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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#3 on this list
Yellowstone
Wyoming / Montana / Idaho
Vast backcountry beyond the geyser basins — thermal features, bison, and real solitude.
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- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#4 on this list
Olympic
Washington
Three ecosystems in one park: coastal, rainforest, and alpine. Excellent backcountry permit system.
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- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Yellowstone | Olympic |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho | Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA |
| Established | March 1, 1872 | — |
| Size | 2.2 million acres | — |
| Terrain | Volcanic plateaus, mountains, forests, rivers | — |
| Wildlife | Bison, elk, bears, wolves | — |
| Permits | Required for all overnight stays | — |
| Area | — | 922,650 acres |
| Ecosystems | — | Coastal, Temperate Rainforest, Alpine |
| Highest Point | — | Mount Olympus (7,965 ft) |
| Designation | — | National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Primary Access | — | US-101 loop around the peninsula |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Yellowstone
- Unparalleled solitude in vast wilderness areas
- Unique geothermal features deep in the backcountry
- Exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities
- Diverse ecosystems and challenging terrain
- Opportunity for multi-day, immersive trips
- Crowds at popular trailheads and access points
- Competitive permit system for desirable campsites
- Active grizzly bear population requires vigilance
- Rapidly changing weather and potential for snow year-round
Olympic
- Unparalleled ecosystem diversity: coast, rainforest, mountains in one park
- Excellent, well-managed backcountry permit system for predictable planning
- Opportunities for true wilderness solitude, despite overall popularity
- Iconic old-growth forests and unique coastal geology
- Good range of difficulty from accessible coastal walks to challenging alpine routes
- Weather can be extremely unpredictable, especially in the rainforest and mountains
- Mosquitoes and biting insects are prevalent in summer, particularly near water
- Popular trailheads can be very crowded during peak season and holidays
- Road access to some trailheads can be long and unpaved, requiring higher clearance
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.