11 US National Parks listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list

There are total of 63 National Parks in USA. Among them 11 of them are listed in prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritages Sites. 11th park on the list is an international park.

1. Yellowstone National Park

It’s the first national park of the world. Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone is located primarily in Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho.  Covering an area of approximately 2.2 million acres (3% in Montana and 1% in Idaho), it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Yellowstone is famed for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s also home to diverse wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves and herds of bison and elk.

 

Number 2. Everglades National Park

The wetlands of Everglades National Park located in Florida was established on December 6, 1947. This vast park spans 1.5 million acres and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US, famous for its slow-moving "river of grass" and unique ecosystems. It's a haven for a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther and American crocodile.

Unfortunately, the park has been re-listed as a World Heritage in Danger site since 2010 due to environmental concerns and water diversion projects. Previously it was on the list from 1993 to 2007.

 

3. Grand Canyon National Park

Established on February 26, 1919, this park is located in northwestern Arizona and covers over 1.2 million acres. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River, is a geological wonder known for its immense size and intricate and colorful landscape. It's over a mile deep in some places and offers a window into two billion years of Earth's geological history.

4. Redwood National and State Parks

Established on October 2, 1968. These parks located in California cover an area of about 139,000 acres and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Home to the tallest trees on Earth, these parks protect nearly half of the world's old-growth redwoods, including giants that can exceed 350 feet in height. These forests are not only significant for their size but also for the rich ecosystems they support. It's a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and stunning fern canyons.

5. Mammoth Cave National Park

Established on July 1, 1941 and covering 52,830 acres of south central Kentucky, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Its main features are Rolling hills, deep river valleys and the world's longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles of explored passageways. It’s a subterranean wonderland featuring vast chambers, intricate rock formations and unique cave wildlife.

The National Park Service offers several cave tours to visitors. It is also a great place for hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and camping.

6. Olympic National Park

Established on June 29, 1938, Olympic National Park spans nearly 1 million acres in Washington State. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Olympic National Park is renowned for its ecological diversity, ranging from lush temperate rainforests to rugged Pacific coastline and alpine peaks. It’s also home to many endemic species and pristine wilderness areas. This diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Established on June 15, 1934, it covers 522,427 acres of land straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

This park is celebrated for its biodiversity, ancient mountains, and mist-covered forests. It’s home to over 19,000 documented species of plants and animals, with many more likely undiscovered. It's also famous for its historic buildings and the remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

8. Yosemite National Park

It was established on October 1, 1890, covering 747,956 acres in California, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

        Yosemite is famed for its stunning granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as its majestic waterfalls like Yosemite Falls. The park is a sanctuary for giant sequoias and a testament to the beauty of glacially-carved landscapes.

9. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

It was established on August 1, 1916. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, it covers 323,431 acres and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

This park features two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers a unique opportunity to witness volcanic activity and its role in shaping the Hawaiian Islands. The park's volcanic landscapes are constantly changing, creating a living laboratory of geology.

10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

It was stablished on May 14, 1930 and is located in New Mexico covering 46,766 acres. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The park is renowned for its extensive cave system, featuring the stunning Big Room—a natural limestone chamber almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high.

11. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

It is a symbol of cross-border cooperation between the USA and Canada. It is the union of Glacier National Park in Montana, United States and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Both parks has been declared Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.

Established on June 18, 1932, this combined park spans over 1 million acres and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. It is the world's first International Peace Park.

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is noted for its stunning mountain scenery, pristine forests, alpine meadows, lakes and glaciers. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and offers breathtaking vistas. The park is also recognized for its rich cultural heritage.