Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia: Jointly managed by the indigenous Anangu and Australia’s park service in the Northern Territory, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is famed for the red-rock Uluru monolith that towers over the land. Sacred ground for the Anangu people, the formation, also called Ayer’s Rock, has long been a point of controversy between the tribe and visitors seeking to scale the dangerous rock. A long-awaited ban on climbing Uluru is set to take effect in October 2019, but you can still hike around the domes of Kata Tjuta and visit ancient rock art sites around the park.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Chilean Patagonia is named for the immense, blue granite towers that lord over the park. Paddle alongside glaciers in Lake Grey (which can tend more toward a brilliant shade of blue), and look through the lush forests for wildlife like pumas, guanacos, and Andean condors.
Yellowstone National Park, United States: The first national park is still widely considered one of the world’s best. Spanning more than two million acres in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is known for its geologic wonders like hot springs, mudpots, and more than half of the world’s active geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. It’s home to wildlife ranging from bison and grizzly bears to moose and wolves. There are a dozen campgrounds in the park and a handful of lodges, cabins, and hotels.
Denali National Park, United States: Encompassing six million acres, Alaska’s Denali National Park is a true wilderness accessible by a single, 92-mile ribbon of road. It’s named for North America’s highest peak, and known for an incredible array of plants and wildlife, including caribou and grizzly bears. It’s also one of the best places in the U.S. to watch the aurora borealis.
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina: Roughly half of Los Glaciares National Park, on the Argentine side of Patagonia, is covered by glaciers. Visitors can witness the dramatic process of glaciation in real time by visiting the always-moving Petito Moreno glacier, which appears to flow into Lake Argentino.
Goreme National Park, Turkey: This park’s dramatic rock formations, known as “fairy chimneys,” are fascinating enough—but add the fact that churches, dwellings, and entire underground cities were carved into these soft volcanic rocks as early as the fourth century, and it’s no wonder this area is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore museums, shops, and hotels housed in the ancient troglodyte dwellings or take in the striking landscape by hot-air balloon.
Etosha National Park, Namibia: It’s fairly easy to spot impressive wildlife at Etosha National Park, thanks to its numerous watering holes, where elephants, lions, and zebras congregate to quench their thirst. Visitors can get an up-close view of wildlife at accommodations ranging from luxe campsites to lodges and private game reserves. Accessibility is the name of the game here, as even sedans can easily navigate the park’s well-maintained roads.
Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand: Named for Thailand’s highest and most prominent peak, Doi Inthanon National Park has a cooler climate than the rest of the country. Waterfalls, hiking trails, villages, two sacred stupas, and the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon waterpark are just a few of this park’s diverse attractions. Linger on the trails to see rare species of birds and orchids in the mist-shrouded cloud forest.
Cinque Terre National Park, Italy: Rather than vast wildernesses or elusive wildlife, Cinque Terre is more known for the five colourful villages that dot its compact stretch of Mediterranean coastline. At just 15 square miles, this small park is nonetheless brimming with natural and cultural attractions: rugged coastal hiking trails; quiet coves; and centuries-old churches, villas, and monasteries.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: Lying halfway between Zagreb and Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most visited natural attractions. Within the park’s lush forest, a series of waterfalls cascades into 16 emerald lakes, accessible by a miles-long network of wooden footbridges and easy walking trails. Those in a hurry can explore the park using its complimentary boats or buses.
Guilin & Lijiang River National Park, China: The preferred way to soak in this national park in southeastern China is by river cruise, which will allow you to see its distinctive karst hills, cliffs, and caves. Venture to the cities of Guilin and Yangshuo in the spring or late autumn to enjoy postcard-worthy views without the summer crowds.
Kruger National Park, South Africa: In the northeast corner of South Africa, Kruger National Park is known as one of the continent’s most magnificent game reserves, covering over 7,500 square miles. You’ll find the Big Five here (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo), along with hundreds of other species spread across the park’s diverse ecosystems ranging from savannah to forest. You can drive your own car in Kruger or book a guided game tour, and there are plenty of places to stay throughout the park.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Arguably the greatest wildlife sanctuary in the world, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is also one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth. You’ll have a chance at spotting lions, elephants, and giraffes, but the park’s greatest attraction is the annual migration of more than a million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras. Visitors can go on safari via jeep, horseback, chartered plane, or even hot-air balloon.
Bandhavgarh National Park, India: Once used as hunting grounds for the Maharajas, India’s Bandhavgarh National Park is now known for having the highest density of tigers in the region. Visitors can explore the park on Jeep or minibus safaris to spot tigers, antelope, and Indian bison before taking in the views from Bandhavgarh Fort, situated high atop a cliff overlooking the Vidhyan Mountains.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand: More than a dozen glacier-carved fjords make up this corner of New Zealand’s South Island. Rent a boat, kayak, or scuba tank to explore the waters and admire—from a safe distance—its dolphins, penguins, and seals. On land, you’ll find three of the country’s Great Walks, which offer scenic views of the park’s tumbling waterfalls, granite peaks, and crystalline lakes.
Banff National Park, Canada: Turquoise glacial lakes and snow-covered Rocky Mountain peaks are just some of the calling cards of Canada’s flagship national park, established in 1885. Eighty miles west of Calgary, the massive preserve contains thousands of glaciers, Canada’s largest cave system, and a number of towns, ski resorts, and golf courses.
Swiss National Park, Switzerland: Switzerland’s sole national park is also one of Europe’s first, founded in 1914. The alpine nature preserve maintains strict rules to protect its pristine landscape—hikers are forbidden from wandering off the official paths, camping isn’t allowed, and the park is closed in the winter. Despite the restrictions, visitors will find plenty to enjoy with stunning views of the Alps, flower-filled meadows, and glimpses of animals like ibex and chamois.
Zion National Park, United States: In the epic wilds of southwest Utah, Zion Canyon is the star of this national park. That’s where you’ll find its hallmark red sandstone cliffs and popular attractions and trails, including Weeping Rock, the Narrows, and Angels Landing. April through October is the high season, when a convenient shuttle bus will take you around all the hotspots. Avoid the crowds by timing your visit in the off months or exploring Zion’s more remote areas.
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii: This 30,000-acre national park is named for the dormant volcano that can be seen from just about anywhere on the island of Maui. Book advance reservations to take in spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the volcano’s summit. Swim at the Pools of Oheo, then hike the rainforest trails for a chance to spot numerous endangered species.
Iguazu National Park, Argentina and Iguaçu National Park, Brazil: These sister parks meet at the border of Argentina and Brazil, where one of the world’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls spans nearly two miles. The subtropical rainforest surrounding the falls contains a unique ecosystem of plants and wildlife that have evolved in response to the region’s extreme conditions. Keep an eye out for giant anteaters, jaguars, broad-nosed caiman, and hundreds of species of birds, plus flora you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.