Why you should see America’s least visited national parks
Don’t let the guidebooks fool you. Just because a park doesn’t bring in millions of tourists every year doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting. Some of the most spectacular national parks in the United States are completely off the beaten path. Based on a list from Saving Places, check out this gallery to find out why you should rethink that trip to Yosemite or Yellowstone and explore the hidden treasures of the 10 least visited national parks in the United States instead.

Gunnison National Park, CO
Beneath a 2,700-ft tall captivating Black Canyon lies the glorious Gunnison River. The dramatic canyon got its name because it receives less than an hour of sunlight a day.

Gunnison National Park, CO
If you’re looking for a stunning view, the best hiking trails can be found on either the north or south rims of the canyon.

Gunnison National Park, CO
The park also has an array of adventurous activities to enjoy that aren’t for the faint of heart, such as river rafting and rock climbing.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
What was once an underwater basin 265 million years ago now makes up one of the most expansive Permian reefs in the world at Guadalupe National Park, just east of El Paso, TX.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
This park is known for its fossilized reef mountains and bright white Salt Basin Dunes. Not to mention, it is home to four of the highest summits in Texas!

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
No trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park would be complete without a visit to the iconic landmark El Capitan. This rock formation is the state’s 10th highest peak, standing at 8,085 ft tall.