False Kiva is a human-made stone circle located in a remote area of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. It has become popular among photographers thanks to its unique frame that captures clear skies and dramatic thunderstorms of the area, but debates range on whether or not to disclose its exact location (which does not appear on official maps).
Alvord Desert, located in Harney County in southeastern Oregon, is a dry lake bed offering views of the majestic Steens Mountain and wilderness hiking trails. While parts of the area are privately owned, areas operated by the Bureau of Land Management are open for camping and explore the scenery as long as you come prepared with water, food, and equipment.
The Havasupai Falls, located in the Havasupai Reservation of Coconino County at the southwest corner of the Grand Canyon National Park, are known for their clear blue waterfalls adorned with travertine columns. Hidden amidst the popular Grand Canyon, the Havasupai Falls are not as nearly as crowded as the park considering the eight mile hiking trail you’ll need to take to Supai Village.
The Oneonta Gorge, located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, is next to the busier Multomah Falls but often overlooked by tourists considering that you'll need to hike the winding creek bed to reach its spectacular views.
Thor's Well, on the edge of the Oregon coast, is a saltwater fountain powered by the Pacific Ocean. It is said to look most breathtaking at high tide or during storms, which is also when it is most dangerous to those standing near it.
Reflection Canyon is found on the side of Lake Powell, bordering Utah and Arizona, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The natural wonder is known for stunning colorful reflections in its waters, but is tough to access considering you typically have to go either by boat or through the strenuous 55 mile road called the Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
Katmai National Park and Preserve in King Salmon, Alaska, spans over four million acres of remote landscapes and offers hikers the opportunity to walk among 14 active volcanoes. Here, you’ll find the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a valley filled with ash flow from the eruption of Novarupta in 1912, and one of the highest densities of brown bears.
Pueblo Bonito, located in the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, includes remnants of the Puebloan people who built over 600 rooms in the area
Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park, in Nondalton, offers an awe-inspiring landscape of lakes, active volcanoes, three mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, arctic-like tundra, and a rainforest. Since it is not on the road system, access is primarily through aircrafts, either from a one to two hour flight from Anchorage, Kenai, or air taxis in the area where you can get drop-off services.
Monhegan, in Lincoln County, Maine, hosts a small island about 12 miles off of the mainland. Its miles of walking trails, stunning views, and wildlife have made it a National Landmark since 1966, but because there are no automobiles allowed in the area, it is only accessible by ferries.
The night skies of Great Basin National Park, located five miles west of the town of Baker in east central Nevada, are among one of the darkest in the country. Due to this, the park offers one of the most stunning views of starry skies.
Another park in Alaska, the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Coldfoot is a vast landscape created from years of erosion that molded valleys, rivers, mountains, and lakes where hikers can also experience aurora-lit night skies in the winter.
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