10 Best Natural Wonders in the U.S., Spoil Your Eyes

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States (U.S.) is so much more than the Statue of Liberty. Many people are unaware that the country, in fact, boasts a diverse array of landscapes that captivate the senses and inspire awe.

From towering mountains to astonishingly beautiful waterfalls, the country is home to some of the most breathtaking sights on Earth. Let’s witness the top 10 natural wonders in the U.S., citing from Time Out Travel, Seven Natural Wonders, and Britannica.

1. Yellowstone National Park

Situated in the northwest corner of Wyoming and slivers of eastern Idaho and southern Montana, Yellowstone is named as the first national park in the world. While the main attractions of the so-called “mother park” is its hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud cauldrons, Yellowstone National Park also offers a beautiful lake for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.

2. Yosemite National Park

Second on this list is the Yosemite National Park in California. First protected in 1864, it is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Besides, the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome captivates travelers from around the world to admire its awe-inspiring views.

3. Grand Canyon

Arguably one of the most famous natural wonders in the US, the Grand Canyon is a staggering chasm carved by the Colorado River over the years. Spanning 277 miles in length across northwestern Arizona, the Grand Canyon offers dramatic views. No wonder it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

If you love hiking or climbing, the Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination. Occupying the Continental Divide in north-central Colorado, this park displays numerous peaks towering up to 12,000 feet. Besides attempting to climb Longs Peak, many also love to drive up the Trail Ridge Road, according to Britannica.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainer National Park, located in Washington, is a 236,381-acre park encompassing an active volcano that receives large amounts of snow. Time Out mentions, along with its glaciers and waterfalls, this park is also a great place to see wildflowers. Given that, the best time to visit Mount Rainer National Park is during July through August.

6. Niagara Falls, New York

Straddling the border between the US and Canada, Niagara Falls will mesmerize you with its spectacular scenery. Seven Natural Wonders explains that the falls consist of three separate waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

7. Mammoth Cave National Park

This national park provides you a journey you may not find in other places. Mammoth Cave National Park, situated underneath west-central Kentucky, is the home of the largest cave system in the world.

The existing stalactite and stalagmite rock formations are the testament of nature’s power. Not to mention, you can also encounter some extraordinary creatures, including eyeless fish, eyeless crayfish, and cave crickets, dwelling in the cave.

8. Death Valley National Park

Its name may be frightening to some people, but Death Valley National Park offers you a breathtaking landscape of towering peaks frosted in winter snow. While it is also known as the hottest, driest, and lowest national park, it is also a home to a unique ecosystem, wherein endemic snail species inhabit.

9. Olympic National Park

In contrast with the scorching Death Valley, Olympic National Park, occupying the Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington, is a temperate rainforest vegetation which is a home to an array of animal species. However, you can actually find beaches and islets by going to the west coast of the peninsula.

10. Grand Teton National Park

Located in Wyoming, the Grand Teton National Park is a haven for hikers. Given the vast network of trails, people love to venture, notably the narrow, deep valleys between the mountains. Besides providing panoramic landscapes, you may encounter a flock of moose grazing in the park.

Editor's Choice: 10 Countries With the Best Housing Affordability in the World

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News