Crowd levels in America’s national parks have returned to near levels recorded before the pandemic. The National Park Service reports that in 2022, 312 million visitors visited the park. There seem to be people at every observation deck and trailhead. No matter how hard you try, you can’t escape the crowd.
but crowd They tend to only flock to destinations that are popular or have become famous on social media. Even in less-visited areas across America, you can find natural gems that are just as beautiful and untouched as the most popular parks.
Cathedral Gorge State Park, Nevada
Do moon caves and slot canyons sound appealing? If so, Cathedral Gorge State Park It might pique your interest. Located 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, this unique state park receives fewer visitors than you might expect when you walk inside its gorgeous canyon walls.
How much time should you spend here: Most of the park can be hiked within two hours, so Cathedral Gorge only takes one day. But there’s no need to rush past these beautiful rock formations.
Do not miss it: mirror point. Here you can admire impressive views above the stunning valleys that hikers can explore and experience the crazy textures up close.
Sea Sea Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
Located near the far northwestern tip of the southern United States, Sea Sea Beach is a relatively unspoiled gem on the Washington coast within Olympic National Park. The beach is accessible to casual hikers, and the ocean is only 2 miles away on a mostly flat hiking trail. From there, he opens a two-mile stretch of beach with little trace of human life open to exploration.
How much time should you spend here: Most visitors only want to hike 6 to 8 miles, but the more adventurous can obtain a backpacking permit and spend the night on this beach. Neer Bay is a five-hour drive from Seattle, and there’s plenty to do in even a short weekend, so plan at least a three-day weekend for your entire trip.
Do not miss it: If you have time, hike down the beach to Point of the Arches at the far end. sea sea beach. This area offers views of the Sea Arch and other stunning ocean views.
Coral Pink Dunes State Park, Utah
This park is located in the heart of Utah, with delicate pink hills stretching as far as the eye can see. A playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this park provides the perfect backdrop for sandboarding, hiking, and unparalleled stargazing under desert skies.
How much time should you spend here: Spend the day at the Pink Coral Dunes, then head north to Zion and Bryce Canyon or head south to Page and Kanab.
Do not miss it: Try sand sledding or sandboarding at the Pink Coral Dunes. Few other sand dunes are as accessible or offer similar sledding possibilities.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
At the northernmost tip of Arizona, adjacent to the Utah border, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is home to incredible desert formations, the endangered California condor, and more than most people experience. There are parts of the natural world that cannot. It’s approximately 4.5 hours from Phoenix and 1 hour from Page, Arizona.
How much time should you spend here: Although visitors should aim to spend at least a full day exploring the Vermilion Cliffs area, we recommend camping and spending more time in this beautiful area. Plus, it’s just an hour from the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
Do not miss it: While Wave is making a fuss, white pocket Free access without permission. All you need is a 4×4 SUV/truck and a little sense of adventure. However, it is also possible to tour by regular car. As you explore this unique area, you’ll be amazed by the rock formations here.
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Amid Arizona’s pristine landscape lies the geological spectacle of Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox, Arizona. This rugged expanse was formed by ancient volcanic forces and opens into a fascinating maze of towering rock formations.
Aptly called the “Rocky Wonderland,” this monument invites explorers to hike its trails and wander through cinematic landscapes reminiscent of timeless Westerns.
How much time should you spend here: If you want to seriously explore this place, spend at least two full days here. It’s incredible and one of Arizona’s hidden gems. It is also on the shortlist for national park status in the coming years.
Do not miss it: If you’d like to take a longer hike to see more of what the Chiricahua region has to offer, try the Big Loop, an 8-mile moderate hike. If that’s too long, try the Heart of the Rocks Trail, which is only 6 miles long. At 3 miles long, the Echo Canyon Loop is perfect if you’re just passing through.
Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
The largest national park in the United States is also one you’ve probably never heard of. Spread over 13 million acres in the eastern Alaskan wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias is home to national monuments, glaciers, volcanoes, and abundant wildlife.
How much time should you spend here: Considering the time it takes to get to Wrangell St. Elias, 2 nights and 3 days in McCarthy, Alaska is about right. Experience this small town, explore the surrounding scenery, and enjoy some precious time off the grid.
Do not miss it: Book a tour to hike the Root Glacier. Although you can go without a guide, the tour will provide you with all the safety equipment you need to enter this icy ocean.
Guests will also learn about the town of McCarthy, glaciers, and how global warming is impacting this precious landscape.
When planning your trip in 2024, these places will be largely uninhabited and ready to show off the magical beauty of our planet. It’s your chance to reconnect with nature on a deeper level and come back with some unique stories.
This article was created by Media decisions Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Alec is an adventure photographer and travel writer who loves exploring hidden and hard-to-reach destinations to show off our glorious planet. His work has appeared in Backpacker, Adorama, and numerous state tourism boards. He is also a two-time cancer and bone marrow transplant survivor who wants to show that there is a future possible after this deadly disease.
