25 Best National Parks in the USA

Summary

The video explores the breathtaking variety of America's national parks, showcasing diverse landscapes from deserts and canyons to rainforests and mountains. It highlights 25 national parks, emphasizing their unique features, such as Big Bend's Rio Grande views, Yellowstone's geysers, and the towering redwoods of California. Each park offers distinct outdoor adventures, from hiking in Shenandoah and Grand Teton to exploring volcanic landscapes in Hawai'i Volcanoes. The video invites viewers to discover the beauty and wonder of these natural wonders across the United States.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The USA has a vast and diverse range of ecosystems and climates, from temperate rainforests and mountains to deserts and scrublands.
• 🏞️ There are numerous national parks across the country that showcase America's natural beauty, preserving unique landscapes and wildlife.
• 🐾 Big Bend National Park in Texas features a diverse landscape, including the Chisos Basin and the Chihuahuan Desert, which is home to roadrunners and coyotes.
• 🌵 Saguaro National Park in Arizona is known for its iconic cacti and offers a variety of hiking trails amid its desert landscape.
• 🌸 Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is famous for its wildflowers in summer and brilliant autumn foliage, with portions of the Appalachian Trail running through it.
• 🏔️ Mesa Verde National Park preserves the ancient cliff dwellings of the Puebloans, offering insights into centuries-old cultures and a chance to explore the fascinating ruins.
• 🔥 Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places in the US but offers stunning landscapes, including singing sand dunes and panoramic views from Dante’s View.
• 🌊 Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in Oregon, is centered around the deep, clear Crater Lake, formed by a volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago.
• 🌲 Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees on Earth and features a lush mix of coastal scenery and ancient forests.
• ⛰️ Denali National Park in Alaska is the site of North America's tallest peak, Denali, surrounded by a diverse wilderness of forests, tundras, and mountains.

Q & A

What are the diverse climates and ecosystems mentioned in the USA's national parks?

The USA has a wide variety of climates and ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, pine-clad mountains, deserts, and scrublands, with each national park highlighting different aspects of these environments.

Why is Big Bend National Park in Texas named as such, and what makes it unique?

Big Bend National Park is named after the dramatic meander of the Rio Grande River, which forms the boundary between Texas and Mexico. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Chisos Basin and the Chihuahuan Desert, home to unique wildlife like roadrunners and coyotes.

What iconic natural feature is the Saguaro National Park known for, and how is it divided?

Saguaro National Park is famous for the towering Saguaro cacti, a symbol of the American Southwest. The park is divided into two sections: the Rincon Mountain District (East) and the Tucson Mountain District (West), separated by the city of Tucson.

What historical significance does Mesa Verde National Park hold?

Mesa Verde National Park is the site of ancient cliff dwellings built by the Puebloans. These mysterious structures provide insight into a civilization that disappeared centuries ago, with guided tours available to explore the area.

What makes Death Valley National Park such an extreme and unique destination?

Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places in the US, featuring vast, scorching landscapes with unique natural formations like 'singing' sand dunes, canyons, and panoramic views from Dante's View. Despite the harsh environment, it is full of fascinating geological and natural features.

Why is Crater Lake National Park in Oregon notable, and what is its main feature?

Crater Lake National Park is famous for its eponymous lake, which is the deepest in the United States. The lake was formed around 7,700 years ago by a volcanic eruption, and its clear, mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding mountain peaks, making it a striking natural wonder.

What natural wonders can visitors experience at Acadia National Park in New England?

Acadia National Park offers dramatic coastal views, dense forests, and scenic mountain hikes. Visitors can explore New England's only national park, featuring beautiful landscapes such as Mount Desert Island, lakes, and beaches.

What defines the landscape of Canyonlands National Park, and how is it divided?

Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, is known for its otherworldly, Mars-like landscape filled with canyons, cliffs, and strange rock formations. The park is divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers into four distinct regions, with Island in the Sky being the most popular for its incredible views.

What makes Redwood National Park in California so special?

Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth, the towering redwoods. The park features a mix of lush coastal scenery and ancient forests, offering trails for hiking and campgrounds for overnight stays to fully immerse in the natural beauty.

What are the key features of Yellowstone National Park that make it a must-visit destination?

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the world, established in 1872. It is known for its erupting geysers, such as Old Faithful, colorful hot springs like the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The park offers visitors a wide variety of geological and natural wonders.

Outlines

00:00

🌎 Overview of USA's National Parks

The USA boasts a vast and diverse landscape, ranging from temperate rainforests to deserts. With national parks dedicated to preserving nature's best, visitors can explore otherworldly sandstone formations, deserts, mountains, and hot springs. Highlights include Big Bend National Park in Texas, known for its diverse trails, and Saguaro in Arizona, which is home to the iconic southwest American cactus.

05:04

🌵 Exploring Death Valley and Crater Lake

Death Valley National Park, while known for its extreme heat, is full of surprising natural beauty such as boulders, canyons, and sand dunes. Crater Lake in Oregon, formed by a volcanic eruption, is the deepest lake in the US. Its reflective waters and surrounding trails make it a must-see destination. Other notable parks include Acadia in New England, featuring dramatic mountain and shoreline views, and Canyonlands in Utah with its alien-like landscape shaped by ancient canyons and rivers.

10:05

🌲 Towering Trees and Majestic Peaks

Redwood National Park in California is home to the world’s tallest trees, including ancient redwoods draped in moss. Visitors can enjoy scenic trails and campgrounds. Grand Teton in Wyoming offers breathtaking hikes through alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and rugged peaks, while wildlife such as elk, moose, and bears roam the park. Mount Rainier in Washington, an active volcano, stands tall with hiking trails, blooming flowers, and its iconic snowy peak.

15:25

🗻 Glacier-Carved Wonders

Glacier National Park features stunning landscapes sculpted by glaciers over millennia. Visitors can enjoy trails, dramatic mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears. Scenic drives like the Going-to-the-Sun Road offer spectacular views. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers similar beauty, with granite peaks, alpine lakes, and thriving wildlife. Bear Lake is a famous scenic spot within the park, perfect for admiring glacial valleys and mountaintops.

20:57

🏞️ Swamps, Canyons, and Volcanoes

Everglades National Park in Florida is famous for its swamp ecosystems and alligator-filled waters. Visitors can explore mangrove waterways by kayak or airboat. Bryce Canyon in Utah is renowned for its unique hoodoo rock formations, while Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers stunning volcanic landscapes, including the active Kilauea volcano and Mauna Loa. Recent eruptions have transformed parts of the park.

25:57

🌋 Iconic National Parks

Denali National Park in Alaska is a wilderness haven, home to the tallest peak in North America. Its snow-covered forests and tundra are inhabited by caribou, bears, and wolves. Zion National Park in Utah offers stunning red and white cliffs and adventurous hikes through Zion Canyon, including a trek through the Narrows along the Virgin River. Yosemite National Park in California is known for its towering sequoias, dramatic granite walls, and the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley.

Keywords

💡National Parks

National Parks in the USA are protected areas that preserve the natural beauty, wildlife, and unique landscapes of the country. The video highlights many of these parks, showcasing their diversity in climates and ecosystems, such as deserts, forests, and mountains. Each park offers various recreational activities and serves as a sanctuary for wildlife.

💡Big Bend

Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and is named for a dramatic curve in the Rio Grande River. This park is known for its vast diversity, including mountainous terrain and desert landscapes. It is a destination for nature enthusiasts with many hiking trails and opportunities to explore wildlife like coyotes and roadrunners.

💡Saguaro

Saguaro National Park in Arizona is famous for its iconic cacti, which stand tall in its desert landscapes. The park is divided into two parts separated by the city of Tucson, and offers visitors a glimpse of the classic American Southwest desert. Activities in the park include hiking and horseback riding.

💡Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park, located near Washington D.C., is known for its lush summer wildflowers and stunning fall foliage. The park is also home to part of the Appalachian Trail, offering hikers long, scenic trails through forested mountains. The park is accessible by both hiking and scenic drives.

💡Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is notable for its ancient cliff dwellings, built by the Puebloan people. These historical sites are significant for understanding early American cultures, though they can only be accessed with park rangers to ensure preservation. Visitors can explore this unique blend of history and nature.

💡Death Valley

Death Valley National Park, known for being one of the hottest places in the USA, is located in California and Nevada. Despite its name, the park is full of natural wonders, including sand dunes, canyons, and mountains. It's a place of extreme landscapes and temperatures, drawing visitors for both its beauty and harshness.

💡Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park, situated in Oregon, features the deepest lake in the United States. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption, and its mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding mountains. The park offers numerous hiking trails, though many are only accessible during the summer due to snow.

💡Acadia

Acadia National Park in Maine is New England's only national park and offers dramatic coastal views, mountain hikes, and diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore forests, lakes, and beaches. It is famous for its combination of rugged coastline and tranquil natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

💡Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks in the world, located in Arizona. It is a massive canyon carved by the Colorado River, known for its stunning scale and beauty. The park offers various viewpoints and trails, providing breathtaking views and opportunities to hike down into the canyon.

💡Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, the oldest national park in the world, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is known for its geothermal features like geysers and hot springs, with Old Faithful being one of the most famous. The park's natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a top destination for nature lovers.

Highlights

The USA has a vast variety of climates and ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to deserts and scrublands, showcased in its many national parks.

Big Bend National Park in Texas is known for its diversity, offering both the Chihuahuan Desert and the Chisos Basin for exploration.

Saguaro National Park in Arizona is iconic for its towering cacti and offers horseback rides and camping opportunities.

Shenandoah National Park, located just 75 miles from Washington D.C., features hiking trails that are part of the Appalachian Trail and is famous for its autumn foliage.

Mesa Verde National Park preserves ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, offering visitors a glimpse into a mysterious, centuries-old culture.

Death Valley, one of the hottest places in the U.S., is known for its unique landscapes such as 'singing' sand dunes and panoramic views from Dante’s View.

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon boasts the deepest lake in the U.S., formed by a volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago.

Acadia National Park, New England's only national park, features dramatic coastlines, forests, lakes, and iconic lighthouses.

Canyonlands National Park in Utah offers an otherworldly landscape of canyons and rock formations, with stunning views from Island in the Sky.

Redwood National Park in California is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, with a unique mix of coastal and prairie landscapes.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming features rugged mountain peaks and alpine lakes, home to wildlife such as elk, moose, and bears.

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington is centered around the fifth-highest peak in the U.S., an active volcano surrounded by trails and wildflower meadows.

Sequoia National Park, also in California, is home to General Sherman, the largest living tree on Earth, and features ancient caves with large stalactites.

Glacier National Park in Montana offers breathtaking scenery with lakes, rocky outcrops, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road drive.

Yosemite National Park in California attracts millions of visitors annually, famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and towering sequoias.

Transcripts

The USA is a really big place.

Within the wide-open spaces of the contiguous United States, as well as Alaska and the far-flung

islands of Hawaii, there’s just about every climate and ecosystem you can imagine; from

temperate rainforests and pine-clad mountains to deserts and scrublands.

Naturally, there are a lot of national parks dedicated to preserving the best that nature

has to offer in the USA.

Otherworldly sandstone monuments, multicolored hot springs, craggy coastlines, scorching

deserts – it’s all here.

Have a look at the best national parks in America.

Number 25.

Big Bend.

The aptly named Big Bend National Park in Texas is so-called because it’s set in a

dramatic meander of the Rio Grande.

On one side of the river is Texas, USA, and on the other side is Mexico.

Almost the same size as Rhode Island, Big Bend is known for it’s diversity and has

loads to discover on its many trails.

The Chisos Basin is the most popular area of the park and features mountain views, but

the Chihuahuan Desert – home to real-life roadrunners and coyotes – is really the

place to escape into nature.

Number 24.

Saguaro.

Saguaro is home to the classic southwest American cactus – their iconic shapes of the park’s

namesake stand tall in this deserted area in Arizona.

Divided into East and West portions, the two halves of the park are separated by the city

of Tucson.

Both portions of the national park offer an abundance of trails amid its desert landscapes.

The Rincon Mountain District is the larger, eastern portion of the park and serves up

adventurous horseback rides and camping opportunities.

In the west, the Tucson Mountain District is spectacular and is well worth the effort.

Number 23.

Shenandoah.

A breathtaking national park, Shenandoah is full of an abundance of wildflowers in summer.

In autumn, however, the trees burst into brilliant oranges and reds for some prime fall foliage.

Situated 75 miles from Washington D.C., there are lengthy hiking trails to discover in this

national park.

In fact, part of these trails make up around 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Hiking is certainly the order of the day here; the climb up to the peak of Old Rag Mountain,

for example, is strenuous, but worth scrambling for the views.

For those less interested in hiking, the Skyline Drive means stunning vistas from the comfort

of your car.

Number 22.

Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde is the perfect spot for adventures among nature, and to understand more about

mysterious, centuries-old cultures.

This is the site where the ancient Puebloans once lived in their cliff dwellings.

Where they went or why they left, nobody knows, but their houses built in precarious places

can be seen to this day.

Because of the important history, walking off-trail is forbidden, as is entering the

ancient dwellings without a ranger.

Take the Mesa Top Road Circuit that loops around ten of the excavated pueblos, and you’ll

be able to discover more about these fascinating old dwellings.

Number 21.

Death Valley.

Death Valley National Park might sound like somewhere that’s quite hot and hellish,

but there’s actually an abundance of nature to enjoy here.

There are huge boulders seemingly lying around on a grand scale, canyons carved by gushing

streams that slice through the land, sand dunes that actually ‘sing’ and soaring

mountains to tackle.

True to its title it is nevertheless a scorching area: one of the hottest spots in the US.

Dante’s View offers a panoramic vista across the southern portion of Death Valley Basin

from atop the Black Mountains.

Number 20.

Crater Lake.

The only national park in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is named after the eponymous

lake; formed by a huge volcanic eruption around 7,700 years ago.

It’s the deepest lake in the entire United States.

The sparkling waters of this magnificent lake itself reflect the surrounding craggy mountain

peaks in its mirror-like surface for a gorgeous effect and some inspiring photo opportunities.

There are over 90 miles of trails that criss-cross the park, but most of these are only be accessed

in summer as snow covers trails for much of the year.

Number 19.

Acadia.

New England’s one and only national park, dating back to 1916, Acadia sits on the coast

and boasts some dramatic views of this region’s storied shoreline.

Acadia National Park is all about rewarding mountain hikes, strolls along the shore, beautiful

bike rides, and drives that will induce oohs and ahhs.

There’s a surprisingly varied landscape to discover in this national park; from its

dense forests and languid lakes to boulder-strewn beaches dotted with lonely lighthouses.

There are also sandy beaches and islands, such as the famous Mount Desert Island, to

explore here.

Number 18.

Canyonlands.

Canyonlands National Park is a truly otherworldly place.

With a landscape more like something you would expect on Mars than Earth, the largest national

park in Utah is all about its canyons.

These snake around its ancient landscape, which is also punctuated by 1,000-foot-tall

white cliffs above the Colorado and Green Rivers, as well as strange rock formations.

The park itself is divided into four sections by both those rivers forming a Y shape in

this rocky, alien stretch of land.

Island in the Sky sits in the middle, and is the busiest part of the park – for good

reason; the views are incredible.

Number 17.

Redwood.

Home to the giant trees of the same name, Redwood National Park lies on the northwestern

Pacific Coast in California.

It’s home to some of the tallest trees in the world.

There’s an enigmatic mix here of lush coastal scenery and lush prairielands.

The redwood trees are also some of the most ancient trees on the planet, with branches

covered in moss and ferns.

There are plenty of trails to enjoy walking through the vast forests, which make for good

days out.

To really soak up what the park has to offer it boasts campgrounds and backcountry sites

for overnight stays.

Number 16.

Grand Teton.

Grand Teton in the Rocky Mountains is a wild wilderness of 12 peaks sculpted throughout

the ages by glaciers.

This includes, of course, the Grand Teton itself, which stands at an impressive 13,775

feet above sea level.

The beautiful landscape here is just begging to be hiked.

There are captivating canyons filled with fresh forests to explore, crystal alpine lakes

to marvel at, and fragrant wildflowers which provide pops of color.

This rugged land plays host to all manner of beasts, including elks, moose, and bears.

' Number 15.

Mount Rainier.

The fifth-highest peak in the United States, Mount Rainier itself is an icon of a mountain

that can be seen throughout much of Washington state.

Rainier is actually an active volcano that last erupted as recently as 1854.

Close to the urban areas of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier National Park and its 26 glaciers

is a hikers paradise, with fabulous hiking trails lacing the foothills, and carpets of

flowers blooming in spring and summer.

Many people attempt to climb to the snowy peak of Rainier, but it’s tough going; only

half the adventurers who try go the whole way.

Number 14.

Sequoia.

This national park is named after another species of the Sequoia family, the Sequoiadendron

giganteum – colloquially known as the giant redwood.

Drive-through trees and huge, ancient examples of the redwoods here characterize the park.

In fact, it’s here that you will find General Sherman, a giant redwood that’s claimed

to be the largest living tree on Earth.

There are also deep, 10,000-year-old caves that hide supersize stalactites.

For a breathtaking vista of the Sierra Mountains, head to Eagle View.

Number 13.

Arches.

Another of Utah’s national parks that is made up of Martian badlands, the sandstone

landscape here is out of this world.

There are a sublime selection of rock arches striped pink and red buttes, as well as other

strange and intricate rock formations.

Landscape Arch is actually one of the largest natural arches in the world, measuring in

at 306 feet across.

This is an easy access national park with a selection of short hikes to embark on, but

possibly more popular are rock climbing and canyoning.

The Fiery Furnace – a famous formation – blazes orange and red as the sun sets each day.

Number 12.

Glacier.

Glacier National Park boasts an outstanding natural world that has been, as you might

expect from the name, carved and sculpted over thousands of years by glaciers.

It’s a land of dramatic rocky outcrops, snow-topped peaks, raging waterfalls, and

beautifully reflective lakes.

There are an impressive amount of hiking trails here that wind like arteries of adventure

around the jaw-dropping landscape.

This is also the place where grizzly bears roam in abundance in the dense mountain forests.

Popular scenic drive Going-to-the-Sun Road is an excellent way to see the beauty of the

national park without stepping foot out of your car.

Number 11.

Rocky Mountain.

One of the most spectacular slices of nature in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain National Park

is awash with imposing granite mountains, aqua-colored alpine lakes, and meadows that

burst into life come summer.

It’s the perfect place for adventures amidst nature, with a selection of trails where you

can find peace, quiet and serenity.

The wilderness of the national park makes the ideal host for many wild animals too,

like elk, moose, and black bear.

Bear Lake – one of ten lakes in the park – is a famous scenic spot for visitors,

where you can soak up views of the glacial valleys and mountaintops.

Number 10.

Everglades.

A gigantic area of land that’s as famous as Florida itself, the Everglades National

Park is home to vast tracts of swamp, and the ubiquitous alligators that make the Everglades

what they are.

You can take a kayak out and explore the mangrove waterways for yourself, slicing across the

silent waters of the myriad lakes, or you could opt for a quintessential airboat tour

of the swamp.

The Anhinga Trail is where you can spot cold-blooded ‘gators basking in the sun, and the eponymous

anhinga lying in wait for their prey; you can even head out on a nocturnal walk with

a ranger.

Number 9.

Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its rock formations.

Known as hoodoos, these spire-like sandstone rocks jut into the sky for a supremely interesting

landscape.

It’s been sculpted over time by freeze-thaw erosion that has morphed the soft sandstone

into the marvelous landscape it is today.There are various trails, such as the Rim Trail,

weaving through the rocks.

Bryce Point is the perfect spot for views out over the so-called Silent City, with the

vista below made up of walls of rock and hoodoos looking like somewhere from another time and

place.

Number 8.

Hawai'i Volcanoes.

Set on the Big Island in the Pacific Ocean, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park encompasses

Mauna Loa.

This massive volcano has a summit that, surprisingly, is sometimes covered in snow.

The national park also features volcanic coasts made from cooled lava flows, rich rainforests,

magnificently green meadows in the mountains, and geological formations such as lava tubes.

Kilauea – a shield volcano in the national park – has erupted as recently as 2018.

The last eruption quite literally changed the shape of the park itself – an insight

into the power of nature.

The park remains open, but some areas are understandably closed.

Number 7.

Carlsbad Caverns.

Located 25 miles from a former ranch town, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a network

of caverns, and is in equal parts an eerie and incredible sight to behold.

The main chamber of the cave itself – called the Big Room – is impressive, to say the

least: to access it, you can choose to take an ear-popping elevator that runs the equivalent

to the entire height of the Empire State Building.

Or you can take a snaking pathway into the subterranean abyss below.

The Big Room is a cathedral-like opening complete with a trail and the largest stalagmite in

the world.

Number 6.

Great Smoky Mountains.

This national park is a world of beautiful nature.

Think verdant forests as far as the eye can see, glistening waterfalls, and undulating

mountain peaks.

The forests themselves come alive in springtime, with a rainbow of wildflowers blazing between

the trees.

Autumn brings the famous fall foliage for a sea of auburn, and winter is all about snow.

Dubbed ‘the Smokies’ because of the misty mountaintops, exploring this national park

is like stepping into the past; there are still remote mountain communities who call

this region home.

It’s a great spot to truly unwind and leave the modern world behind.

Number 5.

Denali.

Denali National Park is the monumental tract of land that makes up Alaska’s most famous

national park.

The centerpiece, by a long stretch, is Denali.

Formerly known as Mount McKinley, this towering mountain is the tallest in North America at

6,190 meters above sea level.

It’s truly a sight to behold, as its snowy tip seems to actually pierce the sky.

Snowy boreal forests, desolate tundra, jagged mountains, and lakes all play host to caribou,

moose, grizzly bears, and wolves.

For those seeking true wilderness, this might just be the place.

Number 4.

Zion.

Utah’s splendid national parks don’t get better than Zion.

The red and white cliffs and buttes that make up Zion Canyon slice into the air; they’re

edged by greenery, making for a colorful place to soak up this amazing wonder of nature.

And there are some great ways to get right into the thick of things.

The Narrows, for example, is a 16-mile adventure through the canyon and along the Virgin River

at the base of it; elsewhere, there’s the Big Springs, a hike that weaves along the

eponymous fern-edged spring itself.

Number 3.

Yosemite.

This famous national park is a popular place to explore some of California’s best nature.

There are giant sequoias that tower into the air at Mariposa Grove; there’s the glorious

green of the Yosemite Valley with its granite walls; and there’s the spectacular Vernal

Fall – falling 317 feet to the a below.

Owing to its popularity, Yosemite National Park welcomes a whopping four million visitors

annually, but thankfully, there’s space for everyone amid the sweeping peaks of Half

Dome and the gleaming lakes.

Number 2.

Grand Canyon.

Renowned the world over, the Grand Canyon needs no introduction.

One of the largest canyon in the world really has to be seen to be properly appreciated.

Whether you visit the North, South, East or West Rim areas, it’s always a giant sculpture

of light and shadow that barrels its way across an awesome landscape.

Around the national park that encompasses it there are a whole host of trails and viewpoints;

Cape Royal on the North Rim is a top vista of many major parts of the Grand Canyon.

You can even reach down to the canyon floor, over a mile down in some places, via steep,

meandering trails.

Number 1.

Yellowstone.

The granddaddy of American national parks, Yellowstone is the oldest in the United States

(and the world), having been founded in 1872.

When it was first discovered, stories of the magnificence of the area were passed off as

lies and tall tales.

You can see why: erupting geysers here belch steam and water, such as the clockwork Old

Faithful.

There are boiling hot springs, like the Grand Prismatic Spring; thanks to differing temperatures

and minerals as the waters spread out, this is a veritable rainbow of unbelievable colors.

There’s even the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – a natural wonder in granite.

This place is a true icon of must-see nature.