There is more than one good reason why tourists find North America so irresistible. Diverse culture and rich colonial history complement breathtaking natural wonders – canyons, mountain ranges, deserts lakes and stunning beaches. Bordered by the Arctic, the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean and spanning from the North Pole to the Equator, North America gives us nine and a half million miles of natural wonders you will always want to run back to.
Grand Canyon, AZ
Probably the most recognizable natural landmark of the United States, the Grand Canyon is almost 300 miles long and over 6000 feet deep. The Colorado River has been carving this massive gorge for millions of years to provide visitors with stunning views and intriguing hiking trails. One of the most scenic routes is Plateau Point Trail which will take you about 1300 feet above the wild Colorado River. Located under the sunny sky of Arizona, the picturesque rock formations provide incredible views and stand out as something no traveler wants to miss.
Niagara Falls, NY
Nature’s enchanting beauty and awesome power meet between New York, United States and Ontario, Canada to create the Niagara Falls. This unique natural wonder is actually a combination of three separate waterfalls. The Horseshoe or Canadian Falls, the largest of the three, is in Ontario while American and Bridal Veil Falls are located in New York State. All three have plenty of viewpoints which allow visitors to enjoy the majestic scenery. If you want a perfect view of the Niagara Falls, you can get closer to the action by heading to Table Rock. You will receive an eco-friendly poncho free of charge so that nothing dampens your spirits while you’re mesmerized by the fall’s undisputed glory.
Death Valley, CA
Death Valley is a land of contradictions. Here you can find scorching sands and tranquil oases, flats below sea level and snow-covered mountain tops. Severe drought and record heat in the summer might not sound very appealing for visitors, but the spectacular panoramas found in the Badlands and Mesquite Flat Tawny Sand Dunes show that even deserts are not without their charm. Come spring, a rug of wildflowers cover the desert, and you can find hundreds of springs and ponds that are home to plenty of diverse flora and fauna.
Monument Valley, UT
If you’re thinking of a scene from the American West, you’re thinking of Monument Valley. This sacred heart of the Navajo Nation is located in the Colorado plateau and its most prominent features are large sandstone buttes – the isolated hills with usually vertical sides and relatively flat tops, the largest towering 1000 feet from the red sands of the valley floor. These unusual geographical elements provide opportunities for unique rock climbing experiences as well as interesting hiking trails. This whole region was featured in so many Western films of yesteryear, that it has become an inseparable element of the entire genre. Moreover, John Ford’s Point is named after the famous Western director.
Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
Kentucky is not just known for their horse races and whiskey. The state is home to the longest known cave system on Earth. Mammoth Cave National Park has more than 400 miles of tunnels in five levels beneath a vast forest, with new ones still being discovered. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and cave exploring, with twelve-mile cave paths and 70 miles of surface trails across the woodland landscape.
Yucatan Peninsula, MEX
Yucatan Peninsula’s most interesting feature is the cenotes. These limestone caves and sinkholes are created when roofs of underground caves collapse. This creates a sunlit subterranean pool filled with sparkly clean and cool water. The peninsula has thousands of caves and underground rivers providing vast possibilities for swimming and exploration. The Mayans saw Cenotes as passageways to the underworld, so being blessed by a shaman before you start exploring might sound like a logical step to take.
Yellowknife, CAN
Almost at the top of the world, the Canadian Northwest hosts a fantastic natural light show in the sky, around the spring and autumn equinox. There can hardly be a better place to watch the Aurora Borealis than Northwest Territories’ Yellowknife. The town’s remote location and clear skies allow visitors to experience the northern lights, i.e. nature’s light show masterpiece. Of course, Yellowknife is worth visiting more than twice a year. It is a town located in the remote north, beside the deepest lake in North America and in the middle of raw natural magnificence.
You definitely can’t go wrong if you choose the great North American continent as your next destination for exploration. There’s something for everyone, from enjoying wonderful beaches and taking in the amazing views of natural wonders, to adventure-packed tours for climbing, trekking and rafting. So, if you’re keen on creating some unforgettable memories, pack those bags and head towards one of the best holidays of your life.
