The United States is home to many national parks, which are protected areas of land where visitors can spot unusual wildlife and enjoy nature to the fullest. These parks are situated in a wide variety of landscapes, and are all amazing, whether they’re big or small. However, when it comes to sheer size, a few parks stand above the others. Here are the 5 largest US national parks.
1. Wrangell-St. Elias
The reigning champion of largest US national parks is Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska. This immense park measures about 13,005 square miles, or approximately 8,323,148 acres. Three different mountain ranges meet in this national park: Wrangell, St. Elias, and Alaska. In addition to some of the world’s tallest mountains, massive, picturesque glaciers can also be observed in this national park.
2. Gates of the Arctic
The second largest national park in the United States is the Gates of the Arctic. It also calls Alaska home. This park is about 11,756 square miles, or 7,523,898 acres in size. Gates of the Arctic is located in the northern part of the state, and is so remote that there is no access by car. This park also holds parts of the Brooks Mountain Range.
3. Denali
The third of the largest US national parks goes to Denali, located in the southern part of Alaska. This sizable park is 7,408 square miles, or 4,724,735 acres large. The tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley, is in this park. Denali is a favorite with hikers and campers, and is well known for its varied concentration of native wildlife, including caribou, bears and wolves.
4. Katmai
The fourth largest national park in the United States is Katmai, which is located at the very southern edge of Alaska’s border. Katmai is comprised of 5,741 square miles, or about 3,674,530 acres, of pristine, stunning wildlife. The park is known for its large grizzly bear population, making it an excellent choice for wildlife lovers. Campers can also enjoy excellent fishing and hiking within Katmai National Park.
5. Death Valley
And finally, coming in at 5th place on our list of US national parks and located far, far from the other 4: Death Valley National Park. Death Valley Park takes up an incredible 5,269 square miles, or about 3,372,402 acres, and sits in parts of both California and Nevada. Death Valley is known as one of the hottest, driest places on the planet. Visitors to Death Valley can enjoy the dramatic scenery of the park’s dunes, springs and canyons.
Featured Image from Garrett Patz/Unsplash
