National Park of the United States

Author: Richard Forts
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: Modern residents have an innate need for wild, untamed lands. The U.S. National Park System has fulfilled this need and has influenced this philosophy worldwide. The national parks in the American West vividly tell geologists the story of Earth's creation through the rocks. From towering mountain forests to drought-resistant desert plants, national parks showcase an incredible variety of flora. From the scorching lands of the Sonoran Desert to the frozen peaks of Mount McClellan, U.S. national parks present the geographical distribution of wildlife.
The ultimate experience—wilderness journey. U.S. National Parks may be the best advocacy for the U.S., an integral part of American culture, and a contribution to the world. The park system advocates for wilderness rights, protecting a small portion of precious wild lands from the ravages of "civilization and progress," leaving room for bears, butterflies, wildflowers, and ancient forests to grow in their natural state. National parks are not just isolated islands of nature but also sanctuaries for the human soul; not just places for taking photos but also a declaration of humanity's need and longing for wilderness. These places allow people to get closer to rocks and the sky, light and shadow, emptiness and tranquility; they can make lone hikers lose themselves or discover themselves; they can inspire climbers and mountaineers with courage to face mountains and canyons; they can let whitewater adventurers feel the surge of life; and they can leave ordinary tourists in awe of something greater than themselves, letting their dreams run wild.
Wilderness has begun to enter our lives, so let us start our wilderness journey with the U.S. National Parks.