National Parks That Are The Hardest To See

The National Park Service was created in 1916 to preserve the stunning scenery and the natural wonders across the United States. Millions of people visit popular national parks every year to see the country's famous and iconic natural landmarks. However, some national parks are far more difficult to experience than others. Some have dangerously hot or cold climates, while others are surrounded by volcanoes or accessible only by plane or boat. And then there are some that require permits that sell out in minutes. Whatever the reason, these are the national parks that are the hardest to see.

Sometimes you can't judge a place by its name, but in the case of Death Valley National Park, its ominous name is fitting. This California national park is known as both the hottest place on earth and the driest place in North America. Summer temperatures often top 120 degrees, and the valley is often too unpleasant to visit by May.

Many Americans forget that there are plenty of tropical island destinations in our own backyard that you don't need a passport to visit. The U.S. Virgin Islands are among them and are also home to multiple national park paradises that not many Americans think to visit. There are six parks in total spanning across the three islands, including Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of the island of St. John. This park includes snow-white beaches, plantation ruins, sea turtle nesting sites and stunning coral reefs.

Haleakalā National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui is famous as one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the world. Visitors are required to make sunrise viewing reservations in advance, up to 60 days before their intended visit. There are four sunrise overlook areas that are first-come, first-serve starting at 3 a.m.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison in western Colorado earned its name because the river that sits down in the steep, narrow canyon receives just a few hours of sunlight a day. This canyon's unique plunging cliffs include the Painted Wall, the highest cliff in Colorado. There are trails for all abilities on both the South and North Rims of the canyon, but going within the canyon is not one of NPS' beginner hikes. It requires a permit and is only recommended for experienced explorers and expert kayakers. There are also no maintained or marked trails into the inner canyon.

Another underappreciated Alaskan national park, Katmai National Park & Preserve includes more than a dozen active volcanoes. It is a geographically isolated park that cannot be accessed by car, so most visitors fly to their destination. Katmai is also estimated to be home to more bears than any other national park in the world, adding to the park's potential danger as well as making it an enticing destination for wildlife lovers.

Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean is made up of five islands and their serene, surrounding waters. The islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boats, so the National Park Service recommends planning your means of arrival in advance. Once on the islands, there is no transportation available, including bicycles. Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island, which is accessed via a stairway up its rugged cliffs, boasts some of the most breathtaking views in America.

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah, almost a 150-mile drive from the closest regional airport and an almost 300-mile drive from the closest major airport in Salt Lake City. Because of its remote location, it receives comparatively fewer visitors than Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. However, its amazing rock formations still attract millions of visitors. Even still, the park has only two campgrounds, which often reach capacity during peak season.

Formerly White Sands National Monument, White Sands National Park features glistening white gypsum sand dunes, a strange and beautiful natural wonder. The world's largest gypsum dune field is indeed an outdoor playground, but the park has hazards to beware of in almost every season. The weather in the desert can be unpredictable and extreme, with frequent dust storms, summer thunderstorms, heat advisories lasting late into the fall and below-freezing temperatures at night.

Though Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is Alaska's most-visited NPS site, Denali National Park is its most emblematic thanks to its famous landmark, its namesake Mount Denali. As North America's tallest peak, it's a majestic mountain that many Americans hope to see in their lifetime. The park has only one road through its 6 million acres of wilderness, no NPS-run lodging and limited human development.

Yellowstone is one of America's most visited, famous and beloved national parks. Though it is not the largest national park, its sprawling 2.2 million acres spanning multiple states make it challenging to see all the amazing park has to offer. It can also be deceptively hazardous. Bears inhabit the entire park, and the park's famous hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. As long as you stay on trails and boardwalks, you will be safe to enjoy stunning natural phenomena like the Grand Prismatic Spring. Seeing the iconic sights of Yellowstone is something that every American should do in the U.S. in their lifetime.