Land of Freedom: 10 Striking Natural Landscapes Of The United States

A natural monument of unparalleled beauty, painstakingly carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, The Grand Canyon’s layered bands of red rock reveal more than just a part of the history of the land, but also offer a humbling window into deep time and Earth’s origins.

President Theodore Roosevelt himself was one of the foremost advocates for the preservation of the Grand Canyon area, frequently visiting to hunt and revel in its natural beauty. Before the arrival of Europeans, the area was continuously inhabited by various Native American groups, who often dug and carved their settlements directly into the ancient rock.

Image: Tim Hart

Located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California, Yosemite Valley’s granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient sequoias draw millions of visitors each year. Shaped by the action of glaciers during most of the last 30 million years, today its lush forests and incredibly diverse fauna are a living monument to our country’s biodiversity.

The towering granite peaks that encircle the valley, including Half Dome and El Capitan, are famed for their impressive rock walls and the breathtaking vistas they offer to hikers from above.

Image: Robby McCullough

A geothermal wonderland, home to geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots, Yellowstone is a wildlife haven where bison, grizzly bears, and wolves roam freely amidst its stunning natural features. Moreover, Yellowstone not only holds the distinction of being the first national park in the U.S. but also in the whole world, setting a precedent for conservation laws and standards that would be emulated worldwide.

Interestingly, the Yellowstone Caldera—the volcanic system responsible for the park’s intense geothermal activity—is the largest in North America and is considered a dormant "supervolcano." In the past, large eruptions from this region likely contributed to the extinction of many species, blanketing much of central North America in ash.

Image: Nicolasintravel

At the heart of Alaska lies Denali, North America's tallest peak. Officially named Mount McKinley until 2015, the peak was renamed after the native word for the mountain, which fittingly means "the high one."

The region surrounding the legendary mountain became a National Park in 1917, and since that time the rugged landscape of the park has been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unique opportunities for wildlife viewing. The pristine landscape features a diverse mix of forests, deciduous taiga, tundra, and glaciers, preserving a slice of untouched wilderness that highlights the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska.

Image: Bryan Goff

With its mist-shrouded peaks and verdant forests, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most scenic and alluring landscapes of the United States.

A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the soothing vistas of lush forests growing above the ancient peaks are often veiled by a hazy blue-ish mist, which gives the name to the region. The mysterious fog is caused by various organic compounds emitted by the lush vegetation, which end up forming dense vapor columns.

Image: Div Pithadia

Zion's breathtaking sandstone formations are truly a sight to behold. The region is renowned for its towering cliffs, narrow slot canyons, expansive mesas, and captivating natural arches, each sculpted by the forces of time and nature into awe-inspiring works of art.

With a geological history that spans over 150 million years, Zion National Park is a testament to the immense geological forces that have shaped our land over millennia.

Image: Jamie Hagan

One of the world's most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls is an emblem of America’s diverse natural beauty. Straddling the international border between Canada and the United States, millions of gallons of water cascade over its cliffs every minute, drawing visitors from both nations to marvel at this awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

Formed by the Niagara River, which channels the waters from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario before ending up in the Atlantic, the falls experience a rate of erosion of almost a foot per year. If the erosion continues at this pace, in about 50,000 years the falls will completely erode the remaining 20 miles to Lake Erie and cease to exist.

Image: Kalen Emsley

One of the most pristine landscapes in the United States, Glacier National Park harbors ancient peaks and valleys that provide sanctuary to a diverse array of wildlife, home to thousands of unique species.

With more than one million acres, several glaciers, and over a hundred named lakes, this landscape offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty that greeted the first inhabitants of this land upon their arrival.

Image: Justin Kauffman

Maine’s Atlantic coastline offers a stunning landscape of timeless beauty and rich history. From the towering Cadillac Mountain - the highest peak on the Atlantic coast - to the U-shaped valleys, and cobble beaches, Acadia's natural wonders are captivating.

Inhabited over 10,000 years ago by the Wabanaki people, Acadia's story is full of tales of exploration and resourcefulness. Amidst the harsh terrain, John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s historic carriage road system still meanders, a testament to human resilience amidst nature's raw beauty.

Image: Benjamin R.

If you are eager to witness the true raw power of nature in action, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the place to go. Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the park is teeming with primeval scenes and dramatic contrasts. From lava tubes to lush rainforests and stunning beaches, the islands abound with natural wonders.

Acknowledging its unique natural attributes, the park earned the prestigious designation of International Biosphere Reserve in 1980, followed by World Heritage Site status in 1987.

Image: Cedric Letsch