12 US Natural Wonders to Explore in Your Lifetime
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The United States has diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes offering numerous exploration and adventure opportunities. Whether you want to reconnect with nature, take a break from a sedentary lifestyle, or just go outdoors, many natural wonders will take your breath away, some from their sheer size, beauty, or uniqueness. From canyons to lakes, mountains, and rivers, these US natural wonders are must-visit for unbeatable outdoor adventures.
Badwater Basin, Death Valley
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At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the deepest point in North America. This geological marvel was formed after an ancient lake evaporated, leaving behind miles and miles of salt flats. Take time walking on the white salt and marveling at its expansiveness against the incredible backdrop of the Panamint Mountains.
If you’re into photography, ensure to be here during sunrise or sunset; it is a perfect chance to capture some ethereal snaps. If you’re the kind to get into details, read the educational insights narrating this natural wonder’s geological and historical aspects.
Read also: Incredible US Landmarks
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that has something for every outdoor adventurer. For those looking to reconnect with nature, take time to admire the vastness of the canyon that the Colorado River carved. Marvel at the canyon’s rims, which stretch for miles in every direction and are large and deep.
The panoramic views of the South and North Rim are unmissable. Geology enthusiasts will love exploring the multicolored layers of rock, each representing a different geological era.
Hikers of all levels will have a great time on the canyon’s numerous hiking trails, while rafters can go rafting in the Colorado River. You could also catch the sunset and sunrises or go star-gazing. The scenery and opportunities offered by the Grand Canyon are unbeatable.
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Niagara Falls, New York
Straddled on the border of Canada and the U.S., the Niagara is a natural spectacle offering mesmerizing views and opportunities for outdoor exploration. The entire Niagara Falls comprises three falls, but the American side will let you marvel at two: The American Falls and the Bridal Veil.
Be sure to get to the observation points for better views of the water cascading over rocky cliffs and into the Niagara River. Prospect Point Park, Observation Tower, and Goat Island offer the best views.
For an immersive experience, take Maid of the Mist boat tours. The thrilling trip takes passengers close to the fall’s base, offering an unforgettable perspective of the falls.
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Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park
Located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, The Old Faithful Geyser is one of the park’s most iconic features. This geyser is a must-see for its regular eruptions, which reach 184 feet. The eruptions happen once every 44 minutes to 2 hours, making it easy for tourists to predict and plan their trips. Every single eruption lasts 1.5 to 5 minutes.
In case you’re wondering why it is called “faithful,” it is because of its predictable eruptions; you can always anticipate them at the right moment. While the spectacle is a sight to behold, you will love that out of the over 1,000 geysers across the globe, this Old Faithful Geyser is one of the only three “faithful” in its eruption predictability.
Wind up your trip by exploring the vast Yellowstone National Park; numerous outdoor exploration opportunities exist in the 2.2 million-acre park.
Read also: Top US National Parks
Mississippi River
Any avid outdoor adventurer would appreciate the opportunity to tour one of the world’s major rivers in terms of habitat diversity, productivity, and size. Stretching over 2,300 miles from its headwaters in Minnesota to its delta in Louisiana, the Mississippi River is the longest in North America.
Take cruise trips on Mississippi’s water to witness its scenic beauty as it meanders through diverse landscapes, tranquil forests, hills, and cities. Other than the landscapes, exploring the Mississippi River lets you spot diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, river otters, and various fish species.
You can also take a road trip on the Great River Road that traces the course of the Mississippi River through 10 states.
Read also: Unmissable US Road Trips
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park
Arches National Park has over 2000 arches, but you have to hike and see the highlight of the park and the symbol of Utah, The Delicate Arch. Looking at this geological wonder, it is pretty apparent why it is called delicate; it is the most delicately chiseled arch in the park. Now severely eroded, it looks like it would topple over in the foreseeable future.
If you’re into photography, do not miss the golden hour magic or sunrise and sunset. The colorful hues offer captivating shots of the landscape. Sunsets can get busy; if you want to avoid the masses, sunrise would be your best bet.
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Antelope Canyon, Arizona
The Antelope Canyon is a work of art and a perfection. The spiraling patterns are so perfect they look almost geometrical. The intricate patterns were carved by centuries of wind and water erosion.
The interplay of light and shadows only amplifies the beauty of the canyon’s walls. Walk through the narrow passageways of the towering walls as you take in the sunlight rays penetrating through the narrow openings above.
Explore the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons as they offer different experiences. You also want to spare a huge part of your day exploring this canyon; the perspectives and lighting during the day shift as the sun rays shift focus.
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Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Standing at 6,6643 feet above sea level, The Clingmans Dome is the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest peak in Tennessee. Ascending to the summit is a feat any outdoor adventure would love to accomplish. The summit has an observation tower that offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges and forests as far as the eye can see.
There is so much more to see and experience in Clingman’s Dome. You can take it slow and experience the cloudy and misty environment of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the experience would still be good enough. If you want to sweat it out, go hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the mountain range.
Read also: Relaxing Mountain Escape in the US
The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyons National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known to have the highest concentration of hoodoos in the entire world. It is undoubtedly one of Earth’s most thrilling landscapes thanks to the unique shapes of the rock formations and the vibrant colors they come in, from delicate pinks and whites to fiery reds and oranges.
While Bryce National Park is home to thousands of hoodoos, you want to capture the most famous ones, like Thor’s Hammer (the most famous), The Poodle (yes, it does look like a Standard Poodle), Tower Bridge, Wall of Windows, and the Chessmen.
For a hands-on experience, go hiking as you marvel at the amphitheaters of hoodoos. Mossy Cave and the Bristlecone Loop are the most accessible trails that offer amazing views.
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Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
The Half Dome is one of the most iconic features of Yosemite National Park and one of the world’s largest granite formations. The granite monolith rises to close to 5,000 feet above the floor of the Yosemite valley; its sheer size is a sight to behold.
Take the daring yet thrilling Half Dome Cables trail to the dome’s summit. The reward will be the vast and breathtaking views of the Yosemite wilderness. While at the summit, glimpse Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, Sierra Peak, and the Yosemite Valley.
You can also go hiking on John Muir Trail, which offers views of the dome from different locations and angles. It is a great way to admire the dome’s size and shape without actually going up.
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Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park
At 1,943 feet (592 meters), Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. This Caldera Lake lies within the collapsed remains of Mount Mazama.
Besides the massive depth, you will be impressed by the lake’s azure blue waters, renowned for their clarity and purity; they have also been recognized as one of the purest lake waters in the world.
While at it, you will also witness the striking silhouette of the Wizard Island, the volcano cone at the lake’s center.
Take the scenic journey on the Rim Drive for better views of this natural splendor. This 33-mile road offers breathtaking views of the lake, surrounding forests, and rugged Cascade Peaks, including Mount Scott and Thielsen. You could also descend to the lake’s shore via Cleetwood Cove Trail. This trail gives access to adventurers looking to swim, take boat tours or fish in the lake.
Read also: Amazing US Lake Destinations
Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier, the centerpiece of Mount Rainier National Park, offers an opportunity to explore an alpine wonderland with many other distinct and stunning features.
Marvel at Emmons Glacier and the Nisqually Glacier, cascading down the mountain’s slopes and feeding the park’s rivers and waterfalls. If you’re up to the challenge, summit Mount Rainier for unparalleled views of the vast subalpine meadows and the park’s stunning waterfalls, such as Christine Falls, Myrtle Falls, and Narada Falls.
Mount Rainier also transforms into a winter wonderland, offering perfect snowshoeing and winter camping opportunities.
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