Mount Rainier is in which US state?
Only for adventurers: These are 10 of the harshest American landscapes!

There’s no denying that American landscapes are beautiful. However, while the stunning wonder of these 10 locations is undeniable, they are definitely not for the faint of heart. These places are perfect for adventurers, for those with the urge to push themselves and explore harsh yet rewarding terrains. With that in mind, here’s our selection of 10 of the most demanding and harsh American National Parks, hoping to awaken your adventurous spirit and offer a glimpse of their beauty so you can enjoy it from the comfort and safety of your home. Enjoy!
Image: Soly Moses
Mojave Desert
The possibility of being stranded in the desert has always terrified humankind. Can you imagine being completely alone in the harsh and unforgiving heat? Luckily, nowadays it’s extremely difficult to get lost in the Mojave Desert. However, that doesn’t mean visiting this gorgeous landscape isn’t a demanding endeavor.
The Mojave Desert spans four different western states and is crossed by the Colorado and Mojave rivers. One of its most famous locations is the area known as Death Valley, the point of lowest elevation in North America and the hottest place on Earth during the summer.
Image: Paulius Dragunas
Mount Rainier
Also known as Tahoma, Mount Rainier National Park is located approximately 59 miles from Seattle. As you might guess, the main attraction of this park is the titular Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in the state of Washington and a formidable challenge for daring adventurers.
Mount Rainier’s official summit elevation is 14,410 feet, and it is one of the most popular climbing spots in the world. That doesn’t mean it is an easy climb—quite the contrary, in fact. In order to reach the summit, climbers must traverse glaciers similar to those found in southern Alaska. Of the approximately 11,000 climbers who attempt to summit Mount Rainier each year, only about 50% succeed.
Image: Taylor
Gates of the Arctic National Park
The northernmost park in the United States, Gates of the Arctic National Park, is definitely hard to reach. In fact, it is the least visited park in the country due to its remoteness and lack of infrastructure.
In any case, camping and hiking are allowed in the park, though they are not for the faint of heart. The extreme temperatures, with an annual minimum average of −42.6 °F, make it a challenging yet alluring landscape for those seeking adventure.
Image: Sauvage
Glacier National Park
While Montana’s Glacier National Park offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages, including kayaking, fly fishing, and hiking, many tourists visit the park seeking a more thrilling experience. They aren’t disappointed, as the park features numerous climbing challenges, including five peaks over 10,000 feet.
However, we recommend visiting during the tourist season. In winter, temperatures can plummet, with a historical low of -38°F. Additionally, the area is prone to sudden temperature changes, which can pose challenges for adventurers.
Image: Michael Kirsh
Lake Clark National Park
Much like Glacier National Park, Lake Clark is not necessarily a severe environment during the tourist season. It offers a variety of recreational activities, ranging from bird-watching to more thrilling pursuits like kayaking and rafting. However, the extremely low temperatures and intense snowfall make this park much harsher during the winter months.
With a record-low temperature of -18°F, Lake Clark becomes inhospitable during the colder months. Not only that, but the park is not accessible by roads; only air taxis and boats can reach it.
Image: Clayton Manche
Big Bend National Park
As with many other parks on this list, we should start with a small disclaimer: Don’t be discouraged from visiting Big Bend National Park. Not that you need our warning—after all, half a million tourists enjoy the park's magnificence every year. However, a point should be made that the harsh desert conditions of Big Bend do provide a challenge that should not be overlooked.
According to Search & Rescue team reports, 1 in 1,000 visitors requires assistance of some kind. Although most of this assistance is not life-threatening (often involving mild dehydration), it highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions when visiting the park.
Image: Simon Hurry
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in the heart of Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park offers unmatched views of the stunning Rocky Mountains, as well as numerous alpine lakes and lush forests that completely surround the park. However, there are many hazards you should be aware of if you plan to visit this beautiful location.
Visitors should be cautious of steep cliffs, falling rocks, cold temperatures, and adverse snow conditions. Additionally, the area is infamous for its recurring wildfires, so campers must be careful not to leave anything that might increase the risk of fire.
Image: Michael Kirsh
Great Basin National Park
The arid beauty of Great Basin National Park is truly second to none. Although it is located in a desert area, the plants and vegetation have majestically adapted to the dry climate. With that in mind, you can also adapt and thoroughly enjoy this park if you keep these safety suggestions in mind.
We’ll mention just some of the safety tips recommended by the National Park Service for visiting Great Basin: For starters, remember that cell phone service is limited, so don’t rely entirely on your phone. Also, be mindful of sun exposure and take precautions to avoid sunburn and dehydration. One last thing: Like all desserts, heat is not the only concern. The park’s temperature drops significantly at night, so try to not be caught in the open when the sun goes down.
Image: Shawn Powar
Voyageurs National Park
Located in northern Minnesota, right on the border with Canada, Voyageurs National Park was named after the French-Canadian fur traders who frequently traveled the area. It is particularly famous for its many lakes, which offer activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
However, there are a few dangers that boaters should be aware of, such as the many hazardous rocks hidden in the water. Additionally, during the winter season, many visit the park to engage in snowmobiling, which must be practiced carefully to avoid any soft spots.
Image: Tim Umphreys
Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park is as massive as it is undeveloped. Although the park is larger than the state of Delaware, there are no roads leading to it, nor any internal roads or trails within the park. Visitors must arrive by air taxi, weather permitting, and bring all their gear and supplies if they intend to backpack, camp, or boat.
Not only that, the weather conditions in the park can be extreme, even during the summer, and are completely unpredictable. In any case, as with all the other parks in this article, we don’t want to dissuade you from visiting Kobuk Valley if you choose to. We simply want to emphasize the importance of keeping safety a paramount priority during your trip.
Image: Adrià Masi