5 US National Parks You Must Visit
Did you know that the first nature reserve in the world was created in the United States? In its vast territory there are dozens of protected areas, some more known and visited than others.
In this article we will tell you about the best national parks in the United States , which you absolutely cannot miss if you want to really get to know the local fauna.
The most visited national parks in the United States
There are almost 60 protected areas in the United States and the first was created in 1872 (the oldest in the world). The state of California is home to the most national parks in the United States – it has as many as 10 – followed by Alaska (8) and Utah (5). Among these it is worth highlighting five:
1. Yellowstone National Park
We couldn’t start this list with another park, as this is the oldest in the world. It is found primarily in Wyoming, but also in Montana and Idaho. One of its main attractions is the ‘Old Faithful’ geyser which throws steam and water several meters high.
Yellowstone National Park was home to several native tribes, and is home to lakes, rivers, canyons, and mountain ranges, where many mammals live, including the grizzly bear, gray wolf, and moose.
In addition to myriads of birds, reptiles and fish. It is also the house of the bison, visible in the photo that opens this article.
2. Everglades National Park
It is located in the state of Florida and protects a wetland of 6,100 km², unique in the world. The eternal swamps or cane plantations of La Florida became a national park in 1947 and are accessible from highway 9336.
The Everglades are home to many birds such as herons, flamingos, osprey, although undoubtedly the main attraction is the American alligator and the crocodile.
In addition, among the animals of the local fauna you will also find otters, manatees, turtles, such as the orange-bellied one and sometimes deer, pumas and snakes.
3. Yosemite National Park
It is one of the most visited and famous parks in the country, has an extension of over 3,000 km² and belongs to California. It is located in a valley between a very beautiful mountain range and in the surroundings you can find several protected areas.
Organized itineraries allow you to walk through forests of giant sequoias, granite cliffs, crystal clear rivers, waterfalls and a great variety of fauna.
It is home to many species, including the black bear, raccoon, woodpecker , mule deer, lynx, red fox, coyote, royal mountain snake, otter, and skunk.
4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
It is not as well known as the previous ones, but it is very important in terms of biodiversity protection. This park is located west of North Dakota and has an area of less than 300 km², divided into three sections crossed by the Missouri River.
It was named in honor of former President Roosevelt, who went there to hunt but then chose it as a refuge after a hard blow in his life. His wife and mother died on the same day.
Among the main attractions of the park it is worth mentioning the viewpoints that allow you to observe wildlife without problems. It is generally made up of bison, white-tailed deer, wild horses, golden eagles, mule deer and moose.
5. Grand Canyon National Park
Another of the United States National Parks not to be missed. With an extension of almost 5,000 km² it is the main jewel of Arizona and was created at the beginning of the last century.
It crosses the Colorado River and its orange and brown rock forms are a wonderful natural spectacle.
The fauna of the Grand Canyon is made up mostly of birds, including the California condor which was reintroduced in the 1990s. There are also coyotes, pumas, lynxes and mountain goats.
All of them are quite difficult to observe, since the climatic conditions are really prohibitive. The spectacle that nature offers in these surroundings will leave you breathless.
