More than 87 million people visited US national parks in 2017. There are 60 national parks in the States. The criteria for their organization are natural beauty, unique geological features, unusual ecosystems and recreational opportunities. Very often, the territories of national parks include nature protection systems with a different legal regulation. First of all, I mean the reserves of the United States.
They usually have a common name, but they can be managed by different departments. This article provides a list of natural areas that are exclusively national parks. 21 parks have the status of biosphere reserves. The parks are located in 28 states and two unincorporated territories in the United States. California has the most (nine), followed by Alaska (eight) and Utah (five). 14 national parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The total area protected by national parks is approximately 21.1 million hectares.
List of America's Best National Parks
Grand Canyon
Located in Arizona and covers an area of almost 500 thousand hectares. Founded in 1903 and includes the Colorado River Gorge. Huge differences in elevation and bizarre outlines of rocks and ledges are the features of the park. In the southern part there are several tourist centers and camping sites. A free minibus runs with stops at noteworthy locations. There is a geological museum with interactive programs.
Yosemite
Occupies a little more than 300 thousand hectares in California. Appeared on maps in 1890. The local valley is surrounded by waterfalls and rocky ledges. The Semi-dome, which is carved by a glacier, stands out especially. The slopes attract climbers and skiers who hone their skills here. Nature lovers are attracted to other objects, such as a grove of giant sequoias or vast flower meadows.
Zion
It has existed since 1909 in Utah. The area is 59 thousand hectares. The Virginia River cuts the territory into conventional parts, and around the impressive height there are cascades of rocks and mountains. At different times of the year, the park opens from unusual sides. For lovers of mountain slopes, there are special routes, as well as a road for traveling by car. The Grand Canyon is nearby.
Carlsbad Caves
Belongs to the territory of New Mexico since 1930. The area is almost 19 thousand hectares. The park is formed around karst caves. There are about 80 of them, and each has its own distinctive features in the form of mineral formations. It is home to a million bats belonging to 16 different species. Tourists can choose the type of excursion, as well as the option of descending into the caves: by elevator or on foot through a well-equipped area.
Crater lake
Location - Oregon, area - 74 thousand hectares. It was formed in 1902 around the lake of the same name. The reservoir is occupied by the crater of Mount Mazama volcano, which has not erupted for a long time. Hence the specific shape of the banks - sharp and uneven. The local attraction is the lake wanderer - a log that has been floating vertically for over a hundred years. Due to the low water temperatures, the wood did not deteriorate.
Bryce Canyon
Founded in 1928 in Utah. The area is 14.5 thousand hectares. There are many small hotels nearby, some just off the road. The canyon is made of orange hills, as if carved out of stone. Only its remoteness makes it less visited than three other parks located within a radius of 150-200 km. Walking along the bottom of the canyon (edge to edge) can take an entire day.
Kenai Fjords
Created in 1980 to protect the Arctic territories in Alaska. The area is 283 thousand hectares. More than half of the territory is covered with snow and ice. Regular cruises or glacier tours are organized. Traveling along the fjord takes several hours and allows you to explore the surroundings. The main natural attractions are the Vanishing Glacier and Harding Icefield. A marine reserve is located nearby.
Arches
Its history begins in 1929. The area is almost 31 thousand hectares from the territory of Utah. The main feature is the natural sandstone arches. The most famous of the 2 thousand arches is "Graceful", popularly referred to as "Cowboy Pants". Another notable object is the Balancing Stone: it is not entirely clear how it maintains its position. The ideal time to visit the park is in spring or autumn, and in summer it is very hot here.
Acadia
Occupies an area of 19 thousand hectares in Maine since 1916. Since part of the park is the seaside, there is often a thick fog here. Then the forest zone begins. Among the fauna, a special diversity is seen among birds - about 300 species. There are convenient platforms for observing them. Baker Island is especially suitable for these purposes. Hiking trails stretch for 190 km.
Mesa Verde
Spread on the plateau of the same name in Colorado since 1906. The area is 21 thousand hectares. The main attraction is the rock settlements of the 6th-13th centuries, created by the tribes of the Anasazi Indians. There are not only dwellings that look more like modern apartment buildings, but also ritual premises, as well as the Rocky Palace. Around there are coniferous forests with a large number of tree species.
Theodore Roosevelt Park
Created in 1978 to protect the badlands and prairies. The area is 28.5 thousand hectares. Divided into two zones with different time zones. The Little Missouri River flows through the park. There is a hiking route that takes several days. Small houses without walls were built on the elevations, used for halts. Bighorn sheep and bison were introduced by people, although their population here was natural before.
Black Canyon of Gunnison
Located in Colorado on an area of 12 thousand hectares. Founded in 1999 on the basis of a previously existing monument, it includes 4 natural zones. The history of the park is inextricably linked, both with the Indians and with the builders of the irrigation tunnel, who developed these lands. There is an information center, three camping sites. Leisure activities include rock climbing, kayaking, fishing and hiking.
Canyonlands
Formed in Utah in 1964. The area is 136 thousand hectares. From the name it is clear that there are many canyons here. Drawings were found on the rocks, which are thousands of years old. They are supposedly made by nomadic hunters. Observation platforms have been built. There are several types of hikes, the shortest takes just over half an hour. There are two campgrounds in the park, a few more outside, but in the immediate vicinity.
Badlands
The year of foundation is 1978. The area is about 94 thousand hectares. South Dakota greets tourists with ancient prairies (they are the most extensive of the protected in the country), where not only wild horses, but also bison feel at ease. Excavations in these lands have revealed the remains of previously unknown species of horses, as well as saber-toothed tigers. Soil erosion is the reason for the formation of such a rugged terrain.
Biscayne
Created in Florida in 1980. The area is almost 70 thousand hectares. 95% of the park is water, and the coast is dominated by mango forest. A popular diving destination. Another entertainment is excursions on a glass bottom boat. It is best to come here from the beginning of winter to mid-spring. The rest of the time you can get under the period of gusty winds and showers.
Kobuk Valley
Occupies almost 708 thousand hectares in Alaska. It has existed since 1980. Although the park is located above the Arctic Circle, the temperature here rises to almost + 40 ° C. Local sand dunes are a unique natural phenomenon. It is difficult to get here, so there are not many tourists. Dog sleds are sometimes used. But geologists are frequent guests. Among the areas of their study are the remains of mammoths resting in local lands.
Lassen-Volcanic
Founded in California in 1916 on an area of 43 thousand hectares.The main natural attraction is the world's largest volcano with a lava cone, Lassen Peak. There are other volcanoes, and they belong to 4 different types. Tourists are attracted by mud boilers and hot springs. The steam from them is visible from afar. Some believe in their healing properties, others are interested in the phenomenon itself.
North Cascades
Located in Washington State near the Canadian border. Founded in 1968, the area is 204.5 thousand hectares. The types of terrain are varied: alpine tundra, meadows, coniferous forests, gorges, glaciers, etc. It is open all year round, but the highway passing through the park is blocked for the winter. There are a couple of information centers and several campgrounds. Hiking trails are designed for experienced hikers who know how to cope with the loads and for beginners.
Petrified Forest
Formed in 1968 in Arizona. The area is 38 thousand hectares. It is conventionally divided into two zones with their own characteristics. In the north, there are colorful badlands, also called the “colored desert”. In the south, there is one of the world's largest accumulations of fossilized trees, as well as rock paintings and inscriptions from different periods. Logs of petrified trees are scattered everywhere: they have retained their shape, but have changed the cellular structure.
Capitol Reef
Belongs to the lands of Utah since 1971. The area is 98 thousand hectares. Elongated and narrow in shape. There are areas with greenery, but it mostly looks deserted with chaotic mountainous elevations. Late summer and early autumn are the best times to visit due to the natural environment. There are motels close to the highway. Horseback riding is very popular, but mountain bikes are not allowed everywhere.
Cuyahoga Valley
It is the only park in Ohio. It has existed since 2000, but earlier there were also lands with a special status. The area is just over 13 thousand hectares. There are active agricultural land on the territory. Preserved and architectural monuments of the past, including the Stanford House. There are routes to historical places, since the entire territory was actively used by people in the past.
Grand Teton
Founded in 1929 in Wyoming. The area is about 125 thousand hectares. The forests are vast, there are several large ridges, at their feet are lakes of glacial origin. In addition to information centers (some are not open all year round), there are guest complexes of varying degrees of comfort and service. The total length of hiking trails is 320 km. Roads have been expanded: a lane for cyclists has been allocated.
Guadalupe Mountains
It has existed in Texas since 1972. The area is 35 thousand hectares. There are three ecosystems in total, smoothly turning into one another. Natural attractions: Guadalupe Peak Mountains - the highest in the state and El Capitan, a forest called Lincoln, Carlsbad Cave, McKittrick Canyon and others. There is an information center, ranger posts, picnic and camping sites.
Hot Springs
Located in Arkansas. It was transformed from the oldest reserve (1832) into a national park on March 4, 1921. It is a stopover for many migratory birds, which attracts amateur bird watchers. The park's hot springs are believed to cure several ailments, including rheumatism. A full-fledged resort has appeared next to them, for those who value increased comfort and service.
Mount Rainier
Location - Washington State. The time of foundation is 1899. The area is more than 95 thousand hectares. The main natural attraction is the Rainier stratovolcano. In addition to it, the list of historical places and monuments includes about 50 more objects: relict forests, waterfalls, ledges, etc. There is a tourist center. Part of the territory can be bypassed by car, otherwise the movement is on foot.
Great Basin
Located in Nevada since 1986. The area is 31 thousand hectares. The nature is mixed: from bare mountain peaks to lowlands with lakes and vegetation, as well as with sections of the desert. Attractions: the place where the Prometheus tree used to grow, and Leman's cave. The first is pine, one of the oldest in the world, and has been controversial when logged. The second is a former national monument named after its discoverer.
American samoa
By the decision of the Congress from 1988, it occupies the islands of Tau, Tutuila, Ofu. The area is 3.5 thousand hectares. The misty forests of Tau, rich in birds, are its main feature, as well as the fact that it is the former spiritual capital of Polynesia and has preserved old burial places. You can use a car on Tutuil, tropical forests grow here. Ofu is known for its coral reefs and attracts divers.
Pinnacles
Created in 2007 on an area of 10.5 thousand hectares in California. Among the most visited places: a reservoir, caves, mountain ranges with natural observation platforms. The caves have a number of features: some are flooded, depending on the season, others are home to bats. The developed tourist routes are considered quite difficult. Camping sites are located in the eastern part of the park.
Saguaro
Belongs to the territory of Arizona, occupying 37 thousand hectares of the state's area since 1994. It is part of the Sonoran Desert. Of the plants, cacti prevail, of which there are 50 species. Research work is constantly carried out aimed at preserving the populations and diversity of flora and fauna. Tourists have access all year round, but one must take into account the peculiarities of the climate when planning a trip.
Shenandoah
Appeared on maps in 1935. Located in Virginia on an area of 80.5 thousand hectares. Just under half of the park has never been influenced by humans. The area is covered with hills, there are observation platforms on the ridges and not far from the highway. Among the interesting places are the waterfalls, the Overoll Run is especially popular. It is not possible to pitch tents everywhere; there are special camping sites and three hotels.
