Wide, breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear, blue lakes, high, snow-covered mountain peaks, but also wild grizzlies, buffalos, mustangs and rare animal species: this is North America. With nearly 60 national parks, the United States is preserving a living monument to the continent''''s pristine nature in an effort to make it accessible to everyone. This book presents the most beautiful parks parks in over 450 photographs. Each has its own character and individual charm. Alaska, high in the northw est of the American continent, boasts spectacular wide expanses and immense geological variety such as the highest mountain of North America, the Denali. Continuing on the northern route from west to east, the high mountain regions of the Rocky Mount ains overwhelm their vistors with countless blue glacier lakes and thundering waterfalls. Yellowstone, the oldest national park, is pure magic with dazzlingly colourful thermal springs, erupting geysers and large herds of bison. Continuing on the sou thern route from west to east, the striking granitoid formations of Half Dome and El Capitan in the popular Yosemite National Park are impressive sights. Death Valley fascinates with contrasts of hot salt deserts and ice-cold, snowcapped peaks.