The Best National Parks in North America

 


This article discusses the best national parks in North America, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Banff, Yosemite, Zion, Glacier, Acadia, Wrangell-St. Elias, Rocky Mountain, Jasper, Grand Teton, and Denali.


Introduction

North America is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders and landscapes in the world, and many of these wonders are preserved in national parks. From the rugged mountains and dense forests of Alaska to the red rock formations of Utah and Arizona, the national parks of North America offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature up close. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best national parks in North America, including their unique features, activities, and why they should be on your bucket list.


Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park, established in 1872. Located in the state of Wyoming, the park is famous for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Yellowstone is home to more than 10,000 geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, as the park is home to a variety of animals, including bears, wolves, and bison.



Grand Canyon National Park

One of the most iconic national parks in North America is Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona. The park is home to the massive Grand Canyon, a 277-mile-long and over a mile deep canyon that has been carved by the Colorado River. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views from the rim of the canyon or hike down into the canyon for a more immersive experience. The park also offers a variety of other activities, including river rafting, camping, and stargazing.



Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885. Located in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, the park offers visitors stunning mountain views, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and camping, and the park also has a variety of hot springs to relax in after a long day of exploring.



Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California, is famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. Visitors can also take in the stunning views from Glacier Point, which overlooks Yosemite Valley, or enjoy a scenic drive along Tioga Road.



Zion National Park

Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations and canyons. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, and visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, canyoneering, and horseback riding. One of the park's most popular hikes is the Narrows, which involves hiking through a narrow canyon with towering walls of red rock.



Glacier National Park

Located in Montana, Glacier National Park is home to stunning mountain vistas, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, as the park is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The park is also famous for its historic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.



Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, located in Maine, offers visitors a chance to experience the rugged coast of New England. The park is home to rocky shores, dense forests, and stunning mountain views. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping, and the park also has a variety of lakes and ponds for swimming and boating.



Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States, located in Alaska. The park is home to towering peaks, glaciers, and wild rivers, and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and fishing. The park also has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. Visitors can explore the park's historic mining sites and learn about the area's rich cultural heritage.



Rocky Mountain National Park

Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its stunning mountain vistas and alpine lakes. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, and visitors can also enjoy wildlife watching, camping, and scenic drives. Trail Ridge Road, which runs through the park, is one of the most scenic drives in North America, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.



Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, located in Alberta. The park is known for its stunning mountain views, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and bighorn sheep. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and camping, and the park also has a variety of hot springs to relax in after a long day of exploring.



Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, offers visitors stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the Teton Range, a dramatic mountain range that rises over 7,000 feet above the surrounding valleys. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, and the park also offers a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and kayaking.



Denali National Park

Denali National Park is located in Alaska and is home to North America's highest peak, Mount Denali. The park is also home to abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and moose. Visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking, and wildlife watching, and the park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and educational activities.



Conclusion

North America is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the world, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature up close. From the geothermal features of Yellowstone to the red rock formations of Zion, these national parks offer a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a relaxing soak in a hot spring, there's a national park in North America that's perfect for you.


References:

  • "Yellowstone National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
  • "Grand Canyon National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
  • "Banff National Park." Parks Canada. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff
  • "Yosemite National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
  • "Zion National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
  • "Glacier National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
  • "Acadia National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
  • "Wrangell-St. Elias National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/index.htm
  • "Rocky Mountain National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm
  • "Jasper National Park." Parks Canada. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper
  • "Grand Teton National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
  • "Denali National Park." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm