The 21 Most Remote National Parks in America
Want to get away from it all? These remote national parks will test your limits—and reward you in ways you can’t imagine.
Forget crowded trails and packed visitor centers. Here, you’ll find the untouched wild, where nature is at its rawest and most untamed.
Step into the unknown, lose yourself in breathtaking landscapes, and discover the serenity that only the most isolated corners of America can offer. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Nestled above the Arctic Circle, this park is an expansive wilderness with no trails or roads. The sheer vastness and rugged beauty invite those who crave solitude and adventure.
Visitors can witness the aurora borealis dance across the sky. The park’s untouched landscapes host roaming caribou and diverse wildlife.
It is a sanctuary for those seeking to escape modern life. Experience the raw power of nature in a place where silence reigns.
Prepare for extreme conditions, but the reward is an unparalleled connection with the natural world.
Isle Royale National Park
Located in the cold waters of Lake Superior, this park is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Its isolation offers a haven for wolves and moose.
Dense forests and rugged terrain provide a true wilderness experience. Hiking trails lead adventurers through serene landscapes.
The island’s history is rich with tales of shipwrecks and ancient copper mines. Visitors find solace in its quiet beauty.
A place where technology fades and nature’s music takes the lead. Perfect for those seeking an escape from the digital world.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Famous for its massive sand dunes, this Alaskan park offers an unexpected desert landscape. The dunes, shaped by winds and time, create a surreal sight.
It’s a place where the caribou migration can be witnessed, a spectacle of nature’s cycles. No roads lead here, emphasizing its remoteness.
It’s a pristine environment where the adventurous can camp under a sky unpolluted by artificial light. This park is a testament to nature’s ability to surprise and delight with its diversity.
North Cascades National Park
Known for its jagged mountain peaks and lush valleys, this park offers a challenging terrain. It’s a paradise for backpackers and climbers seeking solitude and panoramic views.
The park’s biodiversity is astounding, with over 300 glaciers. Trails weave through wildflower meadows and dense forests.
Visitors may encounter black bears and eagles. The untouched beauty is a reminder of nature’s resilience.
Ideal for those wishing to test their limits and find peace in the alpine air.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
As the largest national park in the U. S.
, it covers a range of ecosystems. Glaciers stretch for miles, meeting rugged mountains and sprawling valleys.
The park’s remoteness ensures a pristine environment. Adventurers can explore abandoned mines and witness the majestic flight of the golden eagle.
It’s a park where the spirit of exploration is alive, calling to those with a thirst for discovery. A place where the vastness of nature humbles and inspires.
Big Bend National Park
In the heart of Texas, this park offers a diverse landscape. From desert to mountain and river, it showcases nature’s versatility.
The Rio Grande carves through canyons, creating a dramatic backdrop. Visitors can hike, raft, or simply soak in the expansive views.
Amidst the harsh desert, life thrives in unique forms. It’s a place where the adventurous spirit finds a playground, and the quiet seeker finds peace.
The vast night sky reveals constellations in brilliant clarity.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This park is named for its deep, shadowed canyons. The sheer cliffs and narrow gorges offer breathtaking views.
Hiking trails provide access to stunning overlooks. It’s a place where the past is etched into the canyon walls, telling stories of geological time.
Rafters can feel the thrill of navigating the river’s rapids. The solitude and silence of the canyon contrast with the roaring waters below.
A destination for those who appreciate the power and beauty of raw landscapes.
Glacier Bay National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is a marine and terrestrial wilderness. The glaciers are its crown jewels, slowly carving landscapes over millennia.
Visitors often spot humpback whales and sea otters in the icy waters. Kayaking offers a close-up view of this dynamic environment.
The park’s beauty is overwhelming, an invitation to contemplate nature’s grandeur. It’s a place where the past and present collide, with glaciers retreating and landscapes evolving.
Great Basin National Park
Hidden in Nevada, this park is a convergence of diverse terrains. From the arid desert to the heights of Wheeler Peak, it offers varied landscapes.
The ancient bristlecone pines, some over 5,000 years old, stand as timekeepers of history. Stargazers find a haven here, with night skies unspoiled by city lights.
It’s a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the ordinary and explore nature’s extremes. A place where solitude is found among the whispers of the wind.
Katmai National Park
Katmai is famous for its brown bears fishing in the Brooks River. The park’s volcanic landscape is a testament to Earth’s power.
Visitors can explore the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a surreal volcanic field. The dynamic wilderness offers a chance to witness nature’s raw beauty.
Adventurers can kayak, fish, or hike in remote areas. It’s a destination where the wild spirit comes alive.
Observing the bears is a humbling reminder of the natural hierarchy.
Lake Clark National Park
A hidden gem in Alaska, this park is known for its stunning scenery and diverse ecosystems. The combination of active volcanoes, salmon-filled rivers, and alpine tundra creates a unique environment.
Bush planes are the primary means of access, emphasizing its seclusion. Visitors can witness the convergence of ocean and mountain ecosystems.
It’s a photographer’s paradise, with wildlife and landscapes begging to be captured. A perfect spot for those seeking inspiration and tranquility in nature’s embrace.
Voyageurs National Park
This park is a water-rich wonderland, with interconnected lakes and forests. Canoeing is the quintessential way to explore its beauty.
The park’s name commemorates the French-Canadian fur traders, or “voyageurs,” who traveled these waterways. It is a place where history and nature intertwine.
Camp on secluded islands and fish in serene waters. The remote setting offers a peaceful retreat from the modern world.
A haven for those looking to disconnect and reconnect with nature.
Denali National Park
Home to North America’s tallest peak, this park is synonymous with adventure. The mountain’s presence dominates the landscape, inspiring awe.
Wildlife thrives here, from grizzly bears to elusive wolves. The park offers unparalleled hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
A single road provides limited access, preserving its wild essence. It is a place that challenges and rewards explorers with its majestic beauty.
Ideal for those seeking a true wilderness experience.
Channel Islands National Park
Consisting of five islands, this park is a haven for unique flora and fauna. The isolation has led to species evolving differently from the mainland.
Visitors can explore sea caves, snorkel in kelp forests, and hike scenic trails. The islands’ remoteness ensures a peaceful escape from urban life.
It’s a place where nature’s rhythms are undisturbed by human activity. A sanctuary for those seeking to experience coastal beauty in its purest form.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
This preserve is steeped in history as a land corridor for ancient migrations. The landscape is characterized by rolling tundra, hot springs, and volcanic activity.
It’s one of the most remote and least visited areas in America. Visitors can soak in natural hot springs and witness caribou herds traversing the land.
The isolation offers a glimpse into Earth’s past and a chance to ponder its future. A destination for those seeking a profound connection with nature.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this park is an oceanic treasure. Home to Fort Jefferson, it offers a glimpse into maritime history.
The coral reefs teem with marine life, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. The clear waters reveal vibrant fish and intricate coral formations.
Visitors can camp on the sandy shores, experiencing the tranquility of island life. It’s a place where history meets natural beauty, offering a unique escape.
Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in aquatic wonder.
Haleakalā National Park
Famous for its volcanic landscapes and breathtaking sunrises, this park captures the essence of Hawaii’s natural beauty. The summit offers views of a vast crater, often above the clouds.
Trails wind through diverse ecosystems, from barren volcanic rock to lush rainforests. The park is a refuge for native Hawaiian flora and fauna.
Visitors may encounter the endangered nēnē goose. It’s a place where the earth’s fiery past is still palpable.
Ideal for those seeking a blend of adventure and serenity.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Home to the tallest dunes in North America, this park presents a landscape of extremes. The dunes, shaped by wind and water, create a mesmerizing spectacle.
Visitors can sandboard down the slopes or explore the alpine trails nearby. The park’s diverse environments range from desert to forest.
It’s an ideal spot for stargazing, with dark skies revealing a universe of stars. A destination for those drawn to the intersection of desert and mountain ecosystems.
American Samoa National Park
American Samoa National Park offers a unique blend of tropical beauty and cultural heritage. Located in the South Pacific, this remote park encompasses lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, and pristine beaches.
The vibrant culture of the Samoan people adds a rich cultural experience to any visit.
Explore the diverse ecosystems, from coral reefs teeming with marine life to the dense forests filled with exotic flora and fauna. The park’s remote location offers a rare glimpse into an untouched paradise, making it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska offers a breathtaking display of ice and sea. The park is renowned for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife.
Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of calving glaciers and explore the icy landscapes by boat or kayak.
The park’s remote and rugged environment provides a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and puffins. Experience the tranquility of this icy paradise, where the natural world remains largely untouched by human development.
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the United States. Located in Alaska, its centerpiece is a massive volcanic caldera formed over 3,500 years ago.
The park’s rugged terrain and wild landscapes make it a haven for experienced adventurers and intrepid explorers.
Visitors can explore the surreal beauty of the caldera, with its lake and river systems offering unique opportunities for kayaking and hiking. The park’s isolation ensures a sense of solitude, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the Alaskan wilderness.
Wildlife sightings, including brown bears and caribou, add to the park’s allure, making every visit an unforgettable experience.