ABC News and National Geographic have named Redwood National and State Parks as one of the seven [1] Natural Wonders of America.
The recognition highlights the ecological significance of the northern California coast and aims to draw attention to the preservation of the U.S. wilderness. By identifying a limited set of premier sites, the curation encourages a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes found across the country.
David Muir, an ABC News anchor, presented the list as part of a collaboration with National Geographic editors. The initiative was designed to celebrate awe-inspiring natural locations across the United States [2]. During the announcement, Muir said the Redwood forests are "a living cathedral" [3].
The curated list includes other iconic landscapes, such as the Grand Canyon, and the Everglades. According to the National Geographic editorial team, these seven sites capture the wild heart of America [2]. The selection process focused on locations that provide a sense of scale and biological diversity—characteristics that define the redwood forests of northern California [2].
While various travel guides and publications offer differing perspectives on the top parks for visitors, this specific list is a joint effort between a major news network and a scientific institution [2], [4]. The collaboration blends journalistic storytelling with geographic expertise to frame these sites as essential pillars of American natural heritage.
Redwood National and State Parks protect the tallest trees on Earth. The inclusion of the parks in this list emphasizes the intersection of conservation and tourism in the U.S. West Coast.
“The Redwood forests are a living cathedral.”
This designation reflects a strategic effort by major media and scientific organizations to standardize a narrative around American natural heritage. By limiting the 'wonders' to a specific number, the curators create a high-profile benchmark for conservation priority and tourism, potentially increasing federal and state funding for the maintenance of these specific ecosystems.
