WONDER!!! PLACES IN AMERICA

The United States is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. With the country’s sheer size, there are literally thousands of beautiful sights to see.

Zion National Park, Utah

Utah’s oldest national park, Zion National Park is located near Springdale, Utah. Its famous sweeping views and surreal canyon hikes have made it a thrill-seeker’s destination for decades. Covering over 146,000 acres, Zion Park features more than a few opportunities for rock climbing, rappelling, and relaxing high above tremendous scenic views. Three million visitors trek out to the park each year, with some of the most popular destinations being the Temple of Sinawava, Angels Landing, the Narrows, and Cathedral Mountain. Zion National Park is the place to sojourn if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the wondrous spell of nature and the thrill of outdoor adventures.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Situated just 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a true island paradise. Snorkel along one of the United States’ healthiest and most lively coral reefs, take in the abundance of unusual wildlife, or relax on the soft white sand and enjoy the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The entire park is made up of seven small islands spanning just seven miles. You’ll remember frequent sightings of native sea turtles all around the islands, as well as beautiful birds stopping for a rest on their journey from South America to the United States. If you want to go to Dry Tortugas, you’ll have to take a ferry or a seaplane, so plan your adventure accordingly and get started.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

There are several must-see attractions in Yellowstone National Park, but perhaps the most beautiful one is the Grand Prismatic Spring. The largest hot spring in the United States, this one features a dark blue center with nearly every color of the rainbow circling its edges. Its official dimensions are listed at 250 by 300 feet, with a depth of over 160 feet. You’ll find it a short (and easy) walk from most of the other main attractions of the park. The crazy natural colors in the spring come from pigmented thermophilic bacteria, which sounds strange, but almost guaranteed to become your favorite sight in the entire park.

Northern Lights, Alaska

Made up of solar particles thrust into our planet’s magnetic field, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, appear as beautiful waves of green, yellow, blue, and red lights hovering 60 miles above Fairbanks, Alaska. While these majestic lights can be seen from other places in the world, people come to Alaska from all over, even in the coldest, darkest, part of the year, just to get up close and personal with this unique light show in the night sky. If making the trip is on your bucket list, there are companies offering excursions from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Your best chance to see the Northern Lights is between September and April, from 11:30pm-3:30am, which means you’ll be facing some cold temperatures. So dress warmly.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

The wondrous, unforgettable scenery at Bryce Canyon brings in over 1.5 million sightseers every year. Visitors to this park are left in amazement at the giant red rock pillars known as hoodoos, which were formed over the course of millions of years’ worth of wind and water, freezes and thaws. The result is something out of an ancient mystic painting. But there’s much more to take in here than the sight of the hoodoos. All year long, you can explore the terrain on horseback, on foot, by bike, or on ATV, with guided tours available for any adventure you embark on. During the winter months, you’ll have additional opportunities to go for a sleigh ride or try cross country skiing.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada Border

Lake Tahoe was made for outdoor sports and adventure. With a stunning 300 days of sunshine per year and beautiful weather in summer and winter, you’ll have ample opportunities for boating, rock-climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, and more. The summer is optimal for enjoying the above activities, while the winter’s warm sunshine and massive snowfalls make skiing experiences nothing short of magical. The lake itself has clear, nearly transparent freshwater—it’s actually the biggest alpine lake in North America—and the trees lining the glistening waters make for breathtaking views from every possible vantage point.

 Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

                       

Chances are likely you have been to the Smokies, which is totally realistic because the region gets over nine million visitors every year; it is unequivocally the nation’s most visited national park. If you come here, be sure to bring your camera, because the views offer a wealth of great vistas. Whitewater rafting is a perennial favorite activity here, along with hiking through the ancient mountain sub-range. In the spring, there’s a uniquely stunning wildflower tour, which takes you through over 1,600 different species of flowering plants. There are no entrance fees into the park, which is great for a family on a budget. Some highlights of the Smokies include the Cades Cove Loop Road, The Roaring Fork Motor Natural Trail, the Rainbow Falls Trail, and numerous waterfalls, coves, and wildlife offerings.

 Niagara Falls, New York

Witnessing the power of 750,000 gallons of water per second rushing over the edge of a cliff will undoubtedly be one of the more memorable sights you will ever witness in your life. Niagara Falls sits along the United States and Canada border and offers adrenaline junkies an opportunity to see one of the most powerful, natural wonders of the world. Get a front row seat to the falls from a boat, deck, or scenic viewpoints all around this unforgettable, iconic destination. Niagara Falls is like no other show on earth.

The Wave, Arizona

Here’s a location characterized by its exclusivity. Within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs wilderness is the Coyote Buttes North area, which is home to the Wave. If you’re one of the lucky ones to get selected in the daily lottery, you’ll get one of the greatest and most visually abstract hiking experiences of your life. Famous for its crazy lined rock formations, the hike to get to the Wave is easy and incredibly scenic. Along the way, you’ll see dinosaur tracks and the amazing colors unique to the area. Not many are picked each day to enter the Wave. However, if you do get selected, the cost is just $7. If you choose to risk it on your own and get caught, you’ll be looking at a $2,500 trespassing fine. So, wait it out and maybe try a weekday for your best chance to win the lottery excursion.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Southern Sierra Nevada, California

The deafening silence and sheer size of the 1,000-year-old Sequoia trees at these National Parks will make you feel like you are standing among giants. Nestled within the canyons, caverns, and foothills of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is one of the tallest tree species in the world: the General Sherman. This mammoth design of nature stands a staggering 275 feet tall and is estimated to be 2,500 years old. Other attractions in these neighboring parks include waterfalls, campgrounds, and picturesque views that will open your mind and brighten your great American experience.