6 Underrated National Parks Where You Can Escape the Crowds

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Thu June 25, 2026

Visiting national parks is an important way to show support for this country’s long cherished public spaces at a time when their funding is under attack from the federal government. But with summer in full swing, many of the best-known national parks can become especially crowded.

And travelers these days are increasingly drawn to quieter, less crowded outdoor destinations, with 65% saying a lesser-known national park would offer a more rewarding experience than a famous one, according to a recent survey commissioned by Intrepid Travel and Wildland Trekking.

Similarly, 50% of surveyed travelers cited peace, quiet and time in nature as primary motivations for visiting national parks, while 72% believe overcrowding diminishes the travel experience.

With these sorts of sentiments in mind, and to help travelers discover alternatives to America’s busiest parks, Intrepid and Wildland Trekking (an Intrepid Company) have just announced a new initiative designed to spotlight some of the quietest, most under-the-radar public lands across the country.

The locations being highlighted (all of which can be visited with Wildland Trekking or Intrepid) are meant to showcase the diversity, history and natural beauty of America's public lands, along with offering reduced crowds.

"Many travelers assume they need to visit the most famous parks to experience the best of America's public lands, but some of the most rewarding experiences can be found in places that remain surprisingly overlooked,” Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, said of the new initiative.

Highlighting the overlooked parks is part of a broader effort from Intrepid to encourage responsible travel during America's 250th anniversary year by promoting visitation to lesser-known public lands, while also educating travelers about ways to reduce pressure on heavily visited destinations.

In addition to exploring alternative parks and regions across the country, experts from Intrepid Travel and Wildland Trekking recommend:

Traveling during non-peak seasons and avoiding weekends when possible.
Follow Leave No Trace principles, which outline the best ways to minimize your footprint in nature.
Support local communities and businesses.
Research less crowded trails

This initiative follows Intrepid's recent launch of its unique Active-ism trips, which are also meant to showcase national parks in a different light, by allowing travelers to experience iconic spaces alongside some of the country's most well-known and iconic environmental activists.

Looking for alternatives to revisiting the same destinations this summer? Read on for locations that allow travelers to explore beyond the country's most well-known parks and have broader exposure to the American landscape, while still enjoying a memorable experience.

6 lesser visited national parks

North Cascades National Park, Washington
Often referred to as the "American Alps," North Cascades receives only a fraction of the visitors seen at many western national parks despite boasting dramatic mountain peaks, glaciers and alpine lakes.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Featuring bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and volcanic landscapes comparable to Yellowstone, Lassen remains one of the most underrated parks in the National Park System.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Frequently overshadowed by Zion and Arches, Capitol Reef offers towering cliffs, colorful canyons and some of Utah's most spectacular desert scenery.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah
With vast landscapes and significantly lower visitor density than neighboring Arches, Canyonlands – Utah's largest national park – provides opportunities for solitude and exploration.

Kings Canyon National Park, California
Home to giant sequoias and stunning High Sierra landscapes, Kings Canyon offers many of the experiences travelers seek in Yosemite with far fewer visitors.

Denali National Park, Alaska
One of America's great wilderness destinations, Denali embodies the vastness, solitude and natural beauty many travelers increasingly seek.