It’s easy to forget just how big the United States really is. We tend to think of it in terms of major cities like New York and Los Angeles, but nestled within its nearly four million square miles are some of the most breathtaking wilderness areas in the world. There are the places everyone knows, like the majestic Rocky Mountains or the wildlife-rich Yellowstone National Park. But in a country with roughly 6,649 state and national parks, there’s a ton to see and do out in the wild. Here are 10 of these places that everybody should add to their bucket list.
Sequoia National Forest, California
A trip to California just isn’t complete without a visit to the Sequoia National Forest. The wilderness area is home to the largest trees in the world, some of which are over 2,700 years old.
Joshua Tree Wilderness, California
From fascinating rock formations to the unique species of tree that bears the park’s namesake, Joshua Tree is a must-see for climbing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and fans of wildlife.
At night, the desert oasis comes alive with tarantulas, rattlesnakes, coyotes, jackrabbits, bobcats, kangaroo rats and burrowing owls. It also makes for excellent stargazing.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness, Florida
This particular patch of the Everglades is a great place to see a diverse sampling of wildlife from both freshwater and salt water areas. Converging in the waters are fish, alligators, bottle-nosed dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and manatees. Hundreds of birds also nest in the area, including flamingos, egrets, pelicans, hawks, and storks.
The park’s scenic views and diverse wildlife make it a must see for wildlife enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park, California
What has vast green forests, crystal clear streams, deep blue lakes, and world-famous cliff faces? If you guessed Yosemite National Park, you guessed right!
The iconic vistas, diverse bird populations and world-class rock-climbing opportunities attract millions of visitors to America’s most beloved national park each year.
The iconic vistas, diverse bird populations and world-class rock-climbing opportunities attract millions of visitors to America’s most beloved national park each year.
Teton Wilderness, Wyoming
Nestled between Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Park, the Teton wilderness is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers. The majestic mountains and marshy valleys are home to trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, grizzly bears, grey wolves, moose, golden eagles, bald eagles, porcupines and even otters.
Death Valley, California
We can understand why you may be hesitant to visit a place called Death Valley, but a trip to the continent’s hottest and driest location is actually quite rewarding. The sand dunes and breathtaking rock formations create stunning landscapes, and in the spring the desert floor is painted with colorful wildflowers. At night, it’s one of the best places in the country to gaze at the stars.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Colorado
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness area sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Its 14,000 foot peaks attract thousands of climbers and adventurers every year, who also take advantage of the area’s plentiful hiking trails and campsites.
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs, Arizona
Just looking at them, it’s clear why these rock formations are called “painted”. Visiting the Paria Canyon-Vermillion cliffs really is like stepping into a painting, making it a wonderful place for photographers and artists to get some natural inspiration.
Pemigewasset Wilderness Area, New Hampshire
The Pemigewasset (or “Pemi”, for short) is the largest wilderness area in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. It’s well known for housing the nation’s most extensive network of hiking trails. This area is widely considered New England’s best backpacking destination. Much of it is also roadless, making for unspoiled panoramic views of the natural landscape.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a geological wonder of the world, featuring towering cliff faces, incredible plateaus, and deep sandstone canyons.
A word of warning: the heat in Utah can be unbearable in the summer, so plan on visiting in the fall or early spring.
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