2015
AMAZING NATIONAL PARKS AROUND THE WORLD
When we think National Parks, we think of wildlife! But these fascinating
National Parks around the world will change your notion and even if your not a wildlife lover but rather simply struck by wanderlust, we guarantee you still won't be able to
stop yourself from adding these top 15 to your bucket list!
National Parks around the world will change your notion and even if your not a wildlife lover but rather simply struck by wanderlust, we guarantee you still won't be able to
stop yourself from adding these top 15 to your bucket list!
1. Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872 , Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, U.S. was United States' first national park,
being also the world's first national park! It got its name from the yellow stone which is a colour result of oxidation brought about by sulphur and water and is found almost everywhere. But the most conspicuous aspect of Yellowstone
is its geysers. More than 300 of them are concentrated here which is two thirds of the total number on the planet.
Apart from this there are also pools of bubbling mud, vividly coloured hot springs and vents issuing sulfurous,
which are all the reminders of the regions volcanic past.
being also the world's first national park! It got its name from the yellow stone which is a colour result of oxidation brought about by sulphur and water and is found almost everywhere. But the most conspicuous aspect of Yellowstone
is its geysers. More than 300 of them are concentrated here which is two thirds of the total number on the planet.
Apart from this there are also pools of bubbling mud, vividly coloured hot springs and vents issuing sulfurous,
which are all the reminders of the regions volcanic past.
2. Göreme National Park
UNESCO World Hertiage site, Goreme National Park is located among the "fairy chimney" rock formations in Cappadocia, a historical region of Turkey which have rock-cut dwellings that seem to melt into the cliff face. These unique design of nature and the unusual rock formations are located on the central Anatolia plateau within a volcanic landscape sculpted by erosion to form a succession of mountain ridges. The park is also home to ancient Byzantine cave frescoes and even underground cities! Visitors encounter fine examples of Seljuk and Ottoman art and Architecture.
3. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California is where the Sonoran and Mojave deserts meet.
In the higher Mojave portion of the park, a forest of the strange Joshua Trees and a number of unique
rock formations called Inselbergs are protected. In the lower Colorado portion, the Pinto Basin
exhibits the typical plants of this hotter Sonoran Desert.
In the higher Mojave portion of the park, a forest of the strange Joshua Trees and a number of unique
rock formations called Inselbergs are protected. In the lower Colorado portion, the Pinto Basin
exhibits the typical plants of this hotter Sonoran Desert.
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4. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is Utah's oldest national park. Incredibly 146,000-acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The park is known for its incredible canyons of which a prominent feature is the Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles long and a half-mile deep. Natural pools, creeks and falls add to wonders of the park.
5. Mesa Verde National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological preserve in the United States, Mesa Verde National Park is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The park, famously known for its heritage, consists of ancestral Pueblo Indian dwellings, built from the 6th to the 12th century, found on the Mesa Verde plateau.
6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks, established in 1916 was named a World Biosphere site by UNESCO in 1980 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The park contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, both of which tower over the Pacific ocean. Surprising geographical formations and constantly changing landscapes due to volcanic eruptions are a marvel to witness before your eyes.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Beautifully colourful and smoky landscapes almost like a painting, is the serene view of the UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in U.S. The border between Tennessee and North Carolina runs through the centreline of the park. The enchanting wilderness of the park leaves you nothing less than awestruck.
The park is one of the nations busiest parks and amidst avid hikers, it's a favourite.
Heritage Site, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in U.S. The border between Tennessee and North Carolina runs through the centreline of the park. The enchanting wilderness of the park leaves you nothing less than awestruck.
The park is one of the nations busiest parks and amidst avid hikers, it's a favourite.
8. Banff National Park
Canada's first national park and the world's third, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff National Park is all about breathtaking views!! Relaxing sceneries, natural hot springs, unspoiled wilderness and mountain lakes in the park undoubtedly define serenity. The park awaits you extraordinary adventures and thrilling activities like skiing, gondola rides, hiking trails, fishing, boat rides and much more that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
9. Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Established in it's modern form in 1981, Triglav National Park is Slovenia's one and only National Park.
The park entirely covered by the ester Julian Alps was named after it's highest mountain "Triglav" and covers
4% of Slovenia's total land mass.
The park entirely covered by the ester Julian Alps was named after it's highest mountain "Triglav" and covers
4% of Slovenia's total land mass.
10. Karijini National Park, Australia
Karijini is Western Australia’s second largest National Park and an ideal getaway. The parks boasts overwhelming gorges, beautiful waterfalls, sparkling rock pools and abounds in flora and fauna. The park also contains Western Australia's
three highest peaks: Mt Meharry, Mt Bruce and Mt Frederick.
three highest peaks: Mt Meharry, Mt Bruce and Mt Frederick.
11. Arches National Park, Utah
Established in 1971, Arches National Park holds dramatic red sandstone formations and is perched high above the Colorado river. The park contains more than 2000 natural arches, giant balanced rocks, towering spires,
precarious pinnacles and slick rock domes, carved and shaped due to withering and erosion. An island sea, covered
what is now the park, about 300 million years ago. The sea evaporated and re-formed more than
29 times leaving behind thousands of feet thick salt beds.
precarious pinnacles and slick rock domes, carved and shaped due to withering and erosion. An island sea, covered
what is now the park, about 300 million years ago. The sea evaporated and re-formed more than
29 times leaving behind thousands of feet thick salt beds.
12. Skaftafell National Park
If your looking for an unforgettable glacier experience, this is this is certainly Iceland's top location!
Skaftafell is located at the foot of Vatnajökull glacier, the biggest glacier outside of the polar regions and is the gateway
to the largest national park in Europe, Vatnajökull National Park. The park is all about mighty glaciers,
powerful glacier rivers, volcanos and endless flat sandy plains.
Skaftafell is located at the foot of Vatnajökull glacier, the biggest glacier outside of the polar regions and is the gateway
to the largest national park in Europe, Vatnajökull National Park. The park is all about mighty glaciers,
powerful glacier rivers, volcanos and endless flat sandy plains.
13. Nambung National Park
Nambung National Park in Western Australia is a view of the vast desert landscape where thousands of weathered rock spires of the Pinnacles stand tall upon the yellow sand dunes. The park is surrounded by the Indian Ocean,
along an idyllic stretch of coast lying north of Perth, of about a three - hour drive. Apart from the huge
limestone pillars rising above the sand dunes, the park is also famous for its beautiful white beaches, coral reefs, lakes with living fossils, coastal dune systems and low heathland rich in flowering plants. The Pinnacles Desert is indeed
one of Australia's most fascinating and unique natural landscapes! And if your into adventure -
Snorkelling, surfing & fishing simply adds to thrill!
along an idyllic stretch of coast lying north of Perth, of about a three - hour drive. Apart from the huge
limestone pillars rising above the sand dunes, the park is also famous for its beautiful white beaches, coral reefs, lakes with living fossils, coastal dune systems and low heathland rich in flowering plants. The Pinnacles Desert is indeed
one of Australia's most fascinating and unique natural landscapes! And if your into adventure -
Snorkelling, surfing & fishing simply adds to thrill!
14. Port Campbell National Park
Famous for the Twelve Apostles (a collection of limestone stacks off the shore), extraordinary wave-sculpted limestone rock formations and shipwreck history, Campbell National Park established in 1964, in Victoria, Australia is a must visit! The shipwreck coast consists of several attractions like the Loch Ard Gorge, site of a 19th century shipwreck, Island Archway and the London Arch (formerly London Bridge); and is also known for it's fascinating birdlife.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota has chiseled spires, deep canyons and ragged buttes.
The park contains the worlds richest deposits of fossils from the Oligocene epoch and is a treat for Paleontologists who
have uncovered remains of ancient prehistoric animals.
The park contains the worlds richest deposits of fossils from the Oligocene epoch and is a treat for Paleontologists who
have uncovered remains of ancient prehistoric animals.
Here are a few more amazing parks to check out:
Grand Teton National Park
Glacier National Park
Yosemite National Park
Lessen Volcano National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
If these parks make you want to book your ticket right away,
register now! Become an Outwooder!
www.outwoods.com.sg
WE WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR & HOPE YOU HAVE A YEAR FILLED WITH UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES THAT FILL YOUR TRAVEL THIRST!!
Blog by: Prachi Chaphekar