See extraordinary photos of national parks from space
It might be hard to resist planning a trip to these parks once you see them from above.
There are plenty of things you cannot see from outer space: your home, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal. Most man-made structures are hard to enjoy from beyond the edges of low Earth orbit (save for, debatably, the Great Wall of China). Nature, on the other hand, takes on a whole new kind of beauty from the edges of our atmosphere.
In 2017 the National Park Service saw over 330 million visitors across its 84 million acres. On the ground level, those numbers are huge. From space, the numbers seem a bit more manageable. While considering your next trip, explore some of these iconic sights the way our national bird might: from above.
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- What would the world look like without mosquitoes?What would the world look like without mosquitoes?
- Social media loves to villainize dolphins. Here's why it's wrong.Social media loves to villainize dolphins. Here's why it's wrong.
- How did wolves evolve into dogs? New fossils provide cluesHow did wolves evolve into dogs? New fossils provide clues
- This unorthodox method is saving baby parrots from extinctionThis unorthodox method is saving baby parrots from extinction
- A deadly disease that affects cats big and small found in U.S.A deadly disease that affects cats big and small found in U.S.
Environment
- ‘Corn sweat’—and other weird weather phenomena—explained‘Corn sweat’—and other weird weather phenomena—explained
- A sea tornado sank a yacht. We might see them more often.A sea tornado sank a yacht. We might see them more often.
- How billions of dollars are revolutionizing ocean explorationHow billions of dollars are revolutionizing ocean exploration
- Where to go stargazing in Chile according to a local astronomer
- Paid Content
Where to go stargazing in Chile according to a local astronomer
History & Culture
- Did Babe Ruth really ‘call’ this legendary home run?Did Babe Ruth really ‘call’ this legendary home run?
- The real history behind the legend of China's Monkey KingThe real history behind the legend of China's Monkey King
- How new technology transformed the American workforceHow new technology transformed the American workforce
- This secret Civil War sabotage mission was doomed from the startThis secret Civil War sabotage mission was doomed from the start
- This rare burial site reveals secrets about the Sahara's lush pastThis rare burial site reveals secrets about the Sahara's lush past
Science
- Why some say tennis is 'the world's healthiest sport'Why some say tennis is 'the world's healthiest sport'
- Your body ages rapidly at 44 and 60. Here's how to prepare.Your body ages rapidly at 44 and 60. Here's how to prepare.
- How do gold nuggets form? Earthquakes may be the keyHow do gold nuggets form? Earthquakes may be the key
- Astronauts getting stuck in space is more common than you thinkAstronauts getting stuck in space is more common than you think
Travel
- These are the must-see sights of Italy's Veneto regionThese are the must-see sights of Italy's Veneto region
- A guide to St John's, Atlantic Canada's iceberg capitalA guide to St John's, Atlantic Canada's iceberg capital