natural tourist attractions in north america

Top 10 Natural Wonders in North America

Natural wonders, characterized by their unique geological and environmental features and high value, range from waterfalls and canyons to geothermal features and national parks. This article explores ten of the greatest natural wonders within the richly diverse continent of North America.

What is North America?

Typically, “North America” refers to three countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. However, depending on the context, this geographic scope can extend further. The United Nations officially divides North America into three regions: North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. In casual discourse, however, Central America is often excluded from the scope of the term. In this article, “North America” will encompass Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the countries within the Caribbean.

An overview of North America’s natural wonders

North America’s natural wonders are as diverse as the continent itself, with unique geographic features. From the mighty Niagara Falls to the intricate Sistema Sac Actun cave system in Mexico, these awe-inspiring sites invoke a sense of wonder with their breathtaking beauty. The following sections provide an in-depth exploration of ten of the most magnificent showcases of Mother Nature’s work across the continent, highlighting their distinctive characteristics.

1. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA

Niagara Falls isn’t a single waterfall, but a group of three cascades situated along the U.S.-Canada border, between New York and Ontario. The most impressive of the three is the Canadian or Horseshoe Falls , located on the Canadian side. This waterfall, standing at 51 meters (170 feet) high and stretching approximately 820 meters (2,700 feet) from one end to the other, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Canada .

On the American side of the border, you’ll find the American Falls . Adjacent to these falls, separated by natural forces, lies a smaller waterfall known as the Bridal Veil Falls . The American Falls measure 34 meters (110 feet) in height and span 335 meters (1,100 feet) in length.

You might wonder, “What makes Niagara Falls so special? After all, the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela, reaches a staggering 979 meters (3212 meters) high, and the widest, Khone Falls in Laos, spans an impressive 10,783 meters (35,376 feet) ! However, the reality is, even the tallest waterfalls in the world appear as tiny rivulets when compared to the sheer volume of Niagara. Similarly, the world’s widest waterfalls are comparable in height only to river rapids.

Few waterfalls can boast both significant height and width like Niagara. Comparable examples might include Iguazu Falls in South America or Victoria Falls in Africa . What sets Niagara Falls apart from other remarkable waterfalls is its unique location in the heart of a bustling city. Typically, waterfalls of such magnitude are nestled in remote locations, surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Furthermore, Niagara Falls can be experienced in numerous ways: swimming under the cascades, tunneling through to the other side, watching the light shows or the fireworks, and taking a cable car ride, to name just a few attractions. For these reasons, Niagara Falls is not only one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, but also one of its most visited destinations.

2. Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. It presents a vast and visually compelling landscape characterized by towering cliffs and a vibrant array of colors etched into its ancient rocks. Its color spectrum changes throughout the day, culminating in a stunning sunset.

Stretching more than 275 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and reaching a depth of one mile, the Grand Canyon is unparalleled in the United States for its awe-inspiring beauty. Although it is not the steepest or longest canyon in the world , it is considered the most remarkable for its combination of scale, size, and beautifully colored landscape.

The Colorado River, the primary force behind the Grand Canyon’s formation, carved its way through the canyon roughly 17 million years ago. The river continues to shape the canyon today in an ongoing geologic evolution. Kayaking through the Colorado River provides a thrilling way to experience the canyon’s depths and is one of the top outdoor experiences in the US.

The Grand Canyon’s splendor can also be appreciated from above, thanks to numerous viewpoints. Mather Point , a short walk from the South Rim Visitor Center, is one of the park’s most popular overlooks. It provides an impressive introduction to the vastness of the Grand Canyon.

Beyond its geological marvels, the Grand Canyon also is also a paradise for waterfall enthusiasts. On the Havasupai Indian Reservation, adjacent to the Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can witness some of the world’s most stunning waterfalls. Whether it’s the crystal blue Havasu Falls or the green-blue Mooney Falls, these natural features are sure to captivate any visitor.

3. Geothermal features of Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park covers approximately 2.2 million acres, or 8,983 square kilometers (3,472 square miles), making it larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was not only the first national park in the United States but also in the world. Its establishment set a precedent, marking the first intentional preservation of natural wonders for future generations.

The park is situated over one of the world’s most active volcanic regions, known as the Yellowstone Caldera. Often referred to as a “supervolcano,” it’s one of the largest active volcanic systems globally. This system gives rise to the park’s iconic geothermal features.

Yellowstone National Park is home to an unparalleled collection of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles. Here, more than 10,000 hydrothermal features can be found, over 500 of which are geysers.

Old Faithful is perhaps the most famous geyser in the park and the world. This massive geyser can sometimes spew water up to 180 feet into the air. Remarkably predictable, Old Faithful typically erupts every 60-110 minutes. Its reliability is such that estimated eruption times are available online to help visitors plan their trip.

Another prominent geothermal feature is the Grand Prismatic Spring , the largest hot spring in the United States. It is known for its vibrant colors. Similarly colorful, but much smaller, is another hot spring in the park: Morning Glory Pool . Despite its size, it is no less visually striking.

4. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park in Canada is a stunning natural treasure, overflowing with wonders that could fill more than one country. As Canada’s first national park, it is the flagship of the nation’s park system. Spanning 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of stunning mountainous terrain, it’s nestled in the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. While the Rockies also house other spectacular national parks such as Kootenay, Yoho, and Jasper, Banff National Park maintains its distinct allure.

Banff National Park hosts some of the most beautiful lakes in Canada , and arguably, the world. There are numerous lakes within the park, but two stand out as natural marvels – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake . Both are among the most recognizable landmarks in Canada , boasting stunning turquoise waters set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Other noteworthy lakes include Lake Minnewanka – the longest lake in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies, and Peyto Lake – renowned for its incredibly bright turquoise waters.

Glaciers further enhance the remarkable beauty of Banff National Park. The park is home to over 1,000 glaciers. A popular area for viewing glaciers is the Plain of Six Glaciers , where visitors can see several glaciers, including Lefroy Glacier, Pope’s Peak Glacier, and Aberdeen Glacier. A teahouse at the end of the Plain of Six Glaciers trail makes it a popular hiking destination. The Columbia Icefield , another well-known glacier, is one of the largest icefields in the Rocky Mountains. Although it is primarily located in Jasper National Park, it feeds eight major glaciers, including the renowned Athabasca Glacier.

There’s no shortage of natural wonders to discover in Banff National Park. From Johnston Canyon , which offers a serpentine hiking trail traversing bridges over rushing creeks and leading to two cascading waterfalls down steep cliff walls, to Sulphur Mountain that provides incredible bird’s-eye views of the town of Banff and the surrounding valley, Banff is a cornucopia of awe-inspiring beauty.

5. Sistema Sac Actun, Mexico

Sistema Sac Actun, located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Its name is derived from the Yucatec Maya language and translates to “White Cave System.”

The system spans more than 347 kilometers (216 miles) and has more than 220 cenotes. Located near the beach town of Tulum, it is believed to hold secrets of the Mayan civilization, with some theorizing that the Mayans may have perceived this system as a gateway to the underworld.

The cenotes, or natural sinkholes, within the Sistema Sac Actun attract visitors for all over the world due to their unique beauty and the opportunity to explore this extensive underwater cave system. Some of the most popular cenotes include Cenote Sac Actun , Cenote Dos Ojos , Gran Cenote , and Cenote Calavera . Cenote Dos Ojos is particularly famous. It consists of two connected sinkholes, giving it the name “Two Eyes”. The crystal-clear water, incredible underwater visibility, and unique rock formations make it one of most stunning places of the underwater world .

The exploration of the expansive Sistema Sac Actun began in 1987. In early 2007, it merged with the Sistema Nohoch Nah Chich, forming the world’s longest underwater cave system at the time. However, 2017 it was surpassed by the Sistema Ox Bel Ha , another system in Mexico.

Since 2007, these two underwater caves have regularly competed for the title of longest system. In 2018, a connection between Sac Actun and Dos Ojos was discovered , pushing Sac Actun back into the position of the largest underwater system in the world, with a total length of 347 kilometers (216 miles). However, a report by CINDAQ (Centro Investigador del Sistema Acuífero de Quintana Roo A.C.) in early 2023 revealed that the Ox Bel Ha system had once again surpassed the Sac Actun system, this time with a total length of 436 kilometers. These cave systems continue to be explored and mapped, indicating potential further shifts in ranking in the future.

6. Landforms of Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite National Park, located in central California, spans a vast expanse of wilderness covering approximately 1,200 square miles (3,108 square kilometers). Despite its immense popularity with tourists, the park remains a beautifully preserved testament to the wonders of the natural world. Yosemite is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, including stunning rock formations, captivating waterfalls, vast valleys, and serene bodies of water.

The park’s impressive rock formations serve as monuments to the immense power of nature. Over thousands of years, rivers and glaciers have cut through granite, carving Yosemite’s valleys and shaping its mountains and rock formations. These natural processes have led to the creation of Yosemite Valley’s two most iconic landmarks: Half Dome and El Capitan.

Rising nearly 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above the valley, Half Dome is a defining symbol of Yosemite. This famous formation resembles its namesake and looks like a rock dome that has been cut in half. El Capitan is another symbol of the park. At nearly 3,000 feet (914 meters) high, it is the tallest exposed vertical face of granite on Earth. These formations are especially popular with rock climbing enthusiasts . Although base jumping from the park’s cliffs has been banned since the 1970s, the thrill of the activity continues to attract adrenaline seekers.

Yosemite is also known for its abundance of waterfalls, which range in size from massive cascades to smaller ones that only appear during periods of significant snowmelt. The park’s most famous waterfall is Yosemite Falls . At 2,425 feet (740 meters), it is the tallest waterfall in North America and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world .

7. St. Lucia Island

St. Lucia is arguably the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands . Known for its stunning beaches, jaw-dropping Piton mountains, lush rainforests, and the world’s only drive-in volcano, the island is a true natural wonder.

The Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs that serve as the most iconic feature not only of St. Lucia but also of the entire Caribbean. The twin peaks—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—rise dramatically from the sapphire-blue waters of the Caribbean near the town of Soufrière. As a designated World Heritage Site, the Pitons, together with the surrounding Pitons Management Area, invariably take the breath away from every visitor. The location is particularly beloved by mountain climbers. Gros Piton, the taller of the two at 770 meters (2,619 feet), is paradoxically easier to climb. The smaller Petit Piton, standing at 749 meters (2,461 feet), presents a more challenging journey.

The Pitons undoubtedly constitute the primary wonder of St. Lucia, but the island also boasts the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs . This volcano is unique in that, instead of bearing a pointy cone shape, it has a cratered appearance and a road that leads directly into it. The moment you enter, you’ll notice that the volcano is very much active. Glowing steam emits from the ground, creating a spectacular sight. Nearby, the Sulphur Springs hosts a river that has created a natural mud bath. This mud bath attracts visitors from all over the world due to its detoxifying and healing properties.

With its abundance of scenic coastline, Saint Lucia is a paradise for beach lovers. Beaches of white, gold, and even black sand contrast sharply with the azure sea, creating picturesque spots for vacationers. Marigot Bay is considered the best beach on the island. The beach was also featured in the famous Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The Lady’s Slipper Rock Arch at Marigot Bay is the exact spot where Johnny Depp encounters the hanging skeletons of captured pirates in the first film.

While the island is covered in soft white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters, it also boasts an incredibly lush landscape. More than 70% of Saint Lucia is forested, and the country supports a rich variety of wildlife. These rainforests are particularly attractive to birdwatchers, hikers, and nature lovers.

8. Redwoods of Redwood National and State Parks, USA

Have you ever considered a tree as a wonder of nature? At first glance, trees may seem ordinary due to their abundance, but the Coast Redwoods, in particular, is a true marvel of the natural world. These are the tallest trees in the world , some reaching heights of 370 feet (112 metres)—taller than either Big Ben or the Statue of Liberty. The largest known Coast Redwood has a staggering volume of approximately 39,000 cubic feet, equivalent to the volume of 23 school buses. Furthermore, these trees exhibit remarkable longevity, with some living for over 2,000 years. Indeed, some extant Coast Redwoods date back to the era of the Roman Empire.

Interestingly, the world’s tallest tree species predominantly resides in California, one of the largest states in the USA. Northern California hosts a series of parks collectively referred to as the Redwood National and State Parks . These parks, which include Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, are home to approximately 45% of the world’s remaining old-growth redwoods.

The most famous among these majestic giants is the Hyperion , currently recognized as the tallest living tree on Earth. Discovered in 2006, Hyperion stands at a mind-boggling height of 379.7 feet (115.7 m). Another standout is the Corkscrew Tree , named for its unusual twisted shape, resembling a corkscrew. However, while admiring these natural wonders, one should not forget that sequoias are more than just trees; they form part of intricate ecosystems interacting with their environment. These ecosystems heavily rely on the presence and health of the redwoods to thrive.

9. Bay of Fundy, Canada

Imagine an area that is submerged by trillions of tones of water every day. It flows in relentlessly, flooding everything in its path, then recedes at an incredible speed, creating the largest whirlpools and eddies along the way. This dramatic fluctuation in water levels is the defining characteristic of the Bay of Fundy.

Known for the highest tides on Earth , the Bay of Fundy experiences a vertical tide range of up to 16 meters (approximately 54 feet). The force generated by these colossal tides is equivalent to the power of 8000 locomotives or 25 million horses. As the tide rises and falls, it creates an impressive sound known locally as the ‘Voice of the Moon’. Aptly named, this phenomenon is caused by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon. The tidal wave reaches its peak when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align—during the new or full Moon. The combined gravitational pulls of the Sun and Moon create a syzygy tide in which the water level rises twice a day, flooding the bay at high tide and receding at low tide.

The enormous volume of water rushing in and out of the Bay of Fundy has sculpted a spectacular landscape of rocks and sea caves. One of the most iconic features of the Bay of Fundy is the Hopewell Rocks . Also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, they are a popular tourist attraction due to their unique formations caused by tidal erosion. At low tide, visitors can stroll along the ocean floor to marvel at these extraordinary geological formations. Yet at high tide, they vanish beneath the water, transforming into tiny islands crowned with solitary trees, providing an excellent opportunity for canoeing or boating.

10. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago and an island country comprised of nearly 700 islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. Located in the western Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas cover an area of 10,000 square kilometers (3,860 square miles), where the splendor of nature is boundless. Beneath the turquoise waters, travelers will find natural wonders like the great Andros Barrier Reef, unique blue holes, and even a pink sand beach .

Running parallel to the east coast of Andros, the Andros Barrier Reef is one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Measuring approximately 300 km (190 miles) in length, the reef is home to a wide variety of marine life. It hosts more than 160 species of fish and coral, making it a favored destination for divers and snorkelers.

The Bahamas is also blessed with a record number of blue holes. These dark blue water circles are not gateways to a mystical underworld; rather, they are entrances to aquatic sinkholes and underwater caves. There are estimated to be more than 1,000 such caves in the Bahamas, with Dean’s Blue Hole being the most famous. At a depth of 202 meters (663 ft), it’s the world’s second deepest blue hole. The most spectacular thing about this blue hole is its surrounding beach, nestled within a natural rock amphitheater.

Beach enthusiasts will be captivated by the pink sand beach on Harbor Island. This beach is one of the most unique in the world, characterized by its distinctive pink sand. The sand’s almost indescribable pale pink color comes from microscopic coral insects known as foraminifera. Spanning about 3 miles (5 km) in length and around 100 feet (30 m) in width, Pink Sands Beach is distinctive among others. A unique feature of this beach is that the sand is always cool, inviting visitors to enjoy a leisurely barefoot stroll.

45 Natural Tourist Attractions & Wonders of America

Discover more than the natural 40 wonders of America with our comprehensive guide. Visit unforgettable destinations, from stunning national parks to incredible historic sites.

• Diverse Natural Marvels:
• Embark on a journey across the United States as we unveil 45 natural wonders, ranging from majestic landscapes and geological formations to breathtaking national parks, showcasing the incredible diversity of America's natural beauty.
• Iconic National Parks:
• Explore renowned national parks, such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite, delving into the unique features that make each park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
• Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasures:
• Shine a light on lesser-known but equally stunning attractions, revealing hidden gems that captivate with their beauty and offer a more secluded and intimate connection with nature.
• Outdoor Adventure Hotspots:
• Cater to outdoor enthusiasts by highlighting natural attractions that provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and other recreational activities, ensuring a thrilling experience for those seeking adventure.
• Conservation and Sustainability Focus:
• Discuss the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in preserving these natural wonders for future generations, encouraging readers to explore responsibly and contribute to protecting these precious environments.

More Than 40 Wonders of America

The USA is home to natural attractions worldwide; the  United States of America is surrounded by two oceans, bisected by the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, and is home to spectacular natural attractions like the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Thanks to the State and National Parks systems, beautiful natural attractions may be found in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. However, some natural attractions in the United States are worth going for and should be included on your bucket list.

These are among the best-known natural attractions in the USA. Aren't there any that you like? I can't even begin to name them all because there are so many. UNESCO has designated over a dozen national parks and natural wonders in the United States as World Heritage Sites, so you might also want to look at those.

In this travel guide, we will cover the top 45 natural attractions in the USA; every piece of content in this article is written by a travel expert who wants to share his passion for natural attractions, so prepare your coffee, and let's get started with:

• Yosemite National Park
• Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon - National Park Service
• Grand Canyon Village
• Redwood National and State Parks (U.S)
• The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
• Old Faithful, Yellowstone's Famous Geyser
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
• Hawaii Volcanoes
• Arches National Park (U.S)
• Acadia National Park (U.S)
• Crater Lake
• Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S)
• Rocky Mountain
• Columbia River Gorge
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Everglades National Park (U.S)
• Antelope Canyon
• Kilauea | U.S
• White Sands
• Devils Tower National Monument (U.S)
• Valley of Fire - Nevada State Parks
• Bryce Canyon
• Zion National Park (U.S)
• Niagara Falls State Park
• Carlsbad Caverns
• Luray Caverns
• Glacier National Park (U.S)
• Badlands National Park (U.S)
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• The Great Smoky Mountains
• Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S)
• Waimea Canyon State Park
• Mount Rainier
• Grand Teton - National Park
• Death Valley
• Mount Washington
• Hocking Hills State Park
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon
• Black Hills & Badlands
• Upper Falls - Powerful Waterfall on the Yellowstone River
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls
• Monument Rocks, the Chalk Pyramids – Kansas
• Hells Canyon National Recreation Area USA

1-Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a national park in the United States, located in California. The Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest border east and west. The National Park Service manages the park, which covers an area of 759,620 acres (1,187 square miles: 3,074 km2) and is located in four counties: " Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono, and Madera ". Yosemite was designated a UNESCO World Legacy Site in 1984 for its sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, pure streams, enormous sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological variety. Almost 95% of the park has been declared wilderness. Yosemite is one of Sierra Nevada's most significant and least fragmented habitat blocks, and the park is home to a diverse array of flora and animals.

The park's height ranges from 2,127 to 13,114 feet (648 to 3,997 meters). It is home to five distinct ecological zones: chaparral and oak woodlands, minor montane forest, higher montane forest, subalpine zone, and the alpine. Around half of California's 7,000 plant species are found in the Sierra Nevada, and more than a quarter are found in Yosemite.

The park provides habitat for over 160 uncommon species, with peculiar local geologic formations and specific soils defining the restricted areas that many of these plants inhabit. Granite rocks and relics of earlier rocks characterize Yosemite's geology.

The Sierra Nevada was elevated and subsequently tilted approximately 10 million years ago, resulting in the mild western slopes and the more dramatic eastern slopes. As a result of the uplift, stream, and river banks became steeper, resulting in profound, slim canyons. Around one million years ago, snow and ice collected in the higher alpine meadows, generating glaciers that drifted down river valleys. During the early glacial event, There may have been ice as thick as 4,000 feet in Yosemite Valley. (1,200 meters).

The ice masses' downslope migration carved and molded the U-shaped valley that attracts many visitors today for its stunning panoramas.

2-The Grand Canyon

Visit the Grand Canyon's northern rim, home to one of its most breathtaking sights. The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim has been a part of this picturesque location since 1928 and offers a variety of cabin and motel room options for your next visit. When you visit us for your next holiday, take advantage of all that the canyon and lodge have to offer. The Grand Canyon's most popular section is the South Rim.

Read Also: Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon 2024

Compared to the North Rim's 8,500 feet, the South Rim's 7,000 feet of elevation makes for some exhilarating descents, and the opposing cliff's intricate red-rock stairs appear like an enormous orange IMAX in front of you. If you're up for the challenge, the South Rim's hiking trails will repay your time and energy. At the very least, check out the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails.

NORTH RIM allows you to enjoy a peaceful stroll. Only 10% of the park's approximately 5 million yearly visitors get it to this section of the Grand Canyon, making it less developed and more serene. Misanthropes will love this! If you want to combine a trip to Bryce, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Parks, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a great place to start. Hike the North Kaibab Trail or one of the short trails near the views. Most services at the North Rim shut down from mid-October to mid-May, but if the route hasn't been closed by snow, you might be able to travel there in the off-season.

Early spring through late October is the peak season for lodging, campgrounds, and guides. Be prepared.

3-The Grand Canyon - National Park

is the fifteenth national park established in the United States. The Grand Canyon is the park's centerpiece, a gorge formed by the Colorado River, sometimes called one of the World's Wonders. The park, which encompasses 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 square miles: 4,926.08 km2) of unorganized land in Coconino and Mohave counties, attracted more than six million recreational visitors in 2017, ranking it second among all American national parks behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In 1979, UNESCO proclaimed the Grand Canyon a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On February 26, 2019, the park will commemorate its centennial. After railroads were completed and pioneers developed infrastructure and early tourism, the Grand Canyon became well-known to Americans in the 1880s. 

4-The Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon National Park, the Kaibab National Forest Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument, Hualapai, Havasupai, and Navajo Nation encompass the canyon and its neighboring rim. President Theodore Roosevelt strongly supported the Grand Canyon area's preservation and visited it multiple times to hunt and enjoy the grandeur.

The Colorado River and its branches exposed over two billion years of Earth's geological history when they censored their channels over layer after layer of rock as the Colorado Plateau was raised. While geologists disagree on critical details of the canyon's formation, several recent studies support that the Colorado River carved its path through the area approximately 5 to 6 million years ago. Since then, the Colorado River has pushed the tributaries and cliffs down, simultaneously deepening and enlarging the canyon.

5-Redwood National State Parks (U.S)

Redwood National and State Parks are a collection of four parks in northern California, one of which is a national park and the other three jointly maintained. The United RNSP contains 139,000 acres (560 km2) of old-growth temperate rainforests, including Redwood National Park (created in 1968) and California State Parks: Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek (dating from the 1920s). At a total of 38,982 acres, in the four parks in Del Norte & Humboldt Counties forty-five percent of the remaining coast redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ) (157.75 km2).

These trees are some of the largest and oldest on the planet. There are 37 miles (60 km) of pristine shoreline, various native plant and animal life, and grassland prairie. Social elements are also protected, as are sections of rivers and streams.

6-The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. from November through April and 5:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May through October. Here, the pinon-juniper forests of the American Southwest mix with Great Plains grasslands, and the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak – America's Mountain – rises above the landscape.

With its 300 million years of geological history, the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs offers one of the most comprehensive portraits of Earth's past anywhere in the country. It's a natural wonder.

7-Old Faithful, Yellowstone's Famous Geyser

Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin is home to the park's most famous geyser, Old Faithful. To help visitors better understand the geyser's behavior, a ranger station monitors the eruption's start time, height, and duration to predict when the next one will occur. With a range of 100-180 feet, Old Faithful is typically around 130-140 feet tall. In the past, its height has been measured in this range.

Read Also: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone 2024

On average, eruptions commonly last between 1.5 and 5 minutes. Old Faithful in Yellowstone, the world's most famous geyser, erupts roughly 20 times daily.

Based on the preceding eruption's duration and height, these eruptions can be forecast with a 90% confidence level and a 10-minute variation. After hours, geyser forecasts and statistics are kept by the naturalist crew. Observation, timing with a stopwatch, and recording findings in a logbook are the best methods for accomplishing this.

8-Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

The 17-mile circular route has regenerated and now accepts only five automobiles per hour, under the NNDOH's 50% residence limit at all tribal park conveniences. With the Winter hours in force, we want to remind all tourists that all entrances are on a " First Come, First Served " basis. Due to the rocky terrain, watch for all low-level vehicles. We request that you anticipate longer wait times and harsh weather.

Follow all signage, remain on the approved route, and stay hydrated and safe. Our primary concern is for the protection of our citizens. It is one of the planet's most gorgeous – and photographed – locations.

This magnificent valley is home to sandstone marvels that soar to 400 to 1,000 feet and are framed by gorgeous clouds that send graceful shadows on the desert floor. The sun's perspective highlights these exquisite patterns, creating awe-inspiring vistas. The environment is overwhelming, not only in terms of beauty but also in terms of scale.

The fragile rock pinnacles are flanked by miles of mesas and buttes, plants and trees, and windblown sand, all contributing to the valley's beautiful colors. All of this combines to provide a genuinely spectacular experience at Monument Valley. Take advantage of this lovely land.

9-Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, may be found in the park. One of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions, and a sacred location, is the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park. From the top of Maunaloa to the ocean, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spans 335,259 acres, or nearly 523 square miles (by comparison, the island of Oahu is 597 square miles). A tourist center, petroglyphs, Maunaloa (which last erupted in 1984), and Kilauea (which last erupted in 2018) are among the highlights of the region's 150-mile network of hiking trails (1983-2018). Many people call Kilauea " The only drive-in volcano in the world ".

Read Also: Best Time To See The Lava in Hawaii 2024

On any day, this active volcano would spew out enough lava to cover the surface of a 20-mile two-lane road. More than 875 acres of land have been added to the island of Hawaii since January 1983. UNESCO declared the park a World Biosphere Site in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987 to recognize the region's exceptional ecological variety.

10-Arches National Park (U.S)

Arches National Park is a United States national park located in eastern Utah. The park is located just north of Moab, Utah, about 4 miles north of the river. Delicate Arch is just one of many natural sandstone arches that can be seen in the park, along with other unique geological features and structures. This park has more natural arches than any other in the world.

For more than three-and-a-half million square feet (76,680 acres), the park is located on the Colorado Plateau and spans 310.31 square kilometers. Elephant Butte, the park's highest point, rises to a height of 5,653 feet (1,723 meters) while the visitor center, at 4,085 feet (1,245 meters), is the park's lowest point. The average yearly rainfall is below the 10-inch mark (254 millimeters).

On April 12, 1929, the National Park Service designated the area a national monument, and on November 12, 1971, it was renamed a national park. In 2018, around 1.6 million people visited the park. 

11-Acadia National Park (U.S)

This national park preserves the natural grandeur of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coast of the United States, a plethora of habitats, and a rich cultural history. It is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with an average of 3.5 million visitors annually. There are 27 miles of historic motorways, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads for visitors to explore.

On the coast of Maine, the United States, there is a spectacular national treasure known as the Isle au Haut. Natural beauty abounds no matter which vantage point you choose. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most popular parks in North America and the United States. Located on Mount Desert Island's northeastern coast, the little seaside town of Bar Harbor enjoys a special bond with the nearby Acadia National Park.

12-Crater Lake

Located in Southern Oregon's Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake National Park is home to the seventh-deepest lake in the world and the country's deepest lake. The caldera, or volcanic basin, where the 1,943-foot-depth lake is located, was shaped after the 12,000-foot-high Mount Mazama distorted 7,700 years ago after a massive eruption. To maintain its crystal-clear appearance, the lake relies on snowfall.

Mount Hood and Mount McKinley are the park's most prominent landmarks. The park's varying elevations provide various habitats for various creatures, making it an excellent outdoor classroom and laboratory.

13-Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S)

Denali National Park and Preserve, home to North America's tallest mountain, Denali, is a U.S. national park in Alaska's interior. More than the entire state of New Hampshire, the park and its neighboring preserve 6,045,153 acres (9,446 square miles; 24,464 square kilometers).

The 2,146,580-acre Denali Wilderness was established in the park on December 2, 1980. In the lower elevations of Denali, you'll find deciduous taiga, tundra, and glaciers; at the middle elevations, you'll find bare rock, snow, and glaciers. The Kahiltna Glacier is the longest in the world. Skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are popular winter pastimes. In 2018, the park welcomed 594,660 recreational guests.

14-Rocky Mountain

North America's largest and most prominent mountain ranges. In a straight line, the Rocky Mountains cover an area of 4,800 km2 and extend from northernmost British Columbia, Canada, to New Mexico, USA.

Its northern terminus can be found in the Terminal Range in northern British Columbia, south of the Liard River and east of the Trench, or in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range/British Mountains, which face the Beaufort Sea coasts between the Canning and Firth Rivers across the Alaska-Yukon border, depending on definitions differing between Canada and the United States.

New Mexico's Rio Grande Basin and the Sandia–Manzano Mountains are to the north of its southernmost point. The Rockies are unique from the tectonic activity newer the Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada, which lie further to the west since they constitute the easternmost part of the North American Cordillera.

Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, and Utah are home to most of the Rocky Mountains' tallest peaks with a 500-meter topographic prominence (78 of the 100, including the 30 highest). Mountaineering, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding are just a few activities in the area's public parks and forests.

15-Columbia River Gorge

It's an esoteric Columbia River gorge in the United States Pacific Northwest. The river cuts a 130-mile (240-kilometer) swath through the Cascade Mountains as it flows westward, providing a natural border between Washington and Oregon at a depth of up to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet).

The only navigable path over the Cascade Mountains and access to the Pacific Ocean is provided by the water gap between the Columbia Plateau and the Pacific Ocean (approximately from the confluence of Columbia and Deschutes Rivers in the east to the eastern outskirts of Portland urban area in the west). Interstate 84, US Route 30, Washington State Route 14, and train tracks comprise this corridor.

The Columbia River Gorge Commission and the U.S. Forest Service jointly manage the gorge, a popular tourist destination designated as the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area by the federal government.

16-Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Incredible natural beauty may be seen in the Columbia Gorge. This diverse ecosystem, which includes everything from tropical rainforests to arid grasslands, has the largest concentration of waterfalls in North America and is home to innumerable bird, fish, and plant species, including 15 unique species of wildflowers.

Many people live in the Gorge because of its natural beauty and sensitive community-nature balance. However, this equilibrium has been and continues to be jeopardized by the development demands.

17-Everglades National Park (U.S)

The Everglades is a 1.5 million-acre wetland area in southern Florida. Planning is essential because the park spans a vast swath of southern Florida. Everglades National Park has three entrances, none connected; visitors must travel to separate parts of South Florida to reach each one. Every one of these locales has a vast choice of things to do! On the Anhinga Trail, you can see many species, including turtles, herons, and alligators! To get a bird's eye perspective of the glades, climb the 65-foot observation tower at Shark Valley. To see crocodiles, manatees, and dolphins in their natural habitat, take a boat or kayak tour of Florida Bay, Mainland Florida's southernmost point, Flamingo is the perfect place to catch the sunset.

The pinelands can be explored on a bike, the Nine-Mile Pond can be paddled through the mangroves, or the historic Nike Hercules missile facility can be visited. You'll have to slog through a cypress dome to get there. Camping along the Wilderness Waterway's 99-mile length is an excellent opportunity to escape it all for a week. The Everglades National Park in Florida protects the southern twenty percent of the original Everglades in Florida. Located east of the Mississippi River, it is the largest tropical forest in the United States and the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River. The park attracts an average of one million visitors each year.

In the contiguous United States, the Everglades National Park is third in size behind Death Valley and Yellowstone. The Ramsar Convention classified the park as a Wetlands of International Importance 1987. UNESCO established the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Only three places, including the Everglades, have made all three lists. Everglades National Park was the first to be established to save a particularly vulnerable ecosystem. Wetlands and woodlands are nourished by a river that flows out of Lake Okeechobee, southwest into Florida Bay, every day. The park's mangrove ecology is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, making it an important nesting place for tropical wading birds. In addition to the Florida panther and the American crocodile, there are 350 species of birds, 300 kinds of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles that call the park home. The Biscayne Aquifer, which holds most of South Florida's freshwater, is refilled at the park. 

18-Antelope Canyon

A slot canyon is located in the American Southwest, east of Lychee, Arizona. One of the Navajo Reservation's most popular tourist attractions, it consists of five unique, beautiful slot canyon portions, each of which is referred to as " The Crack " " Rattle Snake " " Owl " " Mountain " or " The Corkscrew ". It is the park's most famous feature with a trail leading to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Navajos refer to Upper Antelope Canyon as "the location where water is running through the ( Slot Canyon ) rocks," hence the name Tsé bighánln. The Navajo Parks and Recreation Division refers to the spiral rock arches' in Lower Antelope Canyon as " Hazdestwazi ." Only a Navajo guide can give you entrance to these two Navajo sites, which are located in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.

19-Kilauea U.S

Kilauea is a Hawaiian shield volcano still erupting lava into the atmosphere. The Big Island of Hawai'i comprises five volcanoes, the most active of which is Kilauea. About 100,000 years ago, a volcano erupted on the island's southeastern shore. The Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain's present eruptive center, is the second-youngest product of the Hawaiian hotspot.

Kilauea was initially believed to be a satellite of Mauna Loa due to its lack of topographic prominence and historical coincidences with its activity. One rift zone extends 125 kilometers (78 miles) east and the other 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of the top of Kilauea as an active fault that moves vertically an average of 2 to 20 millimeters per year. 

20-White Sands National Park

White Sands is a U.S. national park in New Mexico, bordered by the White Sands Missile Range on its entire eastern boundary. All of the Tularosa Basin's 145,762 acres (227.8 square miles, 589.9 square kilometers) of white dunes, which are constructed of crystals made of the mineral gypsum, are included in the park.

In all, the largest gypsum dune field in the world is 30 feet (9.1 meters) deep, has dunes up to 60 feet (18 meters) high, and contains around 4.5 billion short tonnes (4.1 billion metric tonnes) of the mineral. Tularosa Basin terrain was home to Ice Age mammals and vast lakes, streams, and grasslands 12,000 years ago.

Rain and snowfall from the neighboring mountains dissolved gypsum and brought it into the basin as the environment warmed. Selenite crystals formed due to further warming and drying of the lakes. The crystals, broken up by strong winds, were then carried eastward by the wind.

21-Devils Tower National Monument (U.S)

The first U.S. national monument was designated in 1906 in north-easterly Wyoming near the Belle Fourche River and was known as Grizzly Bear Lodge. An eroded volcanic intrusion has uncovered a natural rock tower, which is currently 2.1 square miles (5.4 square kilometers) in area. The tower's flat top and fluted sides cover 0.6 hectares of land.

With an elevation of 5,112 feet above sea level, it stands 867 feet (264 meters) above the ground and 1,267 feet (386 meters) over the river valley. The tower was most likely created when molten rock was pushed upward and forced to spread out by a hard rock layer. Light grey and buff are the primary colors of this item.

The top of the tower is covered in lichens, sage, moss, and grass. The tower's peak is home to chipmunks, birds, and a pine forest. A large prairie dog settlement may be found at the tower's base. 

22-Valley of Fire - Nevada State Parks

Park visitors can marvel at the Valley of Fire State Park's 40, 000 acres of vivid red Aztec sandstone outcrops hidden among grey and brown tan limestone. Exhibits on the park's geology, ecology, prehistory, and history can be found in the visitor center. Participants compete with reproductions of ancient spears in an annual Atlatl Competition held at the park.

In addition to multiple campsites with shaded tables, grills, and water, the park offers a variety of hiking routes that are sure to entice visitors. Creosote bush, burro bush, and brittlebush dominate the local plant community. These include beaver tail and cholla varieties, among others. Along park roads, desert marigolds, indigo bush, and desert mallow bloom in the spring, making for a magnificent sight.

23-Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park attracts more than two million tourists annually, most visiting between March and early October. Most people plan to stay for at least a full day when they come to visit. No matter how long you stay, developing a game plan in advance will help you make the most of your time here.

Natural amphitheaters or bowls formed into the side of a high plateau make up Bryce Canyon. The Bryce Amphitheater is the most well-known, with its hoodoos, or unevenly eroded rock spires. Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunrise Point are all located within a few miles of each other in the park's initial few miles of exploration.

A shuttle service that runs from April to October alleviates congestion in this area. Other sights may be discovered on the 18-mile main route, which runs from its northernmost entrance along the plateau rim to its southernmost, highest altitudes (over 9,003 feet/2,743 meters). Hiking routes traverse the plateau's woodlands, connect overlooks along the Bryce Amphitheater's rim, and meander among the hoodoos below.

24-Zion National Park (U.S)

Zion National Park is a U.S. national park in the state of Utah, close to the city of Springdale. One of the park's most notable features is Zion Canyon, a 15-mile (24-kilometer) long and up to 2,640-foot (800-meter) deep canyon.

The North Fork of the Virgin River has eroded reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone off the canyon walls. Coalpits Wash is the park's lowest point at 3,666 feet (1,117 m), while Horse Ranch Mountain is the highest at 8,726 feet (2,660 m). The park's unique location at the nexus of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert, as well as its diverse range of life zones, allow for a surprising range of plant and animal life.

The park's four life zones (desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest) are home to 289 species of birds, 75 animals (including 19 bats), and 32 reptiles. Mountain ranges, canyons, mesas, monolithic sandstone cliff faces, rivers and gorges, and natural arches abound in Zion National Park.

25-Niagara Falls State Park

It is located in Niagara Falls, New York, United States, in Niagara Falls. American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of Horseshoe Falls are all part of this park, the nation's oldest state park (also known as the Canadian Falls). A flight restriction in the Niagara Falls State Park region amounts to a no-fly zone by FAA rule 14 CFR 93 Sub E. Niagara Falls State Park does not allow unmanned aerial systems (UAS) since all flights below 3,500 feet are forbidden. There will be no permit issued.

26-Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico. This park's centerpiece is the Carlsbad Caverns exhibit cave. The natural entrance to the cave is accessible only by foot, although an elevator is also available at the cave visitor center for those who prefer that option. About 18 miles (29 kilometers) southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico is the park's main entrance on US Highway 62/180. This national park participates in the Junior Ranger Program; the Rattlesnake Springs Historic District and the Caverns Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park has been divided into approximately two-thirds of wilderness areas to ensure that no future changes are made to the habitat. The Big Room in Carlsbad Cavern is a massive limestone chamber with a circumference of 625 feet (191 meters), a width of 625 feet (191 meters), and a height of 255 feet (78 meters) at its highest point. The Big Room is the third-biggest chamber in the world and the largest in North America. 

27-Luray Caverns

Since its discovery in 1878, it has been a popular tourist attraction in Virginia, United States. There are numerous speleothems in the cavern system, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, columns, mudflows, and mirrored pools.

With its lithophone created from solenoid-fired strikers that tap various-sized stalagmites to produce tones akin to those of xylophones, tuning forks, or bellows, the cavern is arguably most known for its Great Stalacpipe Organ. An 1880 investigation by the Smithsonian Institution found, " It is safe to declare that there has been possibly neither any cave in the world more entirely and richly ornamented with stalagmite and stalagmite adornment than Luray. "

28-Glacier National Park (U.S)

Glacier National Park is in northeastern Montana and borders Alberta and British Columbia. Over 130 named lakes, over 1,000 distinct species of vegetation, and hundreds of different species of animals can be found inside the park's 4,000 square kilometers (1 million acres). The " Crown of the Continent Environment " which encompasses 16,000 square miles of protected territory, is the centerpiece of this immense pristine ecosystem (41,000 km2). Native Americans were the first to settle in the area that would become Glacier National Park. The Blackfeet ruled it in the east and the Flathead in the west when European explorers arrived.

In 1895, the Blackfeet were forced to give up the mountainous portions of their treaty territory to the federal government, which were ultimately included in the park. Several hotels and chalets were built by the Great Northern Railway soon after the park opened on May 11, 1910. 350 historic hotels and chalets, including these National Historic Landmarks, are on the National Register of Historic Places. Going-to-the-Sun Road, later declared a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, was constructed in 1932, allowing for broader access to the park's interior by automobile for the first time.

29-Badlands National Park (U.S)

Badlands National Park is a national park in South Dakota in the United States. The park protects highly eroded buttes and pinnacles covering 242,756 acres (379,3 sq mi, 982,4 km2) and the country's largest intact mixed-grass prairie. The South Unit of the park is co-managed by the Oglala Lakota tribe and the National Park Service. 64,144 acres (100.2 sq mi, 259.6 km2) of the Badlands Wilderness are designated wilderness areas, and one of the most endangered creatures on Earth was reintroduced at this location.

Located in the Stronghold District, the park's South Unit is home to the historic Ghost Dances site, a former US Air Force bomb and gunnery range, and the 3,340-foot-high Red Shirt Table (1,020 m). It was not until 25 January 1939 that the Badlands National Monument was officially formed, despite being authorized as such on March 4, 1929.

On November 10th, 1978, Badlands became a national park. During the construction of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in 1957–58, the Mission 66 plan was implemented for the monument. As a bonus, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is under the auspices of the park. Badlands National Park was used as a location for the films Dances with Wolves and Thunderheart.

30-John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

On Florida's Key Largo, there's a Florida State Park named Fort Jefferson. Around 70 nautical square miles of nearby Atlantic Ocean seas comprise this area. At a distance of 3 miles from land, the park is around 25 miles long, it was the country's first and only underwater theme park. As of April 14, 1972, the National Park Service officially recognized the park as a historic landmark.

The park's coral reefs such as "The Molasses Reef" and the marine life are the principal draw of the area. The park attracted over a million visitors in the Fiscal Year 2004, making it the most popular state park in Florida. In the continental United States, there are just two live coral reefs: in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas and in the Florida Keys.

31-The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, the most popular national park in the United States, is a beautiful vacation spot. Explore one of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States while hiking and camping. On the North Carolina-Tennessee border, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is built of ridges upon ridges of dense woodland.

Due to the constant morning fog, this mountain range has been dubbed the " Smoky Mountains " and is known for its richness of plant and animal life, the majesty of its ancient mountains, and the history of southern Appalachian mountain culture. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has many attractions, including more than 80 historic buildings, stunning wildflower displays, and abundant wildlife.

The Tennessee-North Carolina line divides the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region in half. Over the state line, separated by many miles of deciduous woodland, two visitor centers stand to mirror images of one another, Sugarlands and Oconaluftee. More than 200,000 people visit Grotto Falls in Yosemite National Park each year because it is one of the park's most popular attractions.

Lie in the Southeast United States, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, is the highest point in that region. The Blue Ridge Physiographic Province encompasses the Appalachian Mountains and their tributaries. The Smoky Mountains and the Smokies are common names for the mountain range. In addition to being home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains are also noted for their rugged beauty. Over 11 million people visit it each year, making it the most visited national park in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a designated International Biosphere Reserve.

The range is home to an estimated 187,000 acres of old-growth forest, making it the most prominent stand east of the Mississippi River. Among North America's most biodiverse ecosystems are the range's lower-elevation cove hardwood forests, while its higher-elevation Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest is the largest in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains are also home to the Eastern United States' densest black bear population and the world's most diversified salamander outside the tropics, found nowhere else. 

32-Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S)

A total of 2,425 feet (739 meters) falls from the upper to the lower fall in Yosemite National Park's Yosemite Valley. When the water flow is at its highest in late spring, it is a significant draw for visitors to the Sierra Nevada National Park in California. Thousands of waterfalls may be found in Yosemite National Park, ranging from massive waterfalls with a half-mile cascading water to little streams of white water that fall only a few feet.

The ideal time to see Yosemite's waterfalls is in the spring when the tremendous snowfall of the previous winter has melted and flowed into the Pacific. The best time to visit waterfalls is in May and June when they peak. Many are down to a trickle or dry up entirely by the end of summer.

33-Waimea Canyon State Park

The " Grand Canyon of the Pacific " is Waimea Canyon near Waimea, Hawaii. After American explorer John Wesley Powell visited the island of Kauai in 1869, the name erroneously credited to literalist Mark Twain became well-known.

A river carving its way through the lava and basalt structures of the area created Waimea Canyon. Ten million years ago, a central volcano on the canyon's surface collapsed, significantly impacting the canyon's formation. The Waimea Canyon is one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders, thanks to Mother Nature. The Waimea Canyon is a naturalist's dream: its lush vegetation, towering cliffs, pink and green hues, tumbling waterfalls, and stunning rainbows.

34-Saguaro US

Embodies the spirit of the American West. As a representation of the American Southwest, we are often exposed to images of the cholla cactus. Visiting the Sonoran desert isn't complete without seeing one of these florae. Most people have been awestruck by these enormous green columnar cacti. The saguaro cactus is much more significant to the indigenous Tohono O'odham people living there.

To the Tohono O'odham, these massive cacti aren't just plants; they represent an entirely new species of human being, and as such, they are highly revered members of the tribe. Succulent saguaro cacti can grow up to 40 feet tall in the United States and are the tallest cacti found in the country. 78 feet was the record for the tallest saguaro cactus.

The saguaro cactus's growth occurs at the tip, or very top, of the cactus' column. A saguaro cactus can take up to ten years to grow one inch tall. A saguaro cactus can reach a height of six and a half feet when it is 70 years old, and it will begin to bloom at that point. With maturity, a Saguaro Cactus can grow as tall as 15-16 feet and develop its first limb. During its 200th year, the saguaro cactus reaches its maximum height of 45 feet. 

35-Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier (14,410 ft [4,392 m]) is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range in Washington. It is located within Mount Rainier National Park, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Tacoma. The mountain is only a million years old, having been sculpted by a series of lava flows that began about that time. Approximately 150 years ago, a dormant volcano erupted.

Rainier is encircled by the most extensive single-mountain glacier system in the United States outside Alaska, spanning 100 square miles (260 square kilometers). In addition to the more than two dozen named glaciers, the broad summit is also home to numerous smaller patches of permanent ice and snow. One such patch is the Nisqually Glacier, which has retreated and advanced over the last 150 years, providing scientists with valuable information about global climate change patterns and trends.

Liberty Cap, Point Success, and Columbia Crest are the three most prominent summits on the mountain ( the latter is the summit on the caldera's rim ). With dense groves of evergreen forests on its lower slopes, stunning subalpine, and altitude meadows, waterfalls, and lakes, Rainier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Cascade Range's Mount Rainier is a vast, active stratovolcano located about 59 miles (95 kilometers) south-southeast of Seattle. The Cascade Volcanic Arc's tallest peak is Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet (4,392 m), making it the highest mountain in the contiguous United States and the highest in the Cascade Range.

Mt. Rainier is among the most destructive volcanoes in the world, and it is included in the Decade Volcano list because of the high chance of an eruption in the near future. Because of Mount Rainier's huge glacial ice cap, significant lahars are possible, posing a hazard to the Puyallup River Valley. According to the US Geological Survey, around 80,000 people and their homelands are at risk in Mount Rainier's lahar-hazard zones.

36-The Grand Teton - National Park

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a magnificent national park just ten miles from Yellowstone National Park. It was designated as a national park in 1929 to prevent the land around the Grand Teton mountain range and its lakes from being exploited commercially. In 1950, the protected area's boundaries were expanded towards the valley below. With its 310,000 acres of topography ranging from summery wildflower meadows to roaring whitewater streams, this genuinely unique federal park is one of a kind. The oldest rocks in the National Park Service can be found in these ancient mountains, which date back over 2.7 billion years.

There are also several tranquil lakes with deep blue pools, mimicking the calm and hue of the glaciers that formed them. As the Snake River slithers through the park, lush woods coat the mountainsides, providing habitat for various fauna and vegetation, some of which date back to the prehistoric age. In northwestern Wyoming, there is a United States national park. The park's 1,300 km2 (110,000 acres) comprises the Teton Range's critical peaks and most of the northern Jackson Hole Valley.

The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park, which is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) away. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the world's most extensive intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems, including almost 18 million acres (73,000 square kilometers). Grand Teton National Park visitors enjoy mountaineering, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Backcountry camping locations can be reached by more than 1,000 drive-in campsites and more than 200 miles (320 km) of hiking paths. One of the few spots in the world to capture Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout can be found in the park. Privately owned motels, lodges, petrol stations, and marinas can all be found in Grand Teton National Park, managed by the National Park Service. 

37-Death Valley

In eastern California's Mojave Desert, on the Great Basin Desert's eastern boundary. Few places on Earth are hotter than this desert during the summer months. The Badwater Basin in Death Valley has a depth of 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, making it the lowest in North America. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet, is 84.6 miles (136.2 kilometers) east-southeast of this location (4,421 m).

Death Valley's Furnace Creek recorded a peak temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) on July 10, 1913, making it the planet's record-holder for the warmest air temperature ever measured at its surface. Some modern scholars, however, question this reading and others made during that period, more than a century ago.

38-Mount Washington

At 6,288.2 ft (1,916.6 m), it is the highest point in the northeastern United States and the most visible mountain east of the Mississippi River. The mountain's unpredictable weather has earned it a bad reputation. The Mount Washington Observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour (372 kilometers per hour) at the summit on the afternoon of April 12, 1934, the world record from 1934 to 1996. Mount Washington holds the record for the highest observed wind speed in the absence of a tornado or tropical cyclone. The peak can be found in Coös County, New Hampshire, as part of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains.

The mountain's peak is in the township of Sargent's Purchase, part of many unincorporated townships. Mount Washington State Park occupies an area of 60.3 acres (24.4 hectares) surrounding and includes the summit, while practically the entire mountain is under the White Mountain National Forest. It is possible to get to the peak of Mount Washington through the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Mount Washington Auto Road. Hikers flock to the peak, which the Appalachian Trail crosses. Annual cycling and running races like the Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb & Road Race are popular hobbies.

39-Hocking Hills State Park

It is located in the Hocking Hills region of the United States state of Ohio. Hocking State Forest borders parts of the park. Over 25 miles (40 kilometers) of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and underground caverns may be found within the parks.

Attractions include Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliff, Cedar Falls, the Conkle Hollow Nature Preserve, Rock House, the Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave, and Cantwell Cliff. Most of the park's 200 campsites are powered, making it easy for campers to be comfortable. In addition to the nearby hiking trails, the campground includes flush toilets and hot water showers, vending machines, a camp store, and a swimming pool. Many cottages and hotels may also be found in this area.

40-Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Southern Sierra Nevada east of Visalia, California, is an American national park. On September 25, 1890, the park was created to save 404,064 acres (631 square miles; 163,519 hectares; 1,635 square kilometers) of forested mountain terrain. Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level, is the highest point in the contiguous United States, with a vertical relief of approximately 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

The area has two national parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which the National Park Service administers as one entity. In 1976, the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Biosphere Reserve was established by UNESCO.

Sequoias, including the most giant tree on Earth by volume, may be found throughout this park. Big trees abound in this area, including five of the world's top ten tallest, where the General Sherman tree thrives.

Located in Kings Canyon National Park's General Grant Grove, the Gigantic Forest is accessible via the General's Highway, which connects it to the General Grant Grove and other giant sequoias. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks share 202,430 acres (316 sq miles; 81,921 hectares; 819 km2) of old-growth woods. There is a resemblance to the pre-European occupation of the southern Sierra Nevada terrain in the parks.

41-Black Hills & Badlands

Black Hills destinations include Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave, as well as the otherworldly Badlands, Devil's Tower, and otherworldly Badlands in the east and west, respectively. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Black Hills, an oasis in a sea of grassland, are home to nearly five million acres of forest and mountain terrain, a rich Western heritage, stunning natural beauty, and significant adventure.

On Dec. 20, 1939, the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association (BH&B) set out on a quest to make the Black Hills and Badlands region a must-visit destination.

42-Upper Falls - Powerful Waterfall on the Yellowstone River

The Upper Falls, 200 feet wide and 50 feet high, is Michigan's tallest and widest waterfall. Take a stroll along the paved quarter-mile path to the observation locations. Take the 93 steps to the brink viewing platform to get a close-up glimpse and feel the spray on your skin. If you've got the stamina, take the paved walk to the river's edge and descend the 112 stairs there.

43-Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls

Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls is a beautiful natural wonder in Michigan. The park is known for its stunning waterfalls and scenic beauty. The Lower Falls is one of the main attractions within the park. It consists of cascades and rapids along the Tahquamenon River, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing sight. The water of the falls is notable for its amber color, caused by tannins leached from the cedar swamps the river drains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, and scenic overlooks, and even take boat tours to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls.

44-Monument Rocks, the Chalk Pyramids – Kansas

A collection of rock outcroppings along US-83 in western Kansas goes by the names of these two places. Signs are posted at the 6-mile gravel road turn-off from both directions. If you gaze in the right direction from US-83, you can see Monument Rocks off in the distance.

When a seabed was eroded during the Cretaceous Period, the 70-foot-tall sedimentary formations of Niobrara Chalk formed. A vast seabed covered much of what is now North America about 80 million years ago. From year to year, the margins of the rock formations in this limestone alter. Keep an eye out for rocks that may be damaged.

Monument Rocks, like the Castle Rock Badlands, are located on privately owned rangeland but are open to the public during daylight hours as a courtesy to the owners. It is strictly forbidden to enter the Chalk Pyramids after dark. Drones are also banned from flying over chalk formations. Please take care of your rubbish and dispose of any you discover.

National Natural Landmark status for Monument Rocks was granted by the US Ministry of the Interior in 1968. Since then, Big Basin Preserve, Baker University Wetlands, Baldwin Woods, and Rock City have all been declared National Landmarks in Kansas.

45-Hells Canyon National Recreation Area USA

It is a national recreation area in the United States of America located on the Oregon-Idaho border. The recreation area, which the US Forest Service manages as part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, was established by Congress and signed into law by President Gerald Ford in late 1975 to protect the Hells Canyon area and the Snake River corridor between Hells Canyon Dam and the Oregon–Washington border.

The Hells Canyon Wilderness covers approximately 215,000 acres (335 square miles; 870 square kilometers) of the recreation area. The recreation area contains roughly 900 miles (1,400 kilometers) of hiking trails. The area is primarily located in eastern Wallowa County, Oregon. There are smaller sections in southern Idaho County, Idaho, northern Adams County, Idaho, and northeastern Baker County, Oregon.

Conclusion:

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23 Most Beautiful Natural Wonders in North America

“America the Beautiful” was written about the United States specifically, but it certainly applies to all of North America. As a whole, the natural wonders of North America contain some of the most famous and well-known natural wonders on Earth.

Between Mexico , Canada , and the United States, there are dozens of sites that can be classified as natural wonders. It can be overwhelming, but it’s your lucky day!

I’ve compiled a list of some of the most incredible, bucket-list wonders you can find on the continent (and sometimes on islands nearby). We’re talking glaciers and canyons, waterfalls and reefs, forests and volcanoes!

So, strap in and get ready to take notes for your next North American adventure.  In no particular order, here are the 23 most beautiful natural wonders in North America.

Table of Contents

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The Grand Canyon is not just one of the most beautiful natural wonders in North America, it’s also one of the most famous in the entire world. The Grand Canyon has been carved over millions of years by the Colorado River.

I’d recommend you view it (from different points) at sunrise, sunset, and by moonlight.

With a special permit, you can visit the incomparable Havasu Falls, which free fall right into the canyon.

Also read: 20 Amazing Natural Wonders in Arizona

2. Copper Canyon, Mexico

Copper Canyon is Mexico’s answer to the Grand Canyon. And since it’s actually bigger and deeper (sometimes more than one mile!), technically it’s “grander” as well.

Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre in Spanish) is located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The best way to see it is via the Copper Canyon railroad, an engineering marvel that goes through 86 tunnels and over 37 bridges.

Copper Canyon is also home to Mexico’s highest waterfall, Piedra Volada.

3. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

One of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world can be found on the border of Canada (Ontario) and the United States (New York state).

Niagara Falls is so famous because its height combined with the high flow rate (the highest in North America) is unique, as most very tall waterfalls actually don’t have much water. Not Niagara!

Niagara Falls is actually three separate falls connected together, with the biggest (and most famous) being Horseshoe Falls, which straddles the US-Canadian border. To truly experience the magnitude of the falls, take a tourist boat or get a viewpoint from above.

4. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Every year, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the northern United States and parts of Canada to one forested section of Mexico, northwest of Mexico City. These butterflies spend the winter in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, and they populate the forest so densely, entire trees look orange, with their branches weighed down by butterflies.

In the spring, they find their way back north. Incredibly, it takes on average four generations of butterflies to make this roundtrip journey.

No one knows how they end up at the same place every year, but it’s lucky for you because it’s an incredible sight!

5. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Mexico

A large stretch of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (also known as the Great Mayan Reef) can be found off the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. At 700 miles long, the Mesoamerican Reef is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (around 1,500 miles long).

The reef provides some of the best scuba diving in the world, and is home to various species of sea turtles, over 500 fish species, and one of the largest congregations of whale sharks in the world.

6. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Deep in the vast Canadian Rockies is Canada’s oldest (and maybe most iconic) national park, Banff. Visit Banff for stunning alpine scenery, large amounts of wildlife (like grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and elk), and azure mountain lakes—especially Moraine Lake.

7. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Another natural wonder of the world located in the United States, Yellowstone National Park is probably the most famous national park in the world—and, when it was founded in 1872, the first!

With its geothermal features (geysers and hot springs), pristine wilderness (Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley), and tons of wildlife (bears, bison, elk, wolves), Yellowstone is vast, unique, and iconic.

8. Cenotes, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The “jewels of the Yucatan” (a peninsula on Mexico’s Caribbean coast) are the cenotes, water-filled limestone sinkholes found above and below ground.

Used for centuries as safe drinking water sources, and considered to be windows to the underworld by the local Maya, cenotes are now incredible places for swimming.

There are estimated to be thousands of cenotes throughout the Yucatan, although not all are accessible. Technically, they’re all linked, which forms the largest underwater river system in the world.

9. Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Baffin Island, way up in the north of Canada, is Canada’s largest island (and the fifth largest in the world). Found between Canada and Greenland, Baffin Island has a few small Inuit settlements but is mostly uninhabited, thanks to its extreme landscape and climate.

However, it is a haven for many endangered animal species, like polar bears, caribou, wolves, Arctic foxes, seals, narwhals, beluga whales, bow whales, and many migratory species of birds.

10. Bay of Fundy, Canada

One of the world’s natural wonders located in Canada is the Bay of Fundy, between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world—the tidal range of Fundy is around 50 feet, while the average tidal range around the world is 3 feet.

One of the world’s biggest whirlpools, the Old Sow Whirlpool, is located in the bay, and the nutrient-dense, protected waters provide nursing grounds for many species of whales.

Hopewell Rocks, on the coast of New Brunswick, are the best way to see the full Bay of Fundy experience: within six hours, these islands in the ocean will jut out of the beach sand, and you can walk right near them.

11. Lake Superior, USA/Canada

The largest freshwater lake in the world (by area) lies between the United States and Canada.

Aptly titled Lake Superior , and the largest of the Great Lakes chain, this lake is big enough to cause its own weather. Lake Superior holds so much water, it could flood all of North and South America with up to one foot of water.

Lake Superior gives you the impression of an inland sea, with sand dunes, lighthouses, over 200 islands, and a long history of shipwrecks.

12. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA

To see the highest peak in North America, head up to Alaska!

Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is in the national park of the same name, smack in the middle of Alaska. Within 6 million acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness, Denali lords over it all, at over 20,000 (6,000 meters) feet high.

13. Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

Often classified as a “slow-moving river,” the wetlands of Everglades National Park are a unique, semi-aquatic ecosystem found mostly in Florida , in the southeast United States.

It’s significant as the home of many endangered species, like the Florida panther and the manatee. You can also see many different types of birds, alligators, and turtles—usually best from a guided boat tour.

Also read: 17 Must-See Beautiful Natural Wonders in Florida

14. The Redwoods, California, USA

The coastal redwoods of California , or “California giants,” are the tallest trees in the world, and some of the longest-living organisms as well. These massive trees grow all over northern California, and have been known to reach heights over 400 feet, and be several thousand years old.

To walk among these giants, visit Redwood National Park, Muir Woods National Monument, and the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. For waterfalls scattered throughout the redwoods, visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

To take trains or trams, try Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and the Trees of Mystery. If you prefer to drive, you must go to the Avenue of Giants, within Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

15. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada

Ancient cedars, mist-shrouded valleys, glacier-cut fjords, and the elusive spirit bear all await you in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia . The largest coastal temperate rainforest left on the planet, known as the “Amazon of the North,” stretches over 250 miles of coastline from central B.C. up to Canada.

Although home to many First Nations communities and a huge variety of other wildlife, the most famous resident is the spirit bear, or the Kermode bear, which is a rare subspecies of a black bear that is cream-colored.

To spot a spirit bear, you’ll need an expert guide (and a whole lotta luck), but the rainforest is worth the visit either way.

16. The Northern Lights, Northwest Territories, Canada

You can sometimes spot the northern lights (or the aurora borealis) in the upper reaches of the United States and southern Canada, but for the truest, brightest colors, you gotta go to the Deep North!

Some say the best place in the world to see the northern lights are in the Northwest Territories of Canada, where they are visible over 240 days (or should I say nights?) a year. Winter is an especially lucky time to spot them, as it’s dark for so many hours each day—the winter solstice has just under five hours of daylight!

17. Nanacamilpa Fireflies Sanctuary, Mexico

Now, this is probably a natural wonder of North America that’s new to you: the Nanacamilpa Fireflies Sanctuary in Mexico.

This magical site, located in the central Mexican state of Tlaxcala, is filled with millions of fireflies in the months of July and August. The forest literally sparkles—like I said, magic!

18. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada

Although the Cabot Trail itself is a man-made road, it passes through so many natural wonders, it just has to be on this list.

Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, the Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, stopping in historical communities and zooming through vistas of valleys and the coast. There are numerous hiking trails for even more views, plus year-round recreation that make this natural wonder quite a fun one to visit.

19. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Haida Gwaii, an island archipelago off the northern coast of British Columbia, is known as the “Galapagos of the North” thanks to its abundant wildlife. It’s also the homeland of the Haida people, who mostly inhabit four of the 450 or so islands that make up Haida Gwaii.

Haida Gwaii has preserved old-growth forests, marine-protected waters full of life, and various heritage sites to give you a true taste of Haida culture.

20. Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Every spring off the northeastern point of North America, near the coast of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, giant icebergs float by.  Known as Iceberg Alley, every year around 800 of these giant hunks of glaciers are visible from shore as they drift away.

Most of the icebergs break off of ancient glaciers in Greenland and eventually float into the ocean.

As they bring sediments from the glacier with them, the icebergs attract tons of marine wildlife, so it’s a great place to spot whales and other ocean animals.

21. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located in the United States, has two active volcanoes, including one of the most active in the world: Kīlauea and the sacred Mauna Loa. Found on the Big Island of Hawaii , this national park is one of the only places in the world to get face-to-face with a volcano.

You can visit from land and via the sea (which I recommend!) as seeing lava flow into the ocean is truly unforgettable.

22. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

Antelope Canyon is a stunning and unique sight in the Navajo Nation (within Arizona). Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon (technically six connected canyons), caused by thousands of years of flash flooding in the sandstone.

You can only access Antelope Canyon with a reservation and a guide, for safety and preservation reasons, and although the canyon is notoriously difficult to photograph, you must bring your camera anyway!

23. Parícutin Volcano, Mexico

Parícutin Volcano near the city of Uruapan in Mexico is a notable natural wonder partly due to its beginnings. In 1943, Parícutin suddenly burst through a farmer’s land, shocking the world (and the farmer, for sure).

Parícutin remained active until the 1950s and caused several deaths and two towns to be completely abandoned due to its eruptions. Nowadays, you can hike the dormant volcano and see the famous ruins of San Juan Parangaricutiro Church, which is mostly obscured by (hardened) lava.

There are so many amazing things to see in North America, and this list is just the start! But, if I do say so myself, it’s a pretty good list to be going off of.

Whether you’re hoping to be super adventurous and head up to Denali or the Northwest Territories, want some sun and surf on the Mesoamerican Reef, or want to see either a dormant or very much active volcano, there’s a natural wonder in North America for you.

But, let’s share the wealth! What are some natural wonders of North America that I missed and belong on this list? Share below!

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North America’s 50 most beautiful attractions

29 January 2021

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Natural wonders of the U.S. that are seriously stunning

From Niagara Falls to the redwood forests, these stunning natural wonders in the US will leave you speechless

You could spend a lifetime exploring America and still not check off everything worth seeing throughout such a large and diverse country. From  quirky landmarks to  bustling urban centers  to incredible national parks , the options for adventures and natural wonders of the U.S. are truly limitless. 

Witness the fiery eruptions of Hawaii's lava-pumping volcanoes, marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park in Alaska, stand in awe among California's majestic redwoods, and feel the mist on your face at Niagara Falls. Each of these destinations showcases the abundant natural beauty in nearly every corner of America, truly living up to the iconic phrase: America the Beautiful."

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Natural wonders in the U.S.

1.  Wildflowers at Mount Rainier National Park

This 236,381-acre park in Washington state happens to encompass an active volcano, but since it last erupted in the 19th century, chances are nothing will happen if you go—nothing, that is, except experiencing breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier itself, along with glaciers, waterfalls and meadows filled with wildflowers.

Best time to visit : July through August, when wildflowers transform the park's subalpine meadows and the dry, warm weather provides optimal hiking conditions.

2.  Gypsum dunes at White Sands National Monument

This sand is white alright, owing to the fact that it’s made of gypsum, the same material that comprises plaster, blackboard chalk and drywall. There are 4.5 billion tons of the stuff covering 145,762 acres near Alamogordo, New Mexico. In some places, the dunes can reach up to 60 feet high.

Best time to visit : The many yuccas in White Sands bloom in April, but watch out for windy days. Otherwise, try October to early November when cottonwoods are in bloom. 

Discover the best things to do in New Mexico 

3.  Snowcapped mountains above Glacier Bay National Park

You’ll think you’re in Norway when you see the magnificent fjord and majestic mountains at Glacier Bay National Park. There are 1,045 glaciers in the 3,226,800-acre park, which also houses a 57,700-acre wildlife preserve. Ten miles of trails, plus 700 miles of shoreline, offer ample opportunities for kayaking, camping and hiking.

Best time to visit : The high in Alaska is 70 degrees during June and July, making it the perfect time to go.

Discover the best things to do in Alaska

4.  Star-filled night at Arches National Park

Located north of Moab Utah, Arches National Park is so named for the 2,000 wind-sculpted sandstone arches gracing the area—the largest such concentration in the world. The most famous of these is the iconic 52-foot-tall Delicate Arch, whose image can be seen on Utah license plates.

Best time to visit : April through May and September through October, when daytime temperatures average about 60 to 80 degrees.

Discover the best things to do in Utah

5.  Walking amongst giants in Redwood National and State Parks

This protected string of old-growth forests represents what’s left of the massive redwood trees that once covered Northern California and served as home to the Indigenous populations. Trees can reach up to 379 feet in height and nearly 29 feet in diameter and can live 1,800 years or more, making them among the oldest living things on Earth.

Best time to visit : July marks peak tourist time, so to avoid the crowds, consider going anytime during the spring or fall.

Discover the best things to do in California

6.  Spot lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

You could say that the entirety of Hawaii is a natural wonder, and you would be right. But if we have to choose just one place on the island to highlight, it's Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, which is home to two major volcanoes:  Mauna Loa and  Kīlauea. Kīlauea is  the most active volcano in the world and the most visited. The park is open 24 hours, year-round. Visitors can view lava and scenery from overlooks or go deeper into the park with a mix of short and long hiking trails. 

Best time to go:  Lava is not always visible; check the local news or national park website  before you go. A trip in the early morning or evening is best to avoid the crows.

 Discover the best things to do in Hawaii

7.  Evening mist at Niagara Falls

Straddling the border between New York state and Ontario, Canada, Niagara Falls is actually three waterfalls named Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil, respectively. Combined, they send six million cubic feet of water a minute plunging 160 feet into the Niagara Gorge below.

Best time to visit : Highs in the low 80s, and cooling sprays from the falls make June to August a great time to visit.

Discover the best things to do in Niagra Falls

8.  Sunset behind Old Faithful

The world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful in Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, lives up to its name, erupting more than 1 million times since its discovery in 1870, at an average of 20 times a day. Each blast spews some 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water to heights of 100 to 180 feet.

Best time to visit: Early morning or in the evening from April to May and between September and October.

9.  Waterfall hikes in Yosemite National Park

Back in 1864, Yosemite became the first land officially protected for conservation purposes by the federal government. And now we all get to reap the rewards. With its jaw-dropping landscapes—granite cliffs, sequoia groves, flowing rivers, peaceful meadows and stunning waterfalls—Yosemite is one of the most celebrated national parks for a reason and attracts huge crowds every year. 

Best time to visit: Roughly   75 percent of visitors  arrive May-October, with the summer being the most popular. April and November are lovely as they are less crowded. 

Discover the best things to do in Yosemite

10.  Dusk along the Grand Canyon

Arizona ’ s Grand Canyon needs no introduction, except to say that it took the Colorado River two billion years to carve its impressive dimensions (277 miles long, by 18 miles wide by 1 mile deep). The sedimentary layers exposed by erosion vividly change color with the light. 

Best time to visit : March through May and September through November when daytime temperatures are cool and the crowds are thin.

Discover the best things to do in Arizona

11.  Red skies over Monument Valley's Mitten Buttes

Even if you’ve never heard of Monument Valley, you’d recognize it thanks to how Hollywood has used it as a backdrop for countless Westerns. Located on the Arizona–Utah state line, the site is known for its striking sandstone buttes, the largest of which reaches 1,000 feet high. 

Best time to visit : Anytime between April and October; Temps remain relatively cooler, even during the summer months, because of Monument Valley's 5200-foot elevation.

12.  Rainbow over Devils Tower National Monument

Besides playing a role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind , Devil’s Tower in Wyoming was dedicated as the first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Rising 867 feet into the air, this butte made of volcanic rock is a sacred site to several First Nation people, including the Lakota, Cheyenne and Kiowa.

Best time to visit : May to June and September to October are best.

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35 Must-see natural wonders of the United States

Famous for things like Hollywood and New York City and being an economic and military powerhouse, the United States is also home to some of the most remarkable natural wonders. If any, few countries can rival the USA in its diversity and natural features guaranteed to impress anyone.

Some of the world’s most beautiful and impressive natural wonders are also American wonders. They include powerful waterfalls, unique deserts, high mountains, volcanoes, canyons, lakes, and islands. In short, any natural and geographical wonders are located in the USA.

In this post about the natural wonders of the USA , we will only include the 50 states, thus excluding Puerto Rico and all the other territories. So, let’s explore the great American outdoors.

Page Contents

Natural Wonders in the USA – Utah

Great salt lake.

Located in the Northern part of Utah, the Great Salt Lake is clearly one of the most famous things in Utah . It was on the shores of the lake that the Mormons first settled, founding Salt Lake City, the capital and biggest city in Utah. Metropolitan Salt Lake City has more than 1.2 million people.

With an average size of 1,700 sq miles, the Great Salt Lake is the biggest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere and the largest natural lake west of Mississippi. However, the water levels vary dramatically according to precipitation because of the lake’s low average depth of 16 feet (4.9 m).

The Great Salt Lake is a terminal lake, so it doesn’t have an outlet besides evaporation. Jordan, Weber, and Bear Rivers are the three main tributaries, bringing about 1 million tons of minerals annually. These minerals accumulate when the water evaporates, giving the lake a high salinity level, much higher than seawater.

The elevated density of the water makes swimming in the lake quite hard, but floating is easy and fun. It’s a similar experience to the Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan . Unfortunately, it is challenging to develop touristic infrastructures due to the continuous fluctuation of the water levels on the shore. Nevertheless, Bridger Bay Beach is maybe the most tempting beach on the entire lake, with two miles of wide white sand.

The Great Salt Lake is a remnant of the much larger ice-age Lake Bonneville, which occupied a large portion of Northwest Utah. With the end of the Ice Age, Lake Bonneville receded gradually until becoming today’s Great Salt Lake.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

By Jamie from Photo Jeepers

Easily one of the coolest natural wonders of the United States, Delicate Arch quietly sits in Arches National Park in Utah. It is a stunning, natural arch that stands at a mesmerizing 52 feet tall. 

Drive about 35 minutes along US-191 N to Arches National Park to get here from Moab. From the associated parking lot, you’ll then need to do a fairly easy out-and-back hike that features 629 feet of elevation gain and is 3.2 miles long. In total, though, this hike should only take between an hour and an hour and a half to complete.

You’ll also need to pay $30.00 per day to enter the park with a private vehicle or $15.00 per day if you want to enter as an individual.

Plus, try to get here at least 30 minutes before sunset for the best views. Just bring a headlight since it will be really dark, and try to arrive early to steer clear of the crowds and enjoy one of the best Arches National Park photo spots before sunrise.

You can also try shooting this natural wonder straight on or from a unique perspective through Frame Arch or from the bowl to the west.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

James Ian from Parks Collecting

Bryce Canyon is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world. Hoodoos are free-standing sandstone pillars. They are formed by erosion caused by constant freezing and unfreezing over thousands of years, and there are thousands of them, in brilliant pink, white, and orange colors, crowding the canyon. 

The showpiece is Bryce Amphitheater, a large bowl-shaped natural arena with the most hoodoos. You can admire them from several viewpoints along the rim or venture down below it and hike among the hoodoos.

The most famous trail is the Queen’s Garden – Navajo Loop Trail, which descends to a large hoodoo named after Queen Victoria, which bears a remote resemblance too.  Another famous hoodoo is Thor’s Hammer, seen on the way back up to the rim.

More hoodoos are found along the  18-mile Southern Scenic Drive  that runs along the length of most of the canyon.  The youngest hoodoos in the park are found at the aptly-named Fairyland Point, where another hike takes you down into the canyon.

Bryce Canyon is not a UNESCO site but is a designated National Park. It’s located in southern Utah and is a 4-hour and 15-minute drive from Las Vegas, Nevada, to the south or Salt Lake City to the north.

Monument Valley, Utah

By Chris Heckmann from Around The World With Me

At the border of Utah and Arizona lies one of the most fascinating landscapes on the planet.  Monument Valley is a barren desert floor with massive sandstone rock buttes protruding from it in irregular patterns. These buttes – made famous in old western movies but possibly most famous by Forest Gump – rise up to 1000 feet above the ground below, unmatched by anything else in the world. 

Base yourself along Highway 163 at the border of the two states. There’s a little town called Oljato-Monument Valley that isn’t much more than a shop and a few places to stay. The entire region is located in Navajo Nation. While technically part of Arizona and Utah, Navajo Nation enjoys self-governing rights. This area is sacred to the Navajo people, and their laws and customs should be respected while on their land. 

Visiting Monument Valley takes a bit of effort, as it’s really in the middle of nowhere and requires your own vehicle to get there. The nearest major airport is Phoenix, about 5 hours away.

The general area is open and free to drive through. However, the best views and buttes are found in Monument Valley Tribal Park, which Navajo Nation maintains. Inside the park, there’s a 17-mile scenic drive and numerous hikes to get up close and personal with the giant rock formations. 

The main sights can be seen in one day. For a more intimate experience, watch the sunrise over the red desert floor for a few nights. No road trip through the American Southwest is complete without a stop in Monument Valley!

Zion National Park, Utah

By David from The World Travel Guy

The scenic Zion National Park in Utah has some of the most impressive canyons in the United States. This natural wonder is located in south Utah, 160 miles from Las Vegas or 300 miles from Salt Lake City.

You can fly to St. George Airport (45 miles from the park) or Cedar City Airport (60 miles from the park), although more flight options are going to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

There are many amazing sights and hikes to do in Zion National Park, with difficulties ranging from easy to extreme. There’s something good for every age and fitness level in this park.

A hidden gem in this national park is the  Observation Point Zion  hike. Most people visiting Zion want to do the Angels Landing hike or the Zion Narrows hike , which are amazing ‘bucket list’ hikes, but the scenery on the Observation Point trail is just as impressive and much less crowded.

The Observation Point hike is currently open as of 2022, although the only way to access it is via the East Mesa Trail to Observation Point, which is a relatively short and easy hike – suitable for families.

Ultimately, you get stunning views of many of Zion’s best sights, like the Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Landing.

If you want to learn more about the Natural wonders and Landmarks in Utah

Natural Wonders in the USA – Arizona

Grand canyon.

The Grand Canyon is the most famous of the landmarks in Arizona . It is easily one of the most famous natural wonders of the USA and the world. As the name implies, the Grand Canyon is massive. It’s among the most extensive canyons globally, but it’s not only the immense dimensions that attract visitors, it’s also the stunning surroundings with layers of different colored rocks. Sunsets and sunrises give the Grand Canyon a whole other beauty.

Encompassing 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands, the Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and a depth of 6,093 feet (or 1,857 meters).

Scientists estimate that it took about 5 to 6 million years for the Colorado River (and its tributaries) to expose about two billion years of Earth’s geological history, cutting through layers of colored rocks, some of which are recognized among the oldest exposed rocks on earth.

The Grand Canyon has been a national park since 1919 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. With roughly 6 million visitors yearly, it is the USA’s second most popular national park. When the weather allows, the south rim is open year-round, while the north rim is usually open only from May to October.

Mojave Desert

By Monica from This Rare Earth

The Mojave Desert spans across portions of California , Arizona , Nevada, and Utah in the Southwestern United States. Taking up roughly 20 million acres of land, the Mojave Desert is home to unique flora, fauna, and geology not found anywhere else. 

The Mojave Desert is situated just south of the Great Basin Desert and north of the Sonoran Desert, with the tall Sierra Nevada Mountain range to the west. This desert also sits at a specific elevation of 2,000 to 5,000 feet. This special range creates the perfect environment for species like the Joshua Tree and the desert pupfish.  

Some incredible highlights within the Mojave Desert are Badwater Basin – a salt flat within Death Valley that is the lowest point in all of North America – and the Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve, famous for the “barking” sound they make in the quiet desert. There are also underground lava tubes, palm-covered oases, and giant boulders, to name a few other sights. 

Visitors must hike out into the desert to see many of the highlights. If you have never hiked the desert before, be sure to  pack your desert essentials  to stay safe and cool. If possible, consider camping overnight to see some of the best stargazing in the entire USA . 

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

By Milijana from World Travel Connector

The Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a top US natural wonder, which turned it into one of the most popular natural attractions in the US. Its popularity and astonishing setting made it one of the most photographed canyons on Earth.

Antelope Canyon is an impressive slot canyon created by land erosion. This famous canyon has two sections: Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon. Both canyons are equally fascinating, but Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular since jaw-dropping light beams happen more frequently there. It is also easier to access it (unlike Lower Antelope Canyon, there are no ladders and stairs).

Antelope Canyon is on the Navajo people’s land in Arizona. Visitors must get an Antelope Canyon permit (8USD) to enter the Navajo land. You can not tour the canyon independently but only by guided tours (exclusively run by Navajo Native Americans). An Antelope Canyon tour lasts about 1 hour and a half on average. 

Antelope Canyon is a 15-minute drive from the town of Page. The canyon is also close to Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powel in Arizona.  Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon  is a 15-minute drive. Page Municipal Airport is the nearest airport to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powel. The most popular months for visiting Antelope Canyon are June, July, and August. 

Natural Wonders USA – New England

Acadia national park, maine.

By Emily Cuneo from Emily Embarks

Beautifully nestled on Maine’s secluded Desert Island along its eastern coast, Acadia National Park is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the U.S. It is often recognized for its unique wildlife spotting opportunities, gorgeous Jordan Pond, and endless hiking trails – this park is truly a nature lover’s paradise!

To get there, visitors can either choose to fly into Boston Logan International Airport and rent a car to drive 4.5 hours along Massachusetts’ 95 North or if there is a little more room in your budget, you can fly into the Portland Maine International Jetport and drive just under 3 hours to reach the park. A rental car is highly recommended as it will provide you with the most freedom to see the park.

Acadia National Park is a natural wonder due to its endless beautiful scenery, from its Bubble Peaks and Eagle Lake to its 45 miles of carriage roads and Sand Beach. It’s easy to see why visitors travel from around the globe to witness a sunset over Frenchman’s Bay and enjoy a bowl of New England clam chowder in Bar Harbor!

It is one of the last untouched pieces of New England and boasts diverse terrain, dense forestry, teems of wildlife, and crystal-clear ponds and lakes throughout its 48,000 acres. If you plan to visit in the summer, it’s good to  learn a few useful French phrases  since much of the local population speaks French as a first or second language.

Purgatory Chasm, Massachusetts

By Shobha George from Martha’s Vineyard Tourist

Purgatory Chasm is a  Massachusetts state park  that is a geologic formation in Sutton, Massachusetts , in the Blackstone Valley. The state park lies near the city of Worcester and about an hour’s drive west of Boston.

Although no one quite knows how Purgatory Chasm was formed, theories suggest that it was formed by melting water from a mile-high glacier rushing through the area during the last Ice Age about 14,000 years ago. Native Americans have a legend that the deep cuts were made by the tomahawk cuts of a Native American god who kidnapped an Algonquin woman.

The gorge is only 1.4 miles long and 70 feet deep, made of granite bedrock. It’s full of crevices, caves, and cliffs. The rock formations have cool names like Lover’s Leap, Devil’s Pulpit, and Fat Man’s Misery (a narrow slit of rock that people have to squeeze through). There is also a little Purgatory Brook at the end of the gorge, which leads to a little waterfall.

There is a fee for admission to Purgatory Chasm, and ample parking attests to its popularity with hikers and rock climbers. It is not suggested you visit the gorge at Purgatory Chasm during bad weather because the rocks can get really slippery. The gorge is also closed in the winter for the same reason.

Natural Wonders in the United States – Colorado

Rocky mountain national park.

By Meg from Fox in the Forest

Without a doubt, one of the best natural wonders in the US is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado .  Not only does this amazing 415 square-mile park cover vast expanses of stunning mountains, awesome forests, and incredible alpine tundra, but it’s also home to some of the most scenic drives in the state.  So, use the iconic Trail Ridge Road to enjoy the scenery, visit the highest visitor center in the country, and stop at Forest Canyon Overlook.  This way, you can take in stellar views of Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. Alternatively, you could use the Keyhole Route to traverse vertical rock faces and climb to the summit of this amazing place.  You can also cross the Continental Divide and conquer iconic hikes to Bear Lake, Chasm Lake, and Alberta Falls as you enjoy some of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.  However, because this park receives 4.4 million visitors annually and is one of the country’s top five most visited parks, try to arrive at many of the most popular trailheads before sunrise. You are also required to reserve a permit in advance for $25 per car and can obtain one that does or does not include access to the Bear Lake Road corridor.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

By Caitlin Dismore from Twin Family Travels

Great Sand Dunes National Park, nestled in the San Luis Valley, showcases the tallest dunes in North America. Naturally, it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Colorado . As you drive to the park, the dunes look small and unimpressive compared to the snow-capped mountains in the background. But, you quickly understand the magnitude of the dune field once you get closer.

The dunes encompass 30 square miles. Two dunes are tied for the title “Tallest Dune in North America.” Star Dune and Hidden Dune both measure 741 feet.

The Great Sand Dunes, considered a geologic wonder, formed over thousands of years. Mountain streams brought down sediment, and high winds blew the sand into dunes against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Great Sand Dunes are still changing today.

Medano Creek, a popular spring attraction, does more than entertain visitors. Along with Sand Creek, the creeks help recycle the sand so it can be blown back onto the dune field. Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado. It is about 230 miles southwest of Denver and 165 miles from Colorado Springs. The closest town to the park with amenities is Alamosa.

For more things to do in the area, check out this  Colorado Road Trip Itinerary . 

USA Natural Wonders – New Mexico

White sands national park.

By Catherine Xu from Nomadicated

Sitting in the Tularosa Basin of Southern New Mexico , White Sands National Park holds the title of the world’s largest white gypsum dune field. One of America’s most recent National Parks, White Sands, may be relatively small but packs a punch in terms of sheer beauty and uniqueness. 

The dazzling dunes of White Sands National Park are comprised not of sand but white gypsum. Shifting with the wind, the gypsum gathers to form the rolling dunes that make this park one of the most famous landmarks in New Mexico .

Set in remote southern New Mexico, the nearest city, Las Cruces, is a 50-minute drive away. The dunes become apparent only after turning into the park, past the visitor center. 

The White Sands National Park Visitor Center offers a small exhibit, daily sunset strolls, and sleds to slide down the dunes. Drive the entirety of Dunes Drive, marveling at the unique flora on the way. At the end of the loop, traverse several hills and valleys to find undisturbed landscapes.

White Sands National Park is a photographer’s paradise . The ever-changing colors of the dunes dramatically transform with the sun’s position. Make sure to stay through the sunset to bask in the color transition from white to golden to pink to blue before hiking back to civilization. 

Carlsbad Caverns

The Carlsbad Caverns are one of the natural wonders of America. Located approximately 18 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico , the Caverns include the enormous limestone chamber named the Big Room. This room is almost 4,000 feet (1,220 m) long, 625 feet (191 m) wide, and at its highest point, 255 feet (78 m) high. The Big Room is the largest chamber in North America but “only” the thirty-first largest in the world.

Established in 1923 to preserve the more than 100 known caves, the Carlsbad Caverns Nation Park includes several other famous caves like Lechuguilla Cave, which is the nation’s deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and the fourth longest. About two-thirds of the national park is considered a wilderness area to help preserve the habitat.

Access to the Carlsbad Caverns is easy. Visitors can hike in on their own via the natural entrance or take an elevator from the visitor center. Despite being able to run the tour in 90 minutes, you should set aside about 2.5 hours to have a nicer and calmer experience. Note that the interior of the caves has a steady temperature of about 55ºF, even when it’s much warmer outside. So, we recommend you bring a warm jacket.

One of the park’s most interesting attractions is the evening flight of the Mexican free-tailed bats. The Carlsbad colony comprises primarily females who give birth to their young between June and July before migrating south in October.

Click here to check out the other famous landmarks in New Mexico

Natural Wonders in the United States – Hawaii

Na pali coast, kauai, hawaii.

By Samantha from Continuous Roamer

There are many natural wonders on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but the Na Pali Coast is one of the most spectacular landmarks in Hawaii . The Na Pali Coast, meaning cliffs in Hawaiian, was formed over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosion. A combination of the North Shore’s strong winter waves, landslides, trade winds, and steady streams continues to form the unique shape of the cliffs we see today.

There are four options to see the somewhat inaccessible Na Pali Coast. You can drive to the majestic Koke’e State Park. This park’s two lookout points afford you an impressive view over the Na Pali Coast: Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u O Kila Lookout.

The second option is to take a helicopter tour over the island of Kauai. You need optimal flying conditions for a helicopter tour to see the Na Pali Coast, so make sure you leave enough time in  your Kauai itinerary  to reschedule it if required.

The third way to see the Na Pali Coast is by a boat tour that will take you along the coast and show you a unique view of the valley from the water.

Finally, you can see this Hawaiian natural wonder by hiking along the famous Kalalau Trail. The whole trail is 11 miles and requires several nights of camping to complete the grueling hike. Alternatively, you can hike the first 2 miles to get the best views of the Na Pali Coast.

Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

By Sarah Vanheel from Cosmopoliclan

Hawaii’s natural abundance results in the most mesmerizing landscapes, ranging from colored beaches over steep canyons to verdant valleys and snorkeling sites teeming with fish. But their biggest natural wonder can be found on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and home to Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, and Kilauea, which has erupted on more than one occasion in recent years. These two active shield volcanoes create a spectacular dynamic landscape dotted with various craters, steaming vents, sulfur banks, and lava tubes.

Some of the park’s most popular attractions include driving the Crater Rim or Chain of Craters road, watching the lava flows, hiking the Kilauea Iki trail to step foot inside a crater, watching the Puʻuloa Petroglyphs, visiting the Thurston Lava Tube and watching the lava glow from the Devastation Trail overlook at night.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the south side of the island. It’s a 45-minute drive from downtown Hilo, which is a convenient and  affordable place to stay on the Big Island  for outdoor enthusiasts. However, if you plan to visit for more than one day, you might consider staying in Volcano Village, located right next to the park entrance.

Mt. Haleakala, Hawaii

 By Sam Opp from Find Love & Travel

Located in the upcountry of Maui, Hawaii , the beautiful Mt. Haleakala National Park is a must on any  Maui itinerary ! This natural wonder is a dormant volcano with an elevation summit of over 10,000 feet! Known as the house of the Sun by Hawaiians, this is also considered a sacred place.

The otherworldly landscape of the Haleakala Crater and the summit are two of the main attractions for visitors. The sunrise and sunset atop the summit are an incredible sight to witness. If you plan on seeing the sunrise or sunset, making a reservation beforehand online is essential. Without one, you will not be able to enter the park.

Mt. Haleakala National Park is also connected to the famous Road to Hana; therefore, many make their way into the National Park on this route. The national park has over 30,000 acres of lush jungles, beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a Mars-like landscape at the summit.

The best way to get to this natural wonder is by renting a car and driving. Many tours go through Mount Haleakala National Park if you prefer being guided. 

Wonders of the USA in Montana and Wyoming

Glacier national park, montana.

By Anwar from Beyond my Door

Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful places in America, one of the crown jewels of the National Park System. Established in 1910, the park protects the stunning glacier-carved mountains of Northern Montana as well as several year-round glaciers that occupy the park.

In 1932, Canadian Waterton Lakes National Park was combined with Glacier NP to form the world’s first peace park (Waterton Glacier International Peace Park). The combination of these parks protects an incredibly diverse ecosystem rich in flora and fauna. Due to this, the peace park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Highlights of the park are its diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and elk. The Highline trail that begins near the continental divide in Logan Pass is a must-do hike that gives visitors views of glaciers, alpine ecosystems, and a high likelihood of wildlife sightings.

Glacier National Park is located in northwest Montana on the border of Alberta, Canada .  Getting to the Glacier NP  is possible by air, train, or car. Amtrak services Glacier from two stations on either end of the park, and the nearest airport is in Kalispell, Montana. 

Yellowstone National Park

By Candice from CS Ginger

One of the most impressive US natural wonders is  Yellowstone National Park . It is a massive National Park spreading through Wyoming , Montana , and Idaho .

Yellowstone was the first national park in the world and is home to more than 10,000 hydrothermal features ranging from the famous Old Faithful Geyser to smaller mud pots and hot springs. There are 500 active geysers in the park, which accounts for more than half of the geysers in the world.

Along with the geothermal features, wildlife is abundant. It is home to grizzly bears, wolves, black bears, moose, elk, and bison. Yellowstone is a great vacation destination whether you’re traveling solo or on a family vacation.

Yellowstone is in the western United States. Most of the park is in Wyoming, but parts of the park do cross the state border into Idaho and Montana. A small regional airport in West Yellowstone is just minutes from the park. The closest international airports are Bozeman, Jackson Hole, and Salt Lake City.  

Reservations inside the park can be booked out a year in advance, so making reservations as early as possible is a good idea. If you do not stay in the park, West Yellowstone and Gardiner are two great cities nearby.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

By Michelle Stelly from The Wandering Queen

One of the best places to visit in the United States is  Grand Tetons National Park . This national park is an outstanding American natural wonder. It is filled with mountains, lakes, rivers, and amazing viewpoints. It is also located near the even more famous Yellowstone National Park (only 50 minutes away). Grand Teton is located in Wyoming, and it is best to fly into Jackson Hole Airport to get to the park.

It is a natural wonder because of the magnificent mountain range, which includes mountains like Mt Woodring, Mt St John, Mt Owen, and much more. Many peaks exceed 12,000 feet, and Grand Teton is the highest point. There are also many gorgeous lakes with mountain views, like Delta Lake, Jenny Lake, Leigh Lake, Taggart Lake, and Blacktail Ponds.

There are also waterfalls like Hidden Falls and places to go swimming, white water rafting, and kayaking. There are many places to watch sunrises, like Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend, Chapel of the Transfiguration, and Schwabacher Landing. You can spot wildlife in many park areas, but the best place to see them is on Moose-Wilson Road. There is a high chance of spotting moose on Moose Wilson Road. 

Natural Wonders in the US – California

Yosemite national park.

By Agnes from The Van Escape

Yosemite National Park is located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada in California and preserves an area of outstanding scenic beauty and wilderness value. It is located just 190 miles east of San Francisco. The easiest way to get to the Park is by car, public transportation from SF, or an organized tour.

Yosemite National Park is a natural wonder because it was carved into the earth by the movement of massive glaciers. This created some unique topographical features you will not find anywhere else, including five of the highest waterfalls on Earth.

You can see towering granite domes, huge waterfalls, and ancient groves of Giant Sequoias. The park is home to El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in North America. Yosemite Falls, which plunges 4,425 feet (739 m), is the highest waterfall in North America. Also, Half Dome is one of the most famous mountains in the world.

Yosemite National Park, one of the ecological treasures of the United States, was officially added to the World Heritage List UNESCO in 1984. Yosemite’s natural beauty and diversity are of great scientific and cultural importance and deserve special protection.

In addition, Yosemite is the sacred home of the ancestors of several traditionally associated Indian tribes and groups. The landscape reflects generations of Native American land management and is a testament to the profound ecological, cultural, and spiritual ties that Native Americans have to the area.

Death Valley National Park

By Krisztina Harsanyi from She Wanders Abroad

Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and one of the most famous landmarks in California .

The park is located in Eastern California, right next to the border of Nevada . It is home to a variety of different landscapes, including the Mojave Desert, which is the largest desert in North America.

Death Valley National Park is known for its extreme temperatures, reaching up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. The park also holds the record for the lowest point in the United States, at -282 feet below sea level.

Death Valley National Park is home to various plants and animal life despite its hostile environment. Visitors to the park can see bighorn sheep, coyotes, and even the endangered desert tortoise.

Since the park has a large variety of different landscapes, there are several different activities that visitors can enjoy. There are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities and opportunities to stargaze and participate in ranger-led programs.

It’s best to visit Death Valley with a car, but you can find plenty of tour companies that offer day trips from Las Vegas if you’re not comfortable driving.

If you’re looking to experience one of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the United States, spending at least one day in Death Valley National Park is a must.

Located in the Sierra Nevada, between California and Nevada , Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in North America, lying at 6 225 ft (1,897 m). With a depth of 1 645 ft (501 m), it is also the second deepest lake in the USA, only behind Crater Lake in Oregon (mentioned below in this list).

Lake Tahoe is a prominent natural landmark in Nevada and California and a popular year-round destination. It is popular both as a winter sports destination with snow and ski resorts and an outdoor recreation area in Summer with crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. Nevada’s side also offers lakeside casino resorts, as one would expect.

Click here to check out the other famous landmarks in California!

There are dozens of public access beaches in Lake Tahoe, but the most popular is Sand Harbor. It was white sand, near-perfect translucent water, and lovely granite rock formations. It’s a perfect destination for swimming, kayaking, SUPing, and even scuba diving.

There are several ski resorts around Lake Tahoe, but the most popular and the largest is Heavenly Mountain Resort, located near the California/Nevada Stateline on the south shore. People from all over California, Nevada, and other states travel to Lake Tahoe during winter to enjoy the snow, the resorts, the perfect setting, and everything else.

Natural Wonders in America – Florida

Dry tortugas national park.

By Erin Moreland from Super Simple Salty Life

Dry Tortugas National Park sits in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles off of the coast of Key West, Florida . You may have seen photos taken here of an open-air window made from bright orange bricks looking out onto miles of turquoise blue water as far as the eye can see.

This UNESCO park preserves seven islands or “keys,” which include Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, endangered migratory birds, and unique tropical ecosystems. You may not know that this location was vital to US history!

Fort Jefferson on Garden Key was built in the 1800s as a southern coastline defense system for the United States to preserve the ability to carry goods around the coast by sea. It is a huge hexagonal structure made from 16 million handmade bricks, and visitors to the Dry Tortugas are welcome to explore the fort on land and snorkel and swim around the moats in the clear blue waters. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Florida.

The Dry Tortugas cover 100 square miles of ocean, and 99 percent are actually underwater. Because of the extremely remote location, the only way to visit is by boat or seaplane.  The ferry to the Dry Tortugas  is the only authorized tour operator traveling to the national park, providing day trips on an air-conditioned state-of-the-art catamaran to the park directly from Key West.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park sits at the southern tip of Florida , just south of Miami and Naples. It is the third-largest national park in the continental United States and is part of the UNESCO Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve.

Covering 1.5 million acres of tropical wetlands, the Everglades protects many threatened or endangered species, including American crocodiles and alligators, West Indian manatee, leatherback turtles, and the Florida panther.

The Everglades is known as the “River of Grass” and contains several distinct fresh and saltwater ecosystems, such as hardwood hammocks, cypress wetlands, pine forests, and mangrove-lined rivers. Because the park is so vast, the  best itinerary for exploring the Everglades  is to plan several days to visit each different area.

You need a vehicle to see all the park areas as no shuttles are touring the park, and the closest airport is in Miami. Many boardwalk trails meander throughout the park, as well as guided boat tours and bicycle, kayak, and canoe rentals. Because of the elusive animals and critical ecosystems the park protects, the Everglades National Park is an American natural wonder you must visit!

American Natural Wonders – Other states

Niagara falls, new york.

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural wonders in the USA, so it is not surprising it made the list. However, some people may not realize they are still part of New York state, as they are on the NY state border with Ontario, Canada .

Famed for its magnificence and size, the Niagara River creates the falls, draining water from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. With a vertical fall of 167 ft (51 m), they have a combined flow rate of 85,000 cu ft/s (2,400 m 3 /s), making them the most powerful in North America by flow rate.

Niagara Falls consists of 3 waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge. Horseshoe Falls are the largest and are located on the Canadian side of the border, while the smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are within New York State.

It is advisable to see the falls from both sides to have a comprehensive view and experience. While the Canadian side is usually praised as the best because of its proportions, it is also much more commercialized. The American side is within the oldest state park in the country, creating a more natural experience, which you would expect when visiting a waterfall.

Visiting the Niagara Falls State Park to experience this natural wonder is free and open 365 days a year. You can walk around the 400 acres of lush terrain and find several activities and attractions. The tours and activities are (obviously) mostly paid for. You can go behind the falls , go on a walking tour , navigate the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat , and much more.

Niagara Falls are the most famous natural landmark in New York, but there are many others. Have a look at the 30 most famous landmarks in New York .

Crater Lake, Oregon

By Kenny from Knycx Journeying

Located in south-central Oregon, Crater Lake is a volcanic crater lake in the Crater Lake National Park. It is a beloved hiking and holiday outing destination among the locals because of its clear, deep, intensely blue waters and breathtaking sceneries.

The best way to enter the park is by self-driving. Take Highway 58 to Highway 97 from the nearest city, Eugene or Portland. Then, turn west on Highway 138 to the park’s North Entrance. The lake was formed when Mount Mazama collapsed after a volcano eruption thousands of years ago.

The lake is a natural wonder because it’s the deepest lake in America; it is also known for its distinct blue color – given that the lake has no inlets or other water sources, the lake’s water is accumulated from snow and rain.

In fact, many exciting activities are available at Crater Lake around the year. The park is also a great place for active travelers to go hiking and fishing. Go zip-lining at Klamath Falls to enjoy a view of Upper Klamath Lake from a different perspective. Explore a camping experience at one of the wonderful campsites near Crater Lake. The park offers different options, from glamping to car camping.

Denali National Park, Alaska

By Paula from Paula Pins the Planet

Denali National Park in Alaska is one of the most remarkable Natural Wonders in the USA and the most famous landmark in Alaska . It is not only the largest National Park in the country, but here, you can also find the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley, with a peak that reaches 20,310 feet above sea level.

Denali is a natural wonder with so much to offer. Whether you’re hiking, biking, camping, rafting, fishing, wildlife viewing, or flightseeing, Denali National Park and Preserve was granted membership into UNESCO’s rather elite club in 1976 due to its geological history, contrasting ecosystems, diverse plant life, and abundant wildlife. Here, you can find bears, moose, caribou, foxes, and even the occasional wolf, which can be spotted from the park road, making the experience even more special.  

Most visitors add a Denali to their  Alaska road trip itinerary , as it is easier to visit the park if you have your own car. Denali is located about 6 hours from Anchorage by car and 8 hours by the Alaska Railroad. If you visit Denali from Fairbanks, it’s just 3 hours by car and 4 hours by train. 

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

By Ashley Rice from Ashely on the Move

Located about 45 minutes outside Asheville, NC, you’ll find Triple Falls Trail in Dupont State Forest. Triple Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails to explore in Dupont, but don’t let that deter you! While it gets crowded, the trail is wide and maintained well, so it’s still delightful no matter how many hiking friends you pass.

The best part? You pass not one, not two, but THREE waterfalls on your way along Triple Falls Trail. The falls are absolutely gorgeous, and all three have perfect spots to sit and enjoy a picnic. Two of the falls, Hooker Falls and Triple Falls, were used in filming The Hunger Games!

The trail makes a complete loop from the Hooker Falls parking lot. Many signs will lead you to Hooker Falls first, but if you want to make it less strenuous, follow the Holly Trail, cross the highway, and head towards the High Falls trail. This will have you going downhill as you hike back toward your car, passing Triple Falls and High Falls on your way!

This hike covers around 3 miles and will take about an hour or so, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the view. It is dog-friendly (I always love a dog-friendly hike!), and there is abundant parking. Choose from the Hooker Falls lot mentioned above, or park at the Visitors Center!

Natural Bridge, Virginia

By Erin Gifford from Go Hike Virginia

Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Natural Bridge is the centerpiece of  Natural Bridge State Park . This spectacular 215-foot-tall limestone arch inspires all who pass under by way of the one-mile Cedar Creek Trail that leads to tumbling Lace Falls. Over many years, burbling Cedar Creek carved out the impressive arch.

Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, Natural Bridge has held a spot on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997. A stroll under the bridge holds a surprise, too. George Washington carved his initials on the arch in 1750.

While Natural Bridge is the main attraction, many visitors come to step foot on family-friendly trails, like the Buck Hill Trail and the Skyline Trail. These forested trails are a short drive from the park’s visitor center.

This dark sky park hosts stargazing programs aligned with astronomical events for budding astronomers, like meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and new moons. There is a hands-on children’s discovery area with a natural play space for kids.

Natural Bridge is a two-hour drive from Richmond, Virginia, or a three-hour drive from Washington, DC. Make it a day trip or stay the night at the elegant Natural Bridge Historic Hotel across the street from the state park. 

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

By Paulina from Paulina on the Road 

Apostle Islands have red sandstone sea caves, vibrant greenery, fresh water, and even more. Situated in Bayfield County in Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands give you an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views.

You can easily reach Bayfield by a 6-hour drive from Milwaukee. After reaching there, the Apostle Islands are accessible via a car ferry.

While there are 22 Apostle Islands, only 21 islands make the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. They are natural wonders because you can explore incredible landscapes and a fantastic rock cliff coastline. Moreover, Apostle Islands are known to be the best place in America for kayaking. So much so that it attracts a few of the best kayakers in America.

Not only the waters but the mainland of the county is worth exploring. You can enjoy the most amusing hiking trails and witness unique sea caves up close. Travelers looking for a relaxing vacation can enjoy some wonderful swimming beaches in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Apart from kayaking, hiking, and exploring the beaches, there are several other  things to do in Apostle Islands . Do not miss out on camping on the islands, enjoying the Apostle Islands cruise, renting a lodging cabin, going sailing, and more.  

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

By Claire from Claire Pins Travel

Badlands National Park in South Dakota is truly an American natural wonder and is well known for its rock formations, fossils, stargazing, and a large variety of wildlife. The highlight for most visitors is the distinctive pinnacles, buttes, and canyons of the rock formations rising above the prairie landscape. Over thousands of years, erosion formed these, and the colorful layers of exposed rock create an otherworldly effect. 

Various ancient fossils have also been found in the park, and replicas are found along the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Many animals make the park their home, such as bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison, elk, deer, and grassland species of birds. The park is also remote enough to have dark skies that are ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers. 

While this National Park is not a UNESCO site, it is a must-see attraction in South Dakota and a popular stop on a  road trip through the western states . It is located in the southwestern part of South Dakota, about a 55-mile or 1-hour drive from Rapid City, which is also home to the nearest airport. Most visitors arrive by car and drive the Badlands Loop Road, which offers several scenic overlooks to view the rock formations. 

Mount Rainier, Washington

By Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler

Mount Rainier, towering at 14.411 feet tall, is the highest mountain in the Cascade Mountain range – and is an active stratovolcano. In fact, due to the high likelihood of Rainier erupting in the near future, it’s also considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world!

But don’t let that deter you from visiting this natural wonder- the mountain is a boundless outdoor adventure playground, with its fields of technicolor wildflowers, enormous glaciers, and abundant wildlife. 

Located just 59 miles southeast or a two-hour drive from Seattle, Washington , Rainier is also home to one of the most visited national parks in the country, with over 260 miles of hiking trails, endless backpacking options, and stunning scenic overlooks.

If you’re looking for one of the best trails in the park, visit the Skyline Trail, a 5.5-mile loop that will bring you face-to-face with the gargantuan mountain, with stunning vistas of its glaciers and the surrounding Cascade Mountains (plus- you’ll have a good chance of spotting a mountain goat!).

Want something with a bit lower impact? Consider driving along the Chinook Scenic Byway, a 107-mile scenic drive that winds through both Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest, past waterfalls, rushing rivers, and some of the most epic Pacific Northwest scenery.

Whether you want to reach the summit of this massive mountain or simply take in its stunning views, Mount Rainier is a not-to-be-missed natural wonder in the US.

Great Falls of the Passaic River, New Jersey

The Great Falls of the Passaic River is one of the most famous landmarks in New Jersey . With 77 feet high and 260 feet wide and more than 2 billion gallons of water rushing daily, the great falls are the second-largest waterfall by volume east of Mississippi. Only Niagara Falls are larger.

Carved by glaciers that receded at the end of the last Ice Age, about 13,000 years ago, the Great Falls is a captivating natural landmark in New Jersey . However, what really is fascinating is that the location is also a historic landmark, protected since 2009 as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

The city of Paterson was founded by Alexander Hamilton, who visited the falls with George Washington during the American Revolution. Later, in 1791, he returned to the area to plan Paterson, America’s first industrial city Paterson.

Paterson was established around the Great Falls, and from the humble mills rose industries, it became an important center of early American industry. The industry in Paterson was diverse and included many American firsts: a water-powered cotton spinning mill (1793), continuous roll paper (1812), Colt revolver (1837), Roger’s Locomotive (1837), and the Holland Submarine (1878).

You can see the falls from Haines overlook Park (on the south) and Mary Ellen Kramer Park (on the north). It is also possible to drive-by view from Mc Bride Avenue, as it crosses the river just above the falls. There’s also a footbridge over the falls gorge, which is an excellent lookout.

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19 Top Natural Attractions in the United States

Framed by two oceans, bisected by the great Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, and home to such breathtaking sites as the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, the United States has natural attractions in abundance. You can find gorgeous natural attractions to visit in all 50 states and U.S. territories, thanks to State and  National Parks  systems. But of course, some natural wonders in the USA are really worth traveling for and should be on your bucket list.

These are some of the most lauded natural attractions in the United States. Don't see your favorite? Indeed, there are too many of these sights to list. You may also want to check out  USA UNESCO sites , which includes more than a dozen National Parks and/or natural wonders that have been hailed by UNESCO as worthy of preservation.

Admire the Grand Canyon

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Located north of Phoenix , Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the USA's most impressive landscapes. According to the Grand Canyon National Park Service , this great chasm measures one mile deep, 18 miles wide, and stretches for approximately 277 river miles. In all, the Grand Canyon National Park covers 1,218,375 acres.

There are many ways to see the Grand Canyon , including from an overlook in your car or RV to the Skywalk , an extended see-through walkway built and maintained by the Hualapai Nation, a native people living in this region. Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk are not a part of the Grand Canyon National Park, but nevertheless, provide a stunning view of the area.

The Grand Canyon has two official National Park areas: Grand Canyon South Rim and Grand Canyon North Rim, which is less visited and closed in the winter.

If you are a true nature buff, the best way to see the Grand Canyon is via a hike down to the Colorado River or, if you are up to it, from Rim to Rim, as hikers call it.

More than five million people visit the Grand Canyon annually, which presents a difficult challenge for the park service to maintain a pristine environment. In fact, the National Park Service banned the sale of bottled water at the Grand Canyon, so as to prevent the site from being littered with millions of plastic water bottles.

Enjoy Niagara Falls

The cascades of Niagara Falls occur where the waters of Lake Erie drain into Lake Ontario. Located in northern New York along the United States' border with Canada, the Niagara Falls attraction is shared between the two countries. On the U.S. side, you'll find Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States. It was established by Frederick Law Olmstead, who was also responsible for the design of New York City's Central Park. The National Park Service also maintains the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, which is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Niagara Falls area.

Three main falls make up Niagara Falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The best way to get a glimpse of the falls is to take a Maid of the Mist boat tour or visit the Cave of the Winds , which takes you close to Bridal Veil Falls, the smallest and therefore most easily accessible part of the Falls. Bring waterproof gear and prepare to get sprayed!

A favorite spot for honeymooners and daredevils over the years, Niagara Falls has become a massive tourist attraction. More than 20 million visitors on both the U.S. and Canadian side come to Niagara Falls each year, a fact that has unfortunately attracted tacky stores and chain restaurants. Yet, if you can see past these blights, you will no doubt be impressed by the sheer power and majesty of Niagara Falls.

Watch Old Faithful Erupt

If you could visit only one national park in the United States, Yellowstone National Park , located in Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho , would be a fine choice. As the first established national park in the world, Yellowstone contains spectacular mountains and canyons, the Yellowstone and Snake Rivers, living and petrified forests, and is teeming with wildlife.

Yellowstone is also the home of the world's largest collection of geysers—basically erupting hot springs—of which Old Faithful  is the most famous. Erupting every 60 to 110 minutes for a duration of 1.5 to 5 minutes, Old Faithful was named by the explorers of the 1870 Washburn Expedition into Yellowstone who were impressed with the geyser's eruption consistency. Though Old Faithful is not the largest geyser in the park—that would be the Steamboat Geyser—it does erupt at the most regular intervals, making it a favorite for tourists who want to witness this hydrothermal wonder.

See Denali's High Peak

Standing at a height of 20,320 feet (6,194 meters), Denali is the highest peak in the United States and the highest peak in North America. It's also one of the "Seven Summits," the highest peaks on each of the seven continents including Mount Everest (in Asia, the highest peak in the world) and Mount Aconcagua (in South America). Denali is the central feature of Denali National Park , which is comprised of six million acres of Alaskan wilderness.

Although it is remote and is known for its extremely cold weather , Denali is a huge draw for climbers and adrenaline seekers. Approximately 1,200 climbers attempt to reach Denali's summit each year. Meanwhile, about 400,000 people visit Denali National Park each year to see Denali and to enjoy the nature of one of America's most remote and pristine parks.

As for the name of the peak and park, the state of Alaska officially named it Denali in 1975 after its name in the language of the indigenous peoples of this area. A gold prospector seeking political favors named the mountain Mount McKinley after the Ohio-born politician William McKinley, who would become the 25th President of the United States. In 2015, ​the  Obama administration officially renamed the mountain Denali at the Federal level.

Visit Monument Valley

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

One of the most evocative landscapes in the American Southwest is Monument Valley , consisting of sandstone buttes, mesas, and spire rock structures in the Colorado Plateau. The area stretches between the states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico and includes the Four Corners area where these four states meet.

While Monument Valley is situated where the states of Utah and Arizona converge, the area is actually managed by the Navajo Nation as it is on Navajo land. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park includes hiking trails, camping areas, and a 17-mile scenic route for driving around the park. There is an admission fee and National Park passes are not accepted here.

Some of the best-known rock formations in Monument Valley include the East and West Mittens, which indeed look like mittens; the Three Sisters, which appear to be a nun facing two pupils; Elephant Butte; Camel Butte; the Totem Pole; and John Ford Point. The best time to visit Monument Valley is during monsoon season which lasts from July to September because the ever-changing clouds are exciting to watch and make for amazing photographs.

Hike Devils Tower

Designated as the first National Monument in the United States by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906, Devils Tower is a 1,267-foot rock formation that juts dramatically out of the Wyoming prairie. The rock is sacred to many Native American tribes in the area, including the Lakota Sioux, Crow, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Shoshone, who typically hold religious ceremonies in celebration of the monument in June.

Climbers also revere the challenging monolith, and thousands attempt to scale the monument via 150 routes. The federally designated park that surrounds Devils Tower covers 1,347 acres. For the less adventurous, it's fun to walk the trail around the base of the tower.

Savor the Deep Blue at Crater Lake

Oregon's Crater Lake National Park has water such a deep blue it often looks as dark as ink. The cliffs of the crater tower over 2,000 feet and most visitors walk the rim and look down into the quiet lake. 

The lake was formed when the volcano, Mount Mazama, erupted in about 5700 B.C. leaving the crater to fill gradually with water. The lake, the deepest in the United States, measures 1,900 deep.

Crater Lake National Park is closed in the winter due to snow but when it melts, you can enjoy the scenery, hiking trails, and the historic lodge and restaurant on the crater's edge. 

See Half Dome at Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, in central California, is one of those amazing places that attracts so many visitors it can affect the plant and animal life adversely. When the National Park Service was formed in 1916, Yosemite became one of the first national parks.

It is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, biological diversity, ancient trees, and enormous waterfalls. Half Dome, often photographed by Ansel Adams, is a sheer granite cliff that has become a hallmark of Yosemite. 

The highest waterfall in North America—Yosemite Falls, at 2,425 feet—is also a visitor favorite. You can stay at accommodations in Yosemite or camp in this very popular park. 

Climb High on the Oregon Coast

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Cape Perpetua, a large forested headland on the central Oregon Coast, towers 800 feet over the protected Marine Garden shoreline. While many are used to sandy beaches and flatlands on the coast, Cape Perpetua represents the most rugged of coastlines.

The Cape Perpetua Headland, where you can see the steep forested, rocky cliff cascade into the rough water below, is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast.

Hike Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge area most visited is located at the point where the river cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range forming part of the border between Oregon and Washington State.

The Gorge, as it's known, is easily accessible as a day trip from Portland, Oregon. It is known for its fern and wildflower-laden hillsides flowing with waterfalls, many of them named and widely known.

Driving the Old Columbia River Highway to Multnomah Falls a favorite thing to do. The most famous of the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, Multnomah Falls , is grand two-tiered falls cascading 611 feet down to eventually flow into the Columbia River. You can walk up to a bridge overlooking the falls or even to the top where the falls start.

Walk Out to Point Lobos in Carmel

A stunning natural area near quaint and historic Carmel, California, is the Point Lobos Natural Reserve. 

At Point Lobos, you can walk the perimeter and see craggy rock formations plunge into Monterey Bay with ocean waves crashing against the rocks. The often turquoise-colored waters are stunning.

There's a rare stand of the photographed original-growth Monterey cypress trees at the point, one of only two such groves left in the world. It's a fantastic place to get away from the weekend crowds on the streets of Carmel. 

Drive to the Snow Line at Mt. Rainier

TripSavvy / Chris VR

Washington's Mt. Rainier National Park, established in 1899, is another popular park designed to make access for those traveling by car easy. You can drive right up to the snow line, the altitude where there's still snow in summer, at Paradise.

Mt. Rainier, visible from all over the Seattle Puget Sound area, is one of the world’s largest volcanoes and stands almost three miles high.

Visitors to the park can stroll through fields of wildflowers in spring and see fall foliage later in the year. There are trees over a thousand years old. But the most beautiful part of Mt. Rainier is its snowy cap.

Sail the San Juan Islands

You don't need a sailboat to sail through the San Juan Islands of northern Washington, because the ferry that takes you to the islands from Anacortes provides you with scenic vistas and, sometimes, whale watching. The Straits of Juan de Fuca and Georgia provide visitors with sights of islands, near and far, and rugged coastlines filled with driftwood and wildlife like deer and bear. Pods of Orca call these waters home.

San Juan Island is the largest of the 172 islands that are part of the state of Washington and has a lovely city, Friday Harbor. You can relax in a comfortable inn, dine on seafood, and take a driving tour to view historical sites and a large lavender farm.

Tour the Florida Everglades

Everglades National park, an International Biosphere Reserve, is a place to see wildlife unique to the swampy habitat of southern Florida. An iconic thing to do is to tour by airboat where you'll get a sense of this dense swamp and encounter rare species such manatees, American crocodiles, a variety of birds, Florida panthers, and alligators. 

You can also paddle the swamps yourself in certain areas or take a 2-hour guided tram tour along a paved loop trail that runs 15 miles through the Everglades from the Shark Valley Visitors Center.

Photograph Wildflowers in Death Valley

In spring, especially after a wet winter, the wildflowers in Death Valley, California, are stunning. The park's famous super blooms may only happen every five to 10 years when the weather has been just right.

When that happens, the stark desert landscape just pops with color. 

The perfect combination of conditions aligns to bring the flowers out usually between mid-February and mid-April.

Death Valley National Park is worth a visit even in a non-super bloom season. The landscape is stark, full of geological oddities and towering sand dunes and you can find out about the valley's quirky former inhabitants.

Stare at Massive Saguaro Cacti

In Arizona's Saguaro National Park , you'll walk among the iconic Saguaro cacti, a symbol of the American Southwest. This park is one of the few National Parks dedicated to protecting one plant. The multi-armed Saguaros can grow up to 50 feet high and it takes about 100 years for them to reach 25 feet. Their maximum life span is about 200 years. A special time to visit is in May when they bloom with waxy yellow and white flowers.

Crane Your Neck at the Redwoods

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris 

In Northern California,  Redwood National and State Parks , made up of four parks, are the ideal place to find the world's tallest species of tree. California has 31 redwood state and national parks but these parks are popular for visitors. The coastal environment is refreshing with shady fern-lined trails and water from the mist often dripping from the tips of the redwood branches. You can walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, which meanders through old-growth redwood groves on a casual 2.4-kilometer hike. This is where Lady Bird Johnson, a noted nature-lover, dedicated Redwood National Park in 1968. 

Go Underground at Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, is an amazing system of limestone caverns that tourists can see in  Mammoth Cave National Park .

There are more than 365 miles of a five-layered  cave  system mapped and more are being discovered. As the world’s longest cave system, this park has much to offer its visitors.

Tours take you down inside the earth, where you can see stunning limestone formations located 200 to 300 feet below the surface. There are large rooms filled with formations and winding tunnels. 

Experience Glacier Bay

Seeing a majestic blue-tinged glacier in person and even hearing the cracking sound as a piece breaks off is a once in a lifetime experience.

There are a number of ways to experience  Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve . Some visit Glacier Bay as part of an Alaska cruise and some take a cruise from a local harbor. Adventurers can even kayak in the bay. While touring the area you'll often see harbor seals, humpback whales, birds, and orca. 

The area around the town of Gustavus, accessible by air and boat, is where the park headquarters, visitor center, and accommodations are located.

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Undiscovered Natural Wonders You Should Visit in North America

What if you could marvel at the Grand Canyon without the crowds? Or find true isolation in a national park accessible by just one road? America ’s lesser-known natural wonders might just be what you’re looking for.

All too often we set out to reconnect with nature in the same tourist-filled places. Head to an RV-packed campground and you’ll photograph the same peaks and hike the same trails as thousands of others. With Verizon Visa Card, it’s easy to escape the crowds and see more. You can redeem Verizon Dollars, rewards earned from purchases made with the Verizon Visa Card, towards hotel rooms, car rentals, and dining: everything you need to turn a weekend trip into a total escape.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

You’ve almost certainly seen pictures of the wave-like rock formations present in Antelope Canyon. Nowhere else is the sheer power of the desert more evident than in this narrow slot canyon, its ochre-orange walls illuminated by shafts of light filtering down from some 100ft (30m) above. Oh boy, is it worth the journey: a guided 2.5hr drive from Flagstaff through Navajo land will help you understand the canyon’s spiritual significance. Just beware, Lower Antelope is as dangerous as it is beautiful, and flash floods are known to torrent across the plains.

A Unesco World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, Mammoth Cave is remarkable not just for its petroglyphs and pictographs but also its glittering gypsum walls and twisting tunnels. This is the longest cave system in the world; it’s thought to have been first discovered some 4,000 years ago and first visited as a tourist attraction in the 1800s. Today, routes range from accessible strolls to 2mi (3km) circuits that take you deep underground. Temperatures in the cave can drop to 54F (12C), even when it’s relatively warm outside, so use Verizon Dollars to upgrade to a cozy hotel for the night.

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Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia

What if we told you there was an island where wild ponies still roam, and where the wind tickles grains of sand over the top of still-drifting dunes — and that it’s less than three hours’ drive from DC? Camping trips aren’t big on home comforts on Assateague, so you’ll need to come well prepared for the tent-only sites, but they are the best way through which to appreciate everything Assateague has to offer. Awake to the sound of crashing waves and after a long day, watch the sun set over the barrier island’s most beautiful beaches.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

All too often, the Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks get thrown together in blink-and-you’ll miss-it road-trip itineraries. Allowing you to see little more than roadside views, such trips mean you’re seriously missing out. One thing is for sure, though, you’ll need a car, so splurge your Smart Rewards on a rental fit for these epic landscapes. On a short trip, there are also plenty of ways to explore further areas of the park. Take the ferry across Jenny Lake, the second largest in the park, and you’ll skip the 2mi (3km) hike to the Cascade Canyon trailhead. From here, the only way is up, scrambling past waterfalls and through thick forest where you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing mountain views.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park protects 6m acres (2,428,113ha) of uncharted Alaskan wilderness. Let that sink in for a minute. That’s an area nearly the size of Belgium, populated only by grizzlies, moose, and caribou who roam free beneath snow-capped peaks. The best time to visit is in the summer, when you can go rafting down glacier-fed rivers or take it easy on the gentle hiking trails and bike routes on the park fringes. Get lucky and you might even spot arctic ground squirrels, wolves, and golden eagles.

Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Dropping faster and more steeply than the Grand Canyon, yet at points only 40ft (12m) wide, the Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park defies comprehension. Carved out of gneiss and schist over 2m years, its jagged cliffs descend an astonishing 2,700ft (823m) to inky-black ravines that get as little as 33 minutes of sunlight each day. You can appreciate the canyon’s majesty from easy nature trails on the north and south rims, or request a wilderness pass to descend to the canyon floor for more strenuous hikes, climbs, and rafting trips.

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire and Maine

Think the best of New Hampshire and Maine is on the coast? Think again. Stretching across some 800,000 acres (323,749ha), White Mountain National Forest is equally as worthy of your vacation time as the wave-lashed shores. In the fall, the big appeal is the spectacular foliage, best seen from the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. In the summer, it’s all about jumping into crystal-clear mountain lakes and natural, waterfall-fed swimming holes. You’ve not really experienced White Mountain National Forest until you’ve slid down a natural rock waterslide and plunged into an ice-cold pool below.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Far closer to Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada, than they are to Seattle, the San Juan Islands are a slice of rugged, forested paradise that you could spend a lifetime visiting and still not manage to explore all 172 named islands and islets. Some are home to small fishing communities; some are known for their charming B&Bs and farm-to-table restaurants; while others are disturbed by little more than passing whales in season. San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, or Shaw Island are the best bases for your first trip, but the real joy is setting sail for a few days. Don’t sweat it if you fall in love with the island-hopping lifestyle: with Verizon Visa Card you can earn rewards and redeem them towards travel including flights and hotels. All you need is to decide where you’ll sail off to next.

To learn more about the Verizon Visa Card and start earning rewards, visit verizon.com/verizonvisacard .

In partnership with Verizon, Culture Trip is offering a promo code of $35 to be used across Culture Trip for one year. Enter VERIZON35 at checkout to redeem.

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• Last Minute

25 Best Natural Wonders in the United States

Last Updated By VacationIdea Staff on March 22, 2024

There are also a number of hiking trails that range from 15 minutes to 5 hours, and ranger-led tours are offered during the spring, summer, and fall. Rock climbing is permitted on select routes.

Other possible activities here include rock climbing, wildlife watching, kayaking, and fishing in the beautiful river that runs through the canyon.

The lake also boasts one of the largest flooded cypress forests in America; shrouded with Spanish moss, the trees create an eerie atmosphere and can make for some truly stunning photos.

The water is known for being a wonderfully intense shade of blue, and the park is also home to a number of interesting volcanic features, including a cinder cone known as Wizard Island, which rises up from the center of the lake .

Only one road goes through the park; visitors can choose to drive themselves or take one of the many available buses.

There are also campgrounds in the park for anyone who would like to spend the night, including several rustic sites on the Manitou Islands.

A variety of ranger-led programs are offered during the wet season, which lasts from April to November and is the best time to visit the park. More info

The park is open to visitors free of charge, and hours of operation vary depending on the season.

More ideas: Places to Stay Near Glacier National Park

The West Rim is home to the glass-bottomed Skywalk, while the wild and remote North Rim is perfect for anyone wanting to spend some time relaxing away from the crowds.

All visitors must purchase an entrance permit, which is valid for 7 days from the date of purchase and can be used for the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway as well.

Adventurous visitors can also try their hand at sand sledding or sand boarding down the dunes; gear can be rented from a kiosk right outside the front entrance. Details & Photos

Depending on the season, visitors can also fish, cycle, snowshoe, and marvel at the beautiful fall foliage or summer wildflowers.

Visitors must purchase a Travis County Park entrance pass, and reservations are required during the peak summer months of May through October.

The park can be explored by car or by foot; the most popular driving route is the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive, which circles the summit of Kilauea volcano, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to a number of excellent short walks and scenic viewpoints. More state parks in Hawaii

Another excellent way to experience the beauty of the area is to take a guided float or jet boat trip along the Snake River, but there are also plenty of excellent hiking and biking trails for visitors who prefer to stay on dry land.

A round-trip visit typically takes at least 8 hours, and proper safety equipment is essential. More info

A gift shop, an information center, and a restaurant can be found in the historical Multnomah Falls Lodge.

If you'd like to view the impressive falls from an entirely different angle, you can walk or drive across the border and view the falls from the Canadian side as well.

Ranger-led programs are offered during the summer, and there are a number of scenic drives for those who prefer to view the redwoods from the comfort of their vehicle.

Visitors must purchase either a 1-day or 7-day pass at one of the park entrances, and a free shuttle bus service to some of the most popular hiking trails is available during the busy summer months.

The islands can be reached by boat or by seaplane; ferry trips take approximately 2.5 hours each way. More info

There are three campgrounds in the park for visitors who would like to spend the night, and there are also several shaded picnic areas available for day use.

There are 13 campgrounds and a good number of lodges in the park, and backcountry camping is permitted if reservations are made in advance.

Parking is limited inside the park, but a free shuttle service to nine of the park's most popular attractions is available from the visitor center during the busy summer months.

• 1. Arches National Park
• 2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• 3. Caddo Lake
• 4. Crater Lake
• 6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• 7. Everglades National Park
• 8. Garden of the Gods
• 9. Glacier National Park
• 10. Grand Canyon
• 11. Grand Tetons
• 12. Great Sand Dunes
• 13. Great Smoky Mountains
• 14. Nature near me: Hamilton Pool
• 15. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• 16. Hells Canyon
• 17. Mendenhall Ice Caves
• 18. Nature near me: Multnomah Falls
• 19. Niagara Falls
• 20. Redwood Forests
• 21. Rocky Mountain National Park
• 22. Dry Tortugas
• 23. Valley of Fire
• 24. Yosemite National Park
• 25. Zion National Park

More Features

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• Travel Destinations

The Best Natural Wonders Of North America

Published: August 14, 2019

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Thalia O.

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide
• Travel Tips
• Adventure Travel
• United States

Taking a vacation to North America? You probably have a long list of must-sees and to-dos. Just make sure you include some of the most spectacular natural wonders you will see in your whole life.

Though not as historically rich as Europe and Asia, the one thing that North America has going for it is a wide range of natural wonders. No trip to North America would be complete without taking in a few of these awe-inspiring locales. But with so many, it may be hard for you to choose which ones to see. 

In this guide, we are going to help you out with that. We will be looking at some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of North America. Additionally, we will be giving a little insight into just why you should be packing your bags to take in the beauty of these spectacular natural wonders.

Natural Wonders of North America

North America is a variable gold mine of beautiful landscapes and vistas. Narrowing down our list was hard, but we think we have successfully chosen some of the best places in North America to take in the natural majesty of its versatile landscapes.

Here are our top 9 natural wonders we think everyone and their families should see while visiting:

Rocky Mountain National Park

Photo by Devin Lyster on Unsplash

The Rocky Mountains span from Colorado all the way into Canada. And no matter what leg of this mountain range you venture to you will find wondrous beauty and spectacular views. Whether you are visiting Banff or spending time in our first natural wonder, you will understand why the Rocky Mountains are simply one of the best natural wonders that North America has to offer.

But let’s talk a little about Rocky Mountain National Park and why it is a definite must-see. This park in Northern Colorado is a large national park that offers a lot of great activities no matter what season. In the spring and summer, you can hike the plethora of trails that lead to excellent camping sights and views that will take your breath away.

In the winter, hit the slopes of Hidden Valley for some of the best skiing anywhere in the U.S. You will have to purchase one of two tickets (one day or a week) at the entrances. Then, you can either drive the scenic loop or let a shuttle bus take you into the park. 

Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountain range extends from Canada all the way down to Alabama. There are many state parks and national parks along with the over 3000-mile range.  Among them, you can find the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.

One of the activities you can take on is to walk the Appalachian Trail. This trail is over 2000 miles long and meanders through 14 different states. Pone of the most majestic pieces of the Appalachian Trail is a 600 mile stretch through Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire.

There are many tours that you can book to give you a more structured trip. You can also take your trip in your own hands. Grab a trail map and head out to see why many feel the Appalachian Mountains are easily one of the best places to see a whole slew of natural wonders.

Mt. St. Helens

Photo by 12019 from pixabay.com

You may remember Mt. St. Helen’s 1980 eruption and have always wanted to see the sight. It is one of the most destructive natural wonders within the North American Continent but is also breathtakingly beautiful too.

The landscape ranges from looking like the surface of the moon to lush vegetation areas. The active volcano lends for unique adventure and there are several hundred miles of trails you can traverse as well. Not only can you hike, but you can also climb. And if you are even more adventurous, you can take the zip-line.

This beautiful sight in the Northwest state of Washington is a one of a kind experience. You can, of course, roam the paths and visit the centre on your own. Or you can book a tour – a helicopter one is both unique and fun. You can find out more information at Mt. St. Helens website here .

The Grand Canyon

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

No list would ever be complete without the Grand Canyon . This canyon covers 277 miles of Arizona desert. Close to Las Vegas, you can also take day trips out to see if you want to get a little gambling in as well. The natural beauty and prismatic colours of the canyon has a lot of activities you can do within its borders.

The canyon is so large that they divided it into three sections which will make planning your Canyon excursions a little easier. The North Rim is by far the least visited section. This is great if you want to hike and get stunning views without hassling crowds. Next up is the South Rim. This section is more tourist-heavy and is also where a bulk of the hotels and restaurants are located. The West rim is also a well-visited section as this is where the infamous glass walkway is located.

The beauty of the Grand Canyon is that you can hike, climb, and ride on the rims and down to the valley. Within the valley, you can take advantage of the Colorado river and add a little water fun into your trip to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. If you want a more structured outing, check out some of these tours .

Niagara Falls

Photo by Miriam Duran on Unsplash

Another iconic natural wonder of North America is situated on the border between the U.S. and Canada. Niagara Falls is one of the most visited places in North America. This unique natural wonder has three falls combined into one stunningly beautiful waterfall.

If you want a great view you can always hike Prospect Point Park and see an amazing view of the American Falls view. Or take the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour and get right underneath the falls themselves. Another awesome hike is to climb up the Cave of Winds that are under the Bridal Veil Falls proton of Niagara Falls.

If you want to take a little drive, you can also check out the Canadian side of the Falls. This can give you a whole different perspective. If you are on a romantic getaway from the kids, you may also want to check out some of the Niagara wineries. Also hit the Indian Casino that does not go far from the park itself. 

Bryce Canyon

If you are staying a few days in Vegas, you can add this day trip to the other day trip you take out to the Grand Canyon. Another of the great natural wonders of the Southwest U.S is Bryce Canyon . Take a walk through the unique landscape and be introduced to some hoodoos.

These are irregular columns of rock that dot the entire glove. But some of the most beautiful lie within Bryce Canyon National Park. Near Zion (another natural wonder that you could check out), this park has great hiking options. Plus, it is stunning at night. Taking a nighttime trip means gazing at some of the clearest skies you will ever see (if it’s clear of course).

There are tons of activities and tours you can take advantage of no matter what time of year you head out to Bryce. During the spring and summer, you can hike, camp, and fish. During winter, this is one of the go-to ski locations in the southwest. There are day trips from Vegas and tour that will have you experiencing the beauty of the natural rock formations as well as give you a good look at the history that resides within these canyon walls.

Hubbard Glacier

Photo by Bernard Spragg. NZ from Flickr

Whether you believe in climate change or not the world glaciers are melting. And that is why this next natural wonder has a time limit. Taking a boat tour or excursion to see one of the most stunning glaciers, the Hubbard Glacier , could be a unique way to spend the day.

This glacier is over 6 miles wide and sits in stunning blue water. The azure tints make this a sight to behold. You can take a boat tour that can get you within ½ a mile of the glacier itself. Or take a land tour to get the full enormity of this sleeping giant tidewater glacier.

Denali National Park

Taking a trip to Denali National Park will offer you spectacular vistas and a beauty that few other places in the world can surpass. The Denali Peak rises to over 20,000 feet and was first traversed in 1913. If you live challenging hikes or are a rock climber then this park is what you need in your life.

All climbers will have to register at least sixty days before their visit. But hikers and casual sightseers are free to visit and that may be enough for you. There is one way in and one way out. You can drive the scenic routes, or you can use the shuttles that are available to you.  There are even several tours that allow you to see the park by ATV or by raft. 

Yellowstone National Park

Photo by Darrell Gough from pexels.com

This was the first national park ever inducted in the U.S. It covers a 3500 sq. ft stretch of land with parts in three separate states. Probably the best-known inhabitant of Yellowstone National Park is the good Old Faithful Geyser, but there is so much more that makes this easily one of the best North American natural wonders.

Famous for breathtaking scenery, exciting geothermal activity and amazing wildlife you will have a fun-filled adventure as you take in all the sights. This park is great for families, couples and even solo travel. You can explore the park by fooling the boardwalks and a wide range of trails. These will take you through the wilderness and even around the geyser fields and hot springs.

You can bike, hike, ride, raft and take any other number of outdoor activities. You can also decide to learn a little and take a guided tour both from a park ranger or an outside company. Some of these tours will have you walking. Others will have you on a horse like you’re a cowboy. And some will have you traversing the white-water rapids of the Yellowstone River.

Photo by Ray Bilcliff from Pexels

Final Thoughts…

These are just some of the best natural wonders in North America. Taking your time to see these amazing vistas and panoramic scenes will bring a new understanding of just how much beauty surrounds us daily. Hopefully, with this list, you now have some new destinations pencilled in on your vacation calendar.

After learning about North America’s natural wonders, feel free to check out our list on the best rock climbing places in the U.S.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

10 Stunning Natural Wonders in America That Most Visitors Miss

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• National Parks
• United States
• United States National Parks

Everyone’s heard of Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon – two places that come to mind when someone mentions the natural wonders in America.

While I can’t dispute the majesty of these places, the United States covers a lot of ground, and there are under-the-radar natural wonders that are waiting for you to discover and enjoy them.

This list is not exhaustive of all the lesser-known natural wonders in the U.S., but here are 10 gems I’ve enjoyed getting to know.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Palo Duro Canyon, located near Amarillo, is the country’s second-largest natural canyon, with the Grand Canyon, of course, being the largest. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Division manages half of the canyon; the rest is private land. The state park offers camping and a variety of hiking/horse trails. The Lighthouse Trail is the most iconic in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The lighthouse, a 300-foot rock formation, is approximately 2.8 miles from the trailhead, and the hike is listed as moderately difficult.

Palo Duro Creek Ranch, sometimes called Elkins Ranch, is the privately owned side of the canyon, but the scenery is fantastic, and you’ll encounter far fewer humans. You can book a three-hour Jeep tour for $92 a person.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

2. Government Canyon State Natural Area, Texas

Located on the far northeast side of San Antonio, Government Canyon State Natural Area is home to 110 million-year-old dinosaur tracks. Hike the Joe Johnston Route, a 9-mile backcountry loop to see the tracks. If you want to make the turnaround point the tracks, you can shorten this easy-to-moderate hike, making the total distance just under 6 miles.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Government Canyon State Natural Area, Texas

3. Watkins Glen State Park, New York

This state park near Corning, New York is a stunning spot for hikes and scenery. The Gorge Trail is the park’s best-known, offering views of enormous, sheer rock walls and 19 waterfalls. The trail is 1.5 miles up and 1.5 miles down and is made up of a stone pathway with lots of stairs. The trail isn’t difficult, and you’ll be stopping so often to admire the many waterfalls that the stairs won’t seem that daunting. However, the path is narrow and can be slick if there has been recent rain, so good shoes with traction are a must.

The Gorge Trail is closed from mid-October to mid-May, although Watkins Glen State Park remains open throughout the winter. 

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Watkins Glen State Park, New York

4. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

One of the lesser-known national parks, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest underground cave system. Over 400 miles have been explored underground, and visitors to this park, located near Bowling Green, have several options for cave tours depending on the time allocated to spend and physical ability.

Although Mammoth Cave National Park tends to fly under the radar compared to Yellowstone, Glacier, and other popular natural areas, it is one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions and remains a don’t-miss.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

5. Makoshika State Park, Montana

Montana’s popularity with tourists stems from national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone, but if you’re looking for natural beauty most visitors don’t know about, go to Makoshika State Park , near Glendive, in the southeastern part of the state.

The badlands of southeast Montana have a unique and rugged beauty that is on display in full force at Makoshika State Park. Hike the short, moderate Cap Rock Trail and venture across a very photo-worthy sandstone bridge.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Makoshika State Park, Montana

6. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

While Utah is famous for national parks—the state has five total—Canyonlands is unarguably off the radar for most people. If you’re in Moab to visit the more popular Arches National Park, it’s easy and worth your time to add on a trip to Canyonlands. The park entrance is an easy 30-mile drive from Moab , which is a great place to set up basecamp if you visit both Arches and Canyonland, although each park deserves at least one dedicated day.

Don’t miss easy-to-moderate hikes in Canyonlands National Park, such as Mesa Arch, a short—less than a mile—loop trail, and the White Rim Overlook Trail. The latter is a 2-mile out and back with breathtaking views of the desert floor canyons and the many layers of rock layers in the park. I hiked both Arches and Canyonlands with hiking guide Ash Nudd , who works with WorldMark Associate – The Moab Resort , offering hiking concierge services for guests, and I’m happy I made the time to explore Canyonlands National Park, which ended up being the big highlight of my hiking trip to Utah.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

7. Turnip Rock, Michigan

Craig Sterken / Shutterstock

Turnip Rock, accessible only by kayak, is a true hidden gem in Lake Huron. Turnip Rock is a small wave-worn rock that separated from mainland Michigan and is now home to vegetation and a few squirrels. Turnip Rock is privately owned, so visitors aren’t allowed to disembark, but it’s a lovely backdrop for an adventure photo. Turnip Rock is 3.5 miles from the shore, so you’re in for at least a 7-mile paddle if you want to see it. 

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Turnip Rock, Michigan

8. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Kansas

Anyone who thinks Kansas is merely flat prairie and sunflowers should put the badlands of northwest Kansas and its exciting rock formations on their adventure travel bucket list. Little Jerusalem has Kansas’s largest expanse of exposed Niobrara Chalk formations. The 100-foot-tall spires are 85 million years old and earned their name when early settlers believed the rugged terrain resembled the walls of the famous city in Israel. The spires can be seen from the park’s Overlook and Life on the Rocks trails, but travelers who want a closer look can book a tour with a park naturalist and hike amongst the spires. A chance to go down inside the spires offers an entirely different view of the park and is worth planning your trip around. 

More Kansas hidden gems include Castle Rock Badlands and Mushroom Rock State Park. There’s much more to see in the Sunflower State than just sunflowers. 

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Kansas

9. Ruby Falls, Tennessee

Ruby Falls is located deep within Lookout Mountain and is the United States’ tallest and deepest open-to-the-public underground waterfall. Lookout Mountain is minutes from downtown Chattanooga and offers other fun outdoor activities, such as Rock City Gardens and riding the world’s steepest incline train. Rock City Gardens might be man-made, but the natural beauty and the views are spectacular—you can see seven states from the top on a clear day.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Ruby Falls, Tennessee

10. Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley is the hottest, lowest, and driest place in North America, and its rather uninviting name causes some visitors to put this park on their skip list. Despite its undeserved reputation as a barren, desolate wasteland, Death Valley has a unique beauty and easy-to-navigate hiking trails. If you visit in the spring or after a rare rainstorm, you may be treated to brilliant blooms that enhance the rugged landscape.

Death Valley makes an ideal side trip from Vegas—the park is about a two-hour drive from the strip. Artist’s Drive is one of the prettiest parts of Death Valley, with rainbow-hued hills resulting from oxidized metal in the soil, treating the eye to glorious blues, greens, yellows, and purples. Early spring is the best time to visit Death Valley, with cooler temperatures and longer days.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Death Valley National Park, California

Discover Your New Natural Wonder Icons

The beauty and majesty of America’s best-loved and most popular natural wonders will always be worthy of your travel bucket list, but I hope this list of lesser-known jewels will inspire you to seek the less-traveled path on your next adventure. 

Although Jill is an expert in Texas travel and theme park travel, she'll jump at the opportunity to go just about anywhere. From multigenerational trips to couples getaways, Jill never met an adventure she didn't like. Her most memorable travel experience was when her adult daughter took her to Morocco for her 52nd birthday, affirming that the travel bug has been successfully passed to a new generation.

Must-see attractions in North America

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Southern USA

The story of the Smoky Mountains began in primordial times when clashing supersized continents created a chain of mountains that are today among the…

Glacier National Park

The rival of any of the United States' most spectacular national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park is…

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada

Yosemite means "killer" in the Indigenous Miwok language, and in today's parlance it's indeed an impressive, awesome site. Everywhere you look in Yosemite…

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Upper East Side

What started with a handful of paintings brought over from Europe or donated by a coterie of philanthropically minded robber barons in the 19th century…

Pike Place Market

Downtown, Pike Place & Waterfront

A cavalcade of noise, smells, personalities, banter and urban theater sprinkled liberally around a spatially challenged waterside strip, Pike Place Market…

Golden Gate Park

San Francisco

When Frederick Law Olmsted, architect of New York's Central Park, gazed in 1865 upon the plot of land San Francisco Mayor Frank McCoppin wanted to turn…

Central Park

Upper West Side & Central Park

One of the world’s most renowned green spaces, Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways,…

Ellis Island

Financial District & Lower Manhattan

Located in New York Harbor, Ellis Island is the US's most famous and historically important gateway and is home to one of the country’s most moving…

McDonald Observatory

The hottest ticket in West Texas? A reservation for one of the thrice-weekly Star Parties at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis. Located on Mount Locke…

Empire State Building

The Chrysler Building may be prettier, and One World Trade Center taller, but the queen bee of the New York skyline remains the Empire State Building. NYC…

Mount Vernon

Northern Virginia

One of America's most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington.

Tulum Ruins

Tulum is one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: it’s sublime. The ruins sit on seaside cliffs, high above turquoise…

National Air and Space Museum

Washington, DC

The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…

One World Observatory

Spanning three levels at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Observatory offers dazzling panoramic views over Manhattan's…

Chinati Foundation Museum

As you step inside the historic artillery shed, with its enormous windows, sweeping desert views and sun-dappled aluminum boxes, the Marfa hoopla suddenly…

Colonial Williamsburg

Image by Thomas Faull/Getty Images RF

Kennedy Space Center

Space Coast

Within this 140,000-acre campus, the dreams of some of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century took flight all the way to the moon and back…

Parque Nacional Isla Contoy

A white sand beach with manta rays gliding through the shimmering turquoise waters. No hotels. No nightclubs. No roads or cars of any kind. It’s hard to…

Teotihuacán

North of Mexico City

This fabulous archaeological zone lies in a mountain-ringed offshoot of the Valle de México. Site of the huge Pirámides del Sol y de la Luna (Pyramids of…

Griffith Observatory

Los Feliz & Griffith Park

With eyes on both the galaxy above and palm-flanked boulevards below, the Griffith Observatory hovers above LA like a hulking spacecraft. This is one of…

Haight Street

The Haight & Hayes Valley

Was it the fall of 1966 or the winter of ’67? As the Haight saying goes, if you can remember the Summer of Love, you probably weren’t here. The fog was…

Guggenheim Museum

A New York icon, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, more commonly known as the Guggenheim, is an internationally-renowned art museum and one of the most…

Statue of Liberty

It’s been over a century since Lady Liberty made her debut appearance on the New York skyline, but this iconic statue is still one of the city’s most…

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Hill Country

A pink granite dome rising 425ft above the grasslands north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock cuts a striking but mild-mannered profile. At first glance,…

Chinatown Alleyways

North Beach & Chinatown

If you look close today at the clinker-brick buildings lining these narrow backstreets, past the temple balconies jutting out over bakeries, acupuncture…

National September 11 Memorial Museum

When the twin towers of the World Trade Center toppled during the awful events of 11 September 2001, it led to years of soul-searching about what would be…

Wandering barefoot through the contemporary art museum at Azulik hotel, you feel like you’re in a giant cocoon. Nature surrounds you, inside and out:…

National Gallery of Art

Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…

City Lights Books

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American Museum of Natural History

Founded back in 1869, this venerable museum contains a veritable wonderland of more than 34 million objects, specimens and artifacts – including armies of…

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa

When the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art expanded in 2016, it was a mind-boggling feat that nearly tripled the institution's size to accommodate a…

Independence National Historical Park

Philadelphia

This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…

In Appalachian parlance, a cove means a valley, but Cades Cove is far more than that. One of the most popular destinations in the Tennessee section of…

Lincoln Memorial

Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…

Chattanooga

Myriad songbirds of the avian variety call Tennessee home, but Chattanooga's newly revamped Songbirds – an innovative interactive learning space devoted…

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn & Dumbo

A New York icon, the Brooklyn Bridge was the world’s first steel suspension bridge, and, at almost 1596ft, the longest when it opened in 1883…

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Logan Square & Fairmount

The premier cultural institution in Philadelphia, this epic art museum would stand out even without Rocky's famous antics on the east steps. Every visitor…

National Museum of African American History & Culture

Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African…

Barnes Foundation

Since 2012, Dr Albert C Barnes' eye-popping collection of artworks – predominantly focused on French masterpieces from the late 19th and early 20th…

Banff National Park

Banff & Jasper National Parks

Of all Canada’s top sights, Banff National Park justifiably ranks as many people’s number one. As much a piece of history as a natural wonder, Canada’s…

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20 Must See Attractions in North America

North America is filled with must see attractions. Hundreds of locations draw millions of tourists to natural landmarks, historic sites and exciting places. Some are old, some are new. Some are geological wonders. Some are manmade structures. Here are our picks for the top 20 must see attractions in North America.

1. Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls is an amazing natural wonder located on the border of the United States and Canada. The Falls are the must see attraction in North America. The geological wonder consists of three waterfalls.

The Horseshoe Falls border New York State and Ontario, Canada. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are in New York State. The Falls attract an average of 12 million visitors from all over the world each year, and there is much to do and see besides the amazing water falls.

There are tours, parks, restaurant, shopping, interactive exhibits, casinos and luxury hotels. Since 1900, daredevils have attempted to go over the Falls in enclosed barrels. Some were successful and some were not.

During the mid-twentieth century, the Falls became a popular honeymoon destination. The Niagara Falls are definitely a must see attraction inn North America.

2. Walt Disney World Parks

Walt Disney World is the most visited resort in the United States. Walt Disney and his brother Roy opened a theme park Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955 and wanted to open a supplemental park.

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom was created in Orlando, Florida and opened in October 1971. Epcot Center followed in 1982, Hollywood Studios opened in 1989, and Animal Kingdom followed in 1998.

The resort is often used as a corporate meeting destination, and 52 million people visit the parks each year. There are many resorts and different types of Amusement Parks. Walt Disney World is the most popular family trip destination.

The Magic Kingdom's iconic Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain, and are fun for people of all ages. Epcot Center celebrates the countries of the world and science. Animal Kingdom provides rides and adventures in a safari atmosphere.

There are also two water parks associated with Disney World as well as golf courses, restaurants, shopping and more.

3. Times Square

New York City has many must see attractions including Central Park, Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City Music Hall, Fifth Avenue, Wall Street, Broadway and Ellis Island. Time Square, located in Midtown Manhattan at Broadway and Seventh Avenue, is the United States' most famous intersection.

It's home to commercial business, entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants. It's also the bub of the Times Square has been called "The Crossroads of the World", "The Center of the Universe" and "The heart of The Great White Way".

Over 50 million people, mostly tourists, cross the intersection each year. Originally called Longacre Square, it was renamed Times Square in 1904 when The New York Times moved its headquarters there. Since 1907, the iconic New Year's Eve celebration has been held in Times Square when the "ball is dropped" at midnight.

The annual celebration attracts over a million visitors every December 31 except when the event was during World War II. During the Great Depression, the area became seedy but was revived in the 1990's. "Good Morning America" is broadcast live at ABC's Times Square Studios.

Well known for its bright advertising signage, Times Squares is home to neon and LED lighting jumbotron.

4. National Mall

The capital of the United States, Washington DC, has multiple attractions, but visitors must be sure to check out the National Mall. The national park begins at Capitol Hill and stretches toward the Potomac River and is home to several memorials including the Washington Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and memorials honoring the wars that the United States have fought.

The National Mall is a gathering place for people witnessing the United States Presidential Inaugurations. The National Mall is also home to the Smithsonian Institute.

The Institute features several museums including the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The National Mall is also used as a place of peaceful protest.

5. Chichen Itza

The Mayan ruins Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Chichen Itza means "at the mouth of the well of the Itza people". It was the Mayan's largest and most densely populated city between 750 AD and 900 AD and most likely a spiritual center.

The ruins of the city are managed by the federal government. The architectural ruins of Chichen Itza are some of the most visited in the world with more than 2 million tourists a year. Many of its stone buildings have been restored.

Preserved structures include El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, a skull platform, the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Group of A Thousand Columns.

6. The Getty Center

Endowed by the Getty Trust, the Getty Center features the Getty Museum in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. In 1997, the $1.3 billion Center opened to the public. It's beautiful hill top architecture and gardens overlook the city of Los Angeles.

The J. Paul Getty Museum draws nearly 2 million visitors each year. The Getty Center includes the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation and the J. Paul Getty Trust.

The buildings were designed by Richard Meier for beautiful views and safe from earthquakes and fires. One of the most visited museums in the United States, the J. Paul Getty Museum includes pre twentieth century European art and nineteenth and twentieth century American and European photographs.

7. The CN Tower

The skyline of Toronto, Canada is defined by The CN Tower. The 553.3 foot communications tower was completed in 1976. The tower was the worlds tallest free standing structure until 2009 when the Canton Tower was built in Burj Khalifa.

Built on the Canadian National railroad lines by the Canadian railway company, the CN Tower attracts more than 2 million visitors a year. Not only does the tower serve as a communications tower, but it also has an observation deck and a restaurant with amazing panoramic views of Toronto.

Since 1995 the CN Tower has been controlled by the Canada Lands Company. The same year, the American Society of Civil Engineers named the CN Tower one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

8. Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona memorial is in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is the resting place of 1,102 bodies of United States Marines killed during the surprise attack by the Japanese on the morning of December 7, 1941.

The events of that morning would lead the United States into World War II. The United States Navy established the harbor as a base in 1899. The memorial was built in 1962 and is visited by more than 2 million people each year.

The memorial is built over the wreckage of the bombed ship, the USS Arizona. It is one of several United States memorials as part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Another important memorial to visit is the World Trade Center Memorial in New York City.

The Twin Towers were destroyed by terrorists who had hijacked jet passenger airplanes and flew them into the office skyscrapers on the morning of September 11, 2001. The memorial features two waterfalls honoring the thousands killed that morning. The waterfalls are built over the footprints of the Twin Towers.

9. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an extensive United States park established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. The expansive park covers nearly 3,500 miles in parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Best known for its protected wildlife and geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park attracts millions of visitors every year. Yellowstone is well known for its geysers.

There are at least 1,280 known geysers. "Old Faithful" erupts regularly and is probably the most well known geyser in the world. Wildlife includes bears, wolves, elk and bison.

10. The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail covers 2 and a half miles in Boston Massachusetts. The trail follows a path in the city that marks several sites that were important to the American Revolution.

Many of America's founding fathers lived in Boston and the city was home to many Revolutionary events. It was also home to many of the meetings where the American strategy for the war were held.

The Trail begins at Boston Common and winds through downtown through the North End and ends in Charlestown at the USS Constitution. The Trail is marked by red lines or red bricks. Sites along the trail include churches, graveyards and the naval frigate at the site of the "Boston Tea Party".

Other sites include the Old State House, the Old South Meeting House and Paul Revere's house. The Freedom Trail was conceived in 1951 by journalist William Schofield. Mayor Hynes made the idea a realty, and by 1953, more than 40,000 walked the trail annually.

The Freedom Trail remains a popular attraction. It is a great way to get a history lesson at your own pace.

11. Bourbon Street

In the heart of New Orleans and its oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street. The French Quarter of Louisiana is its most historic and carries the legacy of New Orleans' French heritage.

Bourbon Street has always had a risqué reputation as home of the city's red light district. In the 1940's and 1950's, the street was lined wit nightclubs with over 50 burlesque and striptease shows. In the 1960's and 1970's the street was cleaned up and made as a pedestrian plaza inviting tourists.

Many festivals are held in New Orleans' French Quarter and along Bourbon Street. The most popular is Mardi Gras. The street is still home to bars and strip clubs, but it is also home to fine dining, shopping, art exhibits and live Jazz music performances.

12. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of North America's most amazing natural formation. It is a part of the Colorado River basin and has been formed over the last 70 million years. It is located in Arizona and stretches 277 miles with width up to 18 miles and a depth of more than a mile.

The river valley in the Colorado plateau is a site to behold. The is home to Native Americans and draws in 5 million tourists each year. It is a great place to sightsee, camp, hike, skydive and raft. Helicopter tours are regular.

The biological diversity of the Grand Canyon is vast and many species of animals inhabit the Canyon.

13. Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 460 feet and rises 230 feet above the Capilano River in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadian walking bridge draws over 800,000 tourists a year.

The bridge was built in 1989 by Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay who served as the park commissioner for Vancouver. The bridge was made of cedar planks and hemp ropes.

It was replaced with a wire cable bridge in 1903. Edward Mahon purchased the bridge in 1910 and sold it to "Mac" MacEachran in 1935 who invited native Americans to place totem poles in the park.

Ten years later "Mac" sold the bridge to Henri Aubeneau, and the bridge was completely rebuilt ten years after that. The site has been owned by Nancy Stibburd since 1983. Stibbard brought more tourists to the park and the bridge by adding different walkways across different areas of the canyon.

Guests of the Capilano Suspension Bridge can enjoy the beautiful park land high above the canyon floor.

14. The Alamo

No visit to San Antonio, Texas is complete without a visit to the Alamo. The Spanish Mission was the site of the Battle of the Alamo, an important point in the Texas American Revolution.

During the 13 day siege between February 23 and March 6, 1836, Mexican troops assaulted and killed all but two Texan defenders. The site became known as a battle site instead of a mission.

The Texas Legislature would purchase the land and buildings during the early twentieth century and the Alamo's chapel became a State Shrine. The Alamo is the most popular tourist destination in Texas. It inspired the quote "Remember the Alamo" and inspired several movies.

15. Denali National Park

Alaska's Denali National Park is one of North America's most beautiful attractions. It features Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America that rises 20,320 feet. There is also abundant wildlife living in the park.

Bus tours offer sights of grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves and Dall sheep. The park is filled with picturesque lakes, rivers and tundra landscape. It is home to the large Kahiltna Glacier. Wintertime activities include dog sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

The 6 million acre park is located in central Alaska.

16. Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, Canada is a must during any visit to western Canada. The ski resort town grew in the early twentieth century and built itself up in a bid to be a location for the 1960 Olympics but lost the bid.

Just a two hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler Village and Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort are breathtaking. It is the largest ski resort in North America. Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980.

The mountainous and forested area of Canada has always been a winter retreat, but it has become a summer retreat as well. The Village increased in popularity after becoming a venue in the 2010 Olympics. It is also a retreat for golfing, hiking, biking and other summertime activities.

17. Cedar Point

For roller coaster enthusiasts, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio is a popular destination in North America. The amusement park on Lake Erie opened in 1870 and is the second oldest operating amusement park in the United States.

The park has over 75 rides including 16 roller coasters. It is the only park in the world with five coasters higher than 200 feet. Cedar Point has received awards including the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Amusement Park in the World" for 16 consecutive years.

Over 3.6 million visitors come the park each year. Cedar Point has several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park has both indoor and outdoor water parks and a historic hotel, The Breakers with a boardwalk leading to the beaches of Lake Erie. Every October Cedar Point hosts Halloweekends with Halloween themed attractions.

18. The Las Vegas Strip

Just about everyone in the world has to make a trip to Las Vegas in their life time. The 4.2 mile strip along South Las Vegas Boulevard is home to the major resorts and casinos of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Up until 1959 casinos and hotels were based in downtown Las Vegas along Freemont Street with some resorts out of the city limits. After 1959 large resorts and casinos were built on what would become to be known as "The Strip".

Some of the largest resorts are located there. Las Vegas become a place for gambling, vacationing, seeing live shows, and getting married. Many of the original casinos and resorts have been taken down to be replaced by modern luxury hotels.

Caesars, Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, Paris, New York New York, MGM and Luxor are just some of the massive and popular resorts and casinos on the Las Vegas strip.

19. The Golden Gate Bridge

When visiting the San Francisco - Oakland area of California, it would be impossible to miss the Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic "orange vermilion" also called "international orange", colored steel suspension bridge links San Francisco to Marin County.

The color was chosen to make the bridge appear in the notorious San Pacific Ocean fog that rolls into the city San Francisco Bay daily. Construction of the bridge began in 1933.

At the time of its opening in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world. At 4,200 feet tall, the bridge is the tallest in the United States today.

The bridge is 1 mile along above the San Francisco Bay and is the most photographed bridge in the world. When visiting San Francisco, tourists have many attractions to see, but the bridge is certainly the most visible.

20. Mont Royal Park

It would be impossible to miss the massive Mont Royal Park on a trip to French Canadian city Montreal. The vast park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same designer who created the plans for New York City's Central Park.

The public park has walking paths, bike paths, lakes and lookouts. Mont Royal Park offers educational opportunities, music venues and spacious grounds to lay around. The park typically helps visitors to Montreal get their bearings as they sightsee the grand city.

You can also read:

• The 20 Worst States to Live in America
• The 20 Richest Neighborhoods in America
• The 20 Cheapest Small Towns in America
• The 10 Worst Roads in America

Written by  Garrett Parker

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North America Attractions: A Guide to Some of the Continent’s Most Spectacular Sites

The Grand Canyon

Niagara falls, yosemite national park, yellowstone national park, mount rushmore, the statue of liberty.

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Top 10 Things To See In North America

If you haven't been to North America then you are missing some of the most magical natural beauty and man-made fun in the world. We know Jeff is spot on with this post, as most of these made our Top 10 as well. 

North America is one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world. From Canada’s natural wonders, United States’ historical monuments and Alaska’s mesmerizing national parks, North America quite simply has it all. With so many tourist attractions, it’s hard to narrow it down to just ten but we’ve had a go and think we’ve done a pretty good job.

GRAND CANYON (Arizona, USA)

Vast, magnificent and eye boggling, the Grand Canyon is a national treasure and one of the Seven Wonders of the World that is quite simply, breathtaking. Stretching for almost 300 miles from end to end, the steep, rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor. Visitors flock every single day to see this unique combination of geological color and erosional forms. The sight is a real spectacle.

TIMES SQUARE (New York, USA)

One of the world’s most famous squares is filled with the most enchanting experience when one visits at night, as all the video screens, LED signs, and flashing lights are ablaze with color. Hosting over 39 million visitors annually, the square is filled with themed restaurants, theaters and hotels. Times Square is also well known for its famous New Year’s Eve ball drop .

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE (San Francisco, USA)

The orange coloured Golden Gate Bridge is a master piece which was built and completed in 1937. At the time of completion, the Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension bridge span in the world. It quickly became the global symbol of San Francisco and California. While most drive their cars over the bridge, one can also enjoy a beautiful long walk or bike ride with magnificent sea views.

NIAGARA FALLS (Ontario, CANADA)

Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the North American continent. Niagara Falls is actually three different falls, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. With more than 14 million visitors each year it is one of the most visited tourist attraction in the world. History will show that the Niagara Falls has only twice frozen over completely, once in 1936 and again in 1938.

WHITE HOUSE (Washington DC, USA)

The White House is considered by many to be the world symbol of the United States. The site for the White House was selected by George Washington, first president of the United States. Obama, Clinton, Roosevelt, Nixon and Kennedy are just some of the people to have lived and worked at the White House since 1800. There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. A great piece of American history.

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK (Glacier Bay, ALASKA)

Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The park is best known for its massive glaciers, but is also an ideal destination for those seeking wildlife, kayaking and whale watching. Glacier Bay National Park attracts 300,000 visitors annually. Surrounded by several tidewater glaciers and even more alpine glaciers, the tallest mountain ranges, the Fairweather Range, features mountains that stretch as high as 15,320 feet! Undoubtedly, this is one of the most stunning places to visit in the world.

BANFF NATIONAL PARK (Alberta, CANADA)

Some might say that this is Earth’s little slice of heaven. Located in the province of Alberta, the Banff National Park is not only Canada’s first national park, but also one of the nation’s largest and most visited national parks. One of the most picturesque places in the world coves miles of forests, mountains, rivers, lakes and glaciers. Also, Banff National Park remains more than 93 percent untouched and features an abundance of wildlife including bears, wolves, cougars and bald eagles to name a few.

DISNEY WORLD (Orlando, USA)

Walt Disney World, located in Lake Buena Vista near Orlando, is the flagship of Disney’s worldwide theme park empire and one of the most popular tourist attractions in North America. It is also by far, the world’s largest and most-visited theme park resort. Disney World has four theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Most of the 17 million visitors each year would describe Disney World as a place of fun, magic and fantasy – especially the kids.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (Wyoming, USA)

The Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park. It is home a vast number of geysers, hot springs, and other thermal areas, as well as incredible wildlife. Yellowstone lies on top of a gigantic hotspot where light, hot, molten mantle rock rises towards the surface. The park contains half of all the world’s known geothermal features, with more than 10,000 geysers and hot springs. This includes the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts almost every 91 minutes, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is third largest in the world.

LAS VEGAS STRIP (Las Vegas, USA)

This gamblers paradise is situated in the midst of the southern Nevada desert landscape. Casinos can be found throughout Las Vegas , but the strip is the place you shouldn’t stray too far from. Giant mega-casino hotels such the MGM Grand, Caesars Palace and Venetian-Palazzo are decorated to create a fantasy-like atmosphere. However, Las Vegas is not only famous for its casinos. Check out the Bellagio Fountains, a Cirque du Soleil show or just party at one of the many pool parties around town.

When you travel to one or all of these destinations, unlucky things can occur before or during travel that you just can’t control. Ensure you get your travel insurance online and protect yourself with what is ultimately, the most essential travel item when travelling to North America.

" Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australia Post is an Authorised Representative, AR 338646, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited ABN 73 144 049 230, AFSL 360138 who issues insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC, trading as Great Lakes Australia ARBN 127 740 532, ABN 18 964 580 576, AFSL 318603. Review your own needs and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to buy this insurance.  Download a copy of the combined FSG/PDS here  , or for our In-store Comprehensive International Travel Insurance policy download a copy of the  $5 a day Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement here  or the  $10 a day Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement here , or contact us on 1300 728 015 or email  [email protected] .”

Jeff Frank is an Australian who never finds any flight too long. After travelling extensively throughout Australia, he decided to skip over the ocean and make a start on the USA. He was so very glad he did. He know freelances his great travel stories through any and all mediums. 

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