While there are over a 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the world, 24 of them are in the United States. In essence, UNESCO sites are recognized for their cultural importance and natural beauty. They are part of the world’s heritage and merit international recognition. Because of their irreplaceable value to humanity, they call for extraordinary conservation efforts. While I think they all deserve a visit, I want to highlight my favorite ones. Here is a short guide to the 7 amazing UNESCO listed National Parks in America you should see.
Yellowstone National Park
As one of the largest concentrations of geysers in the world, it’s certainly not surprising that Yellowstone is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In fact, Yellowstone was among the first 12 sites that were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978. When I first visited the park, I was absolutely amazed by its geothermal activity. Essentially, the hot springs, mud pools, and the steaming geysers create an eerie environment in the Rockies. It’s unquestionably a fascinating landscape. The park offers other treasures as well. While there, certainly visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The waterfalls are truly picturesque. You may also be able to spot some rare fauna. Given all the attractions, you can easily spend weeks exploring the park. Here is my post on The Most Beautiful Things in Yellowstone National Park. Or, you can read a shorter post about 3 Spots you Must See in the Park if you’re pressed for time.
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most spectacular canyons in the world, Grand Canyon National Park was designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1979. In addition to its beauty, the canyon provides an invaluable window into the earth’s history and geological processes that shaped its current landscape. It’s certainly an amazing experience to stand along the canyon rim and admire its vastness. It’s an absolute must see! Read more about this amazing UNESCO listed National Park here.
Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park joined the list of UNESCO World Historic Sites in 1980. Located in Northern California along the Pacific Ocean, Redwood National Park basically preserves the largest forest of coastal redwoods in the world. In fact, these amazing trees are the tallest and some of the oldest living things that exist today. It’s truly a humbling experience to be standing next to a beautiful redwood tree. Take a couple of hikes in different sections of the park or go on a guided walk with a ranger. The experience will be unforgettable! Read more about 7 beautiful hikes in Redwood National Park here.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. The park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. Olympic National Park preserves a unique and diverse ecosystem that comprises the Pacific Ocean, temperate rain forest, and glacier-covered mountain peaks. This unusual topography contributes to the rich diversity of plant and animal life. Because I live in Seattle, essentially within several hours from the park, I have been to the park many times. Even though my favorite spots are the wild and rugged beaches, the Hoh Rain Forest is equally spectacular. I think the park is somewhat underrated, so I am all the more grateful that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of the most amazing UNESCO listed National Parks in America. Located in the High Sierras of California, the park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984. Yosemite National Park preserves unique geological features related to multiple glaciations that took place over millennia. While the granite cliffs of El Capitan and the beautiful Yosemite Valley are the highlights, the park also boasts some of world’s highest waterfalls and giant sequoias. The views are absolutely breathtaking and the park offers lots of scenic trails. To learn more about Yosemite National Park click the link here.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. The park is home to two of the most active volcanos – Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Because the park provides a unique window into the geological processes of continuous island building, it became a UNESCO site in 1987. I must say, it is an amazing feeling to stand on land that may only be several hundred years old. Although we didn’t witness huge volcanic eruptions when we visited the park, we did see small streams of red-glowing lava flow into the ocean. The massive lava fields were equally stunning. If you’re on the Big Island, definitely visit the park. It’s certainly fascinating.
Waterton - Glacier International Peace Park
Waterton – Glacier International Peace Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. While the exceptional beauty of the park would most likely suffice for it to be inscribed on the UNESCO list, the park is also recognized for its diversity of plants and animals as well as its triple ocean divide. This is actually a fascinating concept as the waters from Glacier drain not only to the Atlantic and the Pacific but also to the Arctic Ocean.
While I have only been to the Canadian section of the park once, I have visited Glacier National Park in Montana on multiple occasions. During each visit, I am enchanted by the glacier-clad peaks, lovely alpine meadows, spectacular lakes, and the animals. Over the years, we have seen both grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk. You can read my post on 8 Amazing Things to Do in Glacier National Park here.
Glacier is definitely one of the most amazing UNESCO listed National Parks in America. If you have a chance, you should certainly see it.
