Top 10 Parks

1. Yellostone National Park

The mother of all national parks. In May you are guaranteed to see lots of wildlife, though it's too dangerous to hike in many areas of the park because of bears having small cubs with them. Cody, the home of Buffalo Bill, is a nice town east of Yellowstone N.P., having a rodeo every night in summertime.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

Unbelievable scenery. You are able to go down to the bottom of the canyon (either by waking of riding a horse) where you are surrounded by strange formations, called hoodoos. Beware of high altitude and heat. Nearby the park you have all what a demanding tourist can need, scenic flights, hotels, restaurants, rodeo etc.

3. Volcanoes National Park

You are quaranteed to see lava flowing in front of your eyes, as Kilauea has erupted constantly from 1983. Take a guided night hike to the seafront where red lava drops to the ocean.

4. Abel Tasman National Park

Hike the "Coast Track", the most popular great walk in New Zealand. Beware of tides, as you need to plan when to walk so that rising water levels do not stop you. In addition to this 3-day hike, you can do sea kayaking, cruises, scenic flights, and stay in a luxurious Awaroa lodge.

5. Yosemite National Park

Take a tough hike to the top of Half Dome, helped by cables during the last 300 meters. There are planty of other, easier scenic hikes, in the Yosemite Valley. If you stay in a tent, beware of hungry black bears.

6. Monument valley Navajo Tribal Park

You have seen this place so many times in TV and movies, but is't still worth visiting. Tall red buttes rising from the ancient sea floor are surreal. Sunset is naturally the best time for photography.

7. Zion National Park

You you dare, take "The Angel's Landing" and "The Narrows" hikes. The first one takes you to the top of the world via a narrow passage, and the latter one takes to a narrow canyon river where you will swim part of the way.

8. Oulanka National Park

Kayak the beautiful Oulanka river almost the the Russian border, and take the 80km Karhunkierros hike (or a shorter version, as there are plenty of alternative options). September is the best time, as you may experience autumn colours and avoid the summertime mosquitoes.

9. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Hike overnight to the top of Mt. Fuji (3776m) and see the sunrise, stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, take a healing bath in an onsen.

10. Taroko Gorge National Park

See an amazing marble canyon in the eastern side of Taiwan. Hundreds of men died while constructing a road to this unique place.