Top 10 Landscape Landmarks – North America
1. Na Pali Coast
Navigate the dramatic sea cliffs and emerald valleys of Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, accessible only by foot, boat, or air.
Accessibility:
2/5. Accessible only by foot, boat, or helicopter, offering one of the most pristine wilderness experiences in Hawaii. Lihue Airport on Kauai is the nearest airport.
Cost:
2/5. There may be fees for guided tours or boat trips, but hiking the trails can be done with minimal costs aside from permits.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Popular among adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts, though its accessibility limits the crowd sizes.
Special:
Famous for its dramatic sea cliffs, emerald valleys, and clear waters, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific.
2. White Sands National Park
Visit White Sands National Park to see the largest gypsum dune field in the world, offering stunning landscapes of pure white sand.
Accessibility:
3/5. Located in southern New Mexico, it’s reachable by car from Alamogordo or Las Cruces. The park’s vast gypsum dune field is a unique landscape easily explored by road and short trails.
Cost:
2/5. The park entrance fee is modest, and the experience of wandering the ethereal white dunes offers significant value.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Popular among families and photographers for its stunning beauty and surreal landscapes, yet there’s plenty of room to roam.
Special:
The world’s largest gypsum dunefield offers endless exploration opportunities, from sledding down dunes to sunset walks that capture the dunes’ shifting colors.
3. El Capitan
Face the sheer vertical rock face of El Capitan, a mecca for climbers in Yosemite National Park.
Accessibility:
5/5. Located in Yosemite National Park, California, easily accessible by car. The nearest major airports are in San Francisco and Fresno.
Cost:
2/5. Entry fee to Yosemite National Park covers access to El Capitan. Additional costs for camping or lodging.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Yosemite is a popular destination, with El Capitan attracting climbers and spectators alike.
Special:
A legendary granite monolith, El Capitan is a mecca for rock climbers from around the world, offering some of the most challenging and iconic climbs.
4. Thor Peak
Challenge the towering Thor Peak, a striking feature of Canada’s Auyuittuq National Park, offering one of the world’s greatest vertical drops.
Accessibility:
1/5. Located in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, Canada, access involves a complex journey including flights to Iqaluit, followed by additional small aircraft and hiking.
Cost:
5/5. The remote location and logistics involved make trips to Thor Peak expensive, mainly due to the costs of guides, permits, and transport.
Visitor Volume:
1/5. Its challenging access and harsh conditions mean only the most adventurous and experienced climbers tend to visit.
Special:
Home to the world’s greatest vertical drop of 1,250 meters (4,101 feet), Thor Peak is a formidable challenge and a spectacular sight in the Arctic wilderness.
5. Valley of the Ten Peaks
Marvel at the Valley of the Ten Peaks, known for its stunning mountain vistas and the iconic Moraine Lake, a jewel of the Canadian Rockies.
Accessibility:
3/5. Located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, this valley is accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway and Moraine Lake Road. The road to Moraine Lake, offering the best view of the valley, is seasonal and closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Cost:
2/5. Access to Banff National Park requires a park pass, with fees based on the duration of visit and number of visitors. Parking and shuttle services to Moraine Lake and other popular spots in the park may incur additional costs.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks are among the most photographed locations in Canada, attracting large numbers of visitors during the open season.
Special:
Famous for its striking blue waters and framed by ten notable peaks, the valley offers breathtaking scenery and numerous hiking trails, making it a highlight of the Canadian Rockies.
6. Arches National Park
Explore Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and unique geological formations, set against the backdrop of the Colorado Plateau.
Accessibility:
4/5. Located just north of Moab in Utah, USA, Arches National Park is easily accessible by car. The park has a well-developed network of roads and trails, making it accessible for visitors to explore its main attractions.
Cost:
3/5. There is an entrance fee for vehicles and individuals entering the park, covering 7 days of access. Costs for camping within the park are separate.
Visitor Volume:
5/5. Arches National Park is a highly popular destination, known for its natural sandstone arches. The park can become crowded, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall.
Special:
Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as a variety of unique geological formations and spectacular landscapes.
7. Meteor Crater
Visit Meteor Crater, the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth, offering a unique glimpse into the cosmic forces that shape our planet.
Accessibility:
4/5. Located near Winslow, Arizona, easily accessible by car. The nearest major airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, about an hour’s drive away.
Cost:
3/5. Admission fee for the visitor center and viewing platforms.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. A well-known geological site that attracts a steady number of visitors, though rarely overcrowded.
Special:
One of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth, with a diameter of about 1,200 meters and a depth of 170 meters.
8. Glacier National Park
Explore Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, a haven of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. Known for its diverse wildlife and over 700 miles of trails.
Accessibility:
3/5. Located in Montana, USA, the park is accessible by car with various entry points. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a highlight for many visitors, is only fully open during the summer months due to snow.
Cost:
2/5. Entrance fees are reasonable and cover a 7-day pass. Activities such as boat tours and shuttle services are available for an additional fee.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Popular for its breathtaking landscapes and extensive hiking trails, it can get crowded in peak season, especially around popular attractions.
Special:
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears and mountain goats.
9. Denali
Visit Denali National Park in Alaska, home to North America’s highest peak, offering wildlife, hiking, and stunning landscapes.
Accessibility:
2/5. Located in Alaska, Denali National Park is accessible via a single road, the Denali Park Road. Visitors can explore only a small portion of the road by private vehicle; the rest is accessible via park bus tours.
Cost:
3/5. Entrance fees are modest, but tours, camping fees, and activities within the park can add to the cost. The unique experiences offered, such as flightseeing tours, can be pricey but unforgettable.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Its remote location limits the number of visitors compared to other national parks, but Denali still attracts a considerable number of tourists, especially during the summer.
Special:
Home to North America’s highest peak, Denali offers extraordinary wildlife viewing, including bears, wolves, and caribou, amidst vast, unspoiled wilderness. The park’s commitment to preserving natural beauty ensures an authentic wilderness experience.