By: Bound2explore December 19, 2021
Most people probably have heard about the amazing Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. But USA is more than just National Park. There are so many breathtaking natural wonders in USA. Some of these natural wonders are well known, some are not so well known and even hidden in plain sight.
So, whenever you visit USA and happen to be in the state where the natural wonders are located, make sure to make a stop. Here is the list of 10 most breathtaking natural wonders in USA that you should not miss.
- Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Dubbed as the most photographed Canyon in the world, Antelope Canyon is truly breathtaking. Located on private land owned by Navajo tribe, you need to buy a ticket to access the Antelope Canyon. Make sure you don’t visit during a rainy season when the flash flood can occur. For more info on how to visit Antelope Canyon, click here.
From all 10 most breathtaking natural wonders in USA, this one is my favorite.
- Garden of God State Park, Colorado
Colorado is one of the most beautiful state, packed with so many natural wonders, beautiful scenery, and hot springs. While it is not as famous as Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of God is equally if not more breath taking than Rocky Mountain national Park. Located in Colorado Spring, you can make a day trip from Denver. It is easily accessible and provide many hiking trails.
- Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
This is a perfect and must stop while driving on the road to Hana. Black Sand Beach is located on Wai’anapanapa State park. The place looks surreal. You must see it to believe it. The drive to this location is a bit challenging, many one lane bridges, and hairpin turns. Not to mention mostly cliffside road. Make sure your driving skill is excellent.
- Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Oregon is so stunning and unique; it has its own seven wonders. One of them is Columbia River Gorge where Multnomah Falls is located. It is accessible from Interstate 84 and Historic Columbia River Highway. It is an easy hike from a parking lot. And the view is jaw dropping. While it is not as big as Niagara Falls, it is certainly more beautiful.
- The Eben Ice cave, Michigan
You might think of Iceland or Alaska if someone mention Ice cave. But our lovely state of Michigan has its own Ice cave that you can visit during winter months. You do need to cross private property to hike to Eben Ice Cave. The hike is not easy, and you will need crampons. But the jaw dropping view make it worth the hike. As challenging as it is, it is one of my memorable hikes among 10 most breathtaking natural wonders in USA. For more information on how to prepare for the hike and how to access the Eben Ice Cave, click here.
- Hot Spring State Park, Wyoming
If Turkey has Pamukkale, and Iceland has its Blue Lagoon, then USA has Hot Spring State Park in Wyoming. It is the largest natural hot spring in the world. Imagine swimming in the largest natural hot spring in world. And did I say it is free? Yes, you can swim in Hot Spring State Park in Wyoming for free. It has outdoor and indoor pools. It is so relaxing, and it feels like you are being pampered in some high-end spa. After you finish swimming, you can explore the park and follow the trail that take you to the source of the hot spring.
- The Great Falls, New Jersey
This hidden gem is in the middle of the city of Paterson in New Jersey.
The Great Falls as its name suggested, offers a great view of water falls. The view goes from great to jaw dropping during the fall season when the color of the trees surrounding the waterfall turns to red and golden. The bonus? You can eat scrumptious middle eastern food in Paterson after your outdoor outing. And it is the easiest spot to access of all 10 most breathtaking natural wonders in USA.
- Bryce Canyon, Utah
Wow!! That was my expression when the first time I laid my eyes on Bryce Canyon in Utah.
If you have strong affinity toward rocky landscape, you will love this place. So many hiking trails, so many bike paths and you can also camp at this location. And if you are not into hiking, you can drive or take a shuttle from one viewpoint to the next. Guarantee, you will be mesmerized by the view.
- Zion National park, Utah
It is only two hours drive from Las Vegas. So, whenever you are in Las Vegas, make sure to hit this spot. You can drive around within Zion National Park or take a shuttle and hike. The drive itself is a treat. Amazing view along the hilly, cliffside road. If you are afraid of height, you might not enjoy the drive. In that case, you still can enjoy the park by selecting lower altitude hiking trail. It has so many hiking trails. Some of them are very easy to hike and even in November you still can see wildflowers.
You don’t have to love skiing or snow boarding to visit Lake Tahoe in wintertime. For non-skiers, Lake Tahoe offers other activities such as gondola ride and sightseeing on adventure peak.
The view from Adventure Peak looks like a postcard. So, if you haven’t visited Lake Tahoe in wintertime, now you have a reason to.
