When was the last time you saw a truly majestic natural wonder?
The USA packs spellbinding biodiversity within its borders, having some of the most stunning places in America and even in the entire world. Within the 50 states, you’ll come across incredible natural landmarks like skyscraping mountain ranges topped by glaciers, hot desert playas and plateaus, tropical rainforests, rolling grasslands where thousands of bison once roamed, polar tundra, and active volcanic zones.
Many of the USA’s most spectacular natural wonders are part of the vast acreage protected by the National Park Service. These specially protected areas also provide a haven for a very wide array of wildlife, ranging from giant grizzly bears to eyeless fish.
So it’s only fair to say that our country is truly blessed when it comes to geographical marvels and natural wonders. A trip across this diverse, magnificent country offers amazing opportunities to explore unique places that you may not see anywhere in the world.
If you’re preparing for an adventure-laden America tour, we’ve rounded up some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the USA. Check this out!
1. Death Valley
Nestled in the golden sands of the desert that cover the Nevada-Arizona border, Death Valley is one of the uttermost but most beautiful natural wonders in the whole country.
Comprising about 140 miles of glistening, dusty landscapes that are speared by craggy, rocky outcrops and yucca plants, this wild gem provides a very different take on the classic perception of America’s national parks.
Every year, more than a million tourists visit this natural wonder, and they often combine this experience with trips to the Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree National Park. Although the weather conditions and the terrain can be challenging, there are plenty of activities to do here for those ready to test their stamina.
Examples include climbing, horseback riding, abseiling, cycling, and hiking. Movie enthusiasts may also want to visit the filming location of the Star Wars Episode IV film.
2. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is without a doubt one of the most famous natural wonders on the planet. Attracting over 5 million tourists every year, this huge national park, which is known for its breathtaking, plunging canyon, covers an acreage of rugged terrain stretching about 1,900 square miles.
Visitors are often left gaping at the scale of the park and the serene beauty of its setting. In fact, this is one of those tourist destinations that never disappoints.
Most visitors make for either the West, the North, or the South Rim. The North Rim is closed during the winter months, while the South Rim is open all year. The West Rim is particularly popular among tourists, as it allows people to enjoy the breathtaking views from the famous Skywalk, a platform specially built to protrude into the canyon. And yes, the panoramic vistas are truly spectacular.
The South Rim tends to be a bit quieter, and if you’re there during the sunset, you can enjoy the unrivaled scenery basking in a golden, pink-hued sky.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring your camera with you! You’ll want to take lots of pictures!
3. Florida Everglades
A watery wilderness that covers about 8 square miles, the Florida Everglades are a spellbinding natural wonder, offering a bevy of activities. A breathtaking network of waterways, wetlands, and subtropical forests, this is a unique spot that provides all kinds of wildlife-spotting opportunities and action-packed adventures.
Perhaps the most famous creature living in the Florida Everglades is the alligator. It’s estimated that there are over 200,000 of these fascinating reptiles here, and taking an airboat ride to catch sight of these menacing, prehistoric animals comes highly recommended. In fact, the Everglades are believed to be the only spot in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist.
A boat trip is a perfect chance not only to spot the beady eyes and subtle movements of gators and crocs but also to admire the sheer size of the wetlands and to see the numerous bird species that the Everglades house.
You may even get the chance to cast an eye upon the marine mammals such as manatees and bottlenose dolphins that sometimes come into the area. The Florida Panther is another high-profile native you may also see here.
4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii, comprised of a bunch of spectacular tropical islands, is a stunning holiday destination. Offering everything from crystal-clear waters and glimmering white sand beaches to cosmopolitan cities and one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the country, Hawaii has something for everyone.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Program and is home to Mauna Loa, also known as the world’s largest volcano. This imposing conical structure is one of five volcanoes located on Hawaii’s Big Island and stands over 13,000 feet above sea level. It’s also an active volcano, and its last eruption occurred in 1984.
The best way to visit this natural wonder is through a guided tour, which will offer you an insight into the vibrant history of the park and its fascinating geographical makeup. You’ll get the chance to marvel at lava-carved faces, black-sand beaches, and giant, gaping calderas.
5. Great Lakes
A group of five vast bodies of water that stretch towards the US-Canada border, the Great Lakes comprise Ontario, Michigan, Lakes Erie, Superior, and Huron. Covering a combined area of nearly 95,000 square miles, this is the largest freshwater surface in the entire world.
Lake Superior alone stretches over a surface area of more than 31,000 square miles. Tourists looking to visit this natural wonder can combine guided boat trips with self-drive tours.
In addition to offering a great base for boating and hiking, the Great Lakes also provide pristine, unspoiled habitats for several mammals, including moose and black bears. Many visitors choose to see this spectacular natural wonder as part of a voyage of exploration that also includes sightseeing in cities and towns. The lakes cover eight states, and highly popular stop-offs include Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto.
6. Monument Valley
Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is a terracotta plain decorated with canyons, yucca trees, and dramatic rock formations. What’s interesting about this burning, arid landscape is that it has barely changed over the course of thousands of years.
This bucolic, remote natural wonder provides a unique chance to take a step back in time, appreciate the wonders of nature, and embrace total peace. The skies in Monument Valley are blue and impossibly clear, and they offer a spectacular contrast to the scorched red and golden rocks that create a setting worthy of a movie backdrop.
A tour here includes several geographical highlights, including John Ford’s Point, the Three Sisters, and the Mittens. There’s also the opportunity to learn more about the Navajo tribes, which settled in the area in the 1500s.
7. Niagara Falls
Perched on the US-Canada border, Niagara Falls is genuinely a natural wonder. Comprising three waterfalls, which join to catapult violent torrents over the rocky cliff, the falls process a volume of about 150,000 gallons of water per second.
Standing around 180 feet tall, this spectacular natural wonder was carved by the movement of ice that took place during the Ice Age. The whole setting is definitely as stunning as it sounds.
If you want to truly experience Niagara Falls, a boat trip is the best way to do that. This provides a wonderful insight into the scale of the falls, and being so close to the power, force, and noise of the water is a unique feeling.
Niagara Falls day trips are widely available, and it’s also possible to book a hotel room in the area for those looking to explore the entirety of this natural wonder in more detail.
8. Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful Geyser is the focal point of one of the most iconic national parks this country has, Yellowstone National Park. This cone geyser was named in 1870 and erupts every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting vapor up to 100 feet in the air. Its eruptions last between 1 and 5 minutes.
This natural wonder isn’t the only geyser in Yellowstone National Park, but it’s definitely the most popular due to its size and predictability. There are larger geysers and also geysers erupting more regularly, but Old Faithful is the biggest frequently-erupting geyser.
Having admired the view and captured some unique photos, it’s well worth enjoying the many other charms Yellowstone National Park has to offer. Highlights include Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Caldera, and Yellowstone Lake.
9. Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the longest river on earth. Spanning 10 states, this spectacular body of water flows from Lake Itasca in northwest Minnesota (pretty close to the Canadian border) to the Gulf of Mexico.
The best way to take in this stunning natural wonder and enjoy the views at a leisurely and sedate pace is to take a cruise along Mississippi’s famous waters. Traditional-style steamboats slide across the river, offering tourists a host of itinerary options as well as the opportunity to enjoy perks like delicious meals and live music while scanning the scenery.
A great option that lots of visitors seem to love is boarding the boat in New Orleans and following a loop, which includes sights such as the Louisiana State Museum, Houmas House, Oak Allet Plantation, and Baton Rouge’s Old and New State Capitols. Cruising is a relaxing activity where you can also socialize with other tourists and take in this wonderful part of the US.
If you’re traveling from south to north, one of the first stops along the river will be New Orleans, which is a spectacular city that’s well worth a visit. Therefore, make sure you plan some time to explore the historic streets before rejoining the cruise.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Last but not least, here’s America’s most visited national park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes over 11 million visitors every year. This natural wonder is a treasure trove of iridescent meadows, tumbling falls, hiking trails, and rumbling rivers. It’s one of the best spots to enjoy the great outdoors and recharge your batteries.
Tourists can cycle, hike, and even go whitewater rafting. Not to mention, this national park is a great place to indulge in wildlife spotting, and you’ll have the chance to see bobcats, coyotes, deer, and black bears. Spring is a fantastic time to visit this natural wonder because that’s when the fields completely burst into life as wildflowers bloom.
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