First, there’s a typo under Jewel Cave NM. The location says it’s in CA.

As a lifelong (well, almost) Utahn, I was actually surprised to see Dinosaur at #2 and GSENM at #3. Tbh, I think that’s high for DNM. It’s got some amazing scenery and scary dinosaurs and it’s a lot of fun, but it’s not 15/15 for scenery. The pic you show of the Yampa R (I assume that’s the Yampa), is awesome, but you can’t see that view or anything like it unless you’re in the air. If there was a category for “family friendly”, it might bring DNM up to top 20.

GSENM, OTOH, deserves a 15/15 scenery & a top 5 ranking. BUT, if you never get out of your car here, it’s one of the most boring places on earth. Scenery score 2/15. Sagebrush, rocks & sand. That’s all. While Hwy 12, a national scenic byway (top 5 IMHO – when is your national scenic byway ranking coming out?), passes through a corner of the park, it’s only a small section. You have to put in some serious legwork to enjoy GSENM. For those who do, GSENM is absolutely worthy of its top 5 ranking. With numerous amazing slot canyons (without the crowds of antelope canyon, but almost as impressive), the popular lower Calf Creek Falls, Devils Garden, Hole in the Rock, the unparalleled Coyote Gulch, and other sights, this place may rival some of UT’s NPs. Thankfully, the sights are all only accessible by rather lengthy hikes, keeping the crowds down.

That said, I think you’ve underrated a few NMs as well. Cedar Breaks scenery is far better than Dinosaur. Way above the 9/15 you gave it. I saw that you said you’re not cave people in some of your other comments, so I’m going to be “that guy” to add that your NM caves are underrated too (I didn’t think your NP caves were underrated, but I’ve never seen Carlsbad, either – have been through Lehman though). Your “scenery” scores for Jewel and Timponogos Caves are too low. While you may not be impressed by caves (a lot of ppl think they’re pretty cool though), take into account the whole picture. Above ground at both of these caves, the scenery is spectacular. And the surface scenery is still part of the NM, not just the cave 😉 Timponogos requires a steep, albeit short, hike along the side of American Fork Canyon in the scenic Wasatch Mountains. Surprisingly, despite a metro of > 1.5 mil (SLC-Provo) only minutes away, Timp isn’t overcrowded. Jewel Cave is located in the scenic black hills, some absolutely gorgeous country. Both caves are surrounded by forest. Scenery scores for these 2 caves definitely should be higher.

Nonetheless, great list! As I mentioned up top, it really got me excited to get out and see some of these places.

Hi Rachel,

It’s really wild how many monuments there are and outside of a handful there’s practically no one at these amazing places.

Glad you found the list useful! Eager to hear if you find any particular monuments you love.
Best,
Will

Hello again Bob & Kathy!

Looks like you stumbled upon this list as well 🙂

Devils Tower is probably a bit low on the list and will be moving up this year.

After having looked at your ranking and listing of the National Parks, I have decided that I live in one of the most wonderful state in the US, Washington. We live near Tacoma and think Mt Rainier National Park deserves #1 over Olympic National Park, however IMHO I love Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics as one of my favorite hikes.

My wife and I need to return to Yosemite, previously visited 2 summers ago when the smoke from forest fires made our camping and trip less than wonderful. We didn’t even get into Crater Lake.

We have a goal of visiting most of the Nat’l Parks in the western part of the US as we are retired. We are also very close to 80 yrs so don’t have a lot of time left but still in pretty good health and condition. Thanks for your site!!

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the kind words and for stopping by. We’ll have to give it another look when we update the post 🙂

Best,
Will