6 of the most impressive and unusual natural landscapes in the United States
Some natural landscapes in the United States are beautiful in a familiar, recognizable way. Others appear so vast or strange that they seem to be on another planet. Six such amazing natural landmarks are described in this article. AOL.
Some of these species were created by time and erosion, while others were formed by hydrothermal heat or volcanic activity.
Together, they show how stunning and unusual the natural world of the United States can be.
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Grand Canyon, Arizona
Photo: Mcwilli1 | Dreamstime.com
The Grand Canyon still ranks high on almost every list of natural wonders of the United States because its sheer scale doesn't explain its impact. The National Park Service's geological description explains that the canyon exposes a vast cross-section of rock: the oldest rocks lie deep below, while younger sedimentary layers lie above. A slice of time unfolds before the viewer.
Stripes of red, sand, gray, and rust lead the eye down in steps, and the landscape reads almost like a history book written in stone. Many places are beautiful, but very few make geology so visual.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
Photo: Kalyan V. Srinivas | Dreamstime.com
Yellowstone has many unusual features, but the Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most striking. According to the National Park Service, it's the largest hot spring in the world, with a diameter of approximately 61 to 100 meters and a depth of over 37 meters. Its size alone makes it memorable. Its color takes it to a whole new level.
From the observation deck, the vent looks almost surreal: a deep blue center surrounded by vibrant rings of orange, yellow, and rust. Yellowstone was created to protect its unique hydrothermal and geological vents. They are one of the most vivid reminders of why this place is so unique.
Crater Lake, Oregon
Photo: Jeffrey Banke | Dreamstime.com
Crater Lake is among the most recognizable sights in the country's national parks. According to the National Park Service, the lake is known for its deep blue color and exceptional clarity, with visibility averaging about 100 feet (31 meters). At nearly 2,000 feet (600 meters), it's the deepest body of water in the United States. Its depth explains why the water appears so saturated and still.
The lake is located within a volcanic caldera formed after the collapse of Mount Mazama approximately 7700 years ago. It's not just a beautiful mountain lake, but a volcanic basin filled with exceptionally clear water.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Photo: Bdingman | Dreamstime.com
The Great Sand Dunes are a place that seems improbable even in photographs. According to the National Park Service, they are home to the tallest dunes in North America, spread over an area of approximately 80 square kilometers. This alone makes it extraordinary.
The backdrop is truly astonishing. Dunes rise amidst meadows, swamps, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Instead of a single natural landscape, there are several, and this creates a sense of strangeness.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Photo: Pavlo Vakhrushev | Dreamstime.com
Mammoth Cave deserves a place on this list because wonder doesn't always mean open, sky-high vistas. According to the National Park Service, it's the longest known cave system in the world. To date, approximately 700 kilometers of passages have been explored. The sheer scale is hard to comprehend until you're inside.
It's not just the length that's memorable, but also the sense of space. Huge galleries, low corridors, and halls receding into darkness create a sense of gigantic proportions unlike any other cave.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Photo: Paul Brady | Dreamstime.com
Bryce Canyon bears little resemblance to what people usually imagine when they hear the word "canyon." According to the National Park Service, it's home to the largest concentration of hoodoos—bizarrely shaped rock pillars—on Earth, as well as red cliffs, pink cliffs, and high plateaus that give the entire landscape an otherworldly quality.
Thousands of jagged stone spires fill vast natural amphitheaters, creating a sense of fragility, vibrancy, and a touch of surrealism all at once. It's hard to believe that this beauty was created solely by time and erosion.
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