There is so much beauty to behold across the globe. It could be tough choosing which natural wonders you should visit first. To help, U.S. News compiled a ranking of the best national parks in the world using reader votes and expert insights, as well as factors like accessibility, an abundance of wildlife, camping opportunities and breathtaking natural landmarks. These are 10 of the World’s most visited parks:
1. Yosemite
Located approximately 170 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite offers visitors a plethora of impressive natural wonders to behold. Scenic landscapes, such as the famous Tunnel View and Valley View outlooks, and renowned landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan are just a few of Yosemite’s greatest attractions. Don’t forget to swing by one of the sequoia groves to gaze at the towering trees. What’s more, the California park boasts a whopping 750-plus miles of trails for travellers to traverse.
2. Yellowstone
With numerous attractions scattered throughout its more than 2 million acres, Yellowstone is a national treasure. This protected area in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho is America’s first national park (established in 1872), but its age has not dulled its natural beauty. Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful continue to amaze visitors year after year, and less-crowded gems like Hayden Valley – an excellent spot for wildlife viewing – and Yellowstone Lake – perfect for kayaking or canoeing – are also worth a visit
3. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is Montana’s crown jewel. The expansive 1 million-acre park, which was named after the remains of glaciers from the last ice age, offers captivating mountainous scenery left and right. Here, you’ll find more than 700 lakes, six National Historic Landmarks (including Lake McDonald Lodge, Granite Park Chalet and the Two Medicine Store) and the famous Highline Trail, which follows the Continental Divide. Save time for a drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or better yet, join a Red Bus Tour to soak up the sights. Plan to spend several days in the park for a well-rounded experience.
4. Grand Crayon
You can’t beat the views at this world-famous Arizona national park. The Grand Canyon continually wows visitors with its shifting colors, vast depth and incredible rock formations. Whether you’re flying in a helicopter over the canyon, rafting down the Colorado River or simply exploring with your own two feet, the majesty of the Grand Canyon is guaranteed to leave you completely breathless. To avoid crowds, swap popular South Rim trails for North Rim hikes like the quick-but-captivating Bright Angel Point Trail or the Widforss Trail, where you’ll enjoy canyon and forest scenery.
5. Banff National Park
Situated in southwestern Alberta, Canada’s oldest national park is also one of its most beautiful. Visitors can explore Banff National Park on foot along more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails – the Lake Agnes Trail features a seasonal European-style tea house – or drive the scenic Icefields Parkway for breathtaking views of glaciers and waterfalls. For an unforgettable experience, take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you will find a viewing boardwalk, a restaurant, an interpretive center and a multisensory theater.
6. Jasper National Park
As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper offers no shortage of outdoor fun. Come to this Alberta national park to enjoy an array of adventure activities in summer, including hiking, biking and boating, plus snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice climbing in winter. A spring visit will give you a front-row look at rushing waterfalls and offers prime bird-watching opportunities, while a fall trip lends itself well to camping. No matter when you visit, be sure you take some time to stargaze: Jasper is the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world.
7. Serengeti National Park
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is the world-renowned home of The Great Migration. Every year, roughly 2 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles cross the park in search of food and breeding grounds. Predicting when this momentous event will occur can be tricky, so if you don’t have that kind of flexibility, a traditional safari is your best bet. You’ll have the chance to see Serengeti’s incredible landscape, as well as animals like leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses.
8. Zion National Park
Most visitors travel to Utah’s first national park to see stunning Zion Canyon, but the park’s trails are just as impressive. Experienced hikers should traverse sky-high Angels Landing (go early in the morning for fewer people) or brave The Narrows, which is the slimmest section of Zion Canyon. For a less strenuous climb, try the popular Canyon Overlook Trail or the Pa’rus Trail. Avid adventurers should also consider canyoneering for a unique view of Zion’s geology.
9. Torres del Paine National Park
You may spot animals like penguins, pumas and whales here, but the landscape is the true star of the show. Located in Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park encompasses more than 448,000 acres of stunning geographical features, such as Grey Glacier and the famous Cuernos del Paine, a set of awe-inspiring granite peaks that will make your jaw drop. The most popular hikes include the W Trek and the O Circuit, which are both journeys that take a few days to complete and often require guides.
10. Grand Teton National Park
Often overlooked for its northern neighbour, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is a not-so-hidden gem. This Wyoming destination offers enviable scenery along its miles of hiking trails, including the picturesque pathways by Jenny Lake and the popular Cascade Canyon Trail, which is accessible from the Jenny Lake Loop Trail. The park also features plenty of outdoor activities for all seasons, plus opportunities to spot wildlife ranging from grizzly and black bears to bison and moose.