While the Western United States is rich with history and culture, it is also home to some of the most incredible landscapes in the country. While almost everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon, not everyone has seen it or any of the other incredible creations that nature has hand-carved over the past million years. We’ve scoured the West for the 10 most enigmatic wonders and hope you’ll find them as breathtaking as we did!

1. The Grand Canyon: Arizona

Quietly carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon has been a work in progress for over 20 million years. The waters have slowly but surely eroded a proud canyon, spanning a length of 277 miles. In certain places the canyon can be as wide as 18 miles across and the waters run at least a mile deep into the earth. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy miles of hiking trails along the edge of the canyon and the more adventurous will find utter delight and comfort in a white-water rafting trip.

2. Yosemite National Park: California

Tucked well into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park spans over 1,200 square miles. Tourists usually flock to the park to explore some of the dozens of waterfalls, including the fifth largest waterfall in the world. The canyon was carved by glaciers over millions of years and varies in elevation up to 13,000 feet above sea level. Camping, hiking, and the ability to explore the meadows, cliffs, and landscape make this an incredibly popular destination for tourists year after year.

3. Mount Hood: Oregon

The volcano known as Mount Hood hasn’t erupted for 250 years, but that doesn’t make its slopes or the park’s 189 acres any less appealing to the public. Hiking, skiing, and snowboarding are all popular throughout most of the year. After exploring the park, be sure to visit Timberline Lodge and experience the warmth of a building built during the Great Depression. The quaint villages surrounding the volcano are perfect for lodging and dining in between visits to the park.

4. Carlsbad Caverns: New Mexico

Deep under the Guadalupe Mountains you’ll find a series of 300 incredible caves, 113 of which find themselves at home in Carlsbad National Park. If hiking in the great outdoors isn’t your cup of tea, you might enjoy exploring the underworld instead. The caverns were formed as sulfuric acid ate away the limestone that once stood in the dark rooms you’ll find joy in exploring. Don’t miss the Big Room, the largest chamber in the park, spanning over 30 stories tall!

5. Columbia River Gorge: Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge is home to one of the first highways ever built in the country. In 1916, the government built the highway that now allows tourists and travelers to take in the beautiful scenery and waterfalls. The best time to visit is during the spring, as the hot weather will dry up the plant life and turn it brown as the summer months wear on. After you’ve finished exploring, the Columbia River Gorge Highway will treat you to a number of shops, museums, and comforting Hood River hotels.

6. Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming, Montana, & Idaho

Spreading over 2.2 million acres of land, Yellowstone National Park was the first the United States declared a national park. Thousands of visitors flock to the park annually to visit geysers – specifically Old Faithful. Historians will love taking a tour of Fort Yellowstone and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy keeping their eyes peeled for elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and even buffalo. Don’t forget – Yellowstone National Park lies on top of a less-than-dormant volcano!

7. Death Valley: California

The sizzling temperatures in Death Valley reach up to 120 degrees on average each summer day, but that shouldn’t deter you from visiting the lowest location on earth. The valley is home to some of the most amazing sand dunes and stone walls you’re ever going to see. The valley receives less than 2 inches of rain per year, if it sees any at all. The safest time to visit is during the winter months when the temperatures are cooler, but you’re welcome to visit any time of year. Guided tours are available for both convenience and safety.

8. Channel Islands National Park: California

The five Channel Islands can be found off the coast of California, not far from Los Angeles. Their history of isolation led to the development of some of the most unique and intriguing habitats on earth, including species of wildlife you won’t see anywhere else. The Channel Islands National Park was the birthplace of one of the first bald eagles to be born without the assistance of humans in 50 years, thrusting it into the national spotlight. The islands are currently participating in government mandated preservation projects designed to save unique species such as the Island Fox and California Brown Pelicans.

9. Redwoods National Park: California

California Redwoods are known for being the oldest trees on earth, living an average of 660 years. Some of the elders have made it to the ripe old age of 2,200, but who’s counting? The trunk of each tree can span anywhere from 10-20 feet around and some grow higher than a 30 story building. For a truly unique experience, hunt down the toppled giant sequoia known as the Wawona tree and take a drive through it!

10. Arches National Park: Utah

The name of the park says it all. Over thousands of years the winds and waters have carved over 2,000 arches in the sandstone throughout the park, forming some of the most breathtaking landscape you’re going to find in Utah. The park is popular with both hikers and bikers and is known as the birthplace of extreme biking. Temperatures in the park soar in the summertime, so proceed with caution.

Mother Nature has presented us with some truly astounding gifts. Be sure to take advantage of your trip out west and explore some of what it has to offer!

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