The US national parks are vast areas where the landscapes have been preserved almost in their original state. In this section, we have compiled the “big five” of the country’s most iconic destinations: from the mist-shrouded forests of the Great Smoky Mountains to the deep gorges of the Grand Canyon. These parks have become symbols of American nature not only because of their sheer scale, but also thanks to their unique geology, which is hard to find anywhere else on the planet.
The photographs showcase the vibrant colours of Yellowstone’s hot springs, the stark contours of Yosemite’s granite cliffs and the striking contrasts of the red sandstone in Zion’s canyons. We have endeavoured to capture the character of each place through panoramic views and details that show how the landscape changes depending on the season and time of day — from sun-drenched cliffs to snow-capped mountain peaks.
The most visited national park in the US (over 11.5 million visitors in 2025). It is situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It takes its name (“Smoky Mountains”) from the natural mist that often shrouds the mountain ranges. The park’s popularity is due to its accessibility (entry is free) and the diversity of its flora and fauna. It is one of the oldest forest areas on the planet, home to unique relict forests and hundreds of bird species.
A park in the state of Utah, famous for its sheer red sandstone cliffs and narrow, deep canyons. The main attraction is Zion Canyon, carved out by the Virgin River. The park attracts enthusiasts of extreme hiking thanks to routes such as Angel’s Landing (a trail along a narrow rocky ridge) and The Narrows (a path running directly through the riverbed in a narrow gorge). Visually, the park stands out due to the stark contrast between the red rock and the bright green vegetation at the bottom of the canyon.
The world’s first national park, situated on the summit of a dormant supervolcano. This place is unique for having the highest concentration of geothermal features in the world: it is home to more than 10,000 geysers and hot springs, including the famous Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring. As well as its geology, the park is renowned for its ecosystem: it is one of the few places where you can encounter huge herds of bison, grizzly bears and wolves in the wild.
It is probably the most famous natural feature in the world. Its sheer scale (approximately 446 km in length and up to 1.8 km in depth) makes it a unique geological archive: as the Colorado River has carved its way through the rock, it has exposed layers of rock dating back as far as 2 billion years. Most tourists visit the South Rim, which offers the classic panoramic views that have become the park’s hallmark.
Central Park in California, famous for its gigantic granite cliffs, waterfalls and groves of sequoias. The two main attractions are the monolith El Capitan, considered the most challenging climb for rock climbers, and the rock formation Half Dome. Yosemite Valley was one of the first places in the USA to be placed under state protection, and it was here that the very idea of national parks as a legacy for future generations first took root.
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