Wonders of the USA: 14 Nature Places on a 2,747 km Route

Explore 14 natural wonders across the American Southwest and beyond on this 2,747 km route. Travel through iconic destinations including Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon in Utah, Monument Valley, Death Valley, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Saguaro National Park in Arizona, plus Crater Lake, Devils Tower, Chiricahua National Monument, and Maroon Bells.

Distance
2747.1 km
Mode
route
Start
Grand Canyon, Arizona
End
Maroon Bells
Stops
14
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Grand Canyon, Arizona — Massive gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, revealing layered geological history across a mile-deep expanse.
  2. Monument Valley, Utah — Desert landscape featuring iconic towering sandstone buttes and mesas sacred to the Navajo Nation, spanning the Utah-Arizona border.
  3. Monument Valley — Iconic landscape in Four Corners region featuring East and West Mittens and Three Sisters formations
  4. Devils Tower — First National Monument in the United States, rising from Wyoming prairie
  5. Crater Lake — Captivating body of water within Mount Mazama caldera
  6. Death Valley
  7. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah — High-elevation amphitheater of crimson hoodoo rock spires densely packed along canyon walls, creating a labyrinth of natural sculptures.
  8. Zion National Park, Utah — Dramatic canyon system featuring towering red and cream-colored cliffs, accessible via scenic drives and renowned hiking trails.
  9. Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah — Vast reservoir nestled among red rock canyons, offering water recreation and access to narrow side-canyon explorations by boat.
  10. Antelope Canyon, Arizona — Narrow slot canyon with smooth, wave-like sandstone walls and beams of sunlight filtering through upper openings.
  11. Saguaro National Park, Arizona — Protected desert ecosystem showcasing towering saguaro cacti, some over 150 years old, in Sonoran Desert landscape.
  12. Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona — Remote mountain range featuring balanced rocks, deep canyons, and volcanic rock formations called the "Land of Standing-Up Rocks."
  13. Grand Canyon National Park — Iconic natural wonder divided into South Rim and North Rim areas
  14. Maroon Bells — Most photographed and iconic mountain peaks in the United States

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Grand Canyon's North Rim during warmer months as it closes in winter due to snow and harsh conditions
Tip
Grand Canyon North Rim is more remote and less crowded than South Rim, which is the most visited area
Tip
Experience Grand Canyon by hiking to fully appreciate the vastness and intricacy of the canyon's geology
Save money
Bring reusable water bottles to Grand Canyon as bottled water sales are banned in the park
Tip
Visit Grand Canyon's Skywalk, an extended glass bridge built and maintained by the Hualapai Nation offering unique perspective
Transport
Access Grand Canyon viewpoints by car or RV for simple yet spectacular views of the canyon
Avoid
Wear waterproof clothing or ponchos when taking Maid of the Mist boat tour as mist and spray will soak you
Timing
Old Faithful geyser erupts approximately every 60 to 110 minutes for 1.5 to 5 minutes, making timing predictable
Tip
Yellowstone National Park was the world's first national park, established in 1872, spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Tip
Explore USA's UNESCO World Heritage Sites for curated selection of over a dozen National Parks recognized for exceptional global value

Video on this route

Wonders of United States | Best Nature Places to visit in USA | Travel video 4K

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