SUMMARY FOR UNITED STATES:
• Total Parks: 169
• Parks Listed Below: Acadia, Agate Fossil Beds, Alibates Flint Quarries, American Samoa, Aniakchak, Arches, Aztec Ruins, Badlands, Bandelier, Bears Ears, Belmont-Paul Women's Equality, Berryessa Snow Mountain, Big Bend, Birmingham Civil Rights, Biscayne, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Booker T. Washington, Browns Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Buck Island Reef, Cabrillo, California Coastal, Camp Nelson, Canyonlands, Canyons of the Ancients, Cape Krusenstern, Capitol Reef, Capulin Volcano, Carlsbad Caverns, Casa Grande Ruins, Cascade-Siskiyou, Castillo de San Cristobal, Castle Clinton, Castle Mountains, Cedar Breaks, Cesar E. Chavez, Channel Islands, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers, Chiricahua, Colorado, Congaree, Crater Lake, Craters of the Moon, Cuyahoga Valley, Death Valley, Denali, Devils Postpile, Devils Tower, Dinosaur, Dry Tortugas, Effigy Mounds, El Malpais, El Morro, Everglades, Florissant Fossil Beds, Fort McHenry, Fort Pulaski, Fort Stanwix, Fort Union, Fossil Butte, Freedom Riders, Gates of the Arctic, Gateway Arch, George Washington Birthplace, George Washington Carver, Giant Sequoia, Gila Cliff Dwellings, Glacier, Glacier Bay, Gold Butte, Governors Island, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon-Parashant, Grand Portage, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Grand Teton, Great Basin, Great Sand Dunes, Great Smoky Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, Hagerman Fossil Beds, Haleakala, Hanford Reach, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Hawaii Volcanoes, Hohokam Pima, Hot Springs, Hovenweep, Indiana Dunes, Isle Royale, Jewel Cave, John Day Fossil Beds, Joshua Tree, Jurassic, Katahdin Woods and Waters, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kings Canyon, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, Lassen Volcanic, Lava Beds, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Mammoth Cave, Marianas Trench Marine, Mesa Verde, Mill Springs Battlefield, Misty Fiords, Mojave Trails, Montezuma Castle, Mount Rainier, Muir Woods, Natural Bridges, Navajo, New River Gorge, North Cascades, Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine, Olympic, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, Organ Pipe Cactus, Pacific Remote Islands Marine, Papahanaumokuakea Marine, Petrified Forest, Petroglyph, Pinnacles, Pinnacles, Pipe Spring, Pipestone, Pompeys Pillar, Poverty Point, Prehistoric Trackways, President Lincoln and Soldiers' Home, Pullman, Rainbow Bridge, Redwoods, Rio Grande del Norte, Rocky Mountain, Russell Cave, Saguaro, Salinas Pueblo Missions, Sand to Snow, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, Scotts Bluff, Sequoia, Shenandoah, Sonoran Desert, Statue of Liberty, Stonewall, Sunset Crater Volcano, Theodore Roosevelt, Tonto, Tule Springs Fossil Beds, Tuzigoot, Upper Missouri River Breaks, Vermilion Cliffs, Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands Coral Reef, Voyageurs, Walnut Canyon, White Sands, Wind Cave, World War II Valor in the Pacific, Wrangell-St. Elias, Wupatki, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Yucca House, Zion
• Average Country Rating: 60/100
PARK NAME: Acadia
Country: United States
Park ID: 1
AVERAGE RATING: 60/100
Review Volume: Low number of reviews
DESCRIPTION:
Acadia National Park encompasses the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline. The park consists of a rugged landscape on Mount Desert Island and other smaller islands off the coast of Maine. It features granite cliffs, rocky beaches, woodlands, and glacier-carved mountains including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard.
DESCRIPTION:
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument preserves one of the world's most important Miocene mammal fossil sites, dating back 19-23 million years. The monument protects fossils of ancient mammals including oreodonts, three-toed horses, and bear-dogs in their original geological context. The site also features the James Cook collection of Lakota artifacts and preserves the cultural history of the High Plains. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument offers visitors a glimpse into both prehistoric life and Native American heritage.
DESCRIPTION:
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument preserves ancient quarries where Native Americans mined high-quality flint for over 13,000 years. The colorful Alibates flint was prized for making tools and weapons and was traded across much of North America. The monument protects both the geological formations and the archaeological evidence of prehistoric quarrying activities. Managed by the National Park Service, access is only available through guided tours to protect the fragile archaeological resources.
DESCRIPTION:
The National Park of American Samoa is spread across three islands in the South Pacific. It protects unique tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and Samoan culture. The park is home to unique flying foxes, tropical birds, and pristine coral reef ecosystems.
DESCRIPTION:
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve protects one of the world's great dry calderas, formed by a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago. The six-mile-wide caldera contains lava flows, cinder cones, and Surprise Lake, which drains through a 1,500-foot gap in the caldera wall to form the Aniakchak River. This remote and pristine wilderness offers exceptional opportunities for backcountry adventure and scientific study. Managed by the National Park Service, it is one of the least visited units in the national park system due to its remote location and challenging access.
DESCRIPTION:
Arches National Park contains over 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest density of natural arches in the world. The park features soaring pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks. Its red rock landscape showcases the power of natural erosion in creating stunning geological features.
DESCRIPTION:
Aztec Ruins National Monument preserves ancestral Puebloan structures built and used between 1100 and 1300 CE. Despite its name, the ruins have no connection to the Aztec civilization but were misnamed by early European-American settlers. The monument features a reconstructed Great Kiva, the only one of its kind, and well-preserved masonry buildings that demonstrate sophisticated ancient architecture. Managed by the National Park Service, the site provides insight into the complex society of the ancestral Puebloan people.
DESCRIPTION:
Badlands National Park features dramatically eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park contains one of the world's richest fossil beds from the Oligocene epoch. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here.
DESCRIPTION:
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of rugged canyon and mesa country, including ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites dating from 1150 to 1600 CE. The monument features cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and the remains of large pueblo communities built from volcanic tuff. Visitors can explore ancient cave rooms carved into the cliff faces and walk among the foundations of multi-story pueblo buildings. Managed by the National Park Service, Bandelier preserves both cultural resources and diverse high-desert ecosystems of the Pajarito Plateau.
DESCRIPTION:
Bears Ears National Monument protects a culturally significant landscape sacred to Native American tribes in southeastern Utah. The monument encompasses ancient cliff dwellings, rock art, and ceremonial sites spanning thousands of years of indigenous history. Managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, it features dramatic red rock formations and diverse ecosystems. The area contains over 100,000 archaeological sites and is considered one of the most significant cultural landscapes in the United States.
DESCRIPTION:
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument preserves the historic house that served as headquarters for the National Woman's Party from 1929 to 1997. Managed by the National Park Service, this Capitol Hill site tells the story of the women's suffrage movement and the ongoing fight for equal rights. The monument honors Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and other suffragists who strategized and organized from this location. It contains an extensive collection of suffrage artifacts, banners, and documents chronicling the struggle for women's political equality.
DESCRIPTION:
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument protects diverse landscapes in Northern California's Coast Range and Cascade foothills. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, the monument encompasses oak woodlands, chaparral, and coniferous forests. The area provides critical habitat for wildlife and offers recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. It serves as an important corridor connecting larger protected areas and preserves the headwaters of several significant watersheds.
DESCRIPTION:
Big Bend National Park is named for the vast curve of the Rio Grande along the Texas-Mexico border. The park encompasses mountainous desert terrain, numerous species of birds and wildlife, and archaeological sites. It features the entire Chisos Mountain range and a large swath of the Chihuahuan Desert.
DESCRIPTION:
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument preserves key sites from the 1963 civil rights demonstrations that helped galvanize the American civil rights movement. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument includes the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. These locations witnessed pivotal events including the Children's Crusade and tragic church bombing that killed four young girls. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for racial equality and the courage of those who fought for civil rights.
DESCRIPTION:
Biscayne National Park protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and coral reefs. The park preserves Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs. It is home to extensive mangrove forests along the shoreline and abundant marine life including manatees, sea turtles, and over 500 species of fish.
DESCRIPTION:
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison features some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. The canyon's name comes from the fact that parts of the gorge only receive 33 minutes of sunlight a day. The Gunnison River drops an average of 34 feet per mile through the entire canyon, making it one of the fastest falling rivers in North America.
DESCRIPTION:
Booker T. Washington National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the influential African American educator and civil rights leader. Managed by the National Park Service, the site includes a reconstructed tobacco farm that represents the plantation where Washington was born into slavery in 1856. The monument features living history demonstrations, walking trails, and exhibits that tell the story of Washington's rise from slavery to become founder of Tuskegee Institute. It provides insight into 19th-century farm life and the early experiences that shaped one of America's most prominent educators.
DESCRIPTION:
Browns Canyon National Monument protects a spectacular stretch of the Arkansas River and surrounding canyon lands in south-central Colorado. The monument is renowned for its world-class whitewater rafting, diverse wildlife, and stunning geological formations. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, it preserves critical habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, and over 200 bird species. The area features dramatic granite cliffs, sagebrush valleys, and pristine river ecosystems.
DESCRIPTION:
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geology, consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The park's high elevations include numerous scenic viewpoints from which visitors can see the colorful limestone formations called hoodoos.
DESCRIPTION:
Buck Island Reef National Monument encompasses a pristine coral reef ecosystem and small tropical island off the coast of St. Croix. The monument protects one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean, featuring an underwater trail through living coral formations. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), it serves as a critical sanctuary for endangered sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral species. The monument is accessible only by boat and offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities.
DESCRIPTION:
Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States in 1542. Located on Point Loma in San Diego, the monument offers spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), it features tide pools, coastal sage scrub habitat, and serves as an excellent vantage point for gray whale migration. The monument includes a historic lighthouse and visitor center with exhibits on maritime history and natural resources.
DESCRIPTION:
California Coastal National Monument protects thousands of offshore rocks, islands, exposed reefs, and pinnacles along California's 1,100-mile coastline. These formations provide critical nesting and resting habitat for seabirds and marine mammals including seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the monument encompasses over 20,000 small islands and coastal features from Mexico to Oregon. The monument is primarily accessed from adjacent beaches and coastal viewpoints, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
DESCRIPTION:
Camp Nelson National Monument preserves the site of a major Union Army supply depot and recruitment center for African American soldiers during the Civil War. Established as one of the largest recruitment and training centers for U.S. Colored Troops, over 10,000 African Americans enlisted here between 1864-1866. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the monument tells the story of the transition from slavery to freedom and the crucial role of African American soldiers in securing Union victory. The site includes archaeological remains, interpretive trails, and exhibits highlighting this pivotal period in American history.
DESCRIPTION:
Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.
DESCRIPTION:
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument protects the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States, with over 6,000 recorded sites including cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and ancient pueblos. The monument preserves the cultural legacy of ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area for over 700 years. The landscape features sandstone canyons, mesas, and diverse ecosystems supporting wildlife and plant communities. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
DESCRIPTION:
Cape Krusenstern National Monument preserves archaeological evidence of 4,000 years of human habitation along the Chukchi Sea coast. The monument features a series of beach ridges that contain artifacts and remains from successive cultures of Arctic peoples. The landscape includes coastal lagoons, tundra, and important habitat for marine mammals, caribou, and migratory birds. The monument is managed by the National Park Service (NPS).
DESCRIPTION:
Capitol Reef National Park features the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in Earth's crust known as a monocline. The park is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline extending almost 100 miles. The area was once home to Native American cultures and early Mormon pioneers.
DESCRIPTION:
Capulin Volcano National Monument preserves a nearly perfect cinder cone volcano that last erupted approximately 60,000 years ago. Visitors can drive to the rim and hike around the crater, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and Great Plains. The monument provides insight into the geological processes that shaped the region and supports diverse plant and animal communities. The monument is managed by the National Park Service (NPS).
DESCRIPTION:
Carlsbad Caverns features over 119 limestone caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. The largest chamber, called the Big Room, is the largest natural limestone chamber in North America. The park is also home to a large colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats that emerge in dramatic fashion at dusk during summer months.
DESCRIPTION:
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves the remains of a Hohokam farming community and the mysterious four-story Casa Grande structure built around 1350 CE. The monument protects one of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America and provides insight into the sophisticated irrigation-based civilization of the Sonoran Desert. Archaeological evidence shows the site was occupied for over 1,000 years before being abandoned around 1450 CE. The monument is managed by the National Park Service (NPS).
DESCRIPTION:
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument protects the biological diversity of the convergence zone where the Cascade Range, Siskiyou Mountains, and Great Basin ecoregions meet. The monument contains one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest, supporting rare plants, old-growth forests, and critical wildlife habitat. The area serves as an important corridor for species migration and contains significant geological features including volcanic formations. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
DESCRIPTION:
Castillo de San Cristóbal is a Spanish fortification built in the 18th century to protect San Juan, Puerto Rico from land-based attacks. The fortress is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World and represents centuries of military architecture evolution. Managed by the National Park Service, it showcases the strategic importance of Puerto Rico in Spanish colonial defense. The monument offers visitors insight into Spanish colonial military engineering and Caribbean history.
DESCRIPTION:
Castle Clinton National Monument preserves a circular sandstone fort built in 1811 to defend New York Harbor during the War of 1812. Located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, the structure later served as an immigration station before Ellis Island opened. Managed by the National Park Service, it processed over 8 million immigrants between 1855 and 1890. The monument now serves as a museum and ticket office for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries.
DESCRIPTION:
Castle Mountains National Monument protects a diverse desert ecosystem in the eastern Mojave Desert between Nevada and Arizona. The monument features Joshua tree forests, desert washes, and rugged mountain terrain that provides habitat for desert tortoises and bighorn sheep. Managed by the National Park Service as part of Mojave National Preserve, it preserves important wildlife corridors and Native American cultural sites. The area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing pristine desert landscapes.
DESCRIPTION:
Cedar Breaks National Monument showcases a spectacular natural amphitheater carved into the Markagunt Plateau at over 10,000 feet elevation. The monument features colorful limestone cliffs, spires, and arches formed through millions of years of erosion, creating formations similar to but distinct from Bryce Canyon. Managed by the National Park Service, the area offers alpine meadows filled with wildflowers during summer months and excellent stargazing opportunities. The high elevation provides a cool respite from desert heat and supports diverse plant and animal communities.
DESCRIPTION:
Cesar E. Chavez National Monument preserves the headquarters and memorial garden of the United Farm Workers union in the Tehachapi Mountains. The site honors the legacy of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, who dedicated his life to improving conditions for agricultural workers through nonviolent activism. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument includes Chavez's grave, the UFW offices, and visitor center with exhibits about the labor movement. The monument serves as an educational center about social justice, workers' rights, and the Chicano civil rights movement.
DESCRIPTION:
The Channel Islands consist of five islands off the southern California coast, featuring unique wildlife and plant species found nowhere else on Earth. The islands offer opportunities for hiking, camping, snorkeling, and whale watching. The marine environment around the islands is protected and hosts diverse sea life including seals, sea lions, and various whale species.
DESCRIPTION:
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument preserves the home and legacy of Colonel Charles Young, the third African American graduate of West Point and highest-ranking Black officer in the U.S. Army at the time of his death. The monument honors the Buffalo Soldiers, African American cavalry and infantry regiments who served on the western frontier after the Civil War. Managed by the National Park Service, the site includes Young's restored home and tells the story of his military service and civil rights advocacy. The monument serves as an important reminder of African American contributions to military history and the struggle for equality.
DESCRIPTION:
Chiricahua National Monument protects a wonderland of rock formations created by volcanic eruptions 27 million years ago. The monument features towering rock pinnacles, balanced rocks, and stone columns that create a maze-like landscape often called a 'Wonderland of Rocks.' Managed by the National Park Service, the area was once home to the Chiricahua Apache and offers excellent hiking opportunities through its unique geological formations. The monument provides habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species in the Sky Island ecosystem of southeastern Arizona.
DESCRIPTION:
Colorado National Monument showcases dramatic red rock canyons, towering monoliths, and sweeping desert vistas along the Colorado Plateau. The monument features stunning geological formations including Independence Monument, Kissing Couple, and the Devils Kitchen, carved by millions of years of erosion. Managed by the National Park Service, the area offers scenic drives along Rim Rock Drive and numerous hiking trails through high desert terrain. The monument provides critical habitat for desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and other wildlife adapted to the arid environment.
DESCRIPTION:
Congaree protects the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. The park features some of the tallest trees in eastern North America and an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal life. The floodplain forest includes one of the highest canopies in the world and some of the tallest deciduous trees in eastern North America.
DESCRIPTION:
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, formed in the caldera of Mount Mazama after its collapse following a massive volcanic eruption. The lake is known for its pure blue water, surrounded by cliffs almost 2,000 feet high. The park offers hiking trails, boat tours, and scenic drives with spectacular viewpoints.
DESCRIPTION:
Craters of the Moon National Monument preserves one of the best-preserved flood basalt areas in the continental United States, featuring a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. The monument showcases three major lava fields created by volcanic activity over the past 15,000 years, creating an otherworldly landscape that NASA has used for astronaut training. Jointly managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, the area offers cave exploration, hiking trails, and educational programs about volcanic geology. The monument demonstrates the powerful forces that shaped the Snake River Plain and continues to provide insights into volcanic processes.
DESCRIPTION:
Cuyahoga Valley preserves rural landscapes along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron. The park features waterfalls, forests, hiking trails, and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Brandywine Falls and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad are among the park's most popular attractions.
DESCRIPTION:
Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States and the lowest point in North America. The park is known for its extreme temperatures, diverse desert landscapes, and unique geological features. Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in North America.
DESCRIPTION:
Denali features North America's highest peak and encompasses six million acres of wild land. The park is home to diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou. The landscape ranges from low-elevation taiga forest to high-alpine tundra and snowy mountains.
DESCRIPTION:
Devils Postpile National Monument protects a rare formation of columnar basalt created by volcanic activity approximately 100,000 years ago. The monument features nearly vertical basalt columns that rise up to 60 feet high, formed when lava cooled and contracted in a uniform pattern. Managed by the National Park Service, the site also includes Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot waterfall on the San Joaquin River that creates spectacular rainbows in its mist. The monument is accessible only during summer months due to heavy snowfall and offers hiking trails through pristine Sierra Nevada wilderness.
DESCRIPTION:
Devils Tower is a dramatic volcanic neck rising 867 feet above the surrounding terrain in northeastern Wyoming. This iconic monolith is considered sacred by many Native American tribes and is famous for its distinctive columnar jointing formed by ancient volcanic activity. The monument is managed by the National Park Service and serves as a world-renowned rock climbing destination. It was the first national monument established in the United States in 1906.
DESCRIPTION:
Dinosaur National Monument preserves over 1,500 dinosaur fossils and spectacular canyon country along the Green and Yampa Rivers. The monument is famous for its Fossil Discovery Trail and the Quarry Exhibit Hall, which displays over 1,500 dinosaur bones still embedded in the cliff face. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument also protects significant paleontological, geological, and cultural resources. The rugged landscape offers excellent opportunities for river rafting, hiking, and camping.
DESCRIPTION:
Dry Tortugas is a cluster of seven small islands located in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress, and features pristine coral reefs and marine life. The clear, shallow waters make it an ideal location for snorkeling and diving.
DESCRIPTION:
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures over 1,000 years ago. Many of these earthworks are shaped like animals including bears, birds, and other creatures, representing some of the most significant sacred sites of the ancestral Ho-Chunk and other tribal nations. The monument is managed by the National Park Service and protects both the cultural landscape and the diverse prairie and forest ecosystems of the Upper Mississippi River valley. The site offers hiking trails that provide access to many of the mounds while respecting their sacred nature.
DESCRIPTION:
El Malpais National Monument preserves a spectacular volcanic landscape featuring lava flows, cinder cones, pressure ridges, and lava tube caves. The monument's name means 'the badlands' in Spanish, reflecting the rugged terrain created by volcanic activity over the past million years. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument also protects important cultural sites including ancient Puebloan ruins and historic trails. The area offers unique opportunities for caving, hiking, and exploring one of the youngest volcanic fields in the continental United States.
DESCRIPTION:
El Morro National Monument preserves a massive sandstone bluff that served as a landmark and registry for travelers over many centuries. The monument is famous for its inscriptions, including signatures and messages carved by Spanish explorers, American pioneers, and railroad surveyors dating back to 1605. Managed by the National Park Service, the site also protects ancestral Puebloan ruins atop the mesa and a reliable water source that made it a crucial stopping point along ancient trade routes. The monument offers hiking trails to both the inscriptions and the pueblo ruins.
DESCRIPTION:
The Everglades is a vast wetland ecosystem that covers much of southern Florida. The park protects an unparalleled landscape of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks. It is home to endangered species such as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and manatee.
DESCRIPTION:
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument preserves one of the world's most comprehensive fossil deposits from the late Eocene epoch, approximately 34 million years ago. The site contains exceptionally well-preserved fossils of insects, plants, fish, birds, and mammals in ancient lake bed shales. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument features petrified redwood stumps and offers visitors a unique window into ancient ecosystems. The fossils provide crucial scientific evidence of climate change and evolution during a pivotal period in Earth's history.
DESCRIPTION:
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine commemorates the birthplace of the American national anthem. The star-shaped fort successfully defended Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner' after witnessing the flag still flying over the fort after the British bombardment. Managed by the National Park Service, the site preserves the historic fort and offers interpretive programs about the War of 1812. The monument serves as a symbol of American resilience and patriotism.
DESCRIPTION:
Fort Pulaski National Monument preserves a 19th-century masonry fortification that played a crucial role in the American Civil War. The fort's capture by Union forces in 1862 demonstrated the obsolescence of masonry fortifications against rifled cannon, revolutionizing military engineering. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument includes the restored fort, nature trails through salt marshes, and exhibits on Civil War history. The site also protects important coastal Georgia ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
DESCRIPTION:
Fort Stanwix National Monument commemorates an 18th-century fort that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and early American history. The reconstructed fort represents the site where the Treaty of Fort Stanwix was signed in 1768, opening western lands for settlement, and where American forces withstood a British siege in 1777. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument features a full-scale reconstruction of the colonial fort with period furnishings and costumed interpreters. The site illustrates the complex relationships between European colonists, American revolutionaries, and Native American nations.
DESCRIPTION:
Fort Union National Monument preserves the ruins of the largest 19th-century military installation in the American Southwest. The fort served as a crucial supply depot and military headquarters protecting the Santa Fe Trail from 1851 to 1891, playing a vital role in the Civil War and Indian Wars. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument features extensive adobe ruins, a museum, and interpretive trails that tell the story of westward expansion. The site represents the military frontier period and the complex cultural interactions between Anglo-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
DESCRIPTION:
Fossil Butte National Monument preserves one of the world's most complete fossil records from the Eocene Epoch, approximately 50 million years ago. The monument protects ancient lake bed deposits that contain exceptionally well-preserved fossils of fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Visitors can view fossils in the visitor center and participate in fossil preparation demonstrations. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
DESCRIPTION:
Freedom Riders National Monument commemorates the brave civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated South in 1961 to test Supreme Court decisions. The monument is located at the former Greyhound Bus Station in Anniston where a Freedom Riders bus was firebombed by an angry mob. The site preserves this critical moment in the Civil Rights Movement and honors those who risked their lives for equality. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
DESCRIPTION:
Gates of the Arctic is the northernmost national park in the United States and one of the most remote. The park consists entirely of wilderness area with no roads or trails. The landscape features glacier-carved valleys, rugged mountains, and vast tundra supporting caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves.
DESCRIPTION:
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, features the iconic 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch, America's tallest man-made monument. The park commemorates Thomas Jefferson's vision of westward expansion and St. Louis' role as the Gateway to the West. The grounds include the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was first heard.
DESCRIPTION:
George Washington Birthplace National Monument preserves the site where the first President of the United States was born on February 22, 1732. The monument features a memorial house built to represent a typical 18th-century plantation home, along with colonial gardens and farm animals. Visitors can explore the grounds where Washington spent his early childhood and learn about colonial plantation life. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
DESCRIPTION:
George Washington Carver National Monument honors the renowned scientist, educator, and inventor who revolutionized Southern agriculture through his research on alternative crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes. The monument preserves the site where Carver was born into slavery around 1864 and includes his childhood home area, nature trails, and a museum. Visitors can learn about Carver's contributions to science and his role in promoting sustainable farming practices. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
DESCRIPTION:
Giant Sequoia National Monument protects 38 groves of giant sequoia trees, including some of the largest trees on Earth by volume. The monument encompasses two separate units in the southern Sierra Nevada and preserves diverse ecosystems ranging from chaparral to alpine environments. Visitors can experience these ancient giants through numerous trails and scenic drives while enjoying opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
DESCRIPTION:
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument preserves ancient cliff dwellings built by the Mogollon people in the 13th century. The monument features five caves containing rooms constructed in natural cavities in the cliff face. The site offers insight into the lives of these ancient peoples who lived in the rugged Gila Wilderness. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
DESCRIPTION:
Glacier National Park features pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, it is a hiker's paradise offering solitude and wilderness. The park is home to over 70 species of mammals including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolverines.
DESCRIPTION:
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a vast wilderness area featuring towering mountains, pristine fjords, and massive glaciers. The park is home to diverse wildlife including humpback whales, sea otters, and brown bears. Its dynamic glacial landscape showcases the effects of climate change and geological processes.
DESCRIPTION:
Gold Butte National Monument protects a diverse landscape of red rock formations, Joshua tree forests, and important cultural sites in southeastern Nevada. The monument contains significant archaeological resources including petroglyphs and historic mining sites. The rugged desert terrain provides habitat for desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and other wildlife. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
DESCRIPTION:
Governors Island National Monument preserves the historic northern portion of Governors Island in New York Harbor. The site features two early 19th-century fortifications, Castle Williams and Fort Jay, which played important roles in defending New York Harbor. The island served as a military installation for over 200 years before becoming a public space. The monument is managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Trust for Governors Island.
DESCRIPTION:
The Grand Canyon is a natural formation distinguished by layered bands of red rock, revealing millions of years of geological history. Vast in scale, the canyon averages 10 miles across and a mile deep along its 277-mile length. The park features numerous viewpoints, hiking trails, and rafting opportunities on the Colorado River.
DESCRIPTION:
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument encompasses a vast and remote area on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The monument protects a pristine high desert landscape with deep canyons, mesas, and important archaeological sites. It provides habitat for diverse wildlife and contains significant paleontological resources spanning millions of years. The monument is jointly managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.
DESCRIPTION:
Grand Portage National Monument preserves a vital fur trade site where voyageurs and Native Americans transported goods around the unnavigable falls and rapids of the Pigeon River. The monument features a reconstructed stockade and Great Hall representing the North West Company's inland headquarters. The site demonstrates the important role of the Ojibwe people and French-Canadian voyageurs in the fur trade era. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and protects a vast and rugged landscape of canyons, mesas, and cliffs in southern Utah. The monument encompasses three distinct sections: the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante. It preserves significant paleontological resources, including dinosaur fossils, and provides habitat for diverse wildlife. The area offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring remote wilderness areas.
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Grand Teton National Park features the majestic Teton Range, pristine lakes, and extraordinary wildlife. The park is known for its stunning mountain scenery, opportunities for mountaineering, and abundant wildlife including elk, moose, and bison. The Snake River winds through the park, offering scenic float trips and fishing.
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Great Basin National Park is home to ancient bristlecone pines, spectacular cave formations, and the only glacier in Nevada. The park features Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak, and some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. Its diverse ecosystems range from desert valleys to alpine peaks.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park features North America's tallest sand dunes, rising dramatically from the floor of the San Luis Valley. The park contains diverse landscapes including grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, and alpine lakes. Visitors can experience sand sledding, hiking, and stargazing in this unique ecosystem.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. It is America's most visited national park, featuring over 800 miles of hiking trails. The park preserves extensive old-growth forest and historic structures.
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef and features Texas' highest peak, Guadalupe Peak. The park offers extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities in varied terrain. It contains diverse ecosystems from desert to high-country conifer forests.
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Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and preserves one of North America's richest known fossil localities from the Pliocene Epoch. The site contains over 200 species of fossils dating back 3.5 million years, including the famous Hagerman Horse, Idaho's state fossil. The monument provides crucial insights into ancient ecosystems and climate change. Visitors can explore the fossil beds and learn about paleontology through interpretive programs.
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Haleakala National Park features the dormant Haleakala Volcano and unique volcanic landscapes. The park is known for its spectacular sunrises, rare silversword plants, and native Hawaiian ecosystems. It extends from the summit of Haleakala down to the Kipahulu coast, offering diverse experiences from mountain to sea.
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Hanford Reach National Monument is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and protects the last free-flowing, non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River in the United States. The monument preserves critical habitat for salmon spawning and supports diverse wildlife including elk, deer, and over 240 bird species. It encompasses shrub-steppe ecosystem, one of the most endangered habitat types in North America. The area also contains significant cultural and historical resources related to Native American heritage.
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Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and preserves landscapes associated with the life of Harriet Tubman on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The monument tells the story of Tubman's early life, her escape from slavery, and her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. It encompasses areas where Tubman lived and worked, providing insight into the experiences of enslaved people and the Underground Railroad network. The site honors Tubman's courage and her role in the fight for freedom and civil rights.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park features dramatic volcanic landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and unique geological features. Visitors can explore lava tubes, steam vents, crater rims, and witness the power of volcanic activity that continues to shape the Hawaiian Islands.
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Hohokam Pima National Monument is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and preserves the archaeological remains of the Hohokam people who inhabited the Sonoran Desert for over 1,000 years. The monument protects Snaketown, one of the largest and most important Hohokam village sites, which was occupied from about 300 to 1200 CE. The site demonstrates the sophisticated irrigation systems and cultural achievements of the Hohokam civilization. The monument is located within the Gila River Indian Community and requires special permission to visit.
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Hot Springs National Park preserves and protects 47 natural thermal springs on the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain. The park is unique as it centers around Bathhouse Row, a collection of eight historic bathhouse buildings from the early 20th century. It was first protected in 1832 as a federal reserve, making it the oldest protected area in the National Park System.
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Hovenweep National Monument protects six groups of Ancestral Puebloan villages spread along 20 miles of mesa tops and canyons. The monument is famous for its distinctive square, oval, circular and D-shaped towers built between A.D. 1200 and 1300. These well-preserved structures demonstrate the sophisticated engineering and astronomical knowledge of their builders. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
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Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park features towering dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests. It is home to diverse plant and animal species and offers stunning views of Chicago's skyline across the lake.
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Isle Royale is an isolated island archipelago in Lake Superior known for its wilderness character and unique ecosystem. The park is famous for its wolf and moose populations, extensive backcountry trails, and shipwrecks. It offers unparalleled opportunities for solitude and wilderness experience.
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Jewel Cave National Monument protects the world's third-longest known cave system with over 200 miles of mapped passages. The cave is renowned for its calcite crystal formations that sparkle like jewels, giving the cave its name. Above ground, the monument preserves ponderosa pine forest and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument preserves a world-class record of plant and animal evolution spanning over 40 million years. The monument consists of three separate units featuring colorful rock formations and extensive fossil deposits from the Cenozoic Era. Visitors can explore ancient ecosystems through fossils of early horses, camels, and saber-toothed cats. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
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Joshua Tree National Park is where two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, come together. The park is characterized by rugged rock formations, stark desert landscapes, and its namesake Joshua trees. It is a world-famous destination for rock climbing, stargazing, and desert wildlife viewing.
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Jurassic National Monument protects significant paleontological resources including fossils from the Jurassic period approximately 150 million years ago. The monument preserves important dinosaur fossils and other ancient life forms within the Morrison Formation. The area provides crucial scientific insights into prehistoric ecosystems and climate conditions. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument protects the forests, waters, and wildlife of Maine's North Woods region. The monument encompasses pristine wilderness areas, pristine lakes and streams, and provides habitat for moose, black bears, and other wildlife. It offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a landscape shaped by glacial activity. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
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Katmai National Park is famous for its brown bears, active volcanoes, and pristine wilderness. The park includes the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, formed by the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. It's best known for Brooks Falls, where bears gather to catch salmon.
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Kenai Fjords National Park protects the Harding Icefield and at least 38 glaciers flowing from it. The park features stunning fjords carved by glaciers, abundant marine wildlife, and dramatic coastal scenery. It's one of the few places where visitors can witness the effects of climate change on glacial landscapes.
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Kings Canyon National Park features some of the most stunning glacial canyons in the United States. The park is home to multiple 14,000-foot peaks, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world, and some of the deepest canyons in North America. It shares many features with its neighbor, Sequoia National Park.
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Kobuk Valley National Park protects an arctic landscape including the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. The park is famous for the migration route of caribou and its unusual sand dunes above the Arctic Circle. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into both the cultural history of Alaska Natives and geological phenomena.
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Lake Clark National Park preserves the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina people, along with salmon-bearing streams, glaciers, and volcanic features. The park contains two active volcanoes, pristine lakes, and a coastline rich with marine life. It offers outstanding opportunities for wilderness adventure and cultural learning.
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Lassen Volcanic National Park features stunning volcanic landscapes, including the active Lassen Peak. The park contains all four types of volcanoes found in the world: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. The area is known for its bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
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Lava Beds National Monument preserves a volcanic landscape with over 800 lava tube caves formed by ancient volcanic activity. The monument is managed by the National Park Service and served as a natural fortress during the Modoc War of 1872-1873. Visitors can explore numerous caves, petroglyphs, and diverse high desert ecosystems. The area showcases exceptional geological features including cinder cones, spatter cones, and extensive lava flows.
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Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument preserves the site of the 1876 battle between the U.S. 7th Cavalry and Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument commemorates the lives lost on both sides during this pivotal conflict. The battlefield features markers indicating where soldiers fell and includes memorials to both Native American warriors and U.S. cavalry. The site serves as an important place for understanding the complex history of the American West and the struggle for the Great Plains.
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Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways. The limestone caverns feature unique formations, underground rivers, and diverse cave wildlife. The park also protects portions of the Green River valley and hill country of south central Kentucky.
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Marianas Trench Marine National Monument protects approximately 95,216 square miles of submerged lands and waters in the Mariana Archipelago. Managed jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it encompasses the deepest parts of the world's oceans including Challenger Deep. The monument preserves unique hydrothermal vents, rare deep-sea creatures, and pristine coral reef ecosystems. It serves as a critical habitat for endangered species and provides important scientific research opportunities in one of Earth's most extreme environments.
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Mesa Verde National Park protects some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the United States. The park contains more than 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The park's largest cliff dwelling, Cliff Palace, contains 150 rooms.
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Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument preserves the site of the January 19, 1862 Civil War battle that secured Union control of southeastern Kentucky. Managed by the National Park Service, this was the first significant Union victory in the western theater of the Civil War. The battlefield features preserved earthworks, historic structures, and interpretive trails that tell the story of this pivotal engagement. The monument helps visitors understand the strategic importance of Kentucky during the early years of the Civil War.
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Misty Fiords National Monument preserves a pristine wilderness of dramatic fjords, towering granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls in southeastern Alaska. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the monument encompasses old-growth temperate rainforest and provides habitat for brown bears, mountain goats, and diverse marine life. The area features spectacular scenery carved by glacial action, with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from tidewater. Access is primarily by floatplane or boat, making it one of Alaska's most remote and unspoiled wilderness areas.
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Mojave Trails National Monument protects 1.6 million acres of diverse desert landscapes in southeastern California. The monument encompasses ancient lava flows, sand dunes, mountains, and historic trading routes including portions of Route 66. It preserves critical habitat for desert tortoises and bighorn sheep while protecting Native American cultural sites. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Montezuma Castle National Monument preserves one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, built by the Sinagua people in the 12th century. The five-story, 20-room limestone alcove dwelling sits 90 feet above the valley floor and demonstrates remarkable ancient engineering. The monument also protects Montezuma Well, a natural limestone sinkhole that has provided water for over 1,000 years. It is managed by the National Park Service.
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Mount Rainier National Park is centered around Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano reaching 14,411 feet. The mountain is covered by 26 major glaciers and is surrounded by old-growth forest and subalpine meadows. The park offers extensive hiking trails, climbing routes, and opportunities to view diverse wildlife.
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Muir Woods National Monument protects 558 acres of old-growth coast redwood forest, some of the last remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area. The monument features trees over 1,000 years old and 250 feet tall, creating a cathedral-like canopy along Redwood Creek. Named after naturalist John Muir, it serves as a living laboratory for scientific research and environmental education. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
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Natural Bridges National Monument protects three massive natural stone bridges carved by flowing water over millions of years. Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo bridges represent different stages of natural bridge formation and are among the largest in the world. The monument also preserves Ancestral Puebloan ruins and petroglyphs, and was designated as the world's first International Dark Sky Park. It is managed by the National Park Service.
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Navajo National Monument preserves three of the most intact cliff dwellings in the Southwest, built by Ancestral Puebloan people in the 13th century. Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House represent some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the region, showcasing advanced building techniques and cultural adaptation. The monument is located within the Navajo Nation and requires guided tours to access the ruins. It is managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Navajo Nation.
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New River Gorge features one of the oldest rivers in North America cutting through deep canyons. The park is renowned for its rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking opportunities. The iconic New River Gorge Bridge spans the canyon and is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the Western Hemisphere.
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North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged mountain peaks, extensive glacier system, and diverse ecosystem. The park contains over 300 glaciers, more than any other U.S. park outside Alaska. Its remote wilderness includes pristine forests, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
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Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument protects deep-sea canyons and underwater mountains in the Atlantic Ocean off New England. The monument encompasses fragile deep-sea coral ecosystems and serves as habitat for endangered whales, sea turtles, and diverse marine life. It is the first marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean, managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The area includes three underwater canyons and four seamounts that rise thousands of feet from the ocean floor.
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Olympic National Park encompasses three distinct ecosystems: glaciated mountains, Pacific coast, and temperate rainforest. The park protects one of the largest remaining stands of old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest. Its diverse landscapes include rugged coastline, alpine areas, and the Hoh Rain Forest.
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Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument preserves rugged desert mountain ranges and archaeological sites in southern New Mexico. The monument protects ancient Native American petroglyphs, historic mining sites, and diverse Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), it encompasses five distinct mountain ranges including the dramatic Organ Mountains with their distinctive spire-like peaks. The area provides habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and over 200 bird species.
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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument protects a large stand of organ pipe cacti and the Sonoran Desert ecosystem along the U.S.-Mexico border. The monument showcases diverse desert flora including 28 species of cacti, and serves as habitat for desert wildlife such as javelinas, coyotes, and desert tortoises. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), it is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve. The area features two scenic drives that wind through pristine desert landscapes and ancient mountain ranges.
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Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument encompasses seven remote islands and atolls scattered across the central Pacific Ocean. The monument protects pristine coral reef ecosystems, nesting seabirds, marine mammals, and some of the most untouched marine environments on Earth. Managed jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA, it includes Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, and Palmyra Atoll among others. These isolated islands serve as critical stepping stones for migratory species and contain some of the last intact predator-dominated coral reef ecosystems.
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Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument protects the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and surrounding waters, encompassing one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. The monument preserves pristine coral reefs, endemic Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and millions of seabirds. Managed jointly by NOAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Hawaii, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area holds deep cultural significance for Native Hawaiians as an ancestral spiritual landscape and represents the birthplace of all life in Hawaiian tradition.
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Petrified Forest National Park is known for its large deposits of petrified wood from the Late Triassic period. The park also features colorful badlands of the Painted Desert, archaeological sites, and petroglyphs. The area preserves a unique glimpse into 225 million years of history.
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Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with over 24,000 images carved into volcanic rock by Native Americans and Spanish settlers between 400 and 700 years ago. The monument is managed by the National Park Service and encompasses five volcanic escarpments on Albuquerque's West Mesa. These ancient images provide insight into the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the area's early inhabitants. The site serves as an important archaeological and cultural resource in an urban setting.
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Pinnacles National Park preserves a unique landscape formed by an ancient volcanic field, featuring towering rock spires, talus caves, and diverse ecosystems. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is renowned for its role in California condor recovery efforts and as habitat for over 400 bee species. Rock climbers are drawn to the park's challenging pinnacles and crags formed by millions of years of erosion. The park's chaparral-covered hills and oak woodlands support diverse wildlife including bobcats, mountain lions, and numerous bird species.
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Pinnacles National Park features unique rock formations created by an ancient volcanic field. The park is known for its talus caves, rock climbing opportunities, and California Condor habitat. The landscape includes chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms that support diverse wildlife.
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Pipe Spring National Monument preserves a historic fort and ranch that served as an early Mormon pioneer outpost in the 1870s, built around a rare desert spring. The monument is managed by the National Park Service and tells the intertwined stories of American Indian tribes, Mormon pioneers, and early ranchers in the American Southwest. The site features the restored Winsor Castle fort and demonstrates 19th-century frontier life through living history programs. The spring has been a vital water source for over 1,000 years, supporting Kaibab Paiute people and later European-American settlers.
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Pipestone National Monument protects the sacred quarries where American Indians have extracted red pipestone (catlinite) for centuries to carve ceremonial pipes. The monument is managed by the National Park Service and preserves both the geological resource and the cultural traditions associated with pipe-making. Only enrolled members of federally recognized American Indian tribes are permitted to quarry the soft red stone, continuing a tradition that spans many generations. The site also features tallgrass prairie restoration and the historic Pipestone Indian School building.
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Pompeys Pillar National Monument preserves a 150-foot tall sandstone butte along the Yellowstone River that bears the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and features Captain William Clark's signature carved into the rock on July 25, 1806. The pillar has served as a landmark for travelers for thousands of years, from Native American tribes to fur traders and pioneers. The site includes interpretive trails and exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history.
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Poverty Point National Monument preserves a remarkable prehistoric earthwork complex built by indigenous peoples between 1700 and 1100 BCE. The site features massive earthen mounds and ridges arranged in a sophisticated geometric pattern, representing one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America. The monument showcases the advanced engineering and social organization of ancient hunter-gatherer societies. It is managed by the National Park Service in partnership with Louisiana State Parks.
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Prehistoric Trackways National Monument protects one of the most scientifically significant paleontological sites in the world, containing fossilized footprints from 280 million years ago. The trackways preserve evidence of early reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods from the Permian Period, providing crucial insights into ancient ecosystems. The site offers a unique window into life before the age of dinosaurs. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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President Lincoln and Soldiers' Home National Monument preserves the Gothic Revival cottage where President Abraham Lincoln and his family spent much of their time during his presidency from 1862 to 1864. The site served as Lincoln's retreat from the pressures of the White House and where he developed many crucial Civil War policies, including the Emancipation Proclamation. The monument also honors the Armed Forces Retirement Home, which has provided care for military veterans since 1851. It is managed by the National Park Service.
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Pullman National Monument preserves the historic planned industrial town built by railroad car magnate George Pullman in the 1880s. The site represents a significant example of 19th-century industrial paternalism and urban planning, as well as the birthplace of the modern American labor movement following the Pullman Strike of 1894. The monument includes the historic Pullman factory, worker housing, and community buildings that tell the story of American industrial and labor history. It is managed by the National Park Service.
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Rainbow Bridge National Monument protects one of the world's largest known natural bridges, standing 290 feet high and spanning 275 feet across. This magnificent sandstone arch was carved by flowing water over millions of years and is considered sacred by several Native American tribes including the Navajo and Hopi. The bridge is accessible only by boat across Lake Powell or by challenging overland hikes through rugged desert terrain. It is managed by the National Park Service.
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Redwood National Park protects some of the world's tallest trees, the coast redwoods. The park also features vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and 37 miles of pristine coastline. This diverse landscape provides critical habitat for threatened species including the northern spotted owl and Steller's sea lion.
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Rio Grande del Norte National Monument protects a spectacular stretch of the Rio Grande Gorge and surrounding high desert landscape in northern New Mexico. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the monument preserves ancient volcanic formations, diverse wildlife habitats, and significant cultural sites including petroglyphs and historic settlements. The area offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, rafting, fishing, and wildlife viewing across its rugged terrain. The monument encompasses critical habitat for species like elk, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species.
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Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses spectacular mountain environments in Colorado's Front Range. The park features majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife including elk and bighorn sheep. Trail Ridge Road offers visitors breathtaking views across the Continental Divide, while over 300 miles of hiking trails provide access to the park's pristine wilderness.
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Russell Cave National Monument preserves one of the most complete archaeological records of prehistoric peoples in the southeastern United States. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the cave contains evidence of human habitation spanning nearly 10,000 years, from Paleo-Indian times through the Woodland period. The site provides invaluable insights into the daily lives, tools, and cultural practices of ancient Native American peoples. Visitors can explore the cave shelter and learn about the archaeological discoveries through interpretive programs and exhibits.
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Saguaro National Park protects the iconic saguaro cactus and the diverse Sonoran Desert ecosystem. The park is divided into two districts on either side of Tucson, featuring dramatic mountain ranges and lush desert valleys. The landscape supports a remarkable variety of plants and animals adapted to the extreme desert environment.
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Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument preserves the ruins of four 17th-century Spanish colonial missions and associated Pueblo Indian villages in central New Mexico. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the monument tells the story of the complex cultural interactions between Spanish colonists and Pueblo peoples during the early colonial period. The three main sites - Quarai, Abó, and Gran Quivira - showcase impressive stone church ruins and pueblo structures that demonstrate the blending of Spanish and Native American architectural traditions. These sites provide insight into the challenges of colonization, religious conversion, and ultimately the abandonment of these communities in the 1670s.
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Sand to Snow National Monument protects a remarkable elevation gradient from the Sonoran Desert floor to the peaks of San Bernardino National Forest, encompassing one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the monument preserves critical wildlife corridors and habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and numerous other species. The area spans from 1,000 to over 10,000 feet in elevation, creating dramatic landscape transitions from desert scrub to alpine forests. This biodiversity hotspot provides essential connectivity between protected areas and serves as a living laboratory for studying climate change impacts.
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San Gabriel Mountains National Monument protects a diverse mountain ecosystem just north of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, providing critical habitat and recreational opportunities for millions of residents. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the monument encompasses rugged peaks, deep canyons, and diverse plant communities ranging from chaparral to coniferous forests. The area serves as an important watershed for Southern California and offers extensive hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The monument preserves significant cultural sites including Native American village locations and historic mining areas.
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Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument protects portions of the Sonoran and Colorado Desert ecosystems in Southern California. Managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, the monument preserves critical wildlife corridors and diverse desert habitats. The area features dramatic mountain ranges, desert valleys, and serves as an important bighorn sheep habitat. The monument provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing pristine desert wilderness.
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Scotts Bluff National Monument preserves a prominent geological formation that served as a landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument rises 800 feet above the North Platte River valley. The bluff contains fossils from ancient mammals and offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Visitors can explore the Oregon Trail Museum and hike trails that follow historic pioneer routes.
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Sequoia National Park is home to some of the world's largest trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. The park features deep canyons, towering mountains, and extensive caverns. The diverse landscape ranges from deep valleys to mountain peaks, including Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.
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Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, featuring the scenic Skyline Drive. The park is known for its waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and spectacular fall colors. Over 500 miles of trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail, wind through the park's hardwood forests and rocky peaks.
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Sonoran Desert National Monument protects a pristine portion of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem in southwestern Arizona. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the monument preserves diverse desert landscapes including bajadas, washes, and mountain ranges. The area supports abundant wildlife including desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and over 200 bird species. Visitors can experience undeveloped desert wilderness through hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
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Statue of Liberty National Monument encompasses Liberty Island and Ellis Island, preserving symbols of freedom and immigration to America. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument includes the iconic Statue of Liberty gifted by France in 1886 and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The statue stands 305 feet tall including its pedestal and served as a beacon of hope for millions of immigrants. Visitors can explore the statue's pedestal, crown, and learn about America's immigration history at Ellis Island.
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Stonewall National Monument commemorates the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument preserves the site of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising at the Stonewall Inn. The monument includes Christopher Park and surrounding streets where historic protests occurred that catalyzed the fight for LGBTQ equality. It serves as the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights and history in the United States.
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Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument preserves a 900-year-old cinder cone and its surrounding lava field in northern Arizona. The monument showcases the dramatic volcanic landscape created by the most recent volcanic eruption in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Managed by the National Park Service, it offers visitors a chance to explore lava tubes, cinder fields, and unique desert vegetation that has adapted to the volcanic soil. The monument provides insight into the geological forces that continue to shape the Colorado Plateau.
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the rugged landscape of North Dakota's badlands. The park is divided into three units featuring colorful buttes, deep canyons, and abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. The landscape inspired President Theodore Roosevelt's conservation efforts during his time ranching in the area.
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Tonto National Monument protects well-preserved Salado cliff dwellings dating from the 13th to 15th centuries in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. The monument features ancient pueblos built into natural caves in the cliff faces overlooking Roosevelt Lake. Managed by the National Park Service, it preserves important archaeological sites that demonstrate the sophisticated building techniques and cultural adaptations of the Salado people. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of these ancient desert dwellers through guided tours and interpretive programs.
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Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument preserves significant Ice Age fossils and archaeological sites in the Las Vegas Valley of Nevada. The monument protects fossils of mammoths, ground sloths, American lions, and other Pleistocene megafauna that lived in the area between 7,000 and 200,000 years ago. Managed by the National Park Service, it also contains some of the oldest evidence of human presence in North America. The site provides crucial scientific insights into climate change and prehistoric life in the Mojave Desert region.
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Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a large, well-preserved Sinagua pueblo ruin dating from 1125 to 1400 CE in Arizona's Verde Valley. The monument features a hilltop pueblo with 110 rooms that housed several hundred people at its peak, showcasing the sophisticated architecture and community planning of the Sinagua culture. Managed by the National Park Service, it offers visitors insight into the agricultural and trading practices of these ancient peoples who thrived in the high desert environment. The site provides panoramic views of the Verde Valley and demonstrates the complex social organization of pre-Columbian Southwest cultures.
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Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument preserves 149 miles of the Missouri River and surrounding badlands in north-central Montana, protecting the landscape much as Lewis and Clark saw it in 1805. The monument encompasses dramatic white cliffs, deep coulees, and prairie grasslands that provide habitat for elk, bighorn sheep, and over 200 bird species. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it offers exceptional opportunities for river recreation, hunting, and experiencing one of America's most historically significant waterways. The area contains important paleontological resources and represents one of the few remaining free-flowing sections of the Missouri River.
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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument protects a spectacular landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and pristine wilderness in northern Arizona. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and encompasses part of the Colorado Plateau's dramatic geological formations. It serves as critical habitat for the endangered California condor and offers world-class hiking opportunities including access to famous locations like The Wave. The area showcases millions of years of geological history through its colorful rock layers and unique desert ecosystem.
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Virgin Islands National Park covers approximately 60% of Saint John island, plus nearly all of Hassel Island. The park preserves pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests. Historic ruins of sugar plantations dot the landscape, while the surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
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Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument protects pristine coral reef ecosystems and marine habitats surrounding St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument encompasses critical underwater environments that support diverse marine life including sea turtles, tropical fish, and endangered coral species. The protected waters provide essential breeding and feeding grounds for numerous marine species while offering world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. This marine sanctuary plays a vital role in coral reef conservation and marine ecosystem research in the Caribbean.
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Voyageurs National Park is a maze of interconnected waterways, islands, and peninsulas in northern Minnesota. The park is named for the French-Canadian fur traders who were the first European settlers to frequently travel through the area. The park is renowned for its water-based recreation, northern lights viewing, and pristine wilderness.
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Walnut Canyon National Monument preserves remarkable cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago in a dramatic limestone canyon near Flagstaff, Arizona. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument protects more than 80 rooms built into natural alcoves in the canyon walls, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Puebloan architecture. Visitors can explore these well-preserved ruins via the Island Trail, which provides close-up views of the cliff dwellings and insights into the daily lives of the Sinagua culture. The monument also protects diverse plant and animal communities that thrive in the unique canyon ecosystem.
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White Sands National Park protects a vast field of white gypsum sand dunes, the largest of its kind in the world. The stark white dunes create a stunning landscape against the backdrop of the Sacramento Mountains. The park features unique wildlife adapted to the harsh desert environment and opportunities for sledding on the dunes.
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Wind Cave National Park protects one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. The cave is known for its rare boxwork formations and unique wind patterns at its entrance. Above ground, the park preserves mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest, home to bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
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World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument commemorates the events of December 7, 1941, and honors those who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument includes multiple sites across Hawaii, Alaska, and California, with Pearl Harbor in Hawaii serving as the primary location. The monument preserves historic sites including the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship, and other significant locations that tell the story of America's entry into World War II. It serves as both a place of remembrance and education, helping visitors understand the profound impact of the Pearl Harbor attack and the Pacific War.
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Wrangell-St. Elias is America's largest national park, containing four major mountain ranges and numerous glaciers and volcanoes. The park includes 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. This vast wilderness area features diverse ecosystems from coastal to alpine, and preserves significant cultural sites from Alaska's copper mining era.
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Wupatki National Monument preserves ancient Puebloan ruins built between 1100 and 1250 CE in the high desert of northern Arizona. The monument contains over 2,700 archaeological sites including multi-story pueblos, ball courts, and other structures that demonstrate the sophisticated culture of ancestral Puebloan peoples. The red sandstone ruins are set against a dramatic landscape of painted desert and volcanic features. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.
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Yellowstone is America's first national park and home to the world's largest collection of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The park hosts diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Its most famous feature is Old Faithful geyser, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes.
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Yosemite is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, and biological diversity. The park's iconic features include Half Dome and El Capitan, massive granite monoliths that attract rock climbers from around the world. Yosemite Valley is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, one of North America's tallest.
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Yucca House National Monument protects an unexcavated Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site dating from 1150 to 1300 CE in southwestern Colorado. The monument contains the remains of a large pueblo complex that once housed hundreds of people, though the structures remain largely buried and unrestored. This remote site offers visitors a chance to see an undeveloped archaeological site in its natural state. The monument is managed by the National Park Service.