
Why stop at national parks when the western US is filled with state parks that are equally amazing? You don’t have to fight the crowds to see towering cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, or dramatic deserts. Here are 20 western state parks that give any national park a run for its money.
Custer State Park, South Dakota

Custer State Park is just as epic as any national park, with its towering granite spires, serene lakes, and roaming bison herds. Wildlife lovers can drive the scenic loop to spot buffalo, pronghorn, and more. Hiking trails like Black Elk Peak will make you forget you’re not in a national park.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Only an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire features striking red sandstone formations that rival Arizona’s famous parks. Petroglyphs, colorful rocks, stunning views, and epic hiking trails make it a hidden gem. The fiery settings are perfect for sunset shots and give photographers a playground.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

This park’s rugged beauty will leave you speechless and can compete with any national park. Smith Rock is a rock climber’s paradise with towering cliffs and a winding river below. But even if you don’t climb, you can hike the Misery Ridge Trail for some of the best panoramic views.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

California’s largest state park is a desert dream you will definitely love visiting. Anza-Borrego’s vast backdrops, colorful wildflowers, and rugged canyons make it a must-see for everyone. The park’s badlands and stargazing opportunities can compete with any of the country’s top desert parks.
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

Snow Canyon’s red rock cliffs, lava flows, and sand dunes make it a mini-Zion. You’ll find fewer crowds but just as much beauty here. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, biking, rock climbing, picnicking, and exploring geological wonders without the rush of a national park.
Bear Lake State Park, Utah/Idaho

Bear Lake is a turquoise gem that straddles the Utah-Idaho border. The crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches feel like a tropical escape. In the summer, the weather is perfect for swimming and boating, while winter brings ice fishing and snow activities.
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

This park gives you jaw-dropping views of the Colorado River, similar to the Grand Canyon! It offers incredible hiking trails and overlooks where you can watch the sunset paint the canyon walls. If you’re into photography or scenic vistas, this park is a must-see.
Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona

An outdoor haven with plenty of local legends and hidden treasures. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman is a hiker’s paradise. Trails lead you through desert sceneries filled with cacti and wildflowers, and the mountain views are unbeatable.
Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington

This park’s name may be misleading, but nothing is disappointing about its beauty! Located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, Cape Disappointment offers rugged coastal views and scenic lighthouses. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful retreat with stunning ocean views.
Palouse Falls State Park, Washington

The dramatic 200-foot waterfall at Palouse Falls is the main attraction here. The falls crash into a jagged canyon that looks like something out of a painting. Filled with natural beauty, this park is perfect for camping, hiking, and photography enthusiasts.
Limekiln State Park, California

Limekiln State Park combines coastal beauty with redwood forests, giving you the best of both worlds. You can hike to hidden waterfalls or stroll along the beach, all within the same park. Its stunning, secluded setting can compete with California’s more famous coastal parks.
Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah

This park lives up to its name with vivid colors and striking rock formations. Kodachrome Basin’s sandstone spires and desert settings are perfect for hiking and photography. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a painting in this quiet, less crowded spot.
Ecola State Park, Oregon

A coastal dream, Ecola State Park overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The towering cliffs, sandy beaches, crushing waves, and forested trails make it a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a fantastic spot for whale watching, tide pooling, picnicking, and scenic hikes along the bumpy coastline.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California

Burney Falls isn’t just a waterfall; it’s a magical experience. This 129-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery is a hidden gem that often surprises visitors. The cool mist and surrounding forest make it an ideal retreat for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
City of Rocks State Park, Idaho

City of Rocks is famous for its bizarre rock formations, which makes it a favorite among rock climbers and hikers alike. The unique backdrop, combined with breathtaking views, makes it one of Idaho’s most underrated parks. You won’t want to miss out on its surreal scenery.
Farragut State Park, Idaho

Sitting on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, Farragut State Park is perfect for water lovers. Kayaking, fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, and boating are popular activities here, but the park also offers hiking and camping. Its pristine setting makes it just as beautiful as any national park.
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Its quirky rock formations are as stunning as anything you’d find in a national park. Goblin Valley’s bizarre rock formations, known as “goblins,” create a setting that feels otherworldly. This park is a playland for both kids and adults, with endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, Bruneau Dunes is a surprising hidden gem and an unforgettable adventure. No matter if you’re sandboarding down the slopes or stargazing at night, this park offers unique activities you will also find in most national parks.
Great Salt Lake State Park, Utah

This park is perfect for experiencing the vastness of the Great Salt Lake. You can explore the shoreline, kayak, or even float in the lake’s salty water. The sunsets here are stunning and paint the sky in lively colors as the sun dips below the horizon.
Castle Rocks State Park, Idaho

Castle Rocks offers dramatic cliffs and rock formations, which makes it a paradise for climbers and hikers. The stony scenery feels like something out of a movie, and you’ll have plenty of space to explore without the crowds. This park can measure up to any national park in terms of beauty and adventure.