The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of National Parks

Abstract

The national parks are more than landmarks, monuments, and territories, more than mountains, forests, lakes, and geologic wonders. They represent a piece of the American soul. Edwin Bernbaum, PhD, is director of the Sacred Mountains Program at the Mountain Institute and the author of Sacred Mountains of the World. This article is excerpted from the book America’s Best Idea — A Photographic Journey Through Our National Parks, which was co-authored by Bernbaum and published by American Park Network (first edition 2006; second edition 2008).