National Parks

The United States has 59 designated national parks and 358 other sites, including national monuments and memorials, that fall under the National Park Service, created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. The first national park was Yellowstone National Park, created in 1872. For pictures, news and information on national parks, read below.

Related Topics: Biodiversity, Conservation, Deforestation

Latest Updates

One-third of World Heritage glaciers, including the Lyell Glacier in Yosemite National Park, will vanish in 30 years — and that's bad news for the world's freshwater supply.

Glaciers in Yellowstone and Yosemite on track to vanish within decades, UN report warns

By Michael Dhar last updated

A United Nations report warns of imperiled glaciers at iconic World Heritage sites — but climate action could save most of them.

Abyss Pool is one of the deepest hot springs in Yellowstone National Park.

Foot floating in a Yellowstone hot spring leaves more questions than answers

By Stephanie Pappas last updated

Authorities have linked the discovery of a foot inside a shoe to a previously unreported death in Yellowstone National Park on July 31.

A bison approaches a walkway full of visitors in Yellowstone National Park.

Three people gored by bison in a month at Yellowstone National Park. Why do these attacks happen?

By Harry Baker published

Park officials say visitors should keep a respectful distance.

A geyser erupts in Yellowstone National Park. It is supplied with water superheated by magma in underground fluid pathways.

Secrets of 'mystery sandwich' beneath Yellowstone revealed in new map

By Harry Baker published

Researchers using a giant electromagnet suspended from a helicopter have created a detailed map of the hydrothermal system underneath Yellowstone National Park for the first time.

A mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) with its razor-sharp horns, used for self-defense.

Mountain goat kills grizzly bear by stabbing it with razor-sharp horns

By Harry Baker published

The goat's horns pierced the unfortunate bear in the armpit and neck.

A crowd of people queue to get into Zion National Park in Utah in 2019.

Post-pandemic overcrowding of national parks causing bigger problems than just long lines

By Harry Baker published

The number of people visiting national parks is on the rise as pandemic restrictions ease, causing longer lines and putting a strain on the environment.

Grazer ("Bear 128"), with medium blonde coat and light fluffy ears, stands at the edge of the water with tall grass behind her.

During Fat Bear Week, bears compete in a battle of the bulge

By Mindy Weisberger last updated

Who will be the chonkiest bear of all? As bears in Alaska's Katmai National Park bulk up for winter, rangers invite the public to select one thicc beauty as the favored fattest.

Statue of Liberty blueprints discovered, showing last-minute changes

By Laura Geggel last updated

The blueprints revealed the forethought that went into designing the statue.

Cedar Break National Monument

Cedar Break National Monument

By Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher published

Cedar Breaks National Monument is one of the geological paradises of the Colorado Plateau and well worth consideration for a visit.

Wildebeests cross Mara River

Kenya's Maasai Mara: Facts About the Wildlife, Climate and Culture

By Rachel Ross published

Watching more than 2 million wildebeest and other migrating mammals travel hundreds of miles is one of the many spectacular natural events that occur in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

joshua tree

Will It Really Take Joshua Tree '200 to 300' Years to Recover from the Shutdown?

By Brandon Specktor published

The government shutdown lasted just 35 days. The damage that happened during it at Joshua Tree National Park could take decades to heal.

In 2015, for the first time, more than 2 million people visited Joshua Tree National Park in California.

Visitors Chainsaw Iconic Joshua Trees in National Park During Gov't Shutdown

By Jeanna Bryner published

Joshua trees are beautiful, but humans can be pretty awful.

Utah Protests

Trump Dramatically Shrinks Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears Parks

By Laura Geggel published

Grand Staircase-Escalante

Grand Staircase, Home to Countless Dinosaur Fossils, Could Be Destroyed by Mining (Op-Ed)

By P. David Polly published

chaco canyon

Chaco Canyon Photos: Amazing Ruins from an Ancient World

By Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher published

In the great desolation and emptiness of northwestern New Mexico, the ruins of an advanced Pre-Columbian civilization is preserved today within a 53-square-mile national historic park.

When arriving at the saddle of Apache Pass today, visitors will find a barren landscape with the foundations of the 74 historic buildings that once stood here and nearly a dozen adobe and stone wall ruins.

Where the Mountains Meet: Take a Tour of Historic Fort Bowie (Photos)

By Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher published

Take a trip through Fort Bowie National Historic Site and journey back into time.

the tetons

In Photos: Take a Tour of Grand Teton National Park

By Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher published

The Teton Mountain Range is one of the most dazzling, awe-inspiring natural places still found on the North American continent. Check out these incredible photos of Grand Teton National Park.

crater lake

Photos: Take a Tour of Crater Lake National Park's Natural Wonders

By Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher published

Crater Lake is a caldera lake and is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of North America. Check out these incredible photos of the region.

early yellowstone national park

Yellowstone National Park: The Early Years (Photos)

By Christine Lunsford published

Take a glimpse back in time to the early years of Yellowstone National Park.

Huge Lava Collapse Rings in Hawaii's New Year

By Mindy Weisberger published

Part of a 26-acre lava delta on Hawaii's Big Island collapsed into the ocean on New Year's Eve.