National Park Week 2026 kicked off Saturday and will feature special events now through Sunday, August 30.
The National Park Service (NPS) will even celebrate its 110th birthday by waiving entrance fees on Tuesday, August 25.
With Google's help, the NPS has also launched the new United Parks of America digital hub to improve how travelers explore their favorite protected lands in 2026.
However, the Google Arts and Culture team also dove into its search data to reveal some fascinating trends as it relates to America's national parks this summer.
Hiking Is Hot Right Now
According to Google, hiking is being searched more than ever before. The term "hiking safety tips" spiked by approximately 185% over the past month, and "hiking for beginners" increased by over 165%.
Travelers with a passion for hiking are showing the most interest in Utah's Zion National Park, which was the most searched national park among people searching for hiking. What's more, the scenic Narrows gorge hike was the top trending related hike over the past month.
Hiking the Grand Canyon. (Photo Credit: maislam/Adobe)
Additionally, Google found that "good beginner hiking shoes" was the top trending "beginner" hiking search over the past month, while Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park was the top trending national park searched with "beginner" hiking.
Meanwhile, Maine's Acadia National Park was the top trending national park travel itinerary searched in the past month, according to Google. The park's Jordan Pond Path Trailhead was the top trending related hike.
Top Trending National Parks
Google data also sheds light on the trendiest national parks over the past year, with a pair of Alaskan lands making the top five.
- Death Valley National Park
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
National Parks 2026 Map. (Photo Credit: Google Trends Data Team)
Top-Rated National Parks
When it comes to the most well-liked national parks across the U.S., the list suddenly changes.
- Haleakalā National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Denali National Park and Preserve
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
National Parks With Most Direction Requests
View over the Merced River onto Yosemite National Park landmarks. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Paul)
It comes as no surprise that the nation's most coveted park destinations garner the most direction requests on Google Maps.
- Yosemite National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Zion National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
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