List of National Parks of the United States

List of National Parks of the United States
1938 poster for Yellowstone National Park

The United States has 58 protected areas known as national parks, which are operated by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. National parks must be established by an act of the United States Congress. The first national park, Yellowstone, was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, followed by Sequoia and Yosemite in 1890. The Organic Act of 1916 created the National Park Service "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."[1] National parks usually have a variety of natural resources over large areas.[2] Many of them had been previously protected as National Monuments by the President under the Antiquities Act before being upgraded by Congress. Seven national parks are paired with a National Preserve, six of which are in Alaska. While administered together, they are considered as separate units and their areas are not included in the figures below. The newest national park is Great Sand Dunes, established in 2004.

Twenty-seven states have national parks, as do the insular areas of American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands. Alaska and California have the most, each with eight, followed by Utah with five and Colorado with four. The largest national park is Wrangell–St. Elias, at over 8,000,000 acres (32,000 km2), followed by three more in Alaska; the smallest is Hot Springs, at less than 6,000 acres (24 km2). The total area protected by national parks is approximately 51,900,000 acres (210,000 km2), for an average of 895,000 acres (3,620 km2) but a median of only 317,000 acres (1,280 km2).[2] The most-visited national park is Great Smoky Mountains, with over nine million visitors in 2008, followed by the Grand Canyon, with over four million.[3] Fourteen national parks are designated World Heritage Sites.[4]

A few national parks are no longer designated as such, having been redesignated or disbanded. Other designations of National Park Service areas are sometimes also called national parks; they are listed here.

Contents

National Parks

Name Photo Location Date formed[2][5] Area[2] Description
Acadia Image-Schoodic2.jpg Maine
44°21′N 68°13′W / 44.35°N 68.21°W / 44.35; -68.21 (Acadia)
01919-02-26February 26, 1919 &1000000000004738966999947,389.67 acres (191.8 km2) Covering most of Mount Desert Island and other coastal islands, Acadia preserves the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast, granite peaks, ocean shoreline, woodlands, and lakes. There are freshwater, estuary, forest, and intertidal habitats.[6]
American Samoa Ofu Beach NPS.jpg American Samoa
14°15′S 170°41′W / 14.25°S 170.68°W / -14.25; -170.68 (American Samoa)
01988-10-31October 31, 1988 &100000000000090000000009,000.00 acres (36.4 km2) The southernmost national park is on three Samoan islands and protects coral reefs, rainforests, volcanic mountains, and white beaches. The area is also home to Samoan peoples, flying foxes, brown boobies, sea turtles, and 900 species of fish.[7]
Arches Delicatearch1.jpg Utah
38°41′N 109°34′W / 38.68°N 109.57°W / 38.68; -109.57 (Arches)
01971-11-12November 12, 1971 &1000000000007651897999976,518.98 acres (309.7 km2) This site features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the Delicate Arch. In a desert climate millions of years of erosion have led to these structures, and the arid ground has life-sustaining soil crust and potholes, natural water-collecting basins. Other geologic formations are stone columns, spires, fins, and towers.[8]
Badlands BadlandsView3.jpg South Dakota
43°45′N 102°30′W / 43.75°N 102.50°W / 43.75; -102.50 (Badlands)
01978-11-10November 10, 1978 &10000000000242755940000242,755.94 acres (982.4 km2) The Badlands are a collection of buttes, pinnacles, spires, and grass prairies. It has the world's richest fossil beds from the Oligocene epoch, and there is wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, and swift foxes.[9]
Big Bend Santa Elena Canyon.jpg Texas
29°15′N 103°15′W / 29.25°N 103.25°W / 29.25; -103.25 (Big Bend)
01944-06-12June 12, 1944 &10000000000801163209999801,163.21 acres (3,242.2 km2) Named for the Bend of the Rio Grande along the US–Mexico border, this park includes a part of the Chihuahuan Desert. A wide variety of Cretaceous and Tertiary fossils as well as cultural artifacts of Native Americans exist within its borders.[10]
Biscayne Biscayne NP snorkeling.jpg Florida
25°39′N 80°05′W / 25.65°N 80.08°W / 25.65; -80.08 (Biscayne)
01980-06-28June 28, 1980 &10000000000172924070000172,924.07 acres (699.8 km2) Located in Biscayne Bay, this park at the north end of the Florida Keys has four interrelated marine ecosystems: mangrove forest, the Bay, the Keys, and coral reefs. Threatened animals include the West Indian Manatee, American crocodile, various sea turtles, and peregrine falcon.[11]
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Black canyon gunnison Colorado.jpg Colorado
38°34′N 107°43′W / 38.57°N 107.72°W / 38.57; -107.72 (Black Canyon of the Gunnison)
01999-10-21October 21, 1999 &1000000000003295002999932,950.03 acres (133.3 km2) The park protects a quarter of the Gunnison River, which has dark canyon walls from the Precambrian era. The canyon has very steep descents, and it is a site for river rafting and rock climbing. The narrow, steep canyon, made of gneiss and schist, is often in shadow, appearing black.[12]
Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon Hoodoos Amphitheater.jpg Utah
37°34′N 112°11′W / 37.57°N 112.18°W / 37.57; -112.18 (Bryce Canyon)
01928-02-25February 25, 1928 &1000000000003583508000035,835.08 acres (145.0 km2) Bryce Canyon is a giant natural amphitheatre along the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The unique area has hundreds of tall hoodoos formed by erosion. The region was originally settled by Native Americans and later by Mormon pioneers.[13]
Canyonlands Canyonlands Needles.jpg Utah
38°12′N 109°56′W / 38.2°N 109.93°W / 38.2; -109.93 (Canyonlands)
01964-09-12September 12, 1964 &10000000000337597830000337,597.83 acres (1,366.2 km2) This landscape was eroded into canyons, buttes, and mesas by the Colorado River, Green River, and their tributaries, which divide the park into four districts. There are rock pinnacles and other naturally sculpted rock, as well as artifacts from Ancient Pueblo Peoples.[14]
Capitol Reef Cassidy Arch, Capitol Reef National Park.JPG Utah
38°12′N 111°10′W / 38.20°N 111.17°W / 38.20; -111.17 (Capitol Reef)
01971-12-18December 18, 1971 &10000000000241904260000241,904.26 acres (979.0 km2) The park's Waterpocket Fold is a 100-mile (160 km) monocline that shows the Earth's geologic layers. Other natural features are monoliths and sandstone domes and cliffs shaped like the United States Capitol.[15]
Carlsbad Caverns Carlsbad Interior Formations.jpg New Mexico
32°10′N 104°26′W / 32.17°N 104.44°W / 32.17; -104.44 (Carlsbad Caverns)
01930-05-14May 14, 1930 &1000000000004676644999946,766.45 acres (189.3 km2) Carlsbad Caverns has 117 caves, the longest of which is over 120 miles (190 km) long. The Big Room is almost 4,000 feet (1,200 m) long, and the caves are home to over 400,000 Mexican Free-tailed Bats and sixteen other species. Above ground are the Chihuahuan Desert and Rattlesnake Springs.[16]
Channel Islands Channel Islands National Park.jpg California
34°01′N 119°25′W / 34.01°N 119.42°W / 34.01; -119.42 (Channel Islands)
01980-03-05March 5, 1980 &10000000000249561000000249,561.00 acres (1,009.9 km2) Five of the eight Channel Islands are protected, and half of the park's area is underwater. The islands have a unique Mediterranean ecosystem. They are home to over 2,000 species of land plants and animals, and 145 are unique to them. The islands were originally settled by the Chumash people.[17]
Congaree Congaree swamp.jpg South Carolina
33°47′N 80°47′W / 33.78°N 80.78°W / 33.78; -80.78 (Congaree)
02003-11-10November 10, 2003 &1000000000002654586000026,545.86 acres (107.4 km2) On the Congaree River, this park is the largest portion of old-growth floodplain forest left in North America. Some of the trees are the tallest in the Eastern US, and the Boardwalk Loop is an elevated walkway through the swamp.[18]
Crater Lake Crater lake oregon.jpg Oregon
42°56′N 122°06′W / 42.94°N 122.1°W / 42.94; -122.1 (Crater Lake)
01902-05-22May 22, 1902 &10000000000183224049999183,224.05 acres (741.5 km2) Crater Lake lies in the caldera of Mount Mazama formed 7,700 years ago after an eruption. It is the deepest lake in the United States and is known for its blue color and water clarity. There are two islands in the lake, and, with no inlets or outlets, all water comes through precipitation.[19]
Cuyahoga Valley OhioErieCanalLock.JPG Ohio
41°14′N 81°33′W / 41.24°N 81.55°W / 41.24; -81.55 (Cuyahoga Valley)
02000-10-11October 11, 2000 &1000000000003286073000032,860.73 acres (133.0 km2) This park along the Cuyahoga River has waterfalls, hills, trails, and displays about early rural living. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail follows the Ohio and Erie Canal, where mules towed canal boats. The park has numerous historic homes, bridges, and structures.[20]
Death Valley Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley.jpg California, Nevada
36°14′N 116°49′W / 36.24°N 116.82°W / 36.24; -116.82 (Death Valley)
01994-10-31October 31, 1994 &100000000033724019599993,372,401.96 acres (13,647.6 km2) Death Valley is the hottest, lowest, and driest place in the United States. Daytime temperatures have topped 130°F (54°C) and it is home to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. There are canyons, colorful badlands, sand dunes, mountains, and over 1000 species of plants in this graben on a fault line. Further geologic points of interest are salt flats, springs, and buttes.[21]
Denali Mount McKinley and Denali National Park Road 2048px.jpg Alaska
63°20′N 150°30′W / 63.33°N 150.50°W / 63.33; -150.50 (Denali)
01917-02-26February 26, 1917 &100000000047409117199994,740,911.72 acres (19,185.8 km2) Centered around the Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, Denali is serviced by a single road leading to Wonder Lake. McKinley and other peaks of the Alaska Range are covered with long glaciers and boreal forest. Wildlife includes grizzly bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and gray wolves.[22]
Dry Tortugas Fort-Jefferson Dry-Tortugas.jpg Florida
24°38′N 82°52′W / 24.63°N 82.87°W / 24.63; -82.87 (Dry Tortugas)
01992-10-26October 26, 1992 &1000000000006470122000064,701.22 acres (261.8 km2) The Dry Tortugas on the west end of the Florida Keys are the site of Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. With most of the park being water, it is the home of coral reefs and shipwrecks and is only accessible by plane or boat.[23]
Everglades Everglades National Park cypress.jpg Florida
25°19′N 80°56′W / 25.32°N 80.93°W / 25.32; -80.93 (Everglades)
01934-05-30May 30, 1934 &100000000015085378999991,508,537.90 acres (6,104.8 km2) The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. This mangrove ecosystem and marine estuary is home to 36 protected species, including the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee. Some areas have been drained and developed; restoration projects aim to restore the ecology.[24]
Gates of the Arctic GatesofArctic.jpg Alaska
67°47′N 153°18′W / 67.78°N 153.30°W / 67.78; -153.30 (Gates of the Arctic)
01980-12-02December 2, 1980 &100000000075238977400007,523,897.74 acres (30,448.1 km2) This northernmost park protects part of the Brooks Range and has no park facilities. The land is home to Alaska natives, who have relied on the land and caribou for 11,000 years.[25]
Glacier St Mary Lake - Wild goose Island.jpg Montana
48°48′N 114°00′W / 48.80°N 114.00°W / 48.80; -114.00 (Glacier)
01910-05-11May 11, 1910 &100000000010135724100001,013,572.41 acres (4,101.8 km2) Part of Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, this park has 26 remaining glaciers and 130 named lakes under the tall Rocky Mountain peaks. There are historic hotels and a landmark road in this region of rapidly receding glaciers. These mountains, formed by an overthrust, have the world's best sedimentary fossils from the Proterozoic era.[26]
Glacier Bay GlacierBay3.jpg Alaska
58°30′N 137°00′W / 58.50°N 137.00°W / 58.50; -137.00 (Glacier Bay)
01980-12-02December 2, 1980 &100000000032248403100003,224,840.31 acres (13,050.5 km2) Glacier Bay has numerous tidewater glaciers, mountains, and fjords. The temperate rainforest and the bay are home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, whales, seals, and eagles. When discovered in 1794 by George Vancouver, the entire bay was covered by ice, but the glaciers have receded over 65 miles (105 km).[27]
Grand Canyon USA 09847 Grand Canyon Luca Galuzzi 2007.jpg Arizona
36°04′N 112°08′W / 36.06°N 112.14°W / 36.06; -112.14 (Grand Canyon)
01919-02-26February 26, 1919 &100000000012174033200001,217,403.32 acres (4,926.7 km2) The Grand Canyon, carved out by the Colorado River, is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 1 mile (1.6 km) deep, and up to 15 miles (24 km) wide. Millions of years of exposure has formed colorful layers of the Colorado Plateau in mesas and canyon walls.[28]
Grand Teton Teton Range from Glacier View Turnout-closeup.JPG Wyoming
43°44′N 110°48′W / 43.73°N 110.80°W / 43.73; -110.80 (Grand Teton)
01929-02-26February 26, 1929 &10000000000309994659999309,994.66 acres (1,254.5 km2) Grand Teton is the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. The park's Jackson Hole valley and reflective piedmont lakes contrast with the tall mountains, which abruptly rise from the glacial sage-covered valley.[29]
Great Basin Great Basin National Park 102007 031.JPG Nevada
38°59′N 114°18′W / 38.98°N 114.30°W / 38.98; -114.30 (Great Basin)
01986-10-27October 27, 1986 &1000000000007718000000077,180.00 acres (312.3 km2) Based around Wheeler Peak, the Great Basin has 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines, glacial moraines, and the limestone Lehman Caves. It has some of the country's darkest night skies, and there are animal species including Townsend's big-eared bat, Pronghorn, and Bonneville cutthroat trout.[30]
Great Sand Dunes Coloradodunes.jpg Colorado
37°44′N 105°31′W / 37.73°N 105.51°W / 37.73; -105.51 (Great Sand Dunes)
02004-09-13September 13, 2004 &1000000000004298373999942,983.74 acres (173.9 km2) The tallest dunes in North America are up to 750 feet (230 m) tall and neighbor grasslands, shrublands and wetlands. They were formed by sand deposits of the Rio Grande on the San Luis Valley. The park also has alpine lakes, six 13,000-foot mountains, and ancient forests.[31]
Great Smoky Mountains Fall at Oconaluftee Overlook.JPG North Carolina, Tennessee
35°41′N 83°32′W / 35.68°N 83.53°W / 35.68; -83.53 (Great Smoky Mountains)
01934-06-15June 15, 1934 &10000000000521490130000521,490.13 acres (2,110.4 km2) The Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, have a wide range of elevations, making them home to over 400 vertebrate species, 100 tree species, and 5000 plant species. Hiking is the park's main attraction, with over 800 miles (1,300 km) of trails, including 70 miles (110 km) of the Appalachian Trail. Other activities are fishing, horseback riding, and visiting some of nearly 80 historic structures.[32]
Guadalupe Mountains West face of Guadalupe Mountains at sunset 2006.jpg Texas
31°55′N 104°52′W / 31.92°N 104.87°W / 31.92; -104.87 (Guadalupe Mountains)
01966-10-15October 15, 1966 &1000000000008641597000086,415.97 acres (349.7 km2) This park has Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, the scenic McKittrick Canyon full of Bigtooth Maples, part of the Chihuahuan Desert, and a fossilized reef from the Permian.[33]
Haleakalā Haleakala Crater.jpg Hawaii
20°43′N 156°10′W / 20.72°N 156.17°W / 20.72; -156.17 (Haleakala)
01916-08-01August 1, 1916 &1000000000002909366999929,093.67 acres (117.7 km2) The Haleakalā volcano on Maui has a very large crater with many cinder cones, Hosmer's Grove of alien trees, and the native Hawaiian Goose. The Kipahulu section has numerous pools with freshwater fish. This National Park has the greatest number of endangered species.[34]
Hawaii Volcanoes Puu Oo cropped.jpg Hawaii
19°23′N 155°12′W / 19.38°N 155.20°W / 19.38; -155.20 (Hawaii Volcanoes)
01916-08-01August 1, 1916 &10000000000323431380000323,431.38 acres (1,308.9 km2) This park on the Big Island protects the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, two of the world's most active. Diverse ecosystems of the park range from those at sea level to 13,000 feet (4,000 m).[35]
Hot Springs Hots Springs National Park aerial.jpg Arkansas
34°31′N 93°03′W / 34.51°N 93.05°W / 34.51; -93.05 (Hot Springs)
01921-03-04March 4, 1921 &100000000000055497500005,549.75 acres (22.5 km2) The only National Park in an urban area, this smallest National Park is based around the natural hot springs that have been managed for public use. Bathhouse Row preserves 47 of these with many beneficial minerals.[36]
Isle Royale IsleRoyalePlane.jpg Michigan
48°06′N 88°33′W / 48.10°N 88.55°W / 48.10; -88.55 (Isle Royale)
01931-03-03March 3, 1931 &10000000000571790109999571,790.11 acres (2,314.0 km2) The largest island in Lake Superior and one of two parks not accessible by road, this least-visited park is a site of isolation and wilderness. It has many shipwrecks, waterways, and hiking trails. The park also includes over 400 smaller islands and the waters up to 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from the island. There are only 20 mammal species and it is known for its wolf and moose relationship.[37]
Joshua Tree Joshua Tree - Rock formation in Real Hidden Valley 1.jpg California
33°47′N 115°54′W / 33.79°N 115.90°W / 33.79; -115.90 (Joshua Tree)
01994-10-31October 31, 1994 &10000000000789745469999789,745.47 acres (3,196.0 km2) Covering parts of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts and the Little San Bernardino Mountains, this is the home of the Joshua tree. Across great elevation changes are sand dunes, dry lakes, rugged mountains, and granite monoliths.[38]
Katmai Brown bears brooks falls.jpg Alaska
58°30′N 155°00′W / 58.50°N 155.00°W / 58.50; -155.00 (Katmai)
01980-12-02December 2, 1980 &100000000036745296800003,674,529.68 acres (14,870.3 km2) This park on the Alaska Peninsula protects the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an ash flow formed by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, as well as Mount Katmai. Over 2,000 brown bears come here to catch spawning salmon.[39]
Kenai Fjords Aialik Glacier 1.jpg Alaska
59°55′N 149°39′W / 59.92°N 149.65°W / 59.92; -149.65 (Kenai Fjords)
01980-12-02December 2, 1980 &10000000000669982989999669,982.99 acres (2,711.3 km2) Near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, this park protects the Harding Icefield and at least 38 glaciers and fjords stemming from it. The only area accessible to the public by road is Exit Glacier, while the rest can only be viewed by boat tours.[40]
Kings Canyon ParadiseValley.JPG California
36°48′N 118°33′W / 36.80°N 118.55°W / 36.80; -118.55 (Kings Canyon)
01940-03-04March 4, 1940 &10000000000461901200000461,901.20 acres (1,869.2 km2) Home to several Giant sequoia groves and the General Grant Tree, the world's second largest, this park also has part of the Kings River, site of the granite Kings Canyon, and San Joaquin River, as well as the Boyden Cave.[41]
Kobuk Valley Agie River.jpg Alaska
67°33′N 159°17′W / 67.55°N 159.28°W / 67.55; -159.28 (Kobuk Valley)
01980-12-02December 2, 1980 &100000000017507165000001,750,716.50 acres (7,084.9 km2) Kobuk Valley has 61 miles (98 km) of the Kobuk River and three regions of sand dunes. Created by glaciers, the Great Kobuk, the Little Kobuk, and the Hunt River Sand Dunes can reach 100 feet (30 m) high and 100 °F (38 °C), and they are the largest dunes in the arctic. Twice a year, half a million caribou migrate through the dunes and across river bluffs that contain ice age fossils. This is the least-visited National Park.[42]
Lake Clark Lake Clark National Park.jpg Alaska
60°58′N 153°25′W / 60.97°N 153.42°W / 60.97; -153.42 (Lake Clark)
01980-12-02December 2, 1980 &100000000026197332099992,619,733.21 acres (10,601.7 km2) The region around Lake Clark has four active volcanoes, including Mount Redoubt, rivers, glaciers, and waterfalls. There are temperate rainforests, a tundra plateau, and three mountain ranges.[43]
Lassen Volcanic Cinder-cone-from-behind-Snag-Lassen.jpg California
40°29′N 121°31′W / 40.49°N 121.51°W / 40.49; -121.51 (Lassen Volcanic)
01916-08-09August 9, 1916 &10000000000106372360000106,372.36 acres (430.5 km2) Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world, is joined by all three other types of volcanoes in this park: shield, cinder dome, and composite. Other than the volcano, which last erupted in 1915, the park has hydrothermal areas, including fumaroles, boiling pools, and steaming ground, heated by molten rock under the peak.[44]
Mammoth Cave Mammoth Cave National Park 007.jpg Kentucky
37°11′N 86°06′W / 37.18°N 86.10°W / 37.18; -86.10 (Mammoth Cave)
01941-07-01July 1, 1941 &1000000000005283019000052,830.19 acres (213.8 km2) With 392 miles (631 km) of passageways mapped, Mammoth Cave is by far the world's longest cave system. Cave animals include eight bat species, Kentucky cave shrimp, Northern cavefish, and cave salamanders. Above ground, the park contains Green River (Kentucky), 70 miles of hiking trails, sinkholes, and springs.[45]
Mesa Verde Mesa Verde National Park Cliff Palace Right Part 2006 09 12.jpg Colorado
37°11′N 108°29′W / 37.18°N 108.49°W / 37.18; -108.49 (Mesa Verde)
01906-06-29June 29, 1906 &1000000000005212193000052,121.93 acres (210.9 km2) This area has over 4,000 archaeological sites of the Ancestral Pueblo, who lived here for 700 years. Cliff dwellings built in the 12th and 13th centuries include Cliff Palace, which has 150 rooms and 23 kivas, and the Balcony House, with passages and tunnels.[46]
Mount Rainier Mount Rainier from west.jpg Washington
46°51′N 121°45′W / 46.85°N 121.75°W / 46.85; -121.75 (Mount Rainier)
01899-03-02March 2, 1899 &10000000000235625000000235,625.00 acres (953.5 km2) Mount Rainier, an active volcano, is the most prominent peak in the Cascades, and it is covered by 26 named glaciers including Carbon Glacier and Emmons Glacier, the largest in the continental United States. The mountain is popular for climbing, and more than half of the park is covered by subalpine and alpine forests. Paradise on the south slope is one of the snowiest places in the world, and the Longmire visitor center is the start of the Wonderland Trail, which encircles the mountain.[47]
North Cascades Thornton Lakes 25932.JPG Washington
48°42′N 121°12′W / 48.70°N 121.20°W / 48.70; -121.20 (North Cascades)
01968-10-02October 2, 1968 &10000000000504780940000504,780.94 acres (2,042.8 km2) This complex includes the two units of the National Park and the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. There are numerous glaciers, and popular hiking and climbing areas are Cascade Pass, Mount Shuksan, Mount Triumph, and Eldorado Peak.[48]
Olympic Hoh Rain Forest Maples.JPG Washington
47°58′N 123°30′W / 47.97°N 123.50°W / 47.97; -123.50 (Olympic)
01938-06-29June 29, 1938 &10000000000922650859999922,650.86 acres (3,733.8 km2) Situated on the Olympic Peninsula, this park ranges from Pacific shoreline with tide pools to temperate rainforests to Mount Olympus. The glaciated Olympic Mountains overlook the Hoh Rain Forest and Quinault Rain Forest, the wettest area of the continental United States.[49]
Petrified Forest PAINTED DESERT BADLANDS.jpg Arizona
35°04′N 109°47′W / 35.07°N 109.78°W / 35.07; -109.78 (Petrified Forest)
01962-12-09December 9, 1962 &1000000000009353257000093,532.57 acres (378.5 km2) This portion of the Chinle Formation has a great concentration of 225-million-year-old petrified wood. The surrounding region, the Painted Desert, has eroded red-hued volcanic rock called bentonite. There are also dinosaur fossils and over 350 Native American sites.[50]
Redwood Redwood National Park, fog in the forest.jpg California
41°18′N 124°00′W / 41.30°N 124.00°W / 41.30; -124.00 (Redwood)
01968-10-02October 2, 1968 &10000000000112512050000112,512.05 acres (455.3 km2) This park and the co-managed state parks protect almost half of all remaining Coastal Redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth. There are three large river systems in this very seismically active area, and the 37 miles (60 km) of protected coastline have tide pools and seastacks. The prairie, estuary, coast, river, and forest ecosystems have varied animal and plant species.[51]
Rocky Mountain Bierstadt Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, USA.jpg Colorado
40°24′N 105°35′W / 40.40°N 105.58°W / 40.40; -105.58 (Rocky Mountain)
01915-01-26January 26, 1915 &10000000000265828409999265,828.41 acres (1,075.8 km2) This section of the Rocky Mountains has ecosystems varying in elevation from the over 150 riparian lakes to Montane and subalpine forests to the alpine tundra. Large wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, and cougars inhabit these igneous mountains and glacier valleys. The fourteener Longs Peak and Bear Lake are popular destinations.[52]
Saguaro Saguaronationalparl17102008.jpg Arizona
32°15′N 110°30′W / 32.25°N 110.50°W / 32.25; -110.50 (Saguaro)
01994-10-14October 14, 1994 &1000000000009143971000091,439.71 acres (370.0 km2) Split into the separate Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain Districts, the dry Sonoran Desert is still home to much life in six biotic communities. Beyond the namesake Giant Saguaro cacti, there are barrel cacti, cholla cacti, and prickly pears, as well as Lesser Long-nosed Bats, Spotted Owls, and javelinas.[53]
Sequoia Giant Forest.jpg California
36°26′N 118°41′W / 36.43°N 118.68°W / 36.43; -118.68 (Sequoia)
01890-09-25September 25, 1890 &10000000000404051169999404,051.17 acres (1,635.1 km2) This park protects the Giant Forest, which has the world's largest tree, General Sherman, as well as four of the next nine. It also has over 240 caves, the tallest mountain in the lower 48, Mount Whitney, and the granite dome Moro Rock.[54]
Shenandoah Dark Hollow Falls Shenandoah NP 2007.jpg Virginia
38°32′N 78°21′W / 38.53°N 78.35°W / 38.53; -78.35 (Shenandoah)
01926-05-22May 22, 1926 &10000000000199045230000199,045.23 acres (805.5 km2) Shenandoah's Blue Ridge Mountains are covered by hardwood forests that are home to tens of thousands of animals. The Skyline Drive and Appalachian Trail run the entire length of this narrow park that has more than 500 miles (800 km) of hiking trails along scenic overlooks and waterfalls of the Shenandoah River.[55]
Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt National Park.jpg North Dakota
46°58′N 103°27′W / 46.97°N 103.45°W / 46.97; -103.45 (Theodore Roosevelt)
01978-11-10November 10, 1978 &1000000000007044688999970,446.89 acres (285.1 km2) This region that enticed and influenced President Theodore Roosevelt is now a park of three units in the badlands. Besides Roosevelt's historic cabin, there are scenic drives and backcountry hiking opportunities. Wildlife includes American Bison, pronghorns, Bighorn sheep, and wild horses.[56]
Virgin Islands St John Trunk Bay 1.jpg United States Virgin Islands
18°20′N 64°44′W / 18.33°N 64.73°W / 18.33; -64.73 (Virgin Islands)
01956-08-02August 2, 1956 &1000000000001468887000014,688.87 acres (59.4 km2) The island of Saint John has rich human and natural history. There are Taino archaeological sites and ruins of sugar plantations from Columbus's time. Past the pristine beaches are mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and algal plains.[57]
Voyageurs Voyageurs National Park.jpg Minnesota
48°30′N 92°53′W / 48.50°N 92.88°W / 48.50; -92.88 (Voyageurs)
01971-01-08January 8, 1971 &10000000000218200170000218,200.17 acres (883.0 km2) This park on four main lakes, a site for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, has a history of Ojibwe Native Americans, French fur traders called voyageurs, and a gold rush. Formed by glaciers, this region has tall bluffs, rock gardens, islands and bays, and historic buildings.[58]
Wind Cave Wind Cave lower.jpg South Dakota
43°34′N 103°29′W / 43.57°N 103.48°W / 43.57; -103.48 (Wind Cave)
01903-01-09January 9, 1903 &1000000000002829502999928,295.03 acres (114.5 km2) Wind Cave is distinctive for its calcite fin formations called boxwork and needle-like growths called frostwork. The cave, which was discovered by the sound of wind coming from a hole in the ground, is the world's densest cave system. Above ground is a mixed-grass prairie with animals such as bison, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs,[59] and Ponderosa pine forests home to Cougars and Elk
Wrangell –St. Elias MountJarvis.jpg Alaska
61°00′N 142°00′W / 61.00°N 142.00°W / 61.00; -142.00 (Wrangell – St. Elias)
01980-12-02December 2, 1980 &100000000083231475899998,323,147.59 acres (33,682.6 km2) This mountainous land has the convergence of the Alaska, Chugach, and Wrangell-Saint Elias Ranges, which have many of the continent's tallest mountains over 16,000 feet (4,900 m), including Mount Saint Elias. More than 25% of this park of volcanic peaks is covered with glaciers, including the tidewater Hubbard Glacier, piedmont Malaspina Glacier, and valley Nabesna Glacier.[60]
Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin from above.jpg Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
44°36′N 110°30′W / 44.60°N 110.50°W / 44.60; -110.50 (Yellowstone)
01872-03-01March 1, 1872 &100000000022197907099992,219,790.71 acres (8,983.2 km2) Situated on the Yellowstone Caldera, the first national park in the world has vast geothermal areas such as hot springs and geysers, the best-known being Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. The yellow-hued Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River has numerous waterfalls, and four mountain ranges run through the park. There are almost 60 mammal species, including the gray wolf, grizzly bear, lynx, bison, and elk.[61]
Yosemite YosemitePark2 amk.jpg California
37°50′N 119°30′W / 37.83°N 119.50°W / 37.83; -119.50 (Yosemite)
01890-10-01October 1, 1890 &10000000000761266189999761,266.19 acres (3,080.7 km2) Yosemite has towering cliffs, waterfalls, and sequoias in a diverse area of geology and hydrology. Half Dome and El Capitan rise from the central glacier-formed Yosemite Valley, as does Yosemite Falls, North America's tallest waterfall. Three Giant Sequoia groves and vast wilderness are home to diverse wildlife.[62]
Zion ZION ENTRANCE.jpg Utah
37°18′N 113°03′W / 37.30°N 113.05°W / 37.30; -113.05 (Zion)
01919-11-19November 19, 1919 &10000000000146597600000146,597.60 acres (593.3 km2) This geologically unique area has colorful sandstone canyons, high plateaus, and rock towers. Natural arches and exposed formations of the Colorado Plateau make up a large wilderness of four ecosystems.[63]

See also

References

  1. ^ "The National Park Service Organic Act". National Park Service. 26 February 2008. http://www.nps.gov/legacy/organic-act.htm. Retrieved 25 January 2010. 
  2. ^ a b c d (PDF) The National Parks: Index 2005–2007. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service. ISBN 9780912627755. http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/refdesk/index2005_07.pdf. Retrieved 19 March 2010. 
  3. ^ "10 Most Visited National Parks (2008)" (PDF). National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/refdesk/10MVUNP.pdf. Retrieved 25 January 2010. 
  4. ^ "World Heritage List". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&l=en&&&mode=table&order=region. Retrieved 6 February 2010. 
  5. ^ "National Park System Areas Listed in Chronological Order of Date Authorized under DOI" (PDF). National Park Service. 27 June 2005. http://home.nps.gov/applications/budget2/documents/chronop.pdf. Retrieved 18 January 2010. 
  6. ^ "Acadia National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/acad/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  7. ^ "National Park of American Samoa". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/npsa/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  8. ^ "Arches National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/arch/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  9. ^ "Badlands National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/badl/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  10. ^ "Big Bend National Park". National Park Service. December 8, 2009. http://www.nps.gov/bibe/. 
  11. ^ "Biscayne National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/bisc/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  12. ^ "Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/blca/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  13. ^ "Bryce Canyon National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/brca/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  14. ^ "Canyonlands National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/cany/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  15. ^ "Capitol Reef National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/care/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  16. ^ "Carlsbad Caverns National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/cave/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  17. ^ "Channel Islands National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/chis/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  18. ^ "Congaree National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/cong/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  19. ^ "Crater Lake National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/crla/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  20. ^ "Cuyahoga Valley National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/cuva/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  21. ^ "Death Valley National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/deva/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  22. ^ "Denali National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/dena/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  23. ^ "Dry Tortugas National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/drto/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  24. ^ "Everglades National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/ever/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  25. ^ "Gates of the Arctic National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/gaar/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  26. ^ "Glacier National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/glac/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  27. ^ "Glacier Bay National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/glba/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  28. ^ "Grand Canyon National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/grca/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  29. ^ "Grand Teton National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/grte/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  30. ^ "Great Basin National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/grba/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  31. ^ "Great Sand Dunes National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/grsa/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  32. ^ "Great Smoky Mountains National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/grsm/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  33. ^ "Guadalupe Mountains National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/gumo/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  34. ^ "Haleakala National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/hale/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  35. ^ "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/havo/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  36. ^ "Hot Springs National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/hosp/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  37. ^ "Isle Royale National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/isro/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  38. ^ "Joshua Tree National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/jotr/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  39. ^ "Katmai National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/katm/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  40. ^ "Kenai Fjords National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/kefj/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  41. ^ "Kings Canyon National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/seki/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  42. ^ "Kobuk Valley National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/kova/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  43. ^ "Lake Clark National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/lacl/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  44. ^ "Lassen Volcanic National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/lavo/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  45. ^ "Mammoth Cave National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/maca/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  46. ^ "Mesa Verde National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/meve/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  47. ^ "Mount Rainier National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/mora/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  48. ^ "North Cascades National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/noca/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  49. ^ "Olympic National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/olym/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  50. ^ "Petrified Forest National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/pefo/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  51. ^ "Redwood National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/redw/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  52. ^ "Rocky Mountain National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/romo/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  53. ^ "Saguaro National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/sagu/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  54. ^ "Sequoia National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/seki/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  55. ^ "Shenandoah National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/shen/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  56. ^ "Theodore Roosevelt National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/thro/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  57. ^ "Virgin Islands National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/viis/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  58. ^ "Voyageurs National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/voya/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  59. ^ "Wind Cave National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/wica/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  60. ^ "Wrangell – St. Elias National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/wrst/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  61. ^ "Yellowstone National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/yell/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  62. ^ "Yosemite National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/yose/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 
  63. ^ "Zion National Park". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/zion/. Retrieved 23 March 2010. 

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