15 Natural Wonders in the U.S. That You Absolutely Must Visit
Looking to plan a 2024 road trip within the U.S.? If you're a nature-lover and outdoor enthusiast, you're pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to gorgeous natural wonders, no matter which part of the U.S. you'll be exploring. From national parks to stunning volcanos, geysers, and other mind-boggling formations, we've rounded up just 15 of the top natural wonders within the U.S. to add to your bucket list.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located north of Moab in Utah is known for—if you didn't guess—being home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making a hike you won't forget for a long, long time.
Crater Lake
Hiking through Oregon's Cascade Mountains is a breathtaking experience in and of itself, and making it to Crater Lake is such a unique experience. The lake was formed by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama, and is the deepest lake in the whole country, according to the National Park Service.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is high on many people's lists in terms of national park visits, and with good reason. The park is filled with several natural wonders, including active hot springs, and herds of bison who are protected in the park.
Yosemite Valley
Northern California's Yosemite Valley is another must-visit for those who need to get away from bustling big cities. Hikers have plenty of waterfalls and cliffs to explore, including the famed El Capitan, a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park that Alex Honnold famously climbed without ropes in Free Solo.
Delaware Water Gap
Despite its name, this waterway isn't limited to the small state of Delaware. It actually stretches from New Jersey to Pennsylvania for 40 miles, making for a scenic road trip filled with amazing views and wildlife.
Hubbard Glacier
If you take a winter cruise to see Hubbard Glacier, you can kill two birds with one stone, as it is situated just by both Alaska and Yukon, Canada.
Red Rocks Ampitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an open-air amphitheater built into a natural rock structure located just 10 miles outside of Denver. It's probably one of the best venues you'll ever go to, with super fun concerts, as well as film screenings and other events if live music isn't your thing.
Carlsbad Caverns
This New Mexico landmark is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts who visit the area. Made up of 119 dissolved limestone caves, visitors will often also see dozens of species of reptiles, birds, and bats during the experience.
Mount Desert Island
Mount Desert Island, a jewel in the already gorgeous state of Maine, is home to tourist draw Acadia National Park. But the island offers so much more, including the delightful town of Bar Harbor, and evidence of a large moving glacier that has since melted away.
Diamond Head
There's natural beauty over any of Hawaii's picturesque islands, but Diamond Head is a must-visit you find yourself on Oahu. This beautiful volcanic tuff cone with an accessible crater floor is known by native Hawaiians as Lēʻahi.
Grand Canyon
Just about any outdoor enthusiast will be familiar with the Grand Canyon, which spans 277 miles in distance from end to end. Visitors can hike around to drink in the scenery, or even experience it by rafting, taking an air tour, or riding a mule.
Lake Huron
No need to have beach FOMO if you're stuck in the Midwest next summer. Believe it or not, you can get a beach experience from the Great Lakes, including with the clear, blue water of Lake Huron
Mount Ranier
Most people wouldn't associate a snow-capped mountain with an active volcano. But that's exactly what visitors will find at this must-visit landmark in Washington State. Along with some gorgeous hiking trails for plenty of skill levels, visitors can also enjoy climbing and backcountry skiing if qualified.
Florida Everglades
If you want to see a pristine area of unique nature beyond Florida's vast beaches, the Everglades provide that opportunity. You may see several incredible wildlife species on a trip there, from alligators and crocodiles, to manatees and Florida panthers.
Old Faithful Geyser
Located within Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Geyser is a top sought-after wonder that lives up to the hype, with unique thermal features that allow park rangers to predict its eruptions.
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