The United States of America was the first country to put forth the concept of legislative land protection and preservation for the purpose of human recreation. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson chose the thermal springs of Arkansas as the first parcel of land to enjoy such status. It was Abraham Lincoln however, some thirty years later, who championed the notion further, with the establishment of what was to become Yosemite National Park in California.

National Parks are now major vacation destinations all over the world. From jungle safaris to woodland treks to rainforest river excursions, the idea that certain spectacular swaths of Mother Earth should remain sacred and open to all has gone international.

The United States however, still leads the charge when it comes to National Parks. As the first country to recognize the importance of a “national property for the people”, it seems logical to begin our look into the best national parks in the world in America.

Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

With a sincere apology to the great state of Texas, Alaska has dibs on the word “big”. Take Mount McKinley for example, which, at 20,320 feet is number one in North America. Denali National Park features McKinley, which alone makes it a stellar destination for tourists, but also contains other noteworthy peaks within the Alaska Mountain Range.

This international biosphere reserve is a haven for a wide range of sub-arctic wildlife such as moose, wolves and grizzly bears. A favorite with hikers, winter campers and backpackers, Denali is also top draw with research scientists.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

One of the most fantastic natural wonders of the world has to be the caverns of Carlsbad in New Mexico. Even above ground New Mexico and the Caverns National Park is a fabulous place to visit. The amalgam of Navajo and Pueblo native culture within close proximity to Mexico ensures the state a decidedly unique flavor.

The Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountain Range are reason enough to give New Mexico some of your vacation time. But the caverns of Carlsbad are special and found nowhere else. The National Park contains 113 of the 300 caves, a derivation of a sulphuric acid and limestone cocktail thousands of years ago, with all the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites your digital camera can handle.

Beautiful New Mexico hotels are a click away.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Utah may not hold much appeal to those unfamiliar with this bastion of Mormonism but geographically, the state is one of the most awesome in America. There are many National Parks to visit in Utah but if you had to select one, Bryce Canyon would be the ideal choice. A natural science lab with three unique climatic areas and various ecological zones, Bryce supports an eclectic brand of flora and fauna.

Thousands of plants call the Park home and for bird-watchers, Bryce is a paradise. But the primary draw here are the zany rock formations. The spires, known as “hoodoos”, populate the canyon landscape in uncanny fashion and together, make Bryce truly special as a National Park.

Utah is a beautiful state to visit, especially with the right hotel.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

No amount of hyperbole can do justice to the spectacular wonder that is the Grand Canyon. A tour of the entire park would be a monumental task, so massive is the amount of land it encompasses. Most visitors want the iconic view of the Canyon that they have seen in film and photographs and so, enter via the South Rim.

With colorful rocks that reflect the sunlight and date back to the Precambrian age, the Grand Canyon is over 400 km long, up to 29 km wide and 1.6 km deep. The mere sight of it inspires awe and elicits quiet reflection on the sheer magnitude of our Earth. The rest of the National Park is very remote and rough, but accessible to those who wish to hike, camp and backpack. Colorado River guides are available, as are views of the rare California condor.

Stay close to the Grand Canyon with some great hotel deals.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Wyoming has gradually become a wonderful draw for tourists, with the advent of prime ski resorts such as Jackson Hole and other attractions. It all began however, with Yellowstone, the first National Park in America. The Park is a great symbol in the United States and the embodiment of what Woody Guthrie had in mind when he wrote “This Land is Your Land”. The Park abuts the states of Montana and Idaho as well and shelters a littany of wildlife, from bison to elk, wolves to bears.

The main attraction of the Park however, and one of the top tourist draws in America altogether, is Old Faithful. The legendary geyser with timely eruptions is one of many that together with natural hot springs and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (less large but no less mysterious than THE Grand Canyon) makes the Park so unique.

Continue reading Best National Parks in America Part 2