A country as vast as the United States is bound to be home to some incredible works of art by Mother Nature. From sprawling canyons and towering sand dunes to huge glaciers and picturesque valleys, these are the most incredible natural wonders found in the US.

The utterly epic Monument Valley and its towering sandstone buttes rising up from the barren red-sand desert is an incredible sight to behold. Monument Valley is located on the Utah/Arizona state border and its tallest butte towers 1,000 feet (300m) above the valley floor. For a glimpse of the iconic view of the most famous buttes, head to the John Ford's Point overlook.

Yellowstone's most famous hot spring, the Grand Prismatic's vivid blue centre is surrounded by bands of rusty orange, yellow and green, making it look otherworldly. A half-mile boardwalk loops around the hot spring as well as the other pools in the Midway Geyser Basin. However, Grand Prismatic is so large, it'll be hard to make out its shape. After you've seen it up close, head to the nearby Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook for a breathtaking view from further away.

One of the top destinations in the country, it's easy to see why the Grand Canyon enjoys such popularity, attracting around five million visitors every year. Opening up into an 18-mile (29km) wide gorge though which the Colorado River carves its way, the park's red rust landscape is incredibly atmospheric. Open year round, the canyon's South Rim is the most popular place to explore. The North Rim (open seasonally) has fewer crowds, while Grand Canyon West is home to the Skywalk.

This swampy lake that lies on the border of Texas and Louisiana is probably one of the moodiest natural wonders on this list. Spanish moss drips from the cypress trees, whose broad, knotted trunks are submerged in the dark, mysterious water. Alligators can sometimes be found basking on logs and the lake's slightly spooky ambiance is perfect for slow paddling in a kayak or canoe. 

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The tall rock spires, also known as hoodoos, are the most distinctive characteristic of this canyon in Utah. Creating a surreal landscape, the hoodoos shine in shades of yellow, orange and red. The best way to take in the incredible landscape is to follow hiking trails that lead through the strange rock formations, the forest and around the series of natural amphitheatres.

Stretching along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in southeastern US, the Great Smoky Mountains, also known as the Smokies, and the surrounding national park is the most visited in the country. Covered in thick green forests, the towering peaks of the mountains are best seen from the highest point – Clingmans Dome. Rising 6,643 feet (2,025m), it's the highest point along the Appalachian Trail and the observation tower is perfect for taking in the majestic scenery.

These ethereal slot canyons – divided into two sections known as The Crack and The Corkscrew – can only be explored on a guided tour with a native Navajo guide. It's thought that the canyon was formed by flash flooding during monsoon season which explains the smooth, flowing shapes of the walls. Visit in summer for the best chance of catching the light beams that pierce through the gaps.

Definitely one of Alaska's most impressive icy landforms, the gargantuan Hubbard Glacier is six miles (9.6km) wide and reaches a height of 400 feet (122m) at its tallest point. Located in the eastern part of the state, off the coast of Yakutat, the glacier is famous for being 'active'. Unlike the world's other glaciers, it's not retreating but slowly advancing through the gulf, making it one of the top sights so see on an Alaskan cruise.

The highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, Cadillac Mountain rises 1,530 feet (466 metres) above sea level. Within easy reach from the charming coastal resort Bar Harbor, the summit is the first place in the US that sees sunrise from 7 October through 6 March every year. The pink granite mountain slopes are clad with pine and spruce forests with the scenic Summit Road carving its way along the northern and eastern side of the mountain until it reaches the top.

Located in the heart of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark defined by towering rock formations, consisting of red, pink and white sandstone as well as limestone. Entry to the park is free and there's a range of activities on offer including interactive expositions to better understand how these unique rocks were formed.

Often called the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park's exceptional beauty is best on display at Logan Pass. Home to headwaters that flow as far as the Gulf of Mexico, the national park has more than 700 miles (1,126.5km) of hiking trails for visitors to take in the stunning natural landscape. Located along the Continental Divide, it's the highest stop along Going-to-the-Sun Road – a scenic mountain road meandering through the Rocky Mountains.

The kaleidoscopic Fly Geyser in Black Rock Desert is a totally unique sight as it was actually formed due to a human error. In the 1960s, a geothermal energy company drilled on the site in the hope of striking a usable power source. The water they hit wasn't warm enough but they failed to properly seal the opening they made. Today, the geyser still spews water and steam, and the brilliant colours are formed by the algae it's covered in.

America's deepest lake, reaching staggering depths of 1,943 feet (592m), Crater Lake in Oregon is the caldera basin of a collapsed volcano that filled with rain and snowmelt over time. It's often shrouded in a thick fog but visit in summer and you'll have the best chance of seeing its blindingly blue waters.

This 275-square-mile desert in New Mexico's Tularosa Basin is an unusual natural phenomenon. The dunes are formed by gypsum sand – a rare mineral found only in a few places on the planet. Since it dissolves in water, it's almost a miracle such large quantities of it exist in one place but thanks to New Mexico's dry climate, the sand thrives here, creating a magical landscape.

A vast area of protected wetland in southern Florida, Everglades National Park is an oasis for hundreds of plant and animal species. The park itself covers only a small section of the sprawling wetland that's home to the endangered Florida panther and the American alligator. One of the best ways to take in this incredible ecosystem is by gliding through the mangroves on an airboat tour.

A popular spot for a swim among Austin locals in summer, this natural swimming hole is just 20 miles (32km) west of the Texas state capital. The bright green pool was once entirely underground until the sheltering limestone roof above it collapsed. A 50-foot (15m) waterfall feeds the pool and if you fancy a swim here, you'll need a reservation to access it.

The chilly waters of Kenai Fjords National Park and its beautiful scenery is really unlike anywhere else in the world. Kayak in Resurrection Bay and you'll see sculpted glaciers and vegetation-clad rocks protruding from the crystal blue water. Pictured is an area of Resurrection Bay, known as Spire Cove.

Famed for its beautiful vistas, cliffs and lush forests, Yosemite National Park is full of big-hitter attractions like Half Dome. There's nothing quite like the Yosemite Valley though. Head to the Tunnel View viewpoint to see the jaw-dropping landscape in all its splendour.

Some 12 miles (19km) from Alaska's state capital Juneau you'll find these unusual cool blue caves. They're carved deep through the Mendenhall Glacier and reaching them is no easy feat. You'll need to hike across a vast ice field, often scrambling over slippery rock faces on your approach. The ethereal caves are worth the effort though. Sadly, the glacier is receding at a rapid pace, meaning the caves might not last much longer.

There are several spots in California perfect for admiring the imposing redwoods. Take your pick between Redwood National and State Parks; head to Sequoia National Park to see the largest living single-stem tree General Sherman; or walk among the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite. For a less crowded view of the trees, drive along the Avenue of the Giants and admire the majestic trees surrounding the road.

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The golden mounds of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are a sight to behold. The protected dunes are the tallest in North America reaching around 750 feet (228.6m) at their highest point. It'll take you around five hours to reach the summit of Star Dune, the tallest of them all. Adventurous visitors can try sand sledding or sand boarding down the dunes.

It may not be the biggest or the tallest waterfall in the world, but it's definitely one of the most famous. With a distinctive green colour due to a mix of rock flour and salts, the three waterfalls pour across the border of the US and Canada. If you're ready to brave the spray of the waterfall, board the Maid of the Mist for a boat tour that takes you straight to the bottom of the falls or you could trek to one of the many observation decks and watch from above. 

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A popular trek in Zion National Park, The Narrows is aptly named after the narrowest section of the Zion Canyon where the Virgin River carves its way through the slot canyon. It's a rather unusual hike as you'll have to wade through water and maybe even swim. You can also follow a paved Riverside Walk to see this unique natural landmark. The full hike spans 16 miles (26km) but you can also do a shorter 3.6-mile (5.8km) trek from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Springs.

Often considered one of the prettiest beaches in the country, Ruby Beach is the crown jewel of the Olympic National Park in Washington state. Famous for its dramatic scenery of weathered driftwood, large islands known as sea stacks and the Jurassic Park-like forest that surrounds it, the beach is named after the ruby-like crystals in the beach sand. It's an incredibly atmospheric destination perfect for restorative and relaxing walks.

Found on the Snake River in southern Idaho, Shoshone Falls are often called the Niagara of the West. A must-see attraction in Twin Falls, the waterfall is 212 feet (64.6m) high and flows over a rim nearly 1,000 feet (304.8m) wide. Although the falls are stunning throughout the year, they're best viewed in spring or early summer when the water flow is high due to snowmelt. If paddling or kayaking underneath the waterfall sounds a bit too adventurous for you, there's also a viewing platform to soak in the view.

With some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, the Teton mountains are a sight to behold. Grand Teton, the highest mountain in the Grand Teton National Park, is one of the top American mountaineering destinations but don't worry if you're not a climber – there are plenty of ways to view these majestic mountains from the ground. Head to Oxbow Bend to take a brilliant photo of the mountains and spot wildlife like moose, black bears, otters and the occasional grizzly.

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You'll have a hard time believing that these colour-splashed mountains are real. With distinct lines of red, yellow, orange and black, these hills show how the climate and the geology has changed over time. Painted Hills Scenic Byway is the best way to explore them as the 161-mile (259km) route joins up the three archaeological sites of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, of which Painted Hills is one.

Rising an incredible 14,410 feet (4,392m) above sea level, Mount Rainier is of an epic size. With more than 130 trails snaking their way through the forested area around the mountain, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery among the lush trees and fragrant wildflowers. Many don't know it's an active stratovolcano but it hasn't erupted since the late 19th century.

Among the most famous natural wonders in the world, Joshua Tree National Park is the only place in the world where you'll find these unusual looking trees. The striking spindly trees are relatives of yucca plants and are crucial to the ecosystem of the Mojave Desert where they've existed for the past 2.5 million years.

It's hard to pick the most beautiful spot in such an incredible national park like Denali but if we had to name one, it would be the scenery that unravels at Wonder Lake and the nearby Reflection Pond. Created by retreating glaciers, the lake offers a picture-perfect setting, framing the Denali mountain (formerly Mount McKinley) – the highest mountain in North America.

Stretching over 244,000 acres, Badlands National Park is a world of peaks and prairie, where bighorn sheep and bison roam free and hiking trails show off a curious rocky landscape. Popular routes include the Door Trail, a straightforward boardwalk loop that offers fantastic views of the badlands.

It's hard to believe that this towering waterfall is just a 30-minute drive from Portland. Crashing over more than 600 feet (182m) of craggy bluffs, the two-tiered waterfalls collect in a deep blue pool at the base. It's equally stunning when viewed from the base or from Benson Bridge. Built in 1914 and refurbished after a damaging fire, it's close enough to feel the spray from the waterfall.

These otherworldly caverns, the most extensive in the eastern United States, open out below the Shenandoah Valley's Blue Ridge Mountains. The sand-coloured stalagmites and stalactites have sprouted over millions of years and winding tunnels give way to echoing chambers. Don't miss the Dream Lake where its 20 inches (51cm) of water look much deeper due to the reflections on its surface. 

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This stark landscape really is part of the famously green Pacific Northwest region. A dry lakebed, the area only sees around 7 inches (17.7cm) of rain a year. The cracked earth, fringed by mountains and punctured by natural springs, is situated in southeastern Oregon and you'll get the best views by driving the Steens Loop Tour Route.

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Devils Tower is impossible to miss – the 1,267-feet-tall (386m) rock soars high above the surrounding countryside. Made famous by Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Devils Tower is also a sacred site to more than 25 Native American tribes. There’s a path winding its way around the base of the tower, offering a chance to see it from all angles.

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kīlauea is located in Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park that also encompasses the world's biggest shield volcano, Mauna Loa. In addition to the incredible volcanic scenery of black lava rock and molten lava flowing through it and into the ocean, the park is also a refuge for some of the rarest flora and fauna in the world. One of the most popular routes to see the top sights within the park, including Kīlauea, is the 11-mile (17.7km) Crater Rim Drive route.

A small geological formation, Turnip Rock leaves a big impression. Located in shallow waters close to Lake Huron's shore, this peculiar rock took shape due to strong waves crashing against the bottom, causing for some of the lower sections to erode rather significantly. The shallow waters surrounding the rock and the nearby coast are popular kayaking destinations.

Located in southeastern Washington, Palouse Falls drop for about 200 feet (61m), puncturing the course of the Palouse River. The cascade, formed by floods during the Ice Age, steals the show but visitors will also be in awe of the neat circular pool and rugged canyon walls. A trio of scenic viewpoints offer fabulous vistas of the falls.

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The Elk Mountains in Colorado are littered with scenic viewpoints and gorgeous landscapes, yet nothing beats Maroon Bells – two of the highest peaks in the Elk Mountains – reflecting in Crater Lake. As the trail leading to Crater Lake experiences heavy footfall, especially in summer, be mindful of your impact on the environment if you're visiting this incredible natural landmark.

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With the highest density of natural arches in the world, the Arches National Park boasts more than 2,000 natural red sandstone arches, the most famous being the Delicate Arch. The 52-foot (16m) freestanding arch is among the park's most popular attractions and there's a 1.5-mile (2.4km) hiking trail leading up to the famous formation. 

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