Yellowstone is one of the top national parks in the world

Top 10 National Parks in the World According to AI

Sep 05, 2025

By Richard D. Harroch and Dominique A. Harroch

National parks are some of the most treasured places on Earth, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a chance to connect with the beauty of nature. From majestic mountain ranges to serene deserts, these protected areas preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our planet. They inspire awe, provide recreational opportunities, and serve as sanctuaries for countless species of wildlife.

For travelers and adventurers, national parks represent a gateway to the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through towering forests, gazing at awe-inspiring canyons, or observing wildlife in their natural habitats, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Beyond recreation, national parks are also crucial for conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these wonders.

This article highlights the top 10 national parks in the world, using research assistance from ChatGPT, chosen for their unique features, popularity, and ecological significance. These parks showcase the diverse beauty of the world, from the geysers of Yellowstone to the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.

Each entry includes a brief summary and key details to help you explore their wonders. Note that UNESCO Status is a prestigious designation granted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to sites of exceptional cultural, historical, or natural importance to humanity. These sites, recognized as World Heritage Sites, are protected for their universal value, fostering conservation efforts and global awareness. The status also provides funding and international cooperation to preserve these irreplaceable treasures for future generations.

1. Yellowstone National Park (United States)

Yellowstone, the first national park in the world, is a geothermal wonderland with iconic features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Spanning three states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho—it boasts diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including bison, bears, and wolves.

Established: 1872
Key features: Geysers, hot springs, Yellowstone Lake, and the Yellowstone Caldera
Wildlife: Bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles
Activities: Hiking, wildlife watching, camping, and geothermal exploration
UNESCO status: World Heritage Site since 1978
Visitor numbers: Over 4 million annually

2. Grand Canyon National Park (United States)

The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, its immense size, layered rock formations, and vibrant colors attract millions of visitors annually.

Established: 1919
Key features: South Rim, North Rim, Bright Angel Trail, and Colorado River
Geological significance: Over 2 billion years of Earth’s history visible in the rock layers
Activities: Hiking, rafting, helicopter tours, and stargazing
UNESCO status: World Heritage Site since 1979
Visitor numbers: Over 6 million annually

3. Banff National Park (Canada)

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a pristine wilderness with turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and diverse wildlife. The park offers year-round activities, from skiing in winter to hiking and kayaking in summer.

Established: 1885 (Canada’s first national park)
Key Features: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway, and Banff Hot Springs
Wildlife: Grizzly bears, elk, mountain goats, and wolves
Activities: Skiing, hiking, canoeing, and wildlife photography
UNESCO status: Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site
Visitor numbers: Over 4 million annually

4. Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, offering unparalleled opportunities to see the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Its vast savannahs, rivers, and woodlands are home to an incredible diversity of species.

Established: 1926
Key features: Big Five safari drives, Crocodile River, and Baobab trees
Wildlife: Lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and more
Activities: Guided safaris, self-drive tours, birdwatching, and bush walks
Conservation role: Vital for protecting endangered species like rhinos
Visitor numbers: Over 1.8 million annually

5. Yosemite National Park (United States)

Famous for its granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and waterfalls, Yosemite is a natural wonderland. Iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome draw climbers, hikers, and nature lovers from around the globe.

Established: 1890
Key Features: Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall
Wildlife: Black bears, mule deer, and peregrine falcons
Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, photography, and camping
UNESCO status: World Heritage Site since 1984
Visitor numbers: Over 3.3 million annually

6. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Australia)

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 kilometers. It is home to an astounding array of marine life, from vibrant corals to sea turtles and tropical fish.

Established: 1975
Key features: Coral reefs, Whitsunday Islands, and Heart Reef
Marine life: Clownfish, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays
Activities: Snorkeling, diving, sailing, and glass-bottom boat tours
UNESCO status: World Heritage Site since 1981
Conservation concerns: Threatened by climate change and coral bleaching

7. Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Located in Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is a haven of dramatic landscapes, including jagged mountains, turquoise lakes, and glaciers. It’s a paradise for hikers and adventure enthusiasts.

Established: 1959
Key features: Torres del Paine peaks, Grey Glacier, and Lake Pehoé
Wildlife: Pumas, guanacos, condors, and foxes
Activities: Trekking, kayaking, horseback riding, and wildlife photography
UNESCO status: Biosphere Reserve since 1978
Visitor numbers: Over 250,000 annually

8. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

The Serengeti is synonymous with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains. This iconic park offers unmatched opportunities to witness African wildlife.

Established: 1951
Key features: Endless savannahs, kopjes (rock formations), and Grumeti River
Wildlife: Wildebeest, lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes
Activities: Game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and birdwatching
UNESCO status: World Heritage Site since 1981
Visitor numbers: Over 350,000 annually

9. Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)

Fiordland National Park is a land of towering peaks, deep fiords, and cascading waterfalls. Its iconic Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are among the most photographed natural wonders in the world.

Established: 1952
Key features: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Lake Te Anau
Wildlife: Fiordland crested penguins, dolphins, and seals
Activities: Kayaking, hiking, boat tours, and scenic flights
UNESCO status: Part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site
Visitor numbers: Over 500,000 annually

10. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (China)

Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park served as inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Its unique landscapes make it one of China’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Established: 1982
Key features: Tianzi Mountain, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, and glass skywalks
Wildlife: Monkeys, leopards, and a variety of bird species
Activities: Cable car rides, hiking, and photography
UNESCO status: Part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area World Heritage Site
Visitor numbers: Over 5 million annually

Conclusion on Top 10 National Parks

The top 10 national parks in the world are not just breathtaking destinations—they are vital sanctuaries that protect biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, inspire us, and create awe. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, these parks showcase the planet's extraordinary beauty and diversity.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or inspiration, these parks offer unforgettable experiences. As stewards of these natural treasures, it is our responsibility to explore them sustainably, ensuring they remain pristine for future generations. Which one (or all) of these parks is on your bucket list?

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About the Authors:

Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and AllBusiness.com. Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn.

Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at AllBusiness.com. She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies, Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.