Whether you’re taking your next trip across the country or across your town, one step in the planning process is deciding which sights to see and the best places to stop. Look no further—we’ve put together a list of the most spectacular views and beautiful scenery in the U.S. Take your best guess at these must-see destinations. You'll find the answers at the end.
1. This place is located along the Rio Grande in West Texas. The national park covers the most land topographically and features one of the most diverse areas in the country. In fact, there are thousands of types of plants, birds, and reptiles in the area. Perhaps the most attractive reason to visit this park is its scenic canyon-laced views of the Rio Grande. There are more than 150 miles of desert and mountain trails to explore through the one million acres of public land. Or, hit the road and view the park from your vehicle.
2. Extremely hot water travels 121 feet from a crack in the Earth to reach the surface of this location. The third largest in the world, it’s 370 feet in diameter. This place is one of the most photographed features in the national park it’s located in, with bright bands of orange, yellow, turquoise, and green ringing the deep blue waters. For an aerial view, hike the Fairy Falls trail to a lookout boasting an amazing scene.
3. More than 2 million people visit this place each year to take in the breathtaking views. Fed by underground springs, rainwater, and snowmelt, this park has more than 50 waterfalls, with the most impressive one standing more than 611 feet tall. Whether you’re climbing to the top or peering up from the bottom, these cascading wonders can be reached via hiking trails, or by taking the scenic drive (with a short walk) to the views.
4. The Colorado River created a roughly 1,000-foot-deep, 270-degree shaped bend in Glen Canyon, making this place one of the most recognized and visited places in the national recreation area. Hike 1.5 miles (roundtrip) to the overlook and take in the 200-million-year-old Navajo sandstone cliffs and gorgeous, mirror-like water. The dramatic landscape and unique topography is a must-see for nature lovers.
5. A series of bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks tower 14,000 feet above the pristine, glacial valley below, offering some of the most spectacular natural views in the world. From meadows of vibrant wildflowers to groves of aspen trees and summit-based alpine tundra, this natural habitat to a variety of wildlife also boasts several scenic hiking trails, camping sites, and biking paths that can be accessed any time of the year.
6. If show gardens, art exhibits, wine tastings, food, and cultural weekends are interesting to you, be sure to check out this place in April. Each spring, hundreds of acres of tulip fields bloom with vibrant, colorful flowers between La Conner and Mount Vernon, and there's an annual festival to celebrate nature's beauty. Also check out the Valley’s shorelines, bays, islands, mountains, and rivers, to appreciate one of the largest and most diverse agricultural communities in the west.
7. This otherworldly landscape with its towering sandstone hoodoos, natural arches, staircases, and canyons, is sure to leave an indelible impression. At this particular area, catch astounding views of the fire-colored formations, which are the remnants of an ancient lake. Or, to the northeast, the tilted rocks of the Sinking Ship impart a fantastic geologic impression. While the harsh environment makes it difficult for animals and plants to thrive, you don’t want to miss this place before erosion does more damage.
8. There’s no question that this highest peak in North America provides spectacular views. Towering at 20,310 feet tall, this area is more than a mountain—it includes six million acres of wild, untamed land. There’s only one road that takes you through the low-elevation forest giving way to a high alpine tundra, or you can take advantage of rare off-trail hiking opportunities through the wild landscape.
9. Considered one of the most sublime stretches of coastline in the U.S, the vast wilderness, sensational scenery, and fantastic views of this place attract millions of visitors each year. The best way to view these seaside cliffs, ocean views, plunging cliffs, and wild surf—along with wildflowers and ancient redwood trees—is to road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
10. Connected to the mainland by a highway, this collection of around 1,700 coral cay islands—many of which are untouched and uninhabited—cover 120 miles. It's the ideal destination for rest and relaxation or the party scene, whichever is your style. Try scuba diving, deep sea fishing, or a variety of other recreational activities. This place is famed for its sunny climate and tropical beauty, and it’s also home to the U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef.
ANSWERS
- Big Bend, Texas
- Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
- Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
- Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Maroon Bells, Colorado
- Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington
- Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon, Utah
- Denali, Alaska
- Big Sur, California
- Florida Keys
