When you think of national parks, images of breathtaking vistas and stunning natural beauty likely come to mind. But did you know that these parks are also home to some truly mind-blowing facts? From ancient fossils to massive volcanoes, here are 10 facts about national parks that will leave you in awe.
Yellowstone National Park is home to the largest active geyser in the world.
Old Faithful, located in Yellowstone National Park, is famous for erupting approximately every 90 minutes. However, it's not the only geyser in the park. In fact, the park is home to more than 500 geysers, including the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser. Steamboat can shoot water up to 300 feet in the air, making it a must-see for visitors to the park.
The Grand Canyon is not the world's deepest canyon.
While the Grand Canyon is certainly one of the most impressive canyons in the world, it's not actually the deepest. That honor goes to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in Tibet, which is more than 16,000 feet deep. The Grand Canyon, by comparison, is "only" about a mile deep.
Yosemite National Park is home to some of the oldest living things on Earth.
Yosemite National Park is home to some of the oldest living things on Earth - the ancient bristlecone pines. These trees can live for thousands of years and are some of the most impressive examples of natural longevity on the planet.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the salamander capital of the world.
If you're a fan of amphibians, then the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for you. The park is home to more than 30 species of salamanders, making it the salamander capital of the world.
Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth.
Death Valley National Park in California is home to the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth - a scorching 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the extreme heat, the park is also home to a surprising array of wildlife, including coyotes, bighorn sheep, and desert tortoises.
Zion National Park is home to one of the world's longest and deepest slot canyons.
Zion National Park in Utah is famous for its stunning slot canyons, which are narrow passageways formed by water erosion. The park is home to one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world - The Narrows, which is up to 1,000 feet deep and only 20-30 feet wide in some places.
Acadia National Park is the first national park in the eastern United States.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, was established in 1916 and was the first national park in the eastern United States. The park is home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the country, including the famous Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
The Channel Islands National Park is home to some of the rarest animals in the world.
The Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of California, is home to some of the rarest animals in the world. These include the island fox, the island spotted skunk, and the island night lizard, all of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, was established in 1872 as the first national park in the world. The park is known for its geothermal activity, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk.
National parks protect some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world
From the towering peaks of Yosemite to the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon, national parks are home to some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. They offer visitors a chance to explore, connect with nature, and experience some of the most awe-inspiring sights our planet has to offer.