National Parks Worth Visiting Beyond Yellowstone

Yellowstone is wonderful, but the world is full of dramatic parks. Here are several to add to your list.

Different kinds of beauty

National parks vary enormously. Some are about wildlife, some about mountains, and some about waterfalls and glaciers.

Parks worth considering

• Torres del Paine, Chile: Granite spires, glaciers and guanacos. The W Trek is a classic hike.
• Banff and Jasper, Canada: Turquoise lakes, mountains and wildlife.
• Fiordland, New Zealand: Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound with dramatic cliffs.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: One of Africa's best places for self-drive safaris.
• Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: Terraced lakes linked by waterfalls.
• Dolomites, Italy: Jagged peaks, alpine meadows and mountain huts.
• Kakadu, Australia: Wetlands, rock art and wildlife.

Planning tips

1. Check the best season for weather and wildlife.
2. Book accommodation and permits early, especially for popular trails.
3. Check park rules about fires, drones and wildlife.
4. Carry layers, water and a map.
5. Respect wildlife and leave no trace.

Combine regions

Many parks pair well with nearby cities or other parks, so plan a route to save time.

Rules and conditions change, so check each park's official site.