This Colorado stunner takes the top spot by being a double whammy of greatness – it’s not just a national park, but a dark sky park too. Its dramatic landscape is a jagged explosion of craggy chunks of metamorphic rock pushed to the surface almost 30 million years ago, and it’s a magnet for mountain climbers.

We recommend camping in order to make the most of the park’s dark sky status, which is carefully preserved – all outdoor lighting devices use low-energy with shields that direct light to the ground.

Now discover the most beautiful national parks on the entire planet...

America's most underrated national parks you simply have to visit