Cross These National Park UNESCO World Heritage Sites Off Both Your Bucket Lists
We’re well familiar with the national park system—dubbed “America’s best idea” by writer and historian Wallace Stegner. But did you know that 11 national parks have the honor of being UNESCO World Heritage Sites, too? These places have been officially recognized by the United Nations for their outstanding value to all humanity. So, if you’re looking to kill two birds with one stone—hitting both your bucket lists at once—read on!
This lush, photo-driven guide introduces 50 of the most magnificently biodiverse places around the world, revealing not only their physical beauty but also celebrating the flora and fauna that make them unique.
Did you know that Kakadu National Park in Australia boasts some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet and is known to have been inhabited continuously for over 40,000 years? That Lake Malawi contains the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world—over 3,000? Or that the tiny Madeiran archipelago off the coast of Northern Africa is the last vestige of the original majestic laurel forests that once covered most of Southern Europe? Published in partnership with UNESCO World Heritage, Our Natural World Heritage showcases 50 of the planet’s most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes, each identified as a site of outstanding universal value and an irreplaceable source of life and inspiration. Over 900 color images and evocative, accessible text reveal what makes each site unique, through an exploration of its flora, fauna, and natural history. This is awe-inspiring natural beauty that belongs to us all.1. Mesa Verde National Park
Located in Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is world renowned for its well-preserved Puebloan cliff dwellings that illuminate the lives of the ancestral people who inhabited the region over 700 years ago. Visitors can explore the sandstone Cliff Palace and Balcony House while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mesas and canyons. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, established in 1872 before joining the ranks of UNESCO World Heritage Site more than 100 years later. It features the world’s largest concentration of geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful. Diverse wildlife ranges from bison and elk to wolves and grizzly bears.
3. Everglades National Park
The Florida Everglades span more than 1.5 million acres, waterways that are best explored by kayak or by airboat. Its freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, and sawgrass prairies make it an ideal sanctuary for many birds and reptiles, as well as threatened species such as the manatee. The national park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Carved by the Colorado River across two billion years, the Grand Canyon is without a doubt the most spectacular gorge in the world. Stretching for over 270 miles, with depths of over a mile, it showcases stunning layers of colorful rock formations that come alive at sunrise and sunset. The national park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
5. Redwood National and State Parks
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, the parks’ primary feature is the coastal redwood forest, a group of trees that has existed for 160 million years—some of the tallest and oldest known trees in the world. Notable attractions include Fern Canyon, a deep gorge of moss-covered cliffs, and the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic drive through a grove of immense redwoods.
6. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park, tucked in central Kentucky, boasts the world’s largest network of natural caves and underground passageways. Visitors can embark on guided tours of these limestone formations and, aboveground, explore scenic hiking trails and river valleys teeming with diverse wildlife habitats. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
7. Olympic National Park
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Olympic National Park is renowned for the diversity of its ecosystems, from alpine meadows to glacier-clad peaks to an extensive old growth forest. The park includes more than 60 miles of wilderness coastline, the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States, which supports critical populations of the endangered northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and bull trout.
- Flexible itineraries, from a weekend in Olympic National Park to a weeklong tour of the peninsula
- Must-see highlights and unique experiences: Tour the oldest lighthouse on the Puget Sound, explore Kurt Cobain's hometown, or immerse yourself in the region's rich maritime history. Dig for a dinner of fresh razor clams and savor fresh-caught Dungeness crab. Stroll through a fragrant lavender farm, shop for unique handcrafted goods, or peruse small-town galleries for local art. Sample one-of-a-kind red blends and fruit wines or kick back with a local brew and some jazz music
- The best hikes of the Olympic Peninsula: Find your adventure with hike descriptions, directions, difficulty ratings, and elevation gains
- Outdoor adventures: Wander through the ethereal Hoh Rain Forest, marvel at the panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge, or hike through the old-growth forests of Olympic National Park. Take a waterfall-filled backpacking trek through the Sawtooth Mountains, camp on the banks of the Skokomish River, and soak in the restorative waters of the Olympic Hot Springs. Spot hundreds of species of birds on the largest natural sand spit in the world or study starfish and sea stacks on the rugged northern coast
- Local insight from Washington-born journalist Jeff Burlingame on when to go, where to stay, and what to bring
- Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
- Helpful background on the landscape, wildlife, climate, and local culture, plus tips for getting around the peninsula
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8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains at the heart the Appalachian Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States. It’s renowned for its mist-shrouded peaks and lush forests—but many may not know that it’s home to almost as many trees (130 natural species) as all of Europe! The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
9. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, has it all: towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Home to iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitain, it offers world-class hiking and rock climbing opportunities as well as beautiful meadow and valley floors. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
- Flexible Itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas for day hikers, winter visitors, families with kids, campers, and more
- The Best Hikes in Each Park: Detailed hike descriptions, individual trail maps, mileage and elevation gains, and backpacking options
- Experience the Outdoors: Ride the open-air tram through Yosemite Valley or hike downhill from Glacier Point past roaring waterfalls. Drive the legendary Generals Highway or take a scenic bike ride to pristine lakes (and yes, more waterfalls!). Go for a horse-drawn wagon ride on a history tour or take a rock-climbing lesson. Walk among the goliaths of Sequoia’s Giant Forest and stop at a historic lodge for dinner and a well-deserved drink
- How to Get There: Up-to-date information on traveling between the parks, gateway towns, park entrances, park fees, and tours
- Where to Stay: From campgrounds and rustic lodges to the majestic Ahwahnee, find the best spots to kick back, both inside and outside the parks
- Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and easy-to-use maps throughout
- Expertise and Know-How from seasoned explorer and outdoor expert Ann Marie Brown
10. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island and home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Their eruptions have and will continue to dramatically reshape the land. Petroglyphs and historic Hawaiian villages within the park offer insight into the island’s rich heritage.
11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the most recent national park to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning its distinction in 1995. Located in New Mexico, its more than 80 caves are outstanding not only for their size but also for their profusion, diversity, and beauty. The park’s most famous feature, the Big Room, is one of the largest cave chambers in the world, offering a breathtaking display of otherworldly limestone.
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