12 Lesser-Known United States National Monuments Worth Visiting
National parks do get the lion’s share of attention, but the United States has more than 100 national monuments, each with a piece of history, geology, and culture of its own. Usually less crowded and no less awe-inspiring, these protected sites offer a more intimate view of the varied beauty of the country.
Below are 12 lesser-known national monuments from ancient ruins to surreal landscapes.
Bears Ears National Monument, Utah
Bears Ears is a national treasure with awe-inspiring red rock landscapes, one of the richest archaeological areas in the country, petroglyphs, and cliff dwellings. Many Native American tribes regard the monument as sacred and have maintained their heritage here for centuries. Rugged canyons and mesas are rooted deep in history and are educational for visitors.
Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
This Idaho volcanic landscape looks like a planet not entirely habitable: lava fields, cinder cones, and rare lava tubes. Moon Craters were formed from ancient volcanic eruptions, and hiking trails snake through rough terrain. At nigh lie under star-speckled skies and gaze at the stars. In America’s backyard, it’s an otherworldly experience.
Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument
This monument of rock pinnacles and balanced rocks seems to defy gravity. The formations here were caused by surreal volcanic activity millions of years ago and are now known as the ‘Wonderland of Rocks’ and include a series of scenic hiking trails among the formations. It’s a must-visit, in terms of wildlife and landscapes.
New Mexico — Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
This diverse monument consists of rugged mountains, desert valleys, and petroglyph sites. Several trails travel through landscape rich in history from the ancient cultures and the Old West. Climb up the Organ Mountains and behold the dramatic beauty before you. Hiking, climbing, and gazing wildlife viewing are a paradise here.
South Dakota’s Jewel Cave National Monument
Hundreds of miles into the earth, the world’s longest cave, Jewel Cave, records its beauty in dazzling calcite crystals. Guided tours of the monument’s intricate tunnels, including hundreds of white bulbs of quartz or cactus growing on the walls, are available, where visitors can marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, sparkling crystal formations, and the lewdest legend of Las Vegas. Rolling plains under South Dakota hide an adventure below.
California Devils Postpile National Monument
This monument is a striking basalt column monument, near Mammoth Lakes, known for its unique hexagonal patterns of hardened ancient lava flows. The Rainbow Falls trail adds a little extra beauty. On sunny days the falls make rainbows in the mist. This natural masterpiece was named Devils Postpile and is a wonder in and off itself.
New Mexico El Morro National Monument
The sandstone bluff at El Morro contains centuries old petroglyphs and inscriptions of Spanish conquistadors, Native Americans, and pioneers. Its watery base made it a common stopping point for travelers who left their marks in the stone.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Nebraska
Remarkably well preserved prehistoric mammal fossils of ancient Rhinos and Beardogs from more than 20 million years ago are housed in this monument. Exhibits tell the region’s unique fossil history and display these fossils embedded in their natural formations. There are also prairie ecosystems full of wildflowers at the site.
Arizona – Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly blends stunning natural beauty with cultural importance, and is located within a portion of the Navajo Nation, as well. Ancient cliff dwellings and pictographs line these canyon walls fronted by remnants of thousands of years old civilizations. Navajo guides provide guided tours through the canyon’s history and native heritage.
Pompeys Pillar National Monument, Montana
This sandstone outcrop along the Yellowstone River holds the only physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition: Captain William Clark’s name. There are also other markings on the pillar from Native American tribes, trappers and early pioneers that go back to America’s early exploration days. The scenery on the surrounding trails is of the river.
Colorado & Utah, Hovenweep National Monument
Ancient Puebloan ruins, including towers, kivas and multi story buildings, are found at this lesser known site that straddles the Colorado-Utah border. Abandoned stone structures with a mystery aura are even more so in Hovenweep’s isolated desert setting. Visitors get a quiet, immersive experience via hiking trails that take them close to these ruins.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Arizona
This famous monument with its swirling rock formations and colored layers almost looks painted. The dramatic landscape of the region’s cliffs and rugged terrain are part of the draw to photographers and adventurous hikers. A permit is required to have access to the landscape’s beauty which is preserved for future generations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
