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12 Remote National Parks Worth The Extra Flight Miles
Think you’ve seen it all because you’ve been to the Grand Canyon on a road trip? Cute. But there’s a whole world (or should I say, wilderness) out there that can’t be reached with a tank of gas and snacks from the corner store.
These places are so remote that even your GPS might need a rest. And sure, it takes a bit more effort to get there (and by “effort,” I mean connecting flights, packing layers for three climates, and possibly regretting the decision mid-travel day).
But don’t you want to brag about going somewhere that 99% of the population can’t find on a map? Go ahead, prove me wrong.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park, Alaska
No roads, no trails, and probably no hope for your phone’s signal. Gates of the Arctic isn’t just off the beaten path; it laughs at the concept of a path. Picture an endless expanse of untouched wilderness where grizzly bears outnumber tour guides and your “hotel” is wherever you pitch your tent.
This park, established in 1980, is a rugged reminder of what Earth looked like before it got paved over. The silence? Deafening. The views? Jaw-dropping. Ever imagined feeling truly insignificant? This is your place.
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Sunrise seekers, prepare to ruin your sleep schedule for an eye-popping spectacle above the clouds at Haleakala. This dormant volcano on Maui has been dazzling the early-riser crowd since it was deemed a national park in 1916.
The landscape? A bizarrely beautiful mix of red and black volcanic rock that could pass as Mars’ cousin. And the silversword plants? They’re spiky and shiny like nature’s attempt at modern art. But tread lightly, because this park’s beauty comes with altitude sickness as a free souvenir.
National Park Of American Samoa, American Samoa
Think tropical island getaway – but with wild fruit bats and fearless cliffs. Located in the South Pacific’s American Samoa, this park offers the ultimate mashup of coral reefs, lush rainforest, and a living Polynesian culture going strong since the early 1900s.
The volcanic terrain may say, “Don’t mess with me,” but the warm local traditions are pure hospitality. Plus, where else can you hike jungle trails and snorkel colorful reefs in the same afternoon? Just don’t try to out-swim the fish (you can’t and you won’t).
Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
Grab your strongest hiking boots because Torres del Paine isn’t for the faint of heart (or the underprepared). Located in southern Chilean Patagonia, this park is famous for its jagged towers of granite shooting up into the sky like nature’s skyscrapers.
And it’s been a magnet for adventurers since its official founding in 1959. The glacier-fed lakes flaunt shades of turquoise so vivid they’d make a crayon box jealous. But beware, the winds here can slap you harder than that time you said something dumb at Thanksgiving dinner.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Fiordland may sound like it hosts medieval jousting tournaments, but instead, it delivers some of the planet’s most breathtaking scenery. Established in 1952, this park is home to ancient rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and, of course, the famous Milford Sound, dripping in mist and mystery.
It’s the natural world’s version of a fantasy world… minus the dragons, unfortunately. You’ll cruise turquoise waters surrounded by towering peaks so impressive, they effortlessly make your life choices feel small. And when it rains (which it often does), the cascading waterfalls? Pure magic.
Banff National Park, Canada
Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is the kind of place that makes you wonder if it was designed by an overachieving artist. Sure, it’s a tourist magnet near Lake Louise and Banff townsite, but push past those throngs of visitors, and you’ll find untouched wilderness that feels like your own personal wilderness.
Picture jagged peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and trails so quiet you’ll start suspecting you missed a “Do Not Enter” sign. The park, established in 1885, was Canada’s first national park. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for its famous bighorn sheep or a grizzly casually living its best life (from a safe distance, of course).
Kakadu National Park, Australia
Kakadu isn’t just a national park; it’s Australia’s greatest hits collection. You’ve got more than 7,700 square miles of ancient Aboriginal rock art, wetlands buzzing with more drama than a gossip column, and enough crocodiles to make you second-guess every splash.
Kakadu’s been inhabited for over 65,000 years (mind-blowing, right?), and the rock art here is a visual time capsule of Dreamtime stories that you can almost feel echoing in the air. One moment you’re standing on a rugged escarpment overlooking floodplains, the next you’re swatting mosquitoes the size of drones. But for views like this? Worth it.
Rincon De La Vieja National Park, Costa Rica
Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with an active volcano without signing up to be an extra in a questionable sci-fi movie. Rincon de la Vieja, established in 1973, is Costa Rica’s hidden and secluded park.
Trails take you through dense rainforests, steam-spewing geysers, and waterfalls that could star in their own calendar. Feeling brave? Take a dip in the natural hot springs and feel every regrettable decision of your life melt away. And jungle noises keep the suspense alive – what’s that rustling in that bush? Probably nothing. Probably.
Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar
Tsingy de Bemaraha is where limestone gets dramatic, and you won’t believe your eyes. Nicknamed the “Stone Forest,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site has razor-sharp formations that look like they could have been part of a Megalodon’s mouth at one point.
Established as a national park in 1990, it’s also a hotspot for spotting Madagascar’s famous lemurs. Hiking here is part obstacle course, part adrenaline rush: think tightrope bridges and paths that demand courage (and sturdy shoes). The surreal landscape is worth it, though. Just resist the urge to accidentally sit on a Tsingy spike. Yikes.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo National Park isn’t just another pretty face – it’s prehistoric, feral, and absolutely unapologetic. The stars here are Komodo dragons, actual dinosaurs who swagger around like they own the place (which, to be fair, given their size and lethal venom, don’t they?).
Aside from dodging these toothy terrors, you’ll find vibrant coral reefs that look stolen from a surrealist painting, making it a diver’s dream and a snorkeler’s paradise. Added bonus? This park spans three islands, giving you the perfect excuse to island-hop like someone in a lost chapter of The Odyssey.
Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
Vatnajokull is like stepping into another planet where ice, fire, and sheer audacity collide. This expansive landscape, home to Europe’s largest glacier, comes with volcanoes hiding under layers of ice and creaking glacial caves that sound like they’re telling secrets. Have you tried hiking a glacier? It’s exhilarating with a bit of “whose idea was this?” thrown in for good measure.
Iceland made this a national park in 2008, and it’s easy to see why. Between the surreal landscapes and the kind of cold that freezes your face, it’s an adventure in every frosty step.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is where the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo – put on their best show. But don’t think it’s all animal theatrics; this park, established in 1898, also delivers sweeping savannas and baobab trees straight out of an epic tale.
Spanning nearly 7,500 square miles, it’s one of Africa’s largest and most diverse reserves. Here, the soundtrack is all snorts, chirps, and occasional roars. And driving through, with paws and hooves crossing your path on their own schedule, is like being in traffic… except this is the kind of jam you’ll happily sit through.
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