Iconic U.S. National Parks and Monuments

The United States protects a stunning array of landscapes and historic sites through its National Park System. Below are some of the most celebrated examples.

National Parks

• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) – Famous for geothermal features like Old Faithful and abundant wildlife.
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) – The iconic canyon carved by the Colorado River, offering breathtaking vistas.
• Yosemite National Park (California) – Towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and spectacular waterfalls including Yosemite Falls.
• Acadia National Park (Maine) – Rugged coastline, granite peaks, and extensive hiking trails on Mount Desert Island.
• Zion National Park (Utah) – Soaring sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and scenic drives.
• Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) – Dramatic mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and rich wildlife habitat.

National Monuments

• Statue of Liberty National Monument (New York) – The enduring symbol of freedom in New York Harbor.
• Alcatraz Island (California) – Former federal prison with a notorious history and famous escape attempts.
• Devils Tower National Monument (Wyoming) – A striking volcanic butte rising from the plains.
• Muir Woods National Monument (California) – A cathedral-like grove of ancient coastal redwoods.
• Mesa Verde National Monument (Colorado) – Well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

These sites represent just a fraction of the more than 400 units in the National Park System, each showcasing the country's diverse natural beauty and cultural heritage.