The most beautiful national parks in the American West

Our colleague Linda travelled through the American West in 2009 and 2016. Below you'll find her top 5 most beautiful national parks in the American West that you definitely shouldn't miss. You'll find more information about travelling to America here: America

1. Moab / Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a relatively small national park located near the town of Moab. What really stands out here is the wide variety of hiking trails. You'll find very easy hikes, but also longer hikes of 2 to 3 hours, so there's something for everyone. She also explored Canyonlands by jeep. This was a guided tour, so you can't drive yourself, but it's a great experience to go off-road. In Canyonlands, you can also go rafting.

2. Zion National Park

Her first visit to Zion National Park was during a trip to Bryce Canyon. As they drove through, they all thought: "maybe we should have stayed here for a night"... During her second visit in 2016, she stayed for two nights, giving her a full day to explore the park. She did a special excursion: The Narrows hike, which partly takes you through the water. She took one of the first shuttle buses that stop at nine different points in the park. The Narrows hike starts at the final stop, after a short walk. She has done many hikes, but walking through the water was truly unforgettable. If you're not afraid of heights, the Angels Landing Trail is also highly recommended during your Zion adventure.

3. Bryce Canyon

This is where she experienced the most spectacular sunrise in America. The sunlight reflecting on the colourful rock formations created an unforgettable scene. It's an easy park to explore by car or camper. Prefer not to drive yourself? Shuttle buses from Best Western Ruby's Inn run through the park and stop at all viewpoints. There are several hiking routes, with the Navajo Trail being the most famous. Once you're down there, you really experience the scale of the hoodoos (rock spires). In some areas, you can also see orange sand dunes forming. For her, Bryce Canyon is the most beautiful national park in the American West, it truly stole her heart.

4. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is, of course, a world-famous highlight in the American West and a must-see for every traveller. It is one of the oldest national parks in the United States. There are many hiking trails and viewpoints spread throughout the park. She watched the sunrise at Point Imperial and enjoyed a beautiful sunset at Horseshoe Bend (about a 2.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon). Tip: arrive early to secure a good spot at the viewpoints and take it all in. Looking for more adventure? Consider a helicopter tour. From the air, you truly realise just how enormous the Grand Canyon is.

5. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a Tribal Park, known for its unique rock formations. It is located on the Colorado Plateau, about 100 km west of Four Corners, where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico meet. The best way to visit this park is by booking a guided tour. Not only does this support the local community (who act as guide), but there are also areas you cannot access with your own car. After a day of exploring, you can enjoy a meal at The View Hotel; just as the name suggests, it offers stunning views over the park. Please note: this park is not included in the National Parks Pass. At the time of her visit, the entrance fee was $25.