National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we travel through the 10 most popular national parks in the U.S., try to keep you away from poisoned books ... and see 6 architectural marvels before they disappear. Plus, how did Earth Day even come to be?

Half dome at sunset seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREW COLEMAN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

10 MOST POPULAR NATIONAL PARKS

Over 300 million people visited U.S. national parks across the country last year, drawn to the vastness and variety that America’s preserved landscapes has to offer. These 10 parks may be the most popular in the National Park system, but they are only a glimpse of what the 429 parks nationwise have to offer. (Pictured above, the sun setting on Yosemite.)

Related: See all U.S. National Parks in one minute

William Henry Jackson, shot for US Geological Survey, first photograph of Old Faithful, 1872

PHOTOGRAPH BY WILLIAM HENRY JACKSON

SEE 150 YEARS OF YELLOWSTONE

America’s Wonderland: Yellowstone, the first national park in the United States, has generated amazement and attracted travelers for decades since its conception. (Pictured above, in a 1872 photograph.) Its preservation of wilderness is unmatched—spanning forests, lakes, mountains, and valleys. See how they have transformed in 150 years.

Related: 10 surprising facts about Yellowstone

River flowing in front of rock formations in California's Yosemite Valley

PHOTOGRAPH BY PHIL SCHERMEISTER, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

WHAT DID THE FIRST NATIONAL PARKS LOOK LIKE?

It’s hard to imagine America without national parks, but after decades of iterations, we are revisiting what it took to create the blueprint roadmap for building national parks (pictured above, Yosemite Valley). What did early efforts for planning national parks look like and how did they even come to be?

UNMANAGED TREASURES

GOOD READS

Hidden gems: What are the 10 least-visited U.S. national parks?

How did Earth Day even come to be?

After 52 years of Earth Days: Here’s progress—and setbacks

These green books are poisonous—and one may be on a shelf near you

How do fireflies magically light up this national park? See for yourself.

Visit these 6 architectural marvels before they disappear

2024’s top travel essentials, from featherlight bionics to sustainable bags

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HOW TO BRING THE PARKS
HOME WITH YOU

For you or the nature lover in your life, here are a few gift ideas that celebrate our national parks. See our full gift guide here.

By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave NationalGeographic.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.*

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Explore Our National Parks Jigsaw Puzzle, Lantern Press

This 1,000-piece puzzle will give your national park fan something to dream about for their next trip.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Complete National Parks of the United States

This 544-page reference guide features color photos, detailed maps, and tons of insider information.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS

Trivial Pursuit National Parks Travel Edition

History buffs will love this wilderness-themed edition, which aims to test each player’s knowledge of nature, wildlife, and (of course) national park history.

BUY NOW AT AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

National Parks Bucket List Travel Water Bottle

This 32-ounce bottle—with a leak-proof design and double-wall vacuum insulation—comes with 63 waterproof stickers: Whenever you visit a park, add a sticker.

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WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

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