The World's Best National Parks in 500 Walks

An inspiring and practical reference guide for hikers of all abilities who want to explore the world’s national parks.

Ever since Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, the movement to preserve natural landscapes and habitats has spread to every continent. The World’s Best National Parks in 500 Walks is the perfect inspiration for every explorer, from the armchair traveler to the veteran hiker, with full-color photos and vivid descriptions of some of the world’s most spectacular hiking trails. Helpful tips on navigating the routes, planning your trips, and preparing for encounters with wildlife will have you lacing up your boots and strapping on your backpack, whether it’s for a short weekday stroll or a multiday expedition on the world’s most breathtaking trails.

Mary Caperton Morton is a freelance science and travel writer currently based in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. For over a decade, Mary was a roving correspondent for EARTH magazine, where her favorite beat was the Travels in Geology column. She also founded the Living in Geologic Time column for Eos magazine and her work has appeared in Science News, High Country News, and the Guardian. She also writes the popular blog Travels with the Blonde Coyote (Follow the Blonde Coyote and see more of the world!), and is the author of Aerial Geology: A High-Altitude Tour of North America’s Spectacular Volcanoes, Canyons, Glaciers, Lakes, Craters and Peaks. In her 15 years as a North American road-warrior nomad, Mary has hiked in all 50 states and visited over 200 national parks. When she’s not at the keyboard she can usually be found outside—hiking, skiing, climbing mountains, and taking photographs.