Exploring the great outdoors doesn’t have to mean fighting for a parking spot, waiting in long lines, or struggling to find solitude on the trails. While popular parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite attract millions of visitors annually, the least crowded national parks offer equally stunning landscapes, incredible hikes, and unique ecosystems—without the overwhelming crowds.
If you’re craving wide-open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and trails where you won’t be constantly passing other hikers, this guide covers the 5 least crowded National Parks that deserve a spot on your adventure list.
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Why These Least Crowded National Parks?
The least crowded National Parks don’t just have fewer visitors—they also offer unforgettable outdoor experiences. Each of these five parks receives a fraction of the annual visitors compared to major parks yet boasts jaw-dropping views, epic hikes, and diverse landscapes:
Unlike the busiest parks, where millions flood in each year, these least crowded National Parks offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of large crowds.
How to Avoid Crowds in Any National Park
Even in the least crowded National Parks, there are peak seasons and popular spots where you might still encounter visitors. Follow these strategies to maximize solitude on your adventure:
- Arrive Early or Stay Late – Most visitors explore between 10 AM and 4 PM, so hitting the trails early or staying past sunset can lead to a much quieter experience.
- Choose Lesser-Known Hikes – While some famous trails get attention, parks often have equally stunning but less-trafficked trails.
- Visit During the Shoulder Seasons – Instead of summer, try exploring in early spring or late fall, when visitor numbers drop significantly.
- Explore Beyond the Main Attractions – Stray from the major overlooks and venture deeper into the park to uncover hidden gems.
If you want more details on our top tips for avoiding crowds, check out this blog post.
The 5 Least Crowded National Parks to Visit
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore some of the most serene and scenic landscapes in the U.S., these five national parks offer exactly that. Often overshadowed by their more popular counterparts, these parks boast breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and unique features without the heavy foot traffic. Whether you’re seeking remote deserts, towering mountains, or lush valleys, these hidden gems provide the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts looking for tranquility and adventure.
Big Bend National Park
Annual Visitors: ~509,129
Why It’s Special: One of the most remote National Parks in the U.S., Big Bend offers dramatic desert landscapes, a winding river, and some of the best stargazing in the world.
Top Things to Do:
- Santa Elena Canyon – A stunning canyon carved by the Rio Grande with towering rock walls rising over 1,500 feet.
- Lost Mine Trail – A moderate 4.8-mile hike leading to breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains.
- Hot Springs Historic District – Relax in natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.
Best Time to Visit: November–April (Mild temperatures, best hiking conditions)
Pinnacles National Park
Annual Visitors: ~222,152
Why It’s Special: Known for its otherworldly rock formations, Pinnacles is a paradise for hikers and wildlife lovers, especially those hoping to spot the endangered California condor.
Top Things to Do:
- High Peaks Trail – A challenging 6.7-mile loop with incredible panoramic views of towering rock spires.
- Bear Gulch Cave Trail – Navigate through dark talus caves—home to rare bat species.
- Balconies Cliffs Trail – A scenic route through canyons and along cliffside edges.
Best Time to Visit: March–May & October–November (Pleasant temperatures and vibrant wildflowers)
North Cascades National Park
Annual Visitors: Just over 40,000 (2023)
Why It’s Special: One of the least visited National Parks in the U.S., North Cascades is a rugged wonderland of glaciers, turquoise alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks.
Top Things to Do:
- Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm Trail – One of the best alpine hikes in the country, featuring lush meadows, glaciers, and epic mountain views.
- Thunder Creek Trail – A peaceful, forested hike along a glacial-fed stream.
- Diablo Lake Overlook – Snap a photo of the lake’s brilliant blue-green waters.
Best Time to Visit: July–September (Most trails are snow-free)
Pro tip: Add in the other two Washington National Parks, Mount Rainier and Olympic, for the perfect National Park road trip!
Great Basin National Park
Annual Visitors: ~143,265
Why It’s Special: A hidden gem for stargazers, hikers, and cave explorers, Great Basin boasts the oldest trees on Earth, deep limestone caves, and the second-highest peak in Nevada.
Top Things to Do:
- Bristlecone Pine Trail – Visit 4,000-year-old trees, some of the oldest living organisms.
- Lehman Caves Tour – Explore intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and rare cave shields.
- Wheeler Peak Trail – A challenging hike to the 13,065-foot summit.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall (Ideal for hiking)
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Annual Visitors: ~227,340
Why It’s Special: Home to Texas’ highest peak, Guadalupe Mountains offer stunning desert landscapes, and the most vibrant fall foliage in the Southwest.
Top Things to Do:
- Guadalupe Peak Trail – A strenuous 8.4-mile hike leading to the highest point in Texas.
- McKittrick Canyon – A unique desert oasis famous for its autumn foliage.
- Devil’s Hall Trail – A moderate hike through a narrow canyon leading to a natural rock hallway.
Best Time to Visit: Fall (October-November) for cooler weather and beautiful fall colors.
Pro tip: Add in nearby National parks, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns, for a great road trip.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Escape to the Least Crowded National Parks
If you want to escape the overwhelming crowds of places like Yosemite, Zion, or the Grand Canyon, these five least crowded National Parks provide breathtaking scenery, epic hiking trails, and peaceful solitude—without the stress of overcrowding.
Start planning your trip today! Check out these helpful guides next:
- 7 Things You NEED to Consider Before Planning Your National Park Trip
- 5 Hidden Gem National Parks You Should Visit
And don’t forget to follow @ptadventuring for more National Park travel tips!
