Last Updated: 17th Jan 2026 | Page Last Edited 21st Jan 2026
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Last Updated: 17th Jan 2026 | Page Last Edited 21st Jan 2026
ℹ️Featuring: National Parks • UNESCO World Heritage Sites • Scenic Landscapes
Not all National Parks are created equal... at least, not in MSFS.
While every park on this list is a real-world treasure, the flight simulation experience depends entirely on the quality of the scenery data (TIN), elevation mesh, and photogrammetry. A park like the Grand Canyon might look photo-real all the way down to the riverbed, while a vast desert like Joshua Tree might look flat and blurry if you fly too low.
To help you plan your flight plan, I have rated these parks based on Visual Fidelity rather than hiking trails. This rating tells you the Minimum Altitude you should maintain for the best view.
🛩️ The Rating Key: How Low Can You Go?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Helicopter Ready (0 ft)
The Experience: Complete 3D immersion.
What to expect: High-quality photogrammetry or custom 3D models. You can fly low-and-slow, weave through canyons, or land your helicopter on a rock ledge. The scenery holds up even when you are on the ground.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bush Plane (500 ft)
The Experience: Stunning, but keep the engine running.
What to expect: Excellent elevation data (mountains look sharp), but small ground details like individual rocks or specific trees might look flat or "melted" if you land. Perfect for a Super Cub or a Cessna 172.
⭐⭐⭐ General Aviation (1,500 ft+)
The Experience: Beautiful from the air.
What to expect: These parks rely on satellite imagery. They look incredible from the window of a touring aircraft, but if you get too close, the illusion breaks (e.g., generic trees or blurry ground textures).
⭐⭐ High Altitude (5,000 ft+)
The Experience: Best viewed from the flight levels.
What to expect: These parks cover vast areas that are often rendered with flat satellite photos draped over hills. Iconic features like rock arches or caves may appear solid/flat. Enjoy the grand scale from an airliner or a high-flying jet.
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (General Aviation)
Verdict: The "eroded buttes" usually rely on satellite imagery. From 1,000ft they look incredible, but if you fly too low, the sharp ridges look "melted" or soft.
Description: The park covers 242,756 acres and includes dramatic rock formations, eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires - it has the largest undisturbed mixed-grass prairies in the country.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in the Badlands is highly concentrated in the grassy basins and "prairie dog towns":
American Bison: Massive herds can be found roaming the Sage Creek Wilderness Area. From the air, they are easily visible against the pale prairie grass.
Bighorn Sheep: These are the stars of the "wall." You can spot them on the precipitous cliffs near Pinnacles Overlook and the Castle Trail.
Pronghorn Antelope: Often seen sprinting across the open flats. They are much harder to spot than bison due to their speed and camouflage, so flying "low and slow" is key.
Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs: While too small to see from a standard cockpit view, if you land near Roberts Prairie Dog Town and use "Walk Mode," you can see the mounds and animated critters popping in and out.
Coyotes: Most active at dawn and dusk near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and the surrounding brush.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Canyonlands Field (KCNY)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: The massive mesas hold their shape well in sims, but the intricate "Needles" area can look flat without custom 3D scenery add-ons.
Description: The park covers 337,598 acres and is divided into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves - Includes a massive mesa & colourful rock spires.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in Canyonlands is spread across the high mesas and deep river corridors:
Desert Bighorn Sheep: These are the park’s most iconic residents. In the sim, they are typically found on the talus slopes and cliff ledges above the Green River.
Mule Deer: Frequently spotted in the pinyon-juniper woodlands on the Island in the Sky mesa top.
Coyotes: Look for them in the sandy washes and open flats of The Needles district, especially at dawn or dusk.
Golden Eagles: Often seen soaring near the canyon rims, particularly near Dead Horse Point State Park (which borders the national park).
Collared Lizards: While tiny, these colorful lizards are part of the "micro-fauna" logic. You'll need to use Walk Mode or the Drone Camera near rocky outcroppings to see them sunbathing.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: L
🚁Closest Airport: Prospect State (64S)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: The rim and the water mask are usually very sharp, but Wizard Island can sometimes look a bit generic close up.
Description: The park covers 183,224 acres and includes stunning landscapes, including volcanic formations, forests - Crater Lake is deepest lake in the United States.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Crater Lake's high-altitude forest and rim environments host several "Living World" species:
Black Bears: Often found in the lower-elevation forests near the Mazama Campground and the south entrance.
Mule Deer: Very common around Rim Village and the grassy meadows near the visitor centers.
Elk: Can be seen in the Pumice Desert (a flat, barren area north of the lake) as they migrate through the park.
Clark’s Nutcrackers & Canada Jays: These birds are famous for hanging around the rim overlooks; while small, you can see bird-swarm logic active near the lodges.
Yellow-Bellied Marmots: Usually found sunning themselves on the rock walls of the caldera.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XXL
🚁Closest Airport: Stove Pipe Wells (L09)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (General Aviation)
Verdict: Because it is so vast and flat, the textures can get blurry low down. The salt flats look great from high up, but lack texture on the ground.
Description: The park covers 3.4 million acres and includes stunning landscapes, including salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, valleys, canyons, and towering mountains - Badwater Basin sits at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Death Valley's "Living World" focuses on hardy desert specialists:
Coyotes: Frequently spotted near the Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells oasis areas, where they scavenge near human settlements.
Desert Bighorn Sheep: These are most common in the high-altitude canyons and on the rocky slopes of the Funeral Mountains.
Wild Burros: Descendants of miners' pack animals, these roam the remote northern and western parts of the park. Look for them in the Saline Valley or near Wildrose.
Desert Tortoise: Extremely rare; you’ll likely need to use Walk Mode or a drone in the scrubby desert flats to spot one.
Greater Roadrunners: Can be seen darting across the valley floor near the mesquite thickets.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XXL
🚁Closest Airport: Glacier Park International Airport (KGPI)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: The elevation mesh (shape of mountains) here is usually top-tier, making for epic valley flying.
Description: The park covers over one million acres - Stunning Glacier carved Mountains & gorgeous Alpine scenery.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Glacier is one of the most densely populated "Living World" zones in the sim:
Mountain Goats: These are the official symbol of the park. You can consistently find them on the rocky cliffs near Logan Pass and Hidden Lake.
Grizzly Bears: Glacier has one of the highest grizzly populations in the lower 48. In the sim, they are often spotted in the Many Glacier valley or near Iceberg Lake.
Bighorn Sheep: Typically found in the alpine meadows above the tree line.
Moose: Look for them in the marshy areas and smaller lakes of the North Fork or near the Fishercap Lake area.
Bald Eagles: Frequently seen soaring over the surface of Lake McDonald and Saint Mary Lake.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XXL
🚁Closest Airport: Grand Canyon National Park Airport (KGCN)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Helicopter Ready)
Verdict: The gold standard of flight sim scenery. High-resolution data usually allows you to fly inside the canyon below the rim with high fidelity.
Description: Covers 1,218,375 acres in exceptional detail - Lots of POI's.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" system populates the canyon with fauna that reflects its status as a massive ecological corridor:
California Condors: One of the most sought-after sightings. These massive birds (with nearly 10-foot wingspans) are specifically programmed to spawn near Navajo Bridge and the South Rim cliffs.
Bighorn Sheep: Look for these on the rocky "benches" halfway down the canyon walls. They are best spotted using a helicopter or the drone camera.
Mule Deer: Extremely common around the Grand Canyon Village and the North Rim Lodge forested areas.
Coyotes: Can be found roaming the scrubland near the Grand Canyon National Park Airport (KGCN).
Elk: Large herds are frequently seen on the North Rim, particularly in the meadows surrounding the entrance to the park.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: The mountains look photo-real from the cockpit, though the lakes sometimes have shoreline issues.
Description: The Park covers 310,000 acres and includes beautiful Mountains, stunning lakes - home of the Teton Range, including Grand Teton, it's tallest peak.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in the Tetons is particularly active near water sources and the sagebrush flats:
Moose: These are the "VIPs" of the Tetons. In the sim, they are most frequently spotted along the Snake River and in the willow thickets of Oxbow Bend.
Bison: Large herds can be found in the Antelope Flats area and near Mormon Row. They are highly visible from the air against the golden-brown prairie.
Elk: Often seen in the Timberline areas and the open meadows between the mountains and the river at dawn or dusk.
Grizzly Bears: While rare, they are programmed to spawn in the more secluded northern parts of the park, particularly near Colter Bay and the Teton Wilderness boundary.
Pronghorn Antelope: Look for these extremely fast-moving animals in the sagebrush flats near Timbered Island.
Highly Recommended Pay-ware Add-on: BAYSIM SCENERY GRAND TETON EXTENDED V3 MSFS24
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: L
🚁Closest Airport: Montvale Airpark (TN87)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (General Aviation)
Verdict: This is a "tree heavy" park. Unless you have seasonal mods, it can look like an endless carpet of generic green trees.
Description: Part of the Appalachian Mountains known for their smoke like fog - Covers 187,000 acres of Forest - Kuwohi is its highest peak.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The Smokies have one of the highest densities of "Living World" spawns in the eastern United States:
American Black Bears: The park is famous for them. Look for them in the dense forests near Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or in the open fields of Cades Cove.
Elk: Successfully reintroduced in real life and a staple in the sim. The best place to find these large herds is in the Cataloochee Valley on the eastern side of the park.
White-Tailed Deer: Extremely common in Cades Cove. You’ll see them grazing in the meadows, especially if you set your sim time to early morning.
Wild Turkeys: Frequently seen in the tall grass of the valleys.
Peregrine Falcons: These can be seen soaring near the rocky outcroppings of Alum Cave Bluffs.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (KPSP)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐ (High Altitude)
Verdict: Very difficult for sims to render. The iconic Joshua Trees are often missing (replaced by generic bushes) or appear as 2D flat images.
Description: The park covers an area of 795,156 acres and includes unique rock formations, vast wilderness, and iconic Joshua trees - A stunning desert landscape.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Joshua Tree's "Living World" is surprisingly active for a desert environment. Keep an eye out for:
Desert Bighorn Sheep: Often spotted on the steep, rocky slopes near Keys View and the Wonderland of Rocks.
Coyotes: Frequently seen darting across the open desert flats or near the Hidden Valley campground area.
Desert Tortoise: A rare sighting! You'll likely need to land and use "Walk Mode" near the Black Rock Canyon area to spot these slow-moving residents.
Greater Roadrunner: These are modeled with their distinct sprinting gait and can be found near the desert washes.
Black-tailed Jackrabbits: Look for their large ears silhouetted against the sand at dawn and dusk.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (KFAT)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (General Aviation)
Verdict: Deep canyons look great, but the Sequoia trees are often not rendered at their true massive size in default sims.
Description: The park covers an massive 461,901 acres and includes deep canyons, huge sequoia trees and the General Grant Tree.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Kings Canyon is a premier location for the Living World system, especially in the meadows and along the river:
Black Bears: These are the most common "large" animal spawns here. Look for them in Zumwalt Meadow and around the Cedar Grove area, especially near the tree line.
Mule Deer: Very common in the lower-elevation grassy areas and meadows.
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep: An endangered species in real life, but in MSFS 2024, they are programmed to spawn on the high, rocky ridges and talus slopes near Mount Brewer.
Yellow-Bellied Marmots: These can be seen sunning themselves on the rocks if you use a drone or "Walk Mode" near the higher-altitude hiking trails.
Birds of Prey: Keep an eye out for Red-tailed Hawks and Peregrine Falcons soaring near the sheer cliffs of the canyon walls.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Size: L
🚁Closest Airport: Redding Municipal Airport (KRDD)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: Volcanic landscapes usually have distinct colors that satellite imagery picks up well.
Description: The park covers 106,452 acres and includes Lassen Peak, Hydrothermal Features, Painted Dunes & four types of volcanoes.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in Lassen is diverse due to the park's varied elevations:
Sierra Nevada Red Fox: One of the rarest animals in the state. While rare, they are a signature spawn for this specific region in the sim.
Black Bears: Often found in the lower-elevation forests and near Mount Harkness.
Mule Deer: Very common around Manzanita Lake and the park's various helipads.
Wolves: Following real-world trends of wolves returning to California, herds have been reported spawning in the open fields near Soap Lake (west of Prospect Peak).
Clark’s Nutcrackers: High-altitude birds often seen flying near the mountain hemlock zones above 7,800 feet.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Marble Canyon (L41) - Highly recommended: 🛩️ Vincent Bazillio's Freeware version 🛩️
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: Similar to the Grand Canyon but often slightly lower resolution on the cliff faces.
Description: Marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon - Includes Navajo Bridge & Vermilion Cliffs stunning red rock formations.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Marble Canyon is a "transition zone," so the wildlife reflects both river and desert ecosystems:
California Condors: One of the rarest sightings in the sim. Because Marble Canyon/Navajo Bridge is a real-world release site for these birds, they are specifically programmed to spawn in this area. Look for large, slow-moving birds circling the bridge or the canyon rims.
Bighorn Sheep: Often found on the rocky ledges and "benches" halfway down the canyon walls.
Coyotes: Can be spotted near the Marble Canyon airstrip or the scrubland leading toward Lees Ferry.
Horses: Small groups of feral horses are occasionally seen on the Navajo Nation lands just east of the canyon rim.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Size: M
🚁Closest Airport: Cortez Municipal Airport (KCEZ)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐ (High Altitude)
Verdict: The famous "Cliff Dwellings" are almost always flat textures on the wall. You cannot fly into the caves; they look painted on.
Description: The Park covers over 52,000 acres - With its well preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings & includes Cliff Palace as a POI.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Mesa Verde’s high-desert plateau and deep canyons are home to several species that you can encounter in the "Living World":
Mule Deer: Very common on the mesa tops and near the park entrance.
Coyotes: Often spotted in the brush-heavy areas between the canyons.
Wild Turkeys: A specific addition to this region in the sim; you can find them near the Morefield Campground area.
Horses: You can occasionally see "trespass horses" (feral horses) roaming the roads near the Wetherill Mesa.
Golden Eagles: Often seen soaring above the canyon rims near Sun Point Overlook.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Packwood Airport (55S)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Helicopter Ready)
Verdict: Usually a "star" of the simulator. The massive standalone mountain has incredible custom mesh and texture details.
Description: The park covers 236,381 acres and includes Mt Rainier a stratovolcano that is 14,410 feet tall - Huge glacial system with stunning scenery.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Rainier is one of the most biodiverse "Living World" zones in the sim. Because the park has three distinct life zones (forest, subalpine, and alpine), the animal spawns change as you climb:
Mountain Goats: The most iconic sighting. These are often found above 5,000 feet on rocky ledges and alpine slopes, particularly around First Burroughs and Skyscraper Pass.
Black Bears: Frequently spotted in the transition zones between forest and meadow. Sunrise and the Paradise overflow parking areas are actually "consistent" spots for bear sightings in-sim.
Roosevelt Elk: Large herds roam the lower-elevation forests, particularly from the Carbon River to the Ohanapecosh area.
Marmots: Often found sunbathing on boulders in the subalpine meadows near Paradise. If you land and use "Walk Mode," listen for their distinct "whistle."
Cascade Red Fox: A rare find! In the sim, they are most likely to spawn at dawn or dusk near the visitor centers.
🌍View on Map🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Monument Valley Airport (UT25) - Highly recommended: 🛩️ Vincent Bazillio's Freeware version 🛩️
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Helicopter Ready)
Verdict: Iconic. Most modern sims give this "hero" treatment with custom 3D models for the Mittens that you can fly around.
Description: Part of the Navajo Nation it's a tribal park - Includes the Mittens & Merrick Butte, John Ford’s Point, Totem Pole & Yei Bi Chei.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The desert in MSFS 2024 is surprisingly active. While you won't see the dense herds of the Rocky Mountains, keep an eye out for:
Wild Horses: Small bands of feral horses roam the sandy valley floor between the buttes. They are best spotted near the "Scenic Loop" road.
Coyotes: These are harder to see from a plane, but if you land at the Monument Valley airstrip and use Walk Mode, they can be found near the shrubbery.
Bison (Occasional): While not native to the immediate valley floor today, bison herds sometimes spawn in the surrounding high-desert plateaus as part of the sim's regional "Desert Biome" logic.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Size: XL
🚁Closest Regional: Bellingham International Airport (KBLI)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: The "American Alps" are jagged and dramatic, looking fantastic from the cockpit of a cub, even if snow textures can sometimes look repetitive.
Description: The park covers over 500,000 acres and includes over 300 glaciers, deep valleys and jagged peaks - also know as the American Alps.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" here is very active, especially in the valleys and alpine meadows:
Mountain Goats: These are the most iconic sightings in the North Cascades. Look for them on the steep, rocky ridges near Sahale Mountain and Cascade Pass.
Black Bears: Frequently found in the berry-rich meadows of the Heather-Maple Pass Loop.
Mule Deer: Often seen near the Skagit River and around the Newhalem visitor center area.
Bald Eagles: Look for these near the water, particularly along the Skagit River and Ross Lake.
Hoary Marmots: While small, these "whistle pigs" are programmed to spawn in the rocky alpine tundra areas. You'll likely need to use Walk Mode or the Drone Camera to spot them near hiking trails.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XXL
🚁Closest Regional: William R. Fairchild International Airport (KCLM)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (General Aviation)
Verdict: A mix of everything. The mountains are great, but the rainforests are often just dense generic trees.
Description: The park covers nearly 1 million acres and includes glacier-capped mountains, temperate rainforests with stunning views all around.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The park's unique geography makes for some specific animal sightings:
Roosevelt Elk: Named after the park's namesake, these are the stars of the show. You’ll find them in the lush Hoh Rain Forest and the Quinault Valley. In the sim, they tend to gather near the riverbeds where the canopy opens up.
Black Bears: Often spotted near Hurricane Ridge or the high alpine meadows during the summer season in-sim.
Mountain Goats: These are usually found on the steep, craggy peaks of the Olympic Mountains, specifically around Mount Olympus and Mount Anderson.
Whales and Sea Lions: If you fly along the coast near La Push or Ruby Beach, MSFS 2024's new marine life system can spawn orcas or whales in the cold Pacific waters.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Boulder Muni (KBDU)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: High elevation flying at its best. Trail Ridge Road is a great visual guide to follow from the air.
Description: Includes Bear Lake, Longs Peak & Trail Ridge Road and covers 415 square miles of breath taking scenery - Close to Denver, Colorado.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in Colorado is incredibly dense. Look for these species while flying low over the valleys:
Elk (Wapiti): You will find the largest herds in Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park. In the sim, they are most active during "dawn" or "dusk" settings.
Bighorn Sheep: These are often located near the Sheep Lakes area in Horseshoe Park (near the north entrance). You can also find them on the steep granite cliffs near Milner Pass.
Moose: Look specifically in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park. They are usually found near the willow thickets and the headwaters of the Colorado River.
Marmots & Pikas: These are smaller "ground-level" animals. You likely won't see them from a plane, but if you land a helicopter on the tundra near the Alpine Visitor Center and go into walk mode, you can spot them in rocky crevices.
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Lone Pine (O26)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (General Aviation)
Verdict: Similar to Kings Canyon—great terrain shape, but the specific "Giant" trees are rarely modeled individually, making it look like a standard forest.
Description: This Park covers over 400,000 acres and is home to the giant Sequoia trees inc. the General Sherman Tree - Mount Whitney is it's highest peak.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Sequoia shares many of its "Living World" spawns with neighboring Yosemite, but because of its higher elevation peaks and dense groves, you’ll find:
American Black Bears: Frequently found in the Giant Forest area. If you use the "Walk" mode around the lodge areas, keep an eye out near the thickets.
Mule Deer: Very common in the meadows, specifically Crescent Meadow (often called the "Gem of the Sierras").
Bighorn Sheep: These are rarer but can be spotted on the rocky, high-altitude slopes near Mount Whitney or the Mineral King valley.
Mountain Lions & Bobcats: Though very reclusive in the sim's logic, they are programmed to spawn in these rugged forest biomes.
🌍View on Map🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Size: M
🚁Closest Airport: Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (KDIK)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (General Aviation)
Verdict: Beautiful rolling prairies, but lacks the dramatic verticality that makes for "wow" moments in a flight sim.
Description: The park covers 70,446 acres and includes rugged Badlands & rolling prairies - The Little Missouri River winds through the park offering stunning views.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
American Bison: You will find large herds primarily in the South Unit. They are often clustered near the Little Missouri River and the Plateau areas.
Feral Horses: These are a unique feature of the park's South Unit. In MSFS 2024, they appear as small bands roaming the open grasslands. Look for them along the Scenic Loop Drive.
Prairie Dogs: If you use the "Walk" mode or fly a drone very low near the park entrances, you can find the "Prairie Dog Towns." These are designated areas where the ground is covered in small mounds and active critters.
🌍View on Map🛩️Flight Experience page
Size: XXL
🚁Closest Airport: West Yellowstone Airport (KWYS)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: The Grand Prismatic Spring looks incredible from the air (great colors), but Old Faithful is usually just a flat patch of ground unless you have visual effects mods.
Description: At 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho it includes the Old Faithful geyser & Grand Prismatic Spring.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
Yellowstone features some of the highest concentrations of fauna in the sim:
American Bison: You will see large herds of these, especially in the Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley. They are the most common animals to find and are often modeled in groups of 10–20.
Grizzly & Black Bears: Typically found in more forested or rocky areas like the Tower-Roosevelt region.
Elk (Wapiti): Look for these near Mammoth Hot Springs.
Wolves: Harder to spot, but players have reported seeing them in the Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk (the "golden hour" in the sim).
Bald Eagles: You can often see them circling near the park's various fire lookouts (like Mt. Holmes) or along the Yellowstone River.
Highly Recommended Pay-ware Add-on: CLi4D Designs WATERFALLS OF YELLOWSTONE
🌍View on Map 🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Size: XL
🚁Closest Airport: Mariposa (KMPI) - Highly recommended: 🛩️ Vincent Bazillio's Freeware version 🛩️
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Helicopter Ready)
Verdict: A masterpiece of verticality. El Capitan and Half Dome are usually custom modeled, allowing for thrilling proximity flying.
Description: The park covers 759,620 acres and includes Glacier Point, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Tioga Pass & High Sierra.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The most common animals you will encounter while flying "low and slow" or using the new walkabout mode are:
Black Bears: These are the most iconic residents. In the sim, they are often found near the edges of meadows like Leidig Meadow or Ahwahnee Meadow.
Mule Deer: Very common in the valley floor. You can often see small herds grazing in the open spaces between the pine forests.
Coyotes: These can sometimes be spotted near the Merced River or in the quieter parts of the valley.
Bighorn Sheep: These are typically found at much higher elevations. If you fly your helicopter up toward the rocky slopes near Tioga Pass or the peaks above 10,000 feet, you may spot them on the cliffs.
Highly Recommended Pay-ware Add-on: CLi4D Designs YOSEMITE VALLEY
🌍View on Map🛩️Flight Experience page 🏞️Hi-Res Terrain Coverage Map
Credit to @SlabsFly for the brilliant idea to rate this list!
Credit to @johnwhite92 for the brilliant idea to add Fauna to the National Parks!
Size: L (High-altitude Southern Alps)
🚁Closest Airport: Mount Cook (NZMC) or Glentanner (NZGT)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (World Update XII: Oceania)
Verdict: The "Himalayas of the South." Home to the tallest peak in Australasia.
Description: A masterpiece of glacial carving. The Tasman Glacier and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki provide a stunning approach. The sim captures the sharp, literal "razor-edge" ridges of Aoraki perfectly, especially during the golden hour when the peaks glow orange.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is defined by the rugged Southern Alps and its braided river systems. In MSFS 2024, the fauna here is a mix of endemic alpine birds and introduced mammals that have adapted to the harsh, high-altitude environment:
Kea (Alpine Parrot): These are the stars of the "high country." As the world's only alpine parrot, they are highly social and inquisitive. You can find them near Mount Cook Village and perched on the railings of the Hooker Valley Track bridges. In "Walk Mode," keep an eye out for their olive-green feathers and the flash of bright orange under their wings when they take flight.
Black Stilt (Kakī): One of the rarest wading birds in the world. They are concentrated in the braided riverbeds of the Tasman Valley. From a slow-flying bush plane, look for small, dark shapes near the water's edge against the gray silt and blue glacial water.
Himalayan Tahr: These large, shaggy-haired wild goats are the masters of the "cliffs." You can spot them on the precipitous rocky slopes of the Sealy Range. Their dark coats stand out against the light-colored limestone and snow, making them easier to spot from a drone or helicopter.
Chamois: Similar to the Tahr but smaller and more agile, these are often found near the Mueller Glacier moraines. They prefer the transition zones between the subalpine scrub and the open scree slopes.
New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea): Often seen soaring at high speeds through the Tasman and Hooker Valleys. Unlike the larger eagles found in other regions, these are smaller but extremely aggressive flyers—keep a lookout for them while navigating the narrow valley corridors.
Sheep: While technically outside the primary alpine peaks, massive flocks of sheep populate the Mackenzie Basin leading into the park. As you fly toward NZMC (Mount Cook Aerodrome), the paddocks will be dotted with thousands of moving white specks.
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Size: L (Massive glaciers and peaks)
🚁Closest Airport: Annecy (LFLP) or Sallanches (LFHZ)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (TIN Detailed)
Verdict: The highest peak in Europe. It’s the "Mount Rainier" of France.
Description: This is part of the "French Alps" TIN update. The town of Chamonix and the massive glaciers flowing off Mont Blanc have incredible 3D detail.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in the Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve is centered on the sharp contrast between the massive glaciers and the high-altitude rocky plateaus. In MSFS 2024, this area is a premier spot for high-alpine "Planet Zoo" assets:
Alpine Ibex (Bouquetin): These are the true residents of the vertical faces. You’ll find them in high concentrations within the Aiguilles Rouges, particularly near Lac Blanc. Look for the large, curved horns of the males perched on rocky outcrops overlooking the Chamonix valley.
Chamois: More elusive and faster than the Ibex, these goat-antelopes frequent the Mer de Glace moraines and the steep slopes of Le Brévent. They often move in small groups and can be seen skipping across scree slopes.
Alpine Marmots: These are the ground-level stars of the mountain pastures. They are highly active near the Planpraz plateau. If you land a helicopter or a STOL plane like the Savage Cub, enter "Walk Mode" near grassy hummocks to see them popping in and out of their burrows.
Bearded Vultures (Gypaète Barbu): One of the rarest sights in the sim. These massive birds have been reintroduced to the region. Look for their distinct silhouette—huge wingspans and diamond-shaped tails—soaring near the sheer cliffs of the Aiguille du Midi.
Golden Eagles: Frequently seen patrolling the thermal currents above the Col des Montets. They are often modeled in pairs; if you spot one, scan the nearby ridges for its mate.
Red Deer: Most active in the lower, forested zones near Les Houches. During early morning or dusk flights, look for them at the edge of the larch forests as they move toward the valley floor to graze.
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Size: L (The "Northern Alps" of Japan)
🚁Closest Airport: Matsumoto (RJAF) or Toyama (RJNT)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (World Update VII: Japan)
Verdict: The "Yosemite of Japan." Rugged granite peaks meet lush river valleys.
Description: This park features the famous Hida Mountains. Thanks to Japan’s photogrammetry updates, Kamikochi Valley and the "Snow Wall" of Murodo look spectacular. The jagged peaks of Mount Hotaka offer some of the most dramatic vertical relief in Asia.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in the Northern Japanese Alps is centered around the Kamikochi Valley and the high-altitude peaks like Mt. Yarigatake. In MSFS 2024, the fauna here is uniquely adapted to the heavy snowfall and dramatic elevation changes:
Japanese Macaque (Snow Monkey): These are the true stars of the Japanese Alps. Look for them in the Kamikochi Valley near the Azusa River. They often appear in large social groups. In "Walk Mode," you can see them interacting near the hot springs or climbing the larch trees.
Japanese Serow: A "Special National Monument" of Japan. These goat-antelopes are often found on the steep, rocky slopes of Mt. Hotaka. They are solitary and stationary compared to the monkeys, making them look like small gray-brown boulders until you get close.
Rock Ptarmigan: Known as the "Messenger of the Gods," these birds live in the alpine belt above 2,500m. Their plumage changes with the seasons in the sim; look for white feathers against the snow in winter or mottled brown during the summer on the ridges of Mt. Shirouma.
Asiatic Black Bears: While elusive, they are modeled in the dense beech and oak forests of the lower valleys. Flying "low and slow" over the Hida Mountains at dawn may reveal one foraging near a clearing.
Red-Flanked Bluetail & Japanese Robin: The park is a birdwatcher's paradise. Small, brightly colored birds are active around the Taisho-ike Pond. These are best viewed by landing at a nearby helipad and exploring on foot.
Eurasian Jay: Frequently seen (and heard) in the coniferous forests. Their blue wing-patches are a distinct flash of color against the deep greens of the Japanese pine trees.
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Size: L (The "High Alps" of the Dauphiné)
🚁Closest Airport: Grenoble (LFLS) or Gap-Tallard (LFNB)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (World Update IV: France & Benelux)
Verdict: The wild, untamed heart of the French Alps. Glacial giants and deep, narrow "v-shaped" valleys.
Description: Located in the Isère and Hautes-Alpes departments, this park is home to the Barre des Écrins, the southernmost 4,000m peak in the Alps. In the sim, the terrain mesh captures the sheer ferocity of the Meije massif and the sprawling Glacier de la Girose. Unlike the tourist-heavy Mont Blanc massif, the Écrins offers a more isolated, rugged flying experience characterized by dramatic ridge lines and the iconic turquoise waters of Lac de Serre-Ponçon nearby.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in Écrins National Park is concentrated in the wild, undeveloped valleys and the high-alpine rock faces of the French Alps. Because this area is a biodiversity hotspot, you will find a dense variety of species ranging from large raptors to nimble mountain goats:
Alpine Ibex: These are the stars of the "high peaks." Look for them specifically near the Barre des Écrins (the park's highest point). They prefer the rocky regions along the snow line above the alpine forests.
Chamois: The "equilibrist" of the Alps. They are often spotted in the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys. They are faster and more skittish than the Ibex, frequently seen sprinting across rugged, rocky terrain when approached by a low-flying aircraft.
Golden Eagles: The masters of the Alpine skies. In MSFS 2024, they are often seen soaring on thermals near cliff faces. Their nests are modeled on high ridges, making them a prime target for "World Photographer" missions.
Bearded Vultures: These massive scavengers are a rare but spectacular sight. Look for them in deep canyons or near carcasses on the mountain slopes.
Alpine Marmots: These "mischievous" ground squirrels are highly concentrated in the mountain pastures. To see them properly, land your plane at Saint-Crépin (LFNC) and take a "Walk Mode" excursion into the nearby alpine lawns.
Wolves: While extremely rare and mostly active at dawn or dusk, wolves have been reintroduced to the Écrins. They are most likely to be found in the densely forested sections of the lower valleys where they hunt roe deer and chamois.
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🚁Closest Airport: Bovec (LJBO)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bush Plane)
Verdict: The Julian Alps are incredibly jagged. Bovec airport sits right in a deep valley, making for a challenging and scenic takeoff.
Description: Features Mount Triglav and the emerald-green Soča River. It’s a bush-flyer’s paradise with plenty of narrow valleys to navigate.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in the Julian Alps of Slovenia is concentrated around the jagged limestone peaks and the emerald waters of the Soča River. In MSFS 2024, the fauna here represents the quintessential European alpine ecosystem, with several species specifically reintroduced to this region:
Alpine Ibex: These are the stars of the "high walls." Reintroduced to the Zadnjica Valley in the 1960s, you can now spot them on the precipitous rock faces around Mount Triglav itself. Look for them standing motionless on narrow ledges at dawn.
Chamois: The most common inhabitant of the park's rocky terrain. They are often found in the Seven Lakes Valley (Triglavska jezera). Unlike the Ibex, Chamois are frequently seen in small groups (herds) and will scatter quickly if you buzz them with a low-flying bush plane.
Alpine Marmots: These burrowers are highly active in the mountain meadows and scree slopes. If you land your STOL aircraft on a high plateau, use "Walk Mode" to spot them near their tunnels. They are particularly active during the summer months before their deep winter hibernation.
Red Deer: These large mammals prefer the "ecotone"—the edge where the dense spruce forests meet open meadows. Look for them in the Pokljuka Plateau region. They are most visible at sunset when they emerge from the shadows to graze.
Golden Eagles: The apex predators of the Slovenian skies. You’ll often find them circling the thermals near the Vršič Pass. In the sim, they are known to occasionally "shadow" slower aircraft, providing a great opportunity for a screenshot.
Brown Bears: While extremely rare and shy, Slovenia has one of the highest bear densities in Europe. They are modeled in the dense, wild forests of the lower Trenta Valley. Spotting one is a "jackpot" moment for any MSFS 2024 wildlife photographer.
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Size: L (Expansive lake and alpine region)
🚁Closest Airport: Buochs (LSZC)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Upgraded TIN)
Verdict: The mix of 3D alpine towns and the sheer rock faces reflecting in the water is unbeatable.
Description: New data in MSFS 2024 has significantly upgraded the TIN coverage around the Swiss and Austrian lakes, providing unbeatable reflection and rock face detail.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" around Lake Lucerne (Switzerland) and Lake Constance (Bodensee, bordering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) shifts from the high-altitude alpine specialists to the rich pastoral and aquatic life of the European lowlands.
Alpine Cattle (Swiss Brown & Simmental): These are the ubiquitous residents of the rolling hills around Mt. Rigi and the Appenzell region. In MSFS 2024, you'll see them in massive clusters. Look for them in the grassy clearings above Weggis; their detailed 3D models even include the iconic Swiss cowbells.
Mute Swans & Waterfowl: Concentrated near the shorelines of Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge and the reed beds of Lake Constance (near the Rhine Delta). While small from a cockpit, they add incredible immersion when you land a floatplane on the glassy water and use "Walk Mode."
Horses (Haflingers & Warmbloods): Frequently found in the paddocks surrounding the St. Gallen area and the northern shores of Lake Constance near Friedrichshafen. They are often animated to run in small circles when your aircraft passes low overhead.
European Roe Deer: Most active in the mixed forests of the Bregenz Forest (Austria) at the eastern tip of Lake Constance. They typically haunt the "edge" zones where the woods meet the vineyards and orchards.
Red-Crowned Cranes & Migratory Birds: Lake Constance is a major European bird migration hub. Keep an eye out for flocks of birds near the Wollmatinger Ried nature reserve; these are some of the most densely populated avian zones in the simulator.
Sheep: Scattered across the hilly peninsula of Lindau and the lower slopes of Mt. Pilatus. In the sim, they are often found in groups of 20–30, appearing as small white dots that resolve into detailed woolly models as you descend.
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🚁Closest Airport: Belluno (LIDB)
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Helicopter Ready)
Verdict: The Dolomites are arguably the most beautiful mountains in the sim. The vertical rock faces (like Tre Cime di Lavaredo) have high-fidelity mesh that holds up even when you're flying 50ft away.
Description: Stunning limestone peaks and deep green valleys. A "must-fly" for anyone who loves the Alps.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in the Dolomites is concentrated within the high-altitude pastures (Alpe) and the sheer limestone verticalities of the UNESCO heritage peaks:
Alpine Ibex: These are the stars of the "vertical world." You can spot them defying gravity on the precipitous cliffs of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Sella Massif. Their gray-brown coats blend into the rock, so look for movement on the ledges.
Alpine Marmots: Highly concentrated in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. While difficult to see from the cockpit, if you land a STOL aircraft on the high meadows and use "Walk Mode," you can see them scurrying near their burrows in the grassy slopes.
Golden Eagles: Often seen soaring on thermals near the Rosengarten (Catinaccio) group. They provide a unique challenge for "World Photographer" missions as they are one of the few animated aerial species in the region.
Chamois: Similar to the Ibex but more common in the forested transition zones and lower scree slopes. Look for them in the early morning near the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park.
Haflinger Horses & Alpine Cattle: Massive herds dominate the Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). From the air, the chestnut coats of the Haflingers and the bells of the dairy cattle create a dense, "living" carpet across Europe’s largest high-altitude meadow.
Red Deer: Most active at dawn and dusk within the dense larch and fir forests surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Val di Fassa.
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Size: L (The canyon itself is about 25km long)
🚁Closest Airport: Puimoisson (LFTP) – This is a legendary glider and bush-trip airfield.
Sim Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Helicopter & Glider Ready)
Verdict: The "Grand Canyon of Europe." The turquoise water of the Verdon River and the sheer 700m limestone cliffs are a masterpiece in the sim. It is a world-famous spot for gliding due to the incredible ridge lift.
Description: Located in southeastern France, the park features the deepest canyon in Europe. From the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix to the dizzying heights of the "Sublime Point," it offers some of the most dramatic low-level flying in the world.
Fauna: Wildlife to Look For in (MSFS 2024)
The "Living World" in the Gorges du Verdon is dominated by some of the most impressive aerial and cliff-dwelling species in Europe. Because of the canyon's unique limestone architecture, you’ll find the fauna concentrated along the vertical faces and the turquoise waters of the Verdon River:
Griffon Vultures: These are the undisputed "battleships of the sky" in the Verdon. With wingspans of nearly 3 meters, they are permanently present between the cliffs. Look for them soaring on thermals near the Route des Crêtes and the village of Rougon.
Chamois: These agile mountain goats are the stars of the "high cliffs." You can spot them navigating the impossible ledges near the Sentier Blanc-Martel. From the air, look for small, light-brown shapes moving against the gray limestone.
Golden Eagles: Often seen patrolling the narrower sections of the canyon. They are more solitary than the vultures and are frequently found near the Galetas Bridge where the canyon opens into Lake Sainte-Croix.
Wild Boar: Most active in the early morning or at dusk in the dense oak and pine forests on the Plateau de Valensole. They are harder to spot from high altitudes, so a low-level pass in a bush plane is your best bet.
Brown Trout: While the river is famous for its "celadon" green water, the shallow sections of the lower gorges feature animated fish populations. Landing a floatplane on Lake Sainte-Croix and using "Walk Mode" near the shore will allow you to see the aquatic life.
Ocellated Lizards: Europe’s largest lizard can be found on the sun-drenched rocky outcrops. These are tiny in the sim, so you'll definitely need to land and use "Walk Mode" near the Belvédère de l'Escalès to spot them sunbathing.
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Credit to @MeusMagister for the idea to add this International National/Regional list!
Credit to @johnwhite92 for the brilliant idea to add Fauna to the National Parks!
Credit to @SlabsFly for the brilliant idea to rate this list!
New Fauna section now completed!
Credit to @johnwhite92 for the brilliant idea to add Fauna to the National Parks!
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