These 16 Magical Natural Wonders In America Are A Must-See
America’s landscapes are as varied as its people; from coasts to plains, it has hidden gems. Towering cliffs, and breathtaking desert vistas, the U.S. has a natural wonder for everyone. While these destinations are scenic, they have history, mystery, and inspiration that leave visitors awe-struck.
If you’re the type who’s into peaceful forests, breathtaking waterfalls, or those weird ethereal rock formations, America’s got some of the most beautiful sights on Earth for you to visit.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon was sculpted by the Colorado River and it has taken millions of years to make. Its layered rock formations showcase billions of years of Earth’s history. This 277-mile-long gorge is over a mile deep with countless vantage points like the South Rim.
Yosemite Valley, California
This valley sits tucked away in Yosemite National Park and features granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows. Climbers and photographers love landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome. Yosemite Falls, a North American giant, is also found in the valley. You feel like you’re stepping into a living postcard on a visit here.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
America’s first national park is an otherworldly landscape of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. The park’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful, erupts on schedule every 60 – 90 minutes. A trip to the park has to be an unforgettable trip with all the geothermal features and bison and elk herds that roam the park.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is three cascading waterfalls straddling the U.S.-Canada border. Its power, though, is humbling: 3,000 tons of water crash down every second. The Maid of the Mist boat tour has visitors getting up close to this iconic landmark and feeling its spray and roar.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Smokies are covered in misty fog and have rolling peaks, diverse plant life, and scenic trails. It’s the most visited national park in the U.S. and a haven for nature lovers and photographers. Especially enchanting is the region in autumn when the foliage of the area turns to a sea of red, orange, and gold.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
No place is like Bryce Canyon, because its hoodoos — rock spires that reach for the sky — are a vibrant orange and red. Frost and rain create a surreal almost alien landscape. It has dark skies and very little light pollution, making for top-notch stargazing.
Mount Denali, Alaska
Denali reaches 20,310 feet and tops as North America’s highest peak. Surrounded by Denali National Park, the mountain provides a pristine wilderness of glaciers, tundra, and wildlife, from grizzlies to caribou. Its summit is daring, but its beauty can be seen by many from below.
Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah
This iconic red sandstone landscape has been home to hundreds of movie and commercial shoots. The towering buttes and mesas of Monument Valley feel timeless and awe-inspiring. Navajo locals also lead guided tours into the area’s rich cultural and geological history.
Everglades, Florida
The Everglades is a unique subtropical ecosystem of mangrove swamps and marshes, and home to endangered species such as the Florida panther. Alligators are among the diverse wildlife seen with an up close and personal view on an airboat ride. The Everglades are also important to water filtration and flood control for South Florida.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
A natural sculpture, this slot canyon has smooth, wave-like sandstone walls that glow in shades of orange and red when the sun shines through them and it’s located on Navajo land so the best way to explore it is with a local guide. With narrow passageways and constantly changing light these are a photographer’s dream.
Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake, with its deep, blue, and crystal clear waters, was formed from a collapsed volcano. At nearly 2,000 feet, it’s the deepest lake in the U.S. and visitors can hike around its rim or take a boat tour to Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone within the lake.
Arches National Park, Utah
A world-famous geological wonder, this park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The most famous formation, Delicate Arch, is a symbol of Utah’s rugged beauty. Mesmerizing views of sunset hues that tinge the rocks golden are also the best of what these hikes offer.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
With over 400 miles of explored passages, Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system. Understanding intricate formations, underground rivers, and the history of cave exploration from the days of early discovery are revealed on guided tours. This is about as subterranean an adventure as you’re going to get.
Badlands, South Dakota
It’s a rugged terrain of layered rock formations and grassy plains, that just feels like another planet. The soil of the Badlands is rich with fossils as ancient mammal remains are buried in it. It’s also home to wildlife like bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, this alpine lake is a year-round destination. Its summer brings swimming and kayaking in its crystal clear waters, and its winter draws ski resort aficionados. An impressive 71.9 feet is the average clarity found in Lake Tahoe by UC Davis research.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
This park on the Big Island is where you can see Earth’s raw power. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are two active volcanoes and visitors may see molten lava flows and new land. Lush rainforests coexist with barren lava fields and all are explored against the park’s dramatic panorama.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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