List of National Parks of the United States

The concept of US national parks is regarded as one of the nation’s finest initiatives as it led to the allocation of land dedicated to preserving the natural environment and providing enjoyment for the public. 

Over the last 150 years, the United States has established a total of 63 national parks. The ownership of national parks lies with the Federal Government. The legislative branches of both the US House and Senate hold the authority to direct the deployment of federal lands and can enact laws that impact the sale or preservation of these areas including the national parks.

In this guide, we have provided a comprehensive list of national parks along with some interesting facts and details so you can plan your next trip to one of the national parks in the United States.

The US national park system, including all national park units, protects an astounding 85 million acres of land. It is pertinent to note that not every state in the US has a national park, a fact that highlights the uneven distribution of these protected areas across the country. Here are some interesting facts:

It is pertinent to note that not all states have national parks. A total of 32 states have national parks with California having the highest number (nine). Here is a tabular depiction of the number of national parks in various states.

Acadia, referred to as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast is one of the top 20 National Parks in terms of visitation as it attracts most visitors in summer and early fall. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson designated 6000 acres as the Sieur de Monts National Monument. It was later expanded to form Acadia National Park in 1919, and officially named Acadia in 1929. 

The park was established to preserve Maine’s coastal beauty, featuring its rock-bound coast, islands, and diverse flora and fauna. The area features intertidal and estuary habitats, granite coastal cliffs, and the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast in the US.

Bicycles are restricted from hiking trails, while some carriage roads allow biking. Boat trips, carriage road walks, and other recreational activities are available, which all contribute to Acadia’s popularity. 

The National Park of American Samoa spans the islands of Ofu, Tutuila, Ta‘ū, and Olosega islands. This park is the least visited national park as per 2022 data and is home to coral reefs, tropical rainforests, fruit bats, and preserves the Samoan culture. With around 8,257 acres, which include 2,500 acres of coral reefs and ocean, it is the sole U.S. National Park south of the equator. 

Due to its secluded location, there is limited diversity among terrestrial species. About 30% of the plants and a single bird species, the Samoan starling, are exclusive to the archipelago. The park offers popular activities like hiking and snorkeling, offering visitors a unique experience in the southern hemisphere.

In 1929, President Herbert C. Hoover designated Arches as a National Monument, and later it became a National Park in 1971 under President Richard M. Nixon. The park features a remarkable concentration of natural sandstone arches, spires, and other geological wonders. The park’s diverse flora and fauna include pinyon trees, junipers, and wildlife like mule deer and golden eagles. Open year-round, Arches National Park attracts visitors for sightseeing, hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping, with peak visitation from March to October.

Originally established as Badlands National Monument in 1929, the place gained National Park status in 1939. In the late 60s, Congress expanded it by adding over 130,000 acres of Oglala Sioux tribal land. The Stronghold and Palmer Creek units holding significant scenic, scientific, and cultural resources were added in 1976. 

The park was re-designated as Badlands National Park in 1978, spanning nearly 243,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and prairie. Of these, sixty-four thousand acres are designated wilderness and are home to the endangered black-footed ferret. The park also preserves 23 to 35-million-year-old paleontological treasures, with the world’s richest Oligocene fossil beds depicting the evolution of mammal species. Visitors come here from June to September to see the unique beauty and wildlife and experience the Badlands’ solitude and diverse ecosystems.

Initially established in 1933 as Texas Canyons State Park, the place was later expanded and renamed Big Bend State Park, and achieved National Park status in, 1944. Owing to its unique location along the Rio Grande, it is regarded as a convergence of countries, cultures, and diverse natural environments. 

The park’s history dates back over 10,000 years, with evidence of prehistoric Native American occupation. As home to around 450 bird species and diverse flora and fauna, the park offers a rich visiting experience year-round.

Biscayne National Park is a beautiful subtropical area located 21 miles east of Everglades National Park. Originally established in 1968, it was expanded in 1980. The park’s history dates back to the Tequesta Indians, with evidence of their fishing and hunting lifestyle. 

The park is a haven for wildlife and features a unique blend of terrestrial and undersea life. It is ideal for water activities like boating, fishing, and snorkeling. It features clear waters, mangroves, isles, and living coral reefs, and draws around 500,000 visitors yearly, mainly by private boat. Birding, boating, and backcountry camping/hiking are quite popular here but require permits.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison became a national monument on March 2, 1933, and was later designated a national park in 1999. The park includes a portion of a deep, steep-walled gorge formed by the Gunnison River in Precambrian rock. Roads and trails on the north and south rims offer views of the Black Canyon’s dramatic drops and the striated Painted Wall cliff. The East Portal Road winds down to the river. Different kinds of wildlife such as mule deer, elk, and golden eagles can also be observed in the area.

Bryce Canyon National Park was designated as Bryce National Monument in 1923, later becoming a national park in 1928. The park’s history shows signs of early Native American presence, with Paiutes attributing the hoodoos to Legend People. Captain Clarence E. Dutton explored the region in the 1870s and contributed names like Pink Cliffs.

The park features vibrant rock formations and attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually. Its flora features ponderosa pines and diverse wildflowers, while its high elevations offer excellent stargazing opportunities.

In the early 1950s, Arches National Monument Superintendent Bates Wilson explored the canyon country. He mapped archaeological sites and fostered interest in the area. From 1957, he led visitors into Canyonlands, advocating for its scenic and recreational significance, and proposed a Grand View National Park. This led to the establishment of Canyonlands National Park in 1964. 

Canyonlands preserves the spirit of a wild, free America. This Colorado Plateau wilderness features stunning geological formations, including canyons, mesas, arches, and spires shaped by water and gravity over 300 million years. 

The Capitol Reef National Park, initially designated a national monument in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, became a national park in 1971. It was expanded sixfold to protect the Waterpocket Fold. 

The park features a vibrant landscape of canyons, ridges, and monoliths along the Waterpocket Fold. Popularly known as Wayne Wonderland, it has a diverse terrain from Upper Cathedral Valley at 8,255 feet to Halls Creek at 3,967 feet. Located between Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Capitol Reef attracts visitors from May to September, with a lower visitation count in winter.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park was designated as a National Monument in 1923 and a National Park in 1930. It achieved World Heritage Site status in 1995. Home to the Carlsbad Cavern and numerous Permian-age fossil reef caves, it features 83 caves, including the nation’s third-longest and deepest limestone cave. The park features federal and nonfederal areas and a 33,125-acre wilderness. While it is open year-round, peak visitation occurs in June, July, and August. The park operates 24/7, excluding Christmas Day.

The Channel Islands National Park includes five of California’s Channel Islands, including San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa Islands. The place is rich in history going back over 10,000 years. The islands have seen seafaring Indians, explorers, fur traders, and settlers, and in present-day they hold attraction for scientists and sightseers alike. The park spans around 250k acres, half of which is underwater, and has unique natural and cultural resources. 

Congaree National Park in South Carolina is home to primal landscapes, champion trees, and diverse flora and fauna. Its floodplain forest has giant hardwoods and towering pines with one of the world’s highest canopies. It serves as a sanctuary and research site and offers a tranquil ambiance for relaxation. Besides its natural beauty, Congaree holds a rich cultural heritage, being home to various communities throughout history, from Native Americans to Revolutionary War patriots and emancipated slaves. Today, it is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, camping, and boating.

The park is named after the Crater Lake which is the deepest in the U.S., second in the Western Hemisphere, and seventh globally, reaching 1,932 feet. The Klamath (Native American tribe) protected and revered the lake until 1853 when gold prospectors discovered it and named it Deep Blue Lake. While forgotten amid gold fever, Captain Clarence Dutton later explored it in 1886. Covering an area of 6 miles at 6,176 feet elevation, it features Wizard Island at 7,940 feet. The park is also home to the 8,151-foot Hillman Peak and 8,929-foot Mount Scott and receives an annual snowfall of around 44 feet.

Established in 1974 as a National Recreation Area and later designated a National Park in 2000, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is ranked as the fifth most visited national park in the United States. It offers insights into the Industrial Revolution and the Ohio & Erie Canal’s historical significance. The park features diverse landscapes, 186 miles of trails, and abundant wildlife, including coyotes, beavers, and various plant species like maple and oak trees.

Death Valley National Park was initially recognized in 1933 as a national monument and later expanded by the Desert Protection Act in 1994. Over 3,000,000 acres of the land have been designated as wilderness. Despite its ominous name, Death Valley will surprise you with wildflowers, snow-covered peaks, dunes, and abandoned structures. The region’s unique geology tells a fascinating tale of ancient mountains rising and subsequent erosion forming sedimentary fans.

Originally established to protect large mammals, the idea of Denali National Park was conceived by Charles Sheldon. His 1906-1907 travels with guide Harry Karstens led to plans for a national park. Larger in size than Massachusetts, Denali truly represents Alaska’s wilderness. The park has three units: Denali Wilderness, Denali National Park additions, and Denali National Preserve.

The park, originally named The Turtles by Ponce de Leon in 1513, features historical sites and protects endangered sea turtles. Located almost 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas National Park comprises seven coral reefs and the historic Fort Jefferson. The park is home to a subtropical marine system, coral reefs, fisheries, nesting birds, sea turtles, and wildlife. 

Established in 1934, Everglades National Park is known for preserving diverse life rather than scenic values. In the late 1800s, three small communities Flamingo, Chokoloskee, and Cape Sable were settled in the area. Since its establishment, the park has grown through boundary changes, including a notable expansion in 1989 for ecosystem restoration. Today the park serves as a sanctuary to endangered species such as the Florida panther and West Indian manatee.

Established in Alaska’s Brooks Range, Gates of the Arctic is among the least visited national parks of all but remarkable with its untouched natural beauty. The place offers a fine blend of solitude and adventure and is home to caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and bears. It also features a Biosphere Reserve and cultural resources. The park is a haven for subsistence activities and is rich with archeological and historic sites.

Gateway Arch National Park, once Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is a peaceful oasis in downtown St. Louis and the smallest park in the US. The park’s landscaped design by architect Dan Kiley complements the iconic Arch. You will get to see modern features, a circulation loop, and an amphitheater with native plantings. The place also features historical panels tracing westward expansion, and a Lewis and Clark Explorers’ Garden. 

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve comprises an area of vast wilderness that extends from Alaska’s inside passage to the Alsek River. It features a stunning saltwater bay with tidewater glaciers and unique marine life. While it has been preserved since 1925, it became a national park and preserve in 1980. William Skinner Cooper, an ecologist, played a key role in its establishment. In 1992, it joined with Canadian parks to form the largest internationally protected area. The park features various fjords, valleys, and islands, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.

The Glacier National Park’s history dates back over 10,000 years. It was around the late 19th century when the appreciation for Glacier’s scenic beauty led to tourism development. Belton (now West Glacier) initially served as a gateway with boat travel on lakes. Glacier is known for its stunning mountain scenery, diverse ecosystems, and over 50 glaciers. It is also home to rich wildlife and wildflower displays, creating a haven for various species.

Grand Canyon, renowned for its unmatched vistas, may not be the deepest canyon globally, but its size and complex landscape make it extraordinary. It preserves a thick sequence of ancient rocks, depicting North America’s early geological history. As one of the world’s most spectacular erosion examples, it offers breathtaking views. Hiking in the park is a challenging undertaking due to the desert climate, water scarcity, and elevation differentials that exceed 10,000 feet. The experience is both enlightening and demanding and attracts reactions from visitors.

The vast area of Grand Teton includes 100 miles of roads and 200 miles of trails. It is home to the Grand Teton Range which is 40 miles long and 7-9 miles wide. It is home to the 1056-mile-long Snake River, the Headwaters of the Columbia River system. The park also features Seven Morainal lakes and Jackson Wildlife: It is home to around 17 carnivores, 6 hoofed mammals, and 300+ bird species. 

Great Basin National Park was previously Lehman Caves National Monument and Wheeler Peak Scenic Area. It extends from sagebrush to Wheeler Peak’s summit and features streams, lakes, alpine plants, wildlife, and ancient bristlecone pines. Lehman Caves, known for its unique formations, offers insights into past climates and is a great example of the marvels of the desert and mountain ecosystems.

Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado is North America’s largest sandbox with over 5 billion cubic meters of sand. It features towering dunes, including Star Dune, seasonal Medano Creek, and a backcountry road leading to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Trails in the park lead to diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and alpine lakes like Medano Lake.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the US. It has a rich history dating back to European settlement in Cades Cove in 1818. The park was dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on September 2, 1940. Inspired by her visit to America’s National Parks in 1923, Mrs. Willis P. Davis initiated the Park Movement. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans the boundary between Tennessee and North Carolina. Its central region is marked by the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and is home to some of the tallest peaks in eastern North America.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the expansive Chihuahuan Desert of western Texas. It features luminous Salt Basin Dunes, grasslands teeming with wildlife, and mountains with fossilized reefs. The Guadalupe Peak Trail rises through a conifer forest to the state’s highest summit, offering views of the rocky El Capitan peak to the south.  The McKittrick Canyon Trail in the north is renowned for its lively autumn foliage.

Haleakala, once part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, became a separate entity in 1961. It was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980, with 19,270 labeled as wilderness. Established in Maui, the park safeguards Haleakala Crater and expanded to protect ecosystems in Kipahulu Valley, Oheo Gulch pools, and the coastline. 

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park exhibits the transformative power of volcanoes that are shaping landscapes from sea level to Mauna Loa’s summit. It is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, and offers insights into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands. Its diverse ecosystems, human history, and wilderness areas led to its designation as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

Hot Springs National Park, the oldest in the National Park System, features hot springs on Hot Springs Mountain. Once a renowned resort, it now protects eight historic bathhouses, including the luxurious Fordyce Bathhouse, and was designated a National Historic Landmark District. The hot springs, known for therapeutic benefits, continue to draw visitors looking for leisure activities, while the park’s water, with a pure taste, is popular for drinking and bathing.

The Indiana Dunes National Park features dunes, oak savannas, swamps, and more along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The landscape was shaped by the last continental glacier’s retreat 14,000 years ago and holds a geologic record of historic shorelines. As home to over 1,100 plant species and 350 bird species, it is a diverse natural treasure in an urban setting.

The Isle Royale National Park was authorized in 1931 and established in 1940 and has over 98% of its area designated as wilderness. Located in Lake Superior, it is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve. The island was shaped by a glacial retreat and houses diverse ecosystems and a rich history, from copper mining to modern preservation.

Joshua Tree National Park was originally designated a National Monument in 1936 and later upgraded to a National Park in 1994. The park was a result of the efforts of Mrs. Minerva Hamilton Hoyt who was concerned about environmental degradation caused by weekend visitors and convinced President Roosevelt to protect the area. 

The park is home to two distinct deserts, and features unique ecosystems, with the Mojave Desert having Joshua trees. Visitors come here to explore the park’s rich history, including Native American presence and the remnants of early explorers and homesteaders.

Katmai National Park and Preserve, initially declared as Katmai National Monument in 1918 was later designated a national park and preserve in 1980. The park underwent boundary changes over the years and by 2000, it covered over 3.6 million acres of federal land. The park features diverse wildlife, with brown bears and abundant fish populations, including some of the world’s largest salmon runs. 

The Alaska National Interest Lands Act in 1980 led to the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park, to preserve the scenic and environmental integrity of the Harding Icefield and its surroundings. 

The Chugach Eskimos were likely the aboriginal inhabitants of the region. The area has abundant wildlife, including mountain goats, bears, eagles, and marine species. The park’s diverse environment, primarily shaped by the Kenai Mountains, features shallow, poorly developed soils and a rich history dating back to Captain Vitus Bering’s exploration in 1741. 

Kings Canyon National Park, adjacent to Sequoia National Park is home to the world’s largest remaining sequoia grove. With valleys, towering trees, and unique rock formations reminiscent of Yosemite, it is no less than the famous Sequoia National Park. If you happen to visit, explore Grant Grove home to the General Grant tree, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

The Kobuk Valley National Park was proclaimed a national monument in 1978 and a national park in 1980. It is nestled between the Baird and Waring mountains and features the Kobuk River, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, and rich cultural resources.

Native Inupiat peoples, like the Kuuvangmiit, have a historical connection to the area, which is evident in villages like Kiana, Ambler, Kobuk, and Shungnak. The park’s diverse environment including the boreal forest and tundra supports wildlife like the Western Arctic caribou herd. 

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is home to diverse ecosystems; from Cook Inlet shores to Chigmit Mountains’ tundra hills. The Chigmits feature jagged mountains, glaciers, and active volcanoes like Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna. The Dena’ina people, a part of the Athabaskan group, have historical connections to the park, which is evidenced by sites like Kijik with a Russian Orthodox Church.

The park is critical to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery, featuring the 50-mile-long Lake Clark and various rivers. Hunting is allowed in Lake Clark Preserve which is home to animals like grizzly bears, caribou, and moose present.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to active volcanic landscapes, including all four types of volcanoes, covering 106,000 acres. Lassen Peak erupted in 1914-1921, which led to undertaking steps for its protection. The park, open year-round, features unique plant life and landscapes that are shaped by volcanic activity and make the park a geological laboratory.

The Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest cave system and the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin Rivers in central Kentucky. The cave, a geological wonder, features over 335 miles of passages shaped by diverse limestone layers. The park features rich biodiversity, with wildlife like deer, foxes, bats, and various birds. All these features contribute to its designation as a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

The Mesa Verde National Park preserves the 1,000-year culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Originally known as Anasazi, now Ancestral Puebloans, these ancient people settled around AD 550 and transitioned to agriculture over time. 

The park is home to well-preserved pre-Columbian cliff dwellings which are the main source of its attraction. It was designated a World Heritage Site on September 6, 1978. 

Mount Rainier National Park is the fifth oldest in the U.S. It features pristine old-growth forests, subalpine meadows, alpine scenery, and abundant outdoor activities. With a vast glacial system, the 14,411-foot volcano in the area has an elevation range from 1,880 to the summit. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including chipmunks, deer, black bears, elk, mountain goats, and various bird species.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the newest national park, is known for its stunning landscapes, including the ancient New River Gorge. Some of the most notable features include the iconic New River Gorge Bridge and the preservation of natural and cultural resources. It is home to diverse ecosystems and offers recreational activities like hiking and rafting, and exploration of its rich cultural history. During the fall season, the park looks even more beautiful with the vibrant foliage colors, including red, yellow, orange, and green.

The North Cascades National Park was formed as a result of the North Cascades Act signed by Lyndon B. Johnson. The park is home to Ross Lake and Lake Chelan recreation areas. It features a diverse mountain ecosystem shaped by geography and climate, with dramatic variations from old-growth forests in river valleys to twisted trees in subalpine ridges. The west side has lush greenery, while the east has drier forests. 

The Olympic National Park, signed into existence by President Franklin D. features diverse ecosystems including glacier-capped mountains, Pacific coast, and temperate rainforest. In 1988, 95% of its 1,400 square miles was designated wilderness. The park is home to old-growth forests with record-sized trees and four types of forests. Prominent wildlife includes the Olympic banana slug, a vital forest dweller.

The Petrified Forest National Park was established as a National Monument on Dec 8, 1906, and upgraded to a national park in 1962. In 1932, more of the Painted Desert was added, and in 1970, 50,000 acres of the park were designated as wilderness.

It is known for being home to fossils from the Triassic Period that depict an ancient tropical landscape, and petrified logs, including Araucarioxylon arizonicum. The archaeological sites in the park represent human history covering over 2,000 years, with evidence of cultural transitions. 

Pinnacles National Park was a national monument since 1908 and became a national park in 2013. It is located in the east of Salinas Valley and preserves eroded remnants of a relocated volcano. The park is divided into East and West Divisions, linked by trails. East offers shade and water, while the west mainly features high walls that attract rock climbers. The park’s talus caves are home to 13 bat species. It also served as a release site for captive-bred California condors.

The Redwood National and State Parks have been a World Heritage Site since 1980 and a sanctuary for old-growth coast redwoods. It was declared an International Biosphere Reserve in 1983 whereby its ancient forests host various conifer species, with coast redwoods dominating in California. Burls, wildlife like bears and elk, marine life, and a pristine coastline further add to the diversity while the rivers in the area like the Smith, Klamath, and Redwood Creek are known for fishing and scenic beauty. 

The Rocky Mountain National Park was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1976. It is intersected by the Continental Divide and features diverse landscapes, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. One of the key features of the park is Trail Ridge Road, built in the 1930s. It hosts five visitor centers, with the park headquarters at the historic Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. The surrounding national forests contribute to the park’s rich natural setting.

The Saguaro National Park is a sanctuary for the iconic saguaro cactus that can reach up to 50 feet. The park’s history is deeply rooted in the delicate desert environment, representing its intricate life systems. This vast Sonoran Desert ecosystem thrives with unique flora and fauna that have adapted to extreme heat and aridity. Bird species, including Gila woodpeckers and flickers, are also a part of the dynamic desert life.

The Sequoia National Park located next to the Kings Canyon National Park, safeguards 404,064 acres of mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevada. It is home to the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman, and the highest point in the contiguous U.S., Mount Whitney. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve serving as a sanctuary for giant sequoias and ancestral Monache lands.

The Shenandoah National Park was authorized by Congress on May 22, 1926, and fully established around nine years later. The park’s area includes 79,579 acres of designated wilderness. The park lies along the Blue Ridge, with Skyline Drive offering stunning views. It stretches along a narrow path, bordered by the Shenandoah River and its valley to the west, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont to the east.

In 1883, Theodore Roosevelt came to the area looking for adventure and hunting bison. He fell in love with the place and eventually had a lasting impact on its conservation. Around 29,920 acres of the area have been designated as wilderness. The trails and drives through the park offer scenic views of Painted Canyon, Little Missouri River, petrified forests, and open ranges with bison, horses, elk, prairie dogs, and diverse wildlife. 

The Virgin Islands National Park includes Saint John and Hassel Island in Saint Thomas harbor. The park is home to coral reefs, mangrove shorelines, and seagrass beds. In 1976, it became a UN-designated biosphere reserve. The cultural history of the Virgin Islands dates back over five centuries, featuring Indian habitation, Danish colonization, and a 1733 slave revolt. The island features stunning white sand beaches that are nourished by marine algae and living coral reefs, contributing to its global fame.

Voyageurs National Park features over 30 lakes, including Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point. The rugged terrain, rolling hills, and water-dominated landscape make it a unique destination. Visitors usually come here for boating, camping, fishing, wildlife-watching, and hiking experiences. In the fall, canoeists enjoy the vibrant colors of the park, while winter attracts snowmobile enthusiasts.

The White Sands National Park was designated as White Sands National Monument in 1933. It is surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range and features the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Around 12,000 years ago, its site the Tularosa Basin had lakes, grasslands, and Ice Age mammals. Today, diverse wildlife, including endemic species, inhabits the park. 

President Theodore Roosevelt established Wind Cave National Park, the first of its kind to protect a cave. The American Bison Society introduced bison, elk, and pronghorn in the park in 1912. The game preserve later merged with the park in 1935. In the subsequent years, expansion and wildlife management continued in Wind Cave, one of the oldest parks in the country.

Wrangell St. Elias, the largest national park in the US, is six times the size of Yellowstone National Park. It is a rugged and underrated wilderness featuring four mountain ranges, towering peaks, extensive glaciers, wildlife, and roughly 100 miles of roads. Visitors can explore glaciers, learn ice climbing, hike to lofty peaks, and enjoy scenic flights over the majestic landscapes.

Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first and America’s oldest national park, running across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Known for wildlife and geothermal wonders like Old Faithful, Yellowstone features diverse ecosystems. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to iconic species and offers recreational activities year-round.

Yosemite National Park is the third oldest US national park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has contributed to cultural heritage, wildlife preservation, and environmental education. It is renowned for its geological wonders and features granite domes and the world’s largest exposed granite monolith. It also features alpine wilderness, Giant Sequoia groves, and Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls. 

Zion National Park was initially designated Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909, and renamed in 1919. It features a stunning cliff-and-canyon landscape. The park is home to Kolob Arch, the world’s largest arch, with a 310 feet span. 

The park’s elevation ranges from 3,700 to 8,726 feet with a myriad of trails. Zion Canyon holds a geological history spanning 2 billion years and features diverse landscapes that have been shaped by seas, rivers, and winds.