Spectacular Natural Wonders Across North America
Source:
@the.rume
18 parks: Banff, Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero, Marietas Islands, and 15 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in an Instagram post by RUME.
Banff
Place
Explore Canada's first national park, established in 1885, covering 6,641 square kilometers of stunning Rockies scenery. Visit the iconic Moraine Lake, accessible by shuttle from June as the road is closed to personal vehicles. Immerse yourself in turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife.
Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero
National park
4.7
Journey through towering limestone walls climbing over 1,000 meters above the Grijalva River. Take a boat tour from Chiapa de Corzo to spot river crocodiles and spider monkeys along the water. The sheer scale and biodiversity of this canyon are awe-inspiring.
Marietas Islands
Island
4.7
Discover an exclusive hidden beach nestled inside an open-roofed rock formation, accessible only by boat. Spot blue-footed boobies nesting on these protected islands and islets. This unique marine park is perfect for snorkeling and observing diverse birdlife.
Yosemite National Park
National park
4.8
Witness the powerful waterfalls, including one at 2,425 feet, pushing to full flow in late spring. Explore groves of ancient giant sequoias and admire the sheer granite walls of the valley. This park offers iconic views and diverse natural habitats.
Denali National Park and Preserve
National park
4.8
Marvel at North America's highest peak, Denali, anchoring a vast wilderness of 24,000 square kilometers. Drive the single 92-mile road for unparalleled wildlife viewing and panoramic mountain vistas. Watch for grizzlies and moose, especially around the serene lakes and tundra landscapes.
Grand Canyon National Park
National park
4.8
Gaze into a chasm stretching 277 miles, dropping a mile to the Colorado River below. Experience the immense scale and dramatic colors of this geological wonder at sunrise or sunset. Be prepared for sharply climbing inner-canyon temperatures during summer visits.
Bryce Canyon National Park
National park
4.9
Witness an unparalleled concentration of hoodoos sculpted into natural amphitheatres. The vibrant orange and white spires create an otherworldly landscape. Hike among these geological formations for an unforgettable experience.
Zion National Park
National park
4.8
Explore the majestic main canyon, accessible by shuttle during peak season, offering breathtaking red rock landscapes. Challenge yourself with iconic hikes like Angels Landing (requires a lottery permit) or wade through The Narrows. Experience the stunning Virgin River winding through ancient sandstone cliffs.
Grand Teton National Park
National park
4.9
Gaze upon majestic peaks rising over 7,000 feet above the valley of Jackson Hole. Glacial lakes and the Snake River wind through sagebrush flats, offering dramatic vistas. Look for bison roaming the scenic landscape, especially in autumn.
Jasper
Place
Discover the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, boasting over 11,000 square kilometers of stunning alpine scenery. Experience the world's second-largest dark sky preserve, perfect for stargazing. Drive the Icefields Parkway for access to glaciers and incredible natural beauty.
Yellowstone National Park
National park
4.8
Discover the world's first national park, home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including iconic geysers like Old Faithful. Witness vibrant hot springs and bubbling mud pots fed by an underlying volcanic system. Experience unparalleled wildlife viewing, with bison and elk roaming freely.
Glacier National Park
National park
4.8
Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road through spectacular mountain scenery and alpine lakes. This park forms half of an international peace park, offering pristine wilderness. Snow clearance usually delays full opening until late June, so plan accordingly.
Kenai Fjords National Park
National park
4.9
Witness nearly 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, best viewed by boat trip out of Seward. Experience massive glaciers and abundant wildlife, offering an unforgettable Alaskan wilderness adventure. Don't miss a chance to see Exit Glacier, the only one reachable by road.
Gros Morne National Park
National park
4.9
Explore exposed mantle rock, a geological marvel pushed to the surface half a billion years ago. Marvel at Western Brook Pond, a stunning landlocked freshwater fjord. This UNESCO site offers breathtaking landscapes and unique natural history.
Waterton Park
Place
Experience a world's first international peace park with the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies. The historic 1927 Prince of Wales Hotel offers stunning views across the water. A perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history awaits.
Réserve de parc national de l'Archipel-de-Mingan
National park
4.8
Discover Canada's largest collection of limestone monoliths, sculpted by sea and ice. Take a summer boat trip to Île aux Perroquets to see Atlantic puffins nesting. The unique geological formations and wildlife make this archipelago a true marvel.
Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto
National park
4.8
Explore five uninhabited islands, a UNESCO site brimming with marine life. Winter brings blue whales, fin whales, and sea lions to these protected Gulf of California waters. Witness incredible biodiversity while kayaking or snorkeling.
Parque Nacional Cascada de Basaseachi
National park
4.8
Witness the dramatic 246-meter waterfall, one of Mexico's highest, plunging into the Candameña Canyon. Explore the rugged Sierra Tarahumara and the park's diverse landscapes. Visit during summer rains for the most spectacular waterfall flow.