Glacier National Park, named after the remnants of ancient glaciers, straddles the border between Canada and Montana. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” it is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The park is a favorite among hikers, offering a range of trails suitable for all abilities, from the easy-going Trail of the Cedars, with its towering, majestic cedars, to the more challenging Grinnell Glacier Trail, which rewards adventurers with sweeping panoramic views. The park is also home to over 700 lakes, numerous waterfalls, and two mountain ranges, all spread across more than 1 million acres teeming with diverse wildlife.
Beyond its striking geological features, Glacier National Park is steeped in history. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive through the park, is both a National Historic Landmark and an engineering marvel, providing stunning vistas and access to popular hiking paths. Additionally, many of the park’s lodges, chalets, and hotels, originally built by the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900s, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And for those seeking a UNESCO World Heritage experience, the park is part of the Waterton-Glacier
International Peace Park.
With its dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone National Park is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Vibrant hot spring pools swirl with color, lush forests stretch across vast meadows, and erupting geysers shoot streams of steam into the air. Given the park’s unspoiled natural beauty, it’s no surprise that when John Colter, a scout for Lewis and Clark, first described Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders in 1807, many thought he was exaggerating. Today, it’s clear that the park is truly one-of-a-kind. As you explore its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers, and waterfalls, you’ll likely encounter permanent residents such as buffalo, elk, and even the occasional grizzly.
Despite drawing over 4 million visitors annually, Yellowstone’s vastness ensures that you can still find solitude—especially if you venture beyond the crowds at Old Faithful. Spanning 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, the park offers plenty of untouched wilderness to discover. Set aside time to visit Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs, but don’t miss exploring lesser-known areas, like the hot springs of the West Thumb Geyser Basin or the wildlife along the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop. With so many trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, it might feel overwhelming at first, but remember: there’s always more to explore on your next visit.
Maui, sitting between the Big Island and the smaller Molokai, offers a perfect balance for many Hawaii visitors. It’s not as expansive as the Big Island, nor as tiny as Lanai, and it blends the liveliness of Oahu with the tranquility of Kauai. For many, Maui provides the best of both worlds, offering a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and rich history and culture. During your visit, you can dance alongside professional hula performers, golf on coastal courses, sail on a zip line, snorkel with five types of sea turtles, or simply relax on some of Hawaii’s most renowned beaches.
As one of the state’s top destinations, Maui boasts five distinct regions. Many travelers choose to stay in South Maui, home to the famous Wailea Beach, or in West Maui, where you’ll find the sands of Kaanapali Beach and the lively tunes of the Old Lahaina Luau. But don’t miss the other parts of the island. Drive the scenic Road to Hana on East Maui, explore Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, in Upcountry, and visit the historic Iao Valley State Park in Central Maui, known for its tribal battlegrounds. For an unforgettable experience, book one of Maui’s best helicopter tours for a bird’s-eye view of the island’s stunning landscapes.
The term “Grand” barely captures the vastness of this awe-inspiring canyon. Stretching about 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is a true natural marvel. Shaped over 6 million years by the powerful Colorado River, this majestic chasm has drawn visitors from around the world to witness its stunning red and orange hues. Managed by the National Park Service and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon leaves around 4 million visitors each year in awe.
However, if you’re seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, be prepared for crowds. The South Rim, home to Grand Canyon Village and the popular Bright Angel Trail, attracts the majority of tourists and offers the most amenities. For a quieter experience, head to the North Rim, where you’ll find opportunities for remote camping and challenging hikes. For a truly unforgettable view, consider booking a helicopter tour to see the canyon from above.
Yosemite National Park, one of California’s most stunning natural landscapes, spans nearly 1,200 square miles of breathtaking beauty. With towering waterfalls, ancient sequoia trees, dramatic cliff faces, and some of the most unique rock formations in the country, Yosemite offers awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Despite its vast expanse, most visitors focus on the 8-square-mile Yosemite Valley, where iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan stand proudly. This area also boasts some of the park’s best hiking trails through its natural wonders.
Yosemite is accessible to all levels of hikers, with guided tours and climbing lessons available through local outfitters (including those featured in our list of the best California tours). However, be prepared for crowds—Yosemite attracts around 4 million visitors annually. To fully appreciate its beauty in peace, visit during off-peak times and start your day early, allowing nature’s wonders to unfold in a serene and spectacular way.