9 (tie). Rocky Mountain, Colorado
Score: 4.01

Its beauty is undeniable, and Rocky Mountain moved our reviewers to call it "absolutely beautiful and breathtaking." With well maintained trails and endless peaks, it's no surprise that readers call it great for beginner and advanced backpackers alike. But "lines of cars" and crowds that "are getting a bit out of hand" made for decidedly mixed reviews. Get off the beaten path—and stay there!

10. Denali, Alaska
Score: 3.98

The scenery in Denali brings words like "awesome" and "magnificent" spilling out of our excited reviewers. No shock. Far from civilization, this park's untamed quality is very appealing. "If you want pure wilderness, this is the place," says one reviewer. The park's lack of facilities contributes to the wilderness feel, but the low infrastructure score (as well as a low score for crowds) brought down its total. Still, all that couldn't keep this Alaskan wunderkind out of the top ten. As one reviewer says, it's "what a national park should be."

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