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National parks have long been a source of inspiration for photographers. Even in our time of digital photography and digital cameras, national parks have thrived on the pages of color photos. The beauty of these parks has not changed much from the early days when they were mostly just dirt and rocks. Today, they are places where you can find elements of beauty that you probably weren’t even aware existed — places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park. These 10 National Parks are (according to some) the most beautiful because they offer a glimpse into the human experience: 10. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Image credit: USFWS/Flickr Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world’s most photographed national parks, with more than half a million tourists visiting each year. The natural beauty at this popular destination is unmatched; it has endless hiking trails, an expansive variety of waterfalls and stream channels, unique wildlife species like ibex and Hugeas monkey, as well as an abundance of restaurants and lodging options for travelers alike. This gorgeous location makes an excellent base for taking beautiful nature images that will leave you inspired for future trips to similar scenic spots in other countries.

10. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK (ARIZONA)

This is the most visited national park in the United States, with an estimated 21.5 million annual visitors. The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers crystal blue skies, dramatic cliffs and a unique experience — as the visitors experience a sense of being on the edge of the world. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light from the sun, which is why visitors to the park are often so bright at sunset. What’s more, the park is located in the desert, so visitors will often find themselves in scorching hot weather.

9. DENALI NATIONAL PARK (ALASKA)

This is the most popular national park in the state of Alaska, and one of the most visited. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.

8. YELLOWSTONE (WYOMING, MONTANA & IDAHO)

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is home to the world’s most endangered species — the Yellowstone Falls, a 1,100-foot waterfall that cascades through a landscape lined with scenic northern desert plants. Both parks are famous for their spectacular blue skies and windy, picturesque desert areas, and visitors to each are sure to feel nostalgic for the days when their parks were not tourist attractions.

7. HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK (HAWAII)

This is the most popular national park in thefetched and already one of the most visited. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.

6. ZION NATIONAL PARK (UTAH)

This is the most popular national park in the state of Utah, and one of the most visited. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.

5. GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK (ALASKA)

This is the most popular national park in the state of Alaska and one of the top ten most-visited parks in the world. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.

4. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK (WASHINGTON)

This is the most popular national park in the U.S. state of Washington and one of the most visited. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.

3. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK (WYOMING)

This is the most popular national park in the state of Wyoming and one of the top ten most-visited parks in the world. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.

2. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (CALIFORNIA)

This is the most popular national park in the United States and one of the most visited. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.

1. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK (MONTANA)

This is the most popular national park in the U.S. state of Montana and one of the top ten most-visited national parks in the world. The park’s colors are a result of ultraviolet light, so if you want to look as if you’re in the desert, consider yourself predisposed to scorching hot weather. But the park also offers a wide array of waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing and is home to the most endemic species of fish — theNGUAH.