Popular U.S. Parks and their Nearest Airports
Traveling to a national park is, without a doubt, an unforgettable experience that every adventurer should add to their bucket list (it is on mine!).
The United States has some of the world’s most incredible national parks, with millions of visitors flocking each year to see stunning geological formations, diverse wildlife, and uninterrupted landscapes.
But, before you pack your bags and head straight to your desired national park, it’s essential to know which airport is closest to your destination. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at six national parks—Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, Yosemite, Grand Teton, and the Grand Canyon—and the closest airports.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone, the first national park in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site spans across the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, covering nearly 3,500 square miles.
The closest airport to Yellowstone is the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), which is situated about 90 miles from the north entrance of the park. Alternatively, you can also fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which is located about 60 miles from the southern entrance of the park.
Zion National Park
Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park offers visitors otherworldly landscapes and incredible hiking opportunities. To visit Zion, you could fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU), which is situated about 45 miles from the park’s entrance.
A scenic second alternative is to fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and enjoy a beautiful two-hour drive to the park.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, boasts large pristine forests, alpine meadows, and over 130 named lakes. The closest airport to the park is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located just outside Kalispell, Montana, approximately 30 minutes to the west entrance of the park.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the western Sierra Nevada of California, the park spans 748,436 acres and has numerous iconic natural landmarks, including El Capitan and Half Dome.
The closest airport to Yosemite is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is located about an hour and a half drive from the park.
If your airport doesn’t have convenient connections to FAT, another option is to fly into SFO Airport and then drive to Yosemite National Park.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming offers visitors breathtaking mountain landscapes, vast forests, and pristine lakes. The closest airport to the park is the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which is situated just minutes from the park’s entrance.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is arguably the most famous national park in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. The closest airport to the park’s south rim is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), located approximately 90 minutes from the park.
Alternatively, you can also fly into the Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN), which offers various direct flights from nearby cities.
Visiting a national park is a lifetime experience, and it can be even more enjoyable if you know which airport is closest to your dream destination. By knowing the closest airports to the six most popular national parks, you can easily plan your trip and truly enjoy all that these beautiful destinations have to offer. So pack your bags, book your flights, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of America’s most stunning national parks.