The United States is home to some of the most unique and jaw-dropping landscapes on the planet. From dazzling white deserts to active volcanoes, massive caves, and impossibly blue lakes, nature here is as diverse as it gets.
But here’s the real question: how many of these natural wonders have you actually seen? Most travelers only scratch the surface — think Grand Canyon or Yellowstone — and miss dozens of equally breathtaking places scattered across the country.
In this list, we’ll take you through 35 incredible natural wonders in the USA, from famous icons to hidden gems. Let’s see how many you can tick off your bucket list.
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Natural Wonders in the USA
Great Salt Lake, Utah
Nestled in northern Utah, the Great Salt Lake is not just huge—it’s historic. The Mormons first settled here, founding Salt Lake City, Utah’s largest city, with over 1.2 million people.
Covering 1,700 square miles, it’s the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. With a shallow depth of just 16 feet (5 m), water levels shift dramatically with rainfall, creating a constantly changing landscape.
The lake’s super salty waters make swimming tricky, but floating is effortless—much like the Dead Sea. Bridger Bay Beach, with its two miles of white sand, is perfect for a quick visit.
This lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville, which once covered a significant portion of northwest Utah during the Ice Age.
Have you floated here yet?
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is Alaska’s most famous landmark and home to North America’s tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley, at 20,310 feet. It’s also the largest national park in the U.S.
The park offers hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, rafting, and flightseeing. Bears, moose, caribou, foxes, and wolves can often be spotted along the park road. Denali became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1976 for its unique ecosystems and geology.
Most visitors drive or take the Alaska Railroad. From Anchorage, it’s about 6 hours by car or eight by train, and from Fairbanks, about 3 hours by car or four by train.
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, are known for red sandstone sea caves, lush greenery, and pristine freshwater. Accessible via a 6-hour drive from Milwaukee and a short ferry ride, the islands offer stunning natural scenery.
The 21 islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore feature rugged coastlines, hiking trails, and beaches. The area is renowned for its kayaking and attracts some of the country’s top paddlers.
Visitors can also enjoy camping, sailing, cruises, and exploring the islands’ unique rock formations and trails, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in southern Utah is home to some of the most impressive canyons in the United States, offering breathtaking scenery and hikes for all levels. It’s about 160 miles from Las Vegas or 300 miles from Salt Lake City, with nearby airports in St. George (45 miles) and Cedar City (60 miles).
The park offers hikes ranging from leisurely strolls to extreme adventures, ensuring there’s something for every age and fitness level. A lesser-known gem is the Observation Point hike, which provides stunning views without the crowds that flock to Angels Landing or the Zion Narrows.
The Observation Point trail is accessed via the East Mesa Trail and is relatively short and easy, making it an ideal choice for families. Along the way, hikers can enjoy iconic views of landmarks such as the Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Landing.
Have you explored this incredible corner of Utah yet?
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most renowned natural wonders in the USA and the world, renowned for its immense size and breathtaking scenery. Visitors are captivated not only by the canyon’s vast dimensions but also by the colorful rock layers, which glow beautifully at sunrise and sunset.
Stretching 277 miles along the Colorado River, the canyon is up to 18 miles wide and reaches a depth of 6,093 feet. Scientists estimate that it took 5 to 6 million years for the river to carve through layers of rock, revealing almost two billion years of Earth’s geological history.
The Grand Canyon was designated a national park in 1919 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. About 6 million people visit each year. The South Rim is open year-round, while the North Rim is typically open from May to October.
Have you stood at the edge and taken in this incredible view yet?
Purgatory Chasm, Massachusetts
Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Massachusetts, is a dramatic granite gorge approximately 1.4 miles long and 70 feet deep, featuring numerous crevices, caves, and cliffs.
Formed possibly by meltwater from a glacier 14,000 years ago, it also has a Native American legend about a god carving the gorge with a tomahawk. Rock formations include Lover’s Leap, Devil’s Pulpit, and Fat Man’s Misery, with a small brook leading to a waterfall at the end.
The park is popular with hikers and climbers, has a small admission fee, and is closed in winter or during bad weather for safety reasons.
Have you explored this chasm yet?
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Delicate Arch soars 52 feet high, standing as one of Utah’s most iconic and photographed natural arches. Its elegant curve and dramatic setting make it a must-see for hikers and photographers alike.
From Moab, drive 35 minutes north along US-191 to Arches National Park. The hike from the parking lot is 3.2 miles round-trip, with 629 feet of elevation gain, and takes about 1–1.5 hours. Park entry costs $30/day per vehicle or $15/day per individual.
The arch offers stunning photo opportunities from multiple angles—straight on, through Frame Arch, or from the western bowl. For the best light, arrive 30 minutes before sunset or at sunrise. Bring a headlamp for the hike back if it gets dark, and try to beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience.
Have you snapped a photo here yet?
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park, situated in the San Luis Valley, boasts the tallest dunes in North America, rising dramatically against the snow-capped mountains.
The dunes cover 30 square miles, with Star Dune and Hidden Dune both reaching 741 feet high. Formed over thousands of years by mountain streams and wind, the dunes continue to shift and change today.
Medano Creek and Sand Creek help recycle the sand, keeping the dunes active and ever-changing. The park is about 230 miles southwest of Denver and 165 miles from Colorado Springs, with Alamosa nearby for amenities.
Have you climbed these towering dunes yet?
Great Falls of the Passaic River, New Jersey
The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson, New Jersey, stands 77 feet high and 260 feet wide, with over 2 billion gallons of water rushing daily. It is the second-largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi, only surpassed by Niagara Falls.
Carved by glaciers around 13,000 years ago, the falls are also a historic landmark. Paterson was founded by Alexander Hamilton, who visited with George Washington, and later became a hub of early American industry, home to many firsts, including water-powered mills and the Colt revolver.
Visitors can view the falls from Haines Overlook Park, Mary Ellen Kramer Park, McBride Avenue, or a footbridge over the gorge for the best perspectives.
Have you seen this powerful waterfall yet?
Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier rises 14,411 feet, making it the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range and an active stratovolcano, considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
Despite its power, the area is a playground for outdoor adventure, with fields of colorful wildflowers, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Located about 59 miles southeast of Seattle, the park offers over 260 miles of hiking trails, backpacking routes, and scenic overlooks.
A popular hike is the Skyline Trail, a 5.5-mile loop offering incredible views of glaciers and surrounding mountains, as well as a chance to spot mountain goats. For a lower-impact experience, drive the Chinook Scenic Byway, a 107-mile route that winds through the park and nearby forests, featuring waterfalls and rivers.
Have you explored the slopes and trails of Mount Rainier yet?
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park in South Dakota is renowned for its striking rock formations, vibrant canyons, and distinctive pinnacles that rise above the prairie. The park’s layered rocks were shaped by thousands of years of erosion, creating an almost otherworldly landscape.
Fossils found in the area are displayed along the Fossil Exhibit Trail, and the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison, elk, deer, and numerous bird species. Its remote location also provides dark skies perfect for stargazing.
Located about 55 miles from Rapid City, most visitors explore the park by car along the Badlands Loop Road, stopping at scenic overlooks to take in the dramatic views.
Have you experienced the surreal landscapes of the Badlands yet?
Natural Bridge, Virginia
Natural Bridge in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a 215-foot-tall limestone arch formed over many years by the erosion of Cedar Creek. Visitors can reach it via the one-mile Cedar Creek Trail, which passes the small Lace Falls.
Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, the bridge has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997. George Washington even carved his initials into the arch in 1750.
The park offers family-friendly trails, such as the Buck Hill Trail and Skyline Trail, as well as stargazing programs during meteor showers and lunar events. A children’s discovery area adds hands-on fun for younger visitors.
Natural Bridge is approximately a two-hour drive from Richmond or a three-hour drive from Washington, DC, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or an overnight stay at the nearby Natural Bridge Historic Hotel.
Have you walked under this historic arch yet?
Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake, located in south-central Oregon, is a volcanic crater lake renowned for its deep blue waters and breathtaking scenery. It was formed when Mount Mazama collapsed after a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
The lake is the deepest in the United States and is fed only by snow and rain, giving it an apparent and intense blue color. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping options, ranging from car camping to glamping.
The park is best accessed by car via Highway 58 and Highway 97 from Eugene or Portland, turning west on Highway 138 to the North Entrance. Nearby Klamath Falls also offers zip-lining with views of Upper Klamath Lake.
Have you marveled at the deep blue of Crater Lake yet?
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls, on the border of New York and Ontario (Canada), is one of the most famous natural wonders in the United States. The falls are created by the Niagara River, which drains water from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, with a vertical drop of 167 feet and a combined flow rate of 85,000 cubic feet per second.
Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, and the smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the New York side. The American side, within the oldest state park in the country, offers a more natural experience.
Visitors can explore the 400-acre park year-round for free and enjoy activities like walking tours, going behind the falls, or riding the Maid of the Mist boat. Seeing the falls from both sides gives the best perspective of this powerful and iconic natural wonder.
Have you experienced the roar of Niagara Falls yet?
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada between California and Nevada, is the largest alpine lake in North America at an elevation of 6,225 feet. It is also the second-deepest lake in the United States, reaching a depth of 1,645 feet.
This lake is a popular year-round destination. In winter, it attracts skiers and snowboarders to resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort, while in summer, visitors enjoy crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and even scuba diving. Sand Harbor is the most popular beach, renowned for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water.
The Nevada side also offers lakeside casino resorts, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and entertainment in Lake Tahoe.
Have you experienced the clear waters and mountain views of Lake Tahoe yet?
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone National Park spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, making it one of the largest and most impressive natural wonders in the United States. It was the first national park in the world and features more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including geysers, mud pots, and hot springs.
The park is home to 500 active geysers, over half of the world’s total, and an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, black bears, moose, elk, and bison. Yellowstone offers something for solo travelers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Most of the park is in Wyoming, with small parts extending into Montana and Idaho. West Yellowstone has a small regional airport, while the closest international airports are in Bozeman, Jackson Hole, and Salt Lake City. Nearby towns, such as West Yellowstone and Gardiner, offer convenient accommodations.
Have you explored the geysers and wildlife of Yellowstone yet?
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 18 miles southwest of Carlsbad, features the massive limestone chamber known as the Big Room. It measures 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high, making it the largest chamber in North America.
The park, established in 1923, preserves over 100 caves, including Lechuguilla Cave, the nation’s deepest limestone cave. About two-thirds of the park is wilderness to protect the habitat.
Visitors can hike in via the natural entrance or take an elevator from the visitor center. Tours take about 90 minutes, but 2.5 hours allows for a relaxed experience. The caves maintain a steady temperature of around 55°F, so a warm jacket is recommended.
One highlight is the evening flight of Mexican free-tailed bats, which take off in summer after giving birth before migrating south in October.
Have you explored the depths of Carlsbad Caverns yet?
Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
The Na Pali Coast on Kauai features towering cliffs formed over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosion. Waves, landslides, trade winds, and streams continue to shape this dramatic landscape.
Visitors can view the coast in several ways. Koke’e State Park has two lookout points, Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila. Helicopter tours offer a unique aerial perspective, while boat tours provide a view of the cliffs from the water. For hiking enthusiasts, the Kalalau Trail stretches 11 miles along the coast, but even hiking the first 2 miles provides stunning views.
Have you explored the cliffs and valleys of the Na Pali Coast yet?
Monument Valley, Utah and Arizona
Monument Valley, situated on the border of Utah and Arizona, boasts a desert floor dotted with massive sandstone buttes that rise to 1,000 feet. These iconic formations have appeared in countless films and remain one of the most recognizable landscapes in the world.
The area is part of the Navajo Nation, and visitors are expected to respect local customs and laws. The nearest major airport is in Phoenix, about five hours away, and a vehicle is necessary to explore the region.
Monument Valley Tribal Park offers a 17-mile scenic drive and several hikes that allow visitors to get close to the rock formations. While a day trip covers the main sights, staying a few nights allows for watching the sunrise over the red desert floor, creating a truly memorable experience.
Have you had the opportunity to witness the iconic buttes of Monument Valley yet?
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a stunning slot canyon and one of the most photographed natural attractions in the United States. It is divided into Upper and Lower sections, with Upper Antelope Canyon being more popular for its dramatic light beams and easier access.
The canyon is located on Navajo land, and visitors must join a guided tour that requires a permit. Tours last around 1.5 hours and offer a safe and informative way to experience the canyon’s striking formations.
Antelope Canyon is just a 15-minute drive from Page, Arizona, and is conveniently located near Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. The area is best visited in the summer months, from June to August, for optimal lighting and scenery.
Have you wandered through the twisting walls of Antelope Canyon yet?
DuPont State Forest Waterfalls, North Carolina
DuPont State Forest, near Asheville, is home to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. Hooker Falls and Triple Falls appeared in The Hunger Games.
A popular loop starts at the Hooker Falls parking lot. For an easier route, take the Holly Trail, cross the highway, and return via the High Falls Trail, passing all three waterfalls.
The loop is approximately 3 miles long and takes around an hour to complete. The trail is dog-friendly, and parking is available at the Hooker Falls lot or the Visitors Center.
Mt. Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii
Mt. Haleakala National Park in upcountry Maui is a dormant volcano that rises over 10,000 feet and is considered a sacred site by Hawaiians. The summit and crater offer an otherworldly landscape that draws visitors from around the world.
Sunrise and sunset at the summit are unforgettable experiences, but reservations are required to enter the park at these times. The park covers over 30,000 acres, featuring lush jungles, waterfalls, hiking trails, beaches, and the unique Mars-like summit landscape.
The park is best accessed by car; however, guided tours are also available. Many visitors combine a trip to Mt. Haleakala with a visit to the famous Road to Hana.
Have you witnessed the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala yet?
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park sits at Florida’s southern tip, just south of Miami and Naples. Covering 1.5 million acres of tropical wetlands, it is the third-largest national park in the continental United States and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The park protects many threatened species, including alligators, American crocodiles, manatees, leatherback turtles, and the Florida panther. Known as the “River of Grass,” it features a diverse range of ecosystems, including freshwater and saltwater habitats, cypress wetlands, pine forests, mangrove-lined rivers, and hardwood hammocks.
Exploring the park requires a vehicle, and the nearest airport is in Miami. Boardwalk trails, guided boat tours, and rentals for bicycles, kayaks, and canoes make it easy to experience this vast and unique landscape.
Have you explored the diverse wetlands of the Everglades yet?
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon is famous for having the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world. These colorful sandstone pillars were formed over thousands of years through erosion caused by freezing and thawing water.
Bryce Amphitheater is the main attraction, with viewpoints along the rim and trails that take you down among the hoodoos. Popular hikes include the Queen’s Garden – Navajo Loop Trail and the path to Thor’s Hammer. The 18-mile Southern Scenic Drive offers more hoodoos and leads to Fairyland Point for even more stunning canyon views.
Bryce Canyon National Park is in southern Utah, about 4 hours from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.
Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert spans across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, encompassing approximately 20 million acres. It is home to unique plants and animals, including the Joshua Tree and desert pupfish.
Highlights include Badwater Basin in Death Valley, the lowest point in North America, and Kelso Dunes, known for the “barking” sand. The desert also features lava tubes, palm oases, and giant boulders.
Exploring the Mojave often requires hiking or camping. Bring plenty of water and desert essentials, and enjoy some of the best stargazing in the USA.
Exploring the natural wonders of the USA is a never-ending adventure — each landscape more unique than the last. Whether you’ve already checked off a few or discovered brand-new places to add to your bucket list, one thing is sure: there’s always another breathtaking corner of America waiting to surprise you.
So, how many have you seen?