The 14 Best National Parks on Earth
These incredible national parks need to be on your travel bucket list
From the desolate snow-capped mountains of northern Canada to the dense rainforests of Indonesia, we’ve collected 14 of the best national parks in the world for your adventure bucket list.
Including facts, tips and recommendations, this list is designed to give you a snapshot of each park and hopefully inspire you to start planning your dream journey!
Let’s start in Chile, in one of the most difficult to reach, but also most rewarding, parks on the list:
1. Torres del Paine, Chile
Named for the gigantic granite peaks that tower 2,500 meters above sea level and dominate the local landscape, Torres del Paine is one of South America’s most visited national parks. Located in the wilderness of southern Chilean Patagonia, the park’s valleys, lakes and jagged mountains tell a story of recent and ancient geology. And with far fewer visitors than many of the parks on this list, it’s easy to get away from the crowds and get back in touch with nature.
Hiking is the number one activity, with the W and O circuits offering extremely challenging multi-day hikes across varied terrain. The rewards along the way are some of the most epic and enchanting landscapes in South America, especially when combined with absolute silence or dramatic weather conditions. However, there are shorter routes for day trippers that are just as interesting.
Another great way to explore the park is on the numerous lakes. You can get up close to glaciers and icebergs year-round, with Lago Grey offering some of the best kayaking tours. Book a stay at the local hotel for some rooms with a truly incredible view.
One inhabitant to keep an eye out for is the puma. These big cats are found in the park’s long grasses. Join a dedicated puma tracking tour to improve your chances of spotting these amazing creatures in the wild.
2. Yosemite, USA
Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks both in the US and the world. From the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome monoliths to the lush greenery of the valley floor, Yosemite’s success isn’t just down to its proximity to San Francisco and the rest of California – it looks pretty amazing any time of year too.
Like many US national parks, Yosemite is very drivable, with roads connecting key areas and winding through the valley floor. Sadly, this does mean congestion is possible, so we always recommend parking up and hiking as much as possible. There are local buses and connections between the park’s centers and highlights too, so you can always hitch a ride if you need to.
Popular activities in Yosemite include bird watching, rock climbing, photography and of course hiking, with hundreds of miles of trails open to the public. Just keep an eye out for the park’s famous black bears, some of which have grown accustomed to human food. Use the reinforced trash bins and practice Leave No Trace at all times to ensure both preservation and safety.
Some of the best features of Yosemite are the sequoia groves that are home to the endemic giant trees that have become California icons. Mariposa Grove is the most famous and most visited, including the famous ‘tunnel trees’ that are big enough to allow visitors to walk through them.
There are camping and RV spots throughout Yosemite, but our top tip is to stay outside the park and travel using either the shuttle or by hiking. The nearby Tenaya Resort offers an excellent jumping off point for Yosemite while still providing all the creature comforts.
3. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Croatia has no shortage of stunning landscapes, with the Adriatic coastline being one of them. However, further inland and into the hills lies one of the best national parks in Europe; Plitvice Lakes.
The park's bedrock of limestone and chalk has created a series of natural dams, waterfalls and lakes that are bordered by 30,000 hectares of unspoiled natural wonder. Forests and meadows between the lakes are home to everything from gray wolves and lynxes to the famous brown bears that adorn the park’s crest.
Although getting out into the lesser-explored parts of the park is extremely rewarding, certain notable sections include paths and boardwalks that traverse the lakes, rivers and waterfalls to make the park more accessible. However, especially in the summer months, crowds can form, so consider visiting in the shoulder season (spring and autumn) or even in the winter months when the park is a lot quieter.
You’ll need to book and buy tickets ahead of your visit and enter the park through one of the recognized entrances. But even if you don’t venture too far, you’ll still be rewarded with gorgeous views and plenty of natural splendor.
Leave time to find Veliki Slap, Croatia’s tallest waterfall with a 78m drop.
4. Tongariro, New Zealand
The UNESCO recognized Tongariro National Park sits across three volcanoes, creating some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes. Between the now solid lava flows, steaming craters and incredible silica terraces run pretty streams and alpine gardens that thrive in the mineral-rich soils.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the park’s famous hike, an intermediate route that covers just under 20km and skirts some of the vents and craters that still show signs of volcanic activity. The Taranaki Falls Track, at 6km, is a little easier or if you have limited time.
Thanks to the park’s remoteness, the rough terrain and fast-changing weather, a professional outdoor kit is recommended. Volcanic activity can shut certain areas too, so head to the park’s website for volcanic risk reports and weather updates.
5. Banff, Canada
Canada’s oldest national park is also its most famous, regularly making top national park lists and attracting almost three million visitors annually. The just over 2,500 square miles of unspoiled wilderness is jam-packed with rivers, lakes, mountains, glaciers, meadows and thriving wildlife, including elk, wolverines, cougars and grizzly bears.
Winter in Banff National Park is frigid but extremely rewarding, with skiing extremely popular at Lake Louise, Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village. The longer winter means the season lasts longer too, making it ideal for early or late ski trips.
Summer is just as rewarding, when the park’s wildlife is in full swing. Watch huge bull elk and reintroduced plains bison graze riverside meadows or hop in a hide and keep an eye out for eagles, hawks and ospreys. Bears are found throughout Banff, so follow precautions and practice Leave No Trace to ensure the best possible interaction between humans and bears.
Our top Banff tip is to book your park pass as far in advance as possible, as demand can get very high during holiday periods.
6. Galapagos, Ecuador
One of the world’s most unique landscapes and an excellent example of insular evolution, the Galapagos Islands are remote, stunning and surprisingly difficult to visit. But once you’ve traveled and organized your tour (the only way to visit), it all becomes very worthwhile.
Ecuador’s first national park is spread over 127 islands in the Pacific 560 miles off the South American coast. The islands’ volcanic rock, some of which is jet black, provides an otherworldly backdrop for some of the most iconic endemic species on earth. Famous species like the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions and the flightless cormorant have thrived thanks to the remoteness of the islands.
Although ecology and wildlife preservation are the main draws of the main islands of the Galapagos, the rugged and unique landscape also attracts photographers. Curious tourists who visit simply to explore should invest in a decent camera, as it’s unlikely you’ll find anywhere on earth that looks similar.
7. Yellowstone, USA
On the subject of volcanic activity, one of the world’s most famous national parks wouldn’t be what it is without the super caldera that sits just below the surface of Yellowstone. The patch of superheated magma beneath the ground creates iconic geysers, boiling rivers and acid lakes that just happen to look absolutely incredible at any time.
The park’s most famous hot geyser, Old Faithful, is a Yellowstone must-see. This strange lump of earth pointing up out of the ground offers a dazzling show of explosive steam and water every 90 minutes or so, shooting super-heated jets up to 180 feet in the air. There are bigger and more powerful geysers, but this is the one that everyone knows and loves.
Equally dazzling are the Canary Spring Terraces, layers of rock carved and shaped by the steaming, mineral rich groundwater pushed to the surface. Just take care to follow signs and avoid bathing in any of Yellowstone’s springs or lakes. Even if temperatures seem cool, sudden heat and mud eruptions can cause severe burns in seconds.
Away from the geological wonders, you’ll find another Yellowstone icon – the bison that roam the grasslands and plains that sit between the park’s mountains. Although rare across the rest of the US, bison can be seen almost everywhere, so grab as many snaps as you like but maintain a safe distance. The same can be said for black bears, although you’re less likely to encounter bears on the popular trails.
With a rolling landscape, hiking in Yellowstone isn’t as challenging as other national parks in the US, making it ideal for intermediate adventurers. There are also extensive boardwalk routes, especially to the main sites of interest, so pretty much everyone can get close to nature at Yellowstone.
8. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Although travel to Mars isn’t quite a possibility just yet, the closest you’ll get is Wadi Rum. This stretch of desert in Jordan played the part in the film The Martian, with very little done to create a close match to the red sands and rocks of our sister planet. Wadi Rum has actually featured in lots of films, standing in as another planet, including Star Wars Rogue One. This is a testament to the unique colors and rock formations that give it an otherworldly appeal.
Also known as the Valley of the Moon, UNESCO listed the area under the Wadi Rum Protected Area in 2011. The unforgiving heat in summer and frigid temperatures in winter mean that guided adventures are highly recommended – Bedouin led treks are an incredible way to experience Wadi Rum in a traditional way, and without the impact left by the many 4x4s that take tourists out to the key locations.
History fans can track down Nabatean temples and ruins among the petroglyph-littered rocks, and it isn’t too difficult to get to the equally enchanting Petra from the tourist camps and nearby towns.
9. Kruger, South Africa
To protect South Africa’s declining wildlife stocks, and perhaps most importantly its big game, Sabi Game Reserve was set up in 1898 as a place where hunting could be controlled and where necessary prevented. 20 years later, Kruger National Park was proclaimed, with the purpose of preserving some of Africa’s most iconic animals and biomes.
The Limpopo and Crocodile rivers act as natural boundaries to the 7,523 square mile park, helping rangers to keep poachers at bay and allow visitors to admire the big five and other animals from a safe distance. Kruger is home to zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippopotami, rhinos, lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas, making it a one-stop-shop for those eager to join an African safari.
10. Vatnajökull, Iceland
If you land in relatively green Reykjavik and aren’t sure why Iceland is called Iceland, then Vatnajökull National Park is the visual reminder. This sprawling national park is centered on the Vatnajökull ice cap, Iceland’s largest and Europe’s second largest, covering over 10% of Iceland’s landmass.
Don’t expect endless ice fields, however. The park’s landscape is extremely varied, including outlet glaciers, glacial rivers, stunning waterfalls and canyons. Oh, and the active volcanoes. Like much of Iceland, Vatnajökull includes active volcanoes, so you may feel a rumble or two or spot steam rising from the ice.
The park has been designed for easy access, with links to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle ring road and five visitor centers. There are also campgrounds and signposted trails if you want to spend a few days exploring Vatnajökull.
11. Zion National Park, USA
The deep reds and oranges of the Southwestern United States contrast perfectly with the patchy green hillsides and emerald pools that sit between the monolithic mountains of Zion National Park. There’s no denying this national park, situated along the aptly named Virgin River, is simply gorgeous to look at. But don’t stand still too long – those trails aren’t going to hike themselves.
Between the canyons, buttes, mesas and natural arches run hundreds of miles of trails, some more obvious than others, to take you from one amazing vista to another. Kolob Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world, is a notable highlight, as is The Subway, a curved slot canyon reminiscent of an underground train tunnel.
Winters and springs are cooler, wet and unpredictable, with flooding and storms common. Summer and autumn become exceptionally hot and dry, so hikers need to be ready to deal with beating sun and often overpowering heat. If hiking isn’t for you, you can still take in the stunning scenery using the park’s extensive road system, but watch out for congestion on holidays and during July and August.
12. Jasper, Canada
Canada’s ‘other’ national park to the north of Banff offers a lot of the same; towering mountains, beautiful lakes and mile after mile of wilderness trails and grasslands begging to be explored.
But where the two parks differ comes down to people and popularity. Jasper is the larger park, but attracts fewer visitors, meaning you can get off the tourist trail and skip some of the overcrowding that Banff can suffer, especially in the summer months.
However, you won’t experience any downgrades when it comes to sheer natural beauty. The iconic Maligne Lake features on all the travel brochures you’ll see for Jasper National Park, and for good reason. The deep blues and the mountains behind it create a canvas that’s dreamy any time of year.
If hiking is your thing, then the Opal Hills Trail needs to be checked out. With amazing views, challenging terrain and lower visitor numbers, you can get in touch with nature and maybe even spot some of Jasper’s wildlife, including elk, cougars and bears, so pack your spray.
Our last tip for Jasper is to leave enough time for the Jasper Skytram. This cable car whisks visitors to the top of the 2,263m The Whistlers, a mountain with exceptional views of Jasper and beyond. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines.
13. Komodo, Indonesia
Although the name of the main island of Komodo will be instantly recognizable, Komodo National Park actually encompasses three islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar. Before we talk about the island's famous inhabitants, it’s worth noting that this part of the world is fairly close to paradise, with unbelievable beaches, dense forests and a cacophony of sounds ranging from waterfalls to tropical birdsong.
Offshore, you’ll encounter excellent diving conditions, with clear waters and busy underwater ecosystems in the rocky and sandy bays and beachfronts. Ensure you take a trip to the famous Pink Beach, which made our list of the best beaches in the world.
But for the vast majority of visitors to Komodo National Park, the main attraction is the islands’ populations of the famous Ora, or Komodo Dragons. These formidable reptiles from the monitor lizard family can grow to three meters long and are some of the most ruthless hunters on earth, even attacking humans.
Naturally, you’ll need an experienced guide and a pass to get anywhere near the park, and for good reason. But it’s not just about self-preservation either; human impact on the islands is increasing, leading to habitat destruction and encroachment. By sticking to the rules, you’ll be able to admire these amazing creatures without any harm to you or the dragons.
14. Serengeti, Tanzania
A name that has become synonymous with safaris, Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is one of the best places on earth to experience southern African wildlife.
The park’s proportions certainly help to preserve some of the largest populations of larger mammals on the continent. Across the 5,700 square miles of practically untouched savanna, there are 250,000 zebras, 3,500 spotted hyena, 5,000 African bush elephants and 70 black rhinos, one of the most endangered rhino species on earth.
Serengeti’s lions, however, are the most-wanted on many Serengeti safari tours. The 3,000 lions in various prides throughout the park are carefully tracked and monitored and jeep tours attempt to include visits to popular spots and territories for photographs and talks about their behaviors and subsequent conservation.
One of the best times to visit Serengeti National Park is during the great migrations. One of the longest overland migration routes on earth, the roughly a million and a half wildebeest and a quarter of a million zebras head north to Massai Mara in Kenya. The migration takes place in March, April and May, but the animals seem to stick to their own varying schedule each year…