NATURAL WONDERS OF THE GREAT USA

OUTDOOR DESIGN TRENDS

The most incredible locations in the US, sure to inspire your next vacation!

Dreaming of an epic road trip across the country this summer or in the future? If so, you’re not alone. With the rising cost of airline tickets, this form of travel is becoming more and more popular. Those hitting the road in their cars or RVs aren’t missing out—in fact, they’re experiencing life’s wonders in a way that air travel can’t even allow, especially with the plethora of natural wonders our country has to offer.

However, the overwhelming number of natural wonders can make planning your road trip tricky. Should you take the north route or take a deep dive down south? What about the wilds of Alaska? If your plans for the coming year are still in flux, start by considering the following breathtaking natural wonders.

Grand Prismatic Spring: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Located in Yosemite National Park, the Grand Prismatic Spring is just one of many natural wonders that inspire visitors every day inside of the park. The rainbow-colored hot spring is actually the largest in America (about as deep as a 10-story building) and the third largest in the entire world. Best of all, it's only a short hike to see this spectacular sight.

Tip: For avid wildlife fans, booking a private Yellowstone wildlife tourwill prove to be incredibly rewarding—especially considering the fact that they can tailor such tours to include the wildlife that interests you the most.

Garden of the Gods: Colorado Springs, Colorado Situated inside of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods has been a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts for decades. Millions of years ago, these natural rock formations were caused by a geologic upheaval along a fault line—and ever since, indigenous tribes and tourists from all around the world have reveled in this impressive display of ancient rock formations. Compared to other parks of its size, Garden of the Gods is relatively easy to navigate via car and foot, with several hiking trails winding through the park.

Tip: While you're in Colorado Springs, it's essential that you pay a visit to one of the breweries that have changed the landscape of the city's dining culture. For a taste of the best beer brewed in the city, have a pint at the Bristol Brewing Company—an atmospheric pub that offers the public tours of their facility.

Antelope Canyon: Page, Arizona If you decide to make the trek to this remote set of caves in Arizona (and you should), it's best to do so in the summer, when the light hits the red earthen walls at just the right angle to add spectacular depth to this destination. Millions of years ago, Antelope Canyon was created by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone— mostly due to excessive flooding. To see this natural wonder for yourself, you'll need to book a guided tour. Whether said tour focuses on photography, hiking, or geology is up to you.

Tip: While you're in the area, be sure to pay a visit to nearbyHorseshoe Bend, which promises spectacular views after hiking through only 1.25 miles of agreeable (and beautiful) desert terrain.

Delicate Arch: Arches National Park, Utah Just a simple drive through the orange and red rocks in the state of Utah provides some of the most magnificent views. The next time you find yourself on a road trip out west, be sure to make a stop at Arches National Park in Utah, where, besides compelling hikes with sweeping views of the rugged landscape, you'll score the chance to revel in one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the entire country: the Delicate Arch.

Standing at 52 feet high, the arch is made out of Entrada Sandstone and has remained a beacon of the state of Utah— from the cowboys of the 19th century declaring it a welcoming landmark to Olympic athletes taking part in the torch relay, passing under the arch. To see it for yourself, you'll need to trek three miles uphill. Though take it from us, the view is well worth the effort.

Tip: If you're visiting in the warmer months of the year, be sure to retain the full glory of the surrounding landscape with a stay atUnder Canvas Moab, where upscale safari tents open to reveal stunning views in the middle of Moab.

Mendenhall Ice Caves: Juneau, Alaska Though the only way to pay a visit to the Mendenhall Ice Caves is through a private tour, taking in this spectacular sight is well worth the money invested. This 12-mile-long glacier features out-of-this-world blue ice caves hidden inside of its interior—and is open to guests who dare to explore its depths. The tours available often offer all-day forays into the glacier and surrounding pools, complete even with a scenic paddle across the serene glacial meltwater lake.

Tip: Save some time to explore the Glacier Gardens in the stunning Tongass rainforest to see an extensive array of manicured plants and native flowers.