While Yellowstone and Yosemite steal the spotlight, many state parks across the western United States quietly serve up epic beauty and thrilling adventures without the overwhelming crowds. From red-rock deserts to coastal cliffs and alpine peaks, these state parks offer scenery and experiences that go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in the national park system.
Having traveled full-time across the West in a van for two years, I stumbled upon some underrated gems that absolutely blew me away. These are the state parks you’ll want to add to your bucket list, stat.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Just an hour from Las Vegas, this park gets its name from blazing red sandstone formations that seem to glow at sunrise and sunset. Petroglyphs carved over 2,500 years ago add a layer of history to this Martian-like landscape.
Top Experiences: Hike the White Domes and Fire Wave trails, climb the stairs to Atlatl Rock to see ancient etchings, and stop by Elephant Rock for an iconic photo-op.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
This Central Oregon gem is famous among climbers, but even if you don’t scale cliffs, the scenery alone is worth the visit. Towering rock spires carved by volcanic activity rise beside the Crooked River, with Cascade peaks dotting the distance.
Top Experiences: Conquer the Misery Ridge Trail or take a peaceful walk along the River Trail for unforgettable canyon views.
Montana de Oro State Park, California
Hugging the rugged coastline near Morro Bay, this state park features tide pools, cliffs, sea stacks, and quiet beaches. Springtime brings golden wildflower blooms, living up to its name, “Mountain of Gold.”
Top Experiences: Stroll the Bluff Trail, climb Valencia Peak, and explore tide pools at Corallina Cove for sea stars and crabs.
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Often overshadowed by nearby Zion, Snow Canyon offers striped sandstone cliffs, lava tubes, and quiet desert trails. It’s visually dramatic and surprisingly tranquil.
Top Experiences: Hike the Hidden Pinyon and Lava Flow Overlook Trails, or visit the Sand Dunes area for a laid-back day in red desert sands.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California
Big Sur’s coastline gets all the love, but Julia Pfeiffer Burns is its crown jewel. McWay Falls cascades 80 feet onto a beach below, while old-growth redwoods line the canyon trails.
Top Experiences: Walk the McWay Falls Overlook Trail, explore Ewoldsen Trail through lush forest, and don’t miss the tunnel walk down to Partington Cove.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
California’s largest state park features 600,000 acres of raw desert terrain, fossil beds, slot canyons, and springtime wildflowers. Its diversity rivals that of much larger parks.
Top Experiences: Hike Borrego Palm Canyon to a hidden oasis, explore the otherworldly Slot Canyon Trail, and stargaze from Font’s Point under some of the darkest skies in the state.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro is a multi-colored canyon filled with mesas, hoodoos, and roaming wildlife.
Top Experiences: Hike to the Lighthouse rock formation, catch a summer performance at the outdoor amphitheater, and enjoy sunrise views from the rim.
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Perched high above the Colorado River, this park serves up dramatic views that rival anything in Canyonlands. Its twisting river bends and towering cliffs offer prime photo ops.
Top Experiences: Visit the Dead Horse Point Overlook, hike the East and West Rim trails, and enjoy a peaceful sunset above the red rock maze.
Deception Pass State Park, Washington
Deception Pass connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands with a towering bridge above powerful tidal flows. With rugged cliffs, evergreen forests, and marine wildlife, this park blends ocean and forest seamlessly.
Top Experiences: Walk across Deception Pass Bridge, hike Goose Rock Trail, kayak around Bowman Bay, and watch the tides swirl below.
Waimea Canyon State Park, Hawaii
Called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon on Kauai delivers bold color, sheer cliffs, and cascading waterfalls through lush jungle.
Top Experiences: Stop at Waimea Canyon Lookout, hike to Waipo’o Falls, or descend into the canyon via the Kukui Trail.
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations cover the landscape in Goblin Valley, giving it an alien feel. It’s a photographer’s dream and a natural playground for kids.
Top Experiences: Walk among the goblins, explore Goblin’s Lair cave, and hike Entrada Canyon for a wider view of this surreal environment.
Antelope Island State Park, Utah
Set in the Great Salt Lake, this island is home to roaming bison, antelope, and panoramic lake views. It feels like stepping into another time.
Top Experiences: Hike to Frary Peak, watch wildlife at the Fielding Garr Ranch, and float in the salty lake during the summer heat.
Slide Rock State Park, Arizona
A natural water slide carved into red rock near Sedona, Slide Rock is both a scenic wonder and a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day.
Top Experiences: Slide down the smooth sandstone creek bed, swim in Oak Creek, and relax under the Arizona sun.
Goosenecks State Park, Utah
Though small in size, this park offers one of the most dramatic views in the Southwest. The San Juan River twists through steep canyon walls, forming a natural sculpture of winding bends.
Top Experiences: Take in the view from the overlook, camp along the rim, and head to nearby Valley of the Gods for more red rock magic.
These 14 western state parks prove that you don’t need national park status to deliver awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable adventures. From salt flats and canyons to tide pools and waterfalls, these under-the-radar spots are every bit as wild and wonderful as their more famous counterparts.
