then named “most charming” and was quickly followed by Badlands as “most underrated.”
Next, with hidden pools and caves, the couple named Zion National Park as having the “most unique hiking trails.”
Unsurprisingly, the Grand Canyon also made the shortlist with its sun-drenched mountain trail before Matt and Karen described it as “the most impressive.”
Enthusiastic travelers then named Bryce Canyon the “most charming” of all America’s national parks.
Badlands was listed as “most underrated” on the couple’s list before Zion came up as having “the most unique hiking trails.”
But in the end, enthusiastic travelers concluded that there was only one place that had “the best of everything”: Grand Teton.
Matt and Karen elaborated on the title, explaining, “It’s impossible to list all the wonders of 63 national parks in a 30-second reel.
“But the best thing about our parks is that you can experience them for yourself and create your own ‘best’ memories, which of course will be different from ours.”
And her clip was quickly inundated with comments as fans flocked to share their own views.
One person wrote: ‘It’s so hard to pick a favorite but I love these!’
A second person wrote: ‘Walking the Zion Strait is one of (my) favorite things I’ve ever done!!!’
Unsurprisingly, the Grand Canyon also makes the shortlist as “most impressive” (left), but Grand Teton is the park that offers “the best of everything” (right).
And her clip was quickly inundated with comments as fans flocked to share their own views.
Another person added: ‘OMG I’ve been to all of these parks and I 100 percent agree with what you’re saying! I love all of these national parks so much, but the badlands will always be my underrated favorites.”
Many commenters agreed with the pair labeling Badlands as “the most underrated,” and other fans provided their own personal comments and recommendations.
One person wrote: “All the highlights are in the west.”
Another person added: “I’ve noticed a lot more creators downplaying Yosemite for some reason and I don’t fully understand it.”
“It’s your opinion, but I’ve noticed a trend where people don’t like to talk about Yosemite because of its popularity.”
Many commenters agreed with the pair labeling Badlands as “the most underrated,” and other fans provided their own personal comments and recommendations.
A third person wrote: “Surprised Isle Royale isn’t listed for a reason.”
A fourth commenter added: ‘Agreed! But I would add Yosemite to the most impressive thing… it’s that feeling of seeing the valley coming out of the tunnel!’
One person wrote: ‘I think another underrated one is Canyonlands in Utah! I’ve been to quite a few national parks and it’s still easily in my top two!’
Another person added: ‘What about Alaska’s national parks?’
Some fans created a friendly competition between the east and west coasts.
One person wrote: “This is why the American West is so much better than the East.”
Another person added: “Haha, sorry orientals.”
A third person commented: ‘NOTHING from the east coast? Clearly you’re from California or somewhere adjacent.