The U.S. National Park System began in 1872 with the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park—an unprecedented move to preserve natural beauty for public enjoyment rather than private exploitation. The idea gained momentum in the early 20th century under President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a passionate conservationist. During his presidency, Roosevelt helped protect over 230 million acres of public land, creating five national parks and establishing the U.S. Forest Service. His leadership cemented the principle that natural landscapes were a public trust.

The concept of setting aside land for preservation inspired other countries around the world. By the mid-20th century, nations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America began establishing their own national parks, modeling them after the American example. Today, nearly every country has some form of protected areas—proof that the U.S. National Park System not only preserved its own landscapes but helped spark a global conservation movement.

Today, the United States boasts 63 designated major national parks, each showcasing unique ecosystems, landscapes, and cultural heritage. While the National Park System as a whole protects over 85 million acres, this still represents only about 4% of the total U.S. land area. The vast majority of land in the U.S. remains outside the protection of the national park system, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts to preserve more of the country’s natural and historical treasures for future generations.

While visiting all 63 of these parks is more a logistical achievement than an athletic one, this list is less about achievement and more about exploration. I don’t go too far out of my way for a specific national park visit, but most of the time they happen to be near areas I am visiting to climb peaks, or in a nearby town that I am in for a vacation or work trip.

Thanks, Teddy. You changed the world.