National Parks You Should See: When traveling through the United States, don’t forget to stop at one of its national parks. These amazing landscapes boast everything from breathtaking vistas and historical structures to wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park stands as an icon of American national parks, boasting otherworldly thermal works and remnants from when bison once dominated the plains. Home to some of the biggest lakes on Earth and an expansive network of trails.
Are you seeking an adventure that combines breathtaking natural beauty with captivating wildlife encounters? A national park should be at the top of your travel wishlist; from Yosemite’s towering peaks to the lush forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in America are home to some of the world’s most impressive national parks.
These parks provide visitors with an escape from daily life and into nature’s great expanse. No matter your preference – hiking, wildlife viewing or simply appreciating the wonder of nature – there is sure to be an ideal national park near you – pack up your bags, grab your hiking boots and experience one of America’s greatest natural treasures!
1) Manú National Park
Manu National Park in Peru should be on your itinerary. Situated in the southern region, this spectacular national park is famed for its incredible biodiversity and hosts thousands of species – over 1,000 types of birds alone!
Manu National Park is home to several endangered species such as jaguars, giant otters and Andean bears – visitors can explore the park’s rainforest canopy, enjoy birdwatching or take part in guided tours that highlight local culture and history.
Manu National Park offers breathtaking natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
2) Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park offers stunning red and brown rock walls as well as breathtaking waterfalls – one of Arizona’s must-do experiences! This UNESCO World Heritage site covers an area of over 1.2 million acres and contains an astonishing mile-deep channel created by Colorado River over millions of years.
Since it was discovered by early Americans, its breathtaking landscape has inspired artists, writers and musicians. Additionally, the park boasts museums, historical sites and lodges to explore, as well as water activities for travelers to experience.
The park is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with rangers on site to answer any inquiries. In addition, the Visitor Center features a 20-minute orientation film as well as trip planning and hiking information.
3) Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Glacier National Park stands out among America’s premier national parks by offering over 700 miles of hiking trails, an ancient landscape filled with human history, and world-class stargazing experiences.
Glacier National Park lies in northwest Montana on its border with Canada and boasts melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys and incredible lakes – often called “the crown of the continent.” Glacier’s breathtaking and unforgettable beauty make it an unparalleled national treasure.
Experience Glacier on its legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road for yourself during any visit – its 50 miles span the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and offer breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and colorful wildflowers!
4) Acadia National Park
One of the country’s most visited national parks, Acadia welcomes an estimated annual attendance of 3.5 million visitors. It offers stunning granite mountains, rugged coastlines, lakes, and ponds in an idyllic environment.
This renowned national park can be found along Maine’s mid-coast region, approximately southwest of Bar Harbor. It covers about half of Mount Desert Island as well as portions of Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut – as well as 16 outlying islands.
Acadia offers something for every adventurer; be it hiking, biking, birdwatching, bird-swimming, birding watching, swimming, kayaking boating star gazing history and culture exploring! Acadia truly has something for everyone to explore!
Early risers can drive, bike or walk up Cadillac Mountain to witness the sunrise before dining at Jordan Pond House and admiring Acadia National Park’s splendid natural surroundings.
5) Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park stands out as one of the nation’s premier national parks with its captivating mountain landscape and abundance of wildlife. Spanning 310,000 acres, it provides hikers, climbers, boaters and whitewater rafters an oasis in which to explore.
Grand Teton National Park’s wilderness environment provides shelter to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including over 1,000 species of vascular plants. Additionally, Grand Teton draws an array of mammals, birds and fish that bring with them new species every year.
Jenny Lake is one of the park’s most picturesque lakes, while Oxbow Bend in Snake River provides views of Mount Moran with stunning reflections and beauty.
6) Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is one of the United States’s most beloved national parks, drawing over five million visitors every year to its jagged mountain peaks, stunning mountain lakes, and unspoiled rivers.
This park boasts an abundance of ecosystems, from alpine tundra at 11,000 feet down to meadows and forests at lower elevations. This ecosystem supports a diversity of wildlife including bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose and even bald eagles!
There are multiple entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park, with Estes Park serving as its primary entryway. On the west side are fewer visitors yet still plenty of attractions such as Grand Lake town.
7) Torres Del Paine National Park
Torres Del Paine National Park can be found near Torres Del Paine State Reserve in California.
Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is an absolute must for nature enthusiasts. Famous for its breathtaking mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes and wildlife – including guanacos, pumas, Andean condors – Torres Del Paine offers visitors an experience they won’t soon forget!
The park is also famous for its W trek, an amazing multi-day hike through some of its most stunning landscapes. Visitors can also participate in activities like kayaking, horseback riding and fishing for fun during their visit.
Torres Del Paine National Park should be at the top of your travel bucket list for hikers or scenic getaways alike, no matter their level.
8) Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, California’s crowning natural wonder, should be on everyone’s bucket-list as an experience of nature’s incredible power. Boasting breathtaking waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, and centuries-old sequoia trees groves; Yosemite is truly remarkable and should be experienced first-hand!
Yosemite Valley and its surroundings provide home for an amazing diversity of animals, such as hundreds of bird species. Additionally, mammals, reptiles and amphibians also call Yosemite home.
Visitors to Yosemite National Park can explore it on foot or take advantage of one of the hundreds of hiking trails winding their way through the wilderness. Rock climbers scale Half Dome, El Capitan and other peaks while mountain bikers enjoy exploring rugged terrain at higher elevations.
9) Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park boasts one of the world’s greatest collections of hot springs, geysers, mudpots and fumaroles – together representing half of all known hydrothermal features in existence today.
Yellowstone National Park began to form roughly 2.1 million years ago when its supervolcano began erupting, producing geysers, hot springs, fumaroles and mudpots that remain active today. Magma lies hidden as deep as three miles below parts of Yellowstone; water percolates into its volcanic caldera to be heated by this hot molten rock.
Hydrothermal features in the park provide a haven for microorganisms called thermophiles or “heat lovers,” which thrive in its extreme temperatures, alkalinity, and acidity.
10) Great Barrier Reef National Park
Great Barrier Reef National Park is one of the world’s most stunning and distinctive national parks, found off Australia’s southern coast and home to one of its signature features: its expansive coral reef system visible even from space.
The park features over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, providing visitors with endless opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water-based activities. Not only is the natural beauty breathtaking; this aquatic oasis is also home to turtles, dolphins and over 1,500 different types of fish species!
Visitors to Great Barrier Reef National Park have various ways of exploring its expanse, from taking guided tours or venturing out on their own via rental boats or kayaks, to participating in guided snorkel tours or going solo using one of many available guided tour options. No matter your interests – oceanography or otherwise – Great Barrier Reef National Park should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Conclusion
Overall, national parks across the world are worth visiting; one such park that stands out among others is Banff National Park in Canada renowned for its turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Yellowstone National Park in the United States should not be missed, offering geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania also stands out as an invaluable experience – witness the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras!
Other world-famous national parks include Kruger National Park in South Africa, Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia – each will offer visitors an unforgettable experience! Visiting any one of these top national parks will surely leave a lasting impression.
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