The 250th anniversary of the United States is a perfect time to rediscover America’s national parks. From the granite cliffs of Yosemite to the misty valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains, national parks embody the country’s physical grandeur and egalitarian spirit. Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, wasn’t reserved as a playground for the elite but as a natural wonder open to all.

These extraordinary landscapes have inspired generations of artists, writers and travelers — including us. Here, we’ve rounded up 18 of our favorite hotels near the parks, so you can access the splendor of these national treasures from some of America’s most luxurious resorts. These lodges, wellness retreats and ranches provide privileged access to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery while offering world-class dining and restorative spas. Whether perched beside alpine lakes, hidden in the desert or surrounded by ancient forests, these hotels make exploring America’s national parks more memorable (and certainly more comfortable) than ever.

Yosemite

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, the nearly 1,200-square-mile Yosemite National Park spans the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California. It’s renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, granite cliffs and deep valleys. The scenery here inspired John Muir to write, “No temple made with human hands can compare with Yosemite.” Near the park’s southern entrance, Château du Sureau is a Provençal-style manor with 10 guest quarters on a knoll above the small town of Oakhurst. There is also a two-bedroom villa with a private gated entrance and Jacuzzi. A gourmet restaurant serves sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dishes and is backed by an excellent wine cellar stocked with both French and regional bottlings. Cooking classes, photography lessons and guided hikes in Yosemite can be arranged.