America’s big cities tend to draw the attention of travelers, but often overlooked are the many dark and isolated corners of the country that provide ideal conditions for one of nature’s most pleasurable pursuits: stargazing. In particular, many national parks — famous for their breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife — lay claim as the darkest places in the country, making them the ideal environment for stargazing. Looking to feel humbled by the vast size and beauty of the universe? Here are six great stargazing spots to visit in the U.S..

Big Bend National Park – Texas

Big Bend National Park — covering over 800,000 acres in West Texas — has the lowest level of light pollution of any national park in the lower 48 states. The park forms part of the 9-million-acre Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve — the largest such protected area for stargazing in the world. Contributing to the optimal stargazing in this wild and isolated corner of the country is the lack of human population, ruling out the chance of seeing a glowing light from a house or nearby town. With just a pair of binoculars (or even the naked eye), visitors can spot meteor showers, constellations, and much of the Milky Way Galaxy. October to April is the park’s dry season and the most popular time to visit the park. 

Canyonlands National Park – Utah

Canyonlands National Park is another certified International Dark Sky Park, which means it has “an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment,” according to the organization that set out “to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies.” Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands is famous for its dramatic rock formations. It also joins the ranks with Big Bend National Park with one of the darkest skies in the contiguous U.S. — on the darkest, clearest nights, roughly 15,000 stars can be seen from the park (compared to 500 by the average city-dweller). On a moonless night, binoculars can even be enough to see the rings of Saturn.

Death Valley National Park – California

Spanning 3.4 million acres, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48. With all that wide open and undeveloped land (which means no light pollution in sight), the area is prime for stargazing. Skies above the park are so dark that Death Valley was designated a “Gold Tier” Dark Sky Park, the organization’s highest rating in darkness, allowing stargazers to see astronomical objects that can be seen from few other locations on the planet. Death Valley’s arid desert climate also leads to a high number of clear nights with a pleasantly cool temperature. There are many places throughout the park that are dark enough to sit back and enjoy the show, but Mesquite Flat Sand Dune, Harmony Borax Works, Badwater Basin, and Ubehebe Crater are a few of the more popular spots. 

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii 

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve protects one of the world’s most unique geological landscapes, which also happens to be spectacularly free of light pollution. The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there are plenty of places to post up in the park to gaze up at the sky — the Kulanaokuaiki Campground and Kipukapuaulu parking area offer spectacular viewing platforms on clear nights.

Denali National Park – Alaska

In Alaska, fall, winter, and early spring experience long hours of darkness. Coupled with the fact that the surrounding area has very little light pollution, it’s the perfect recipe for incredible stargazing. Indeed, it doesn’t take much effort to see the stars in Denali — one of the most common and accessible routes is along the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road. You can drive your own car and choose where you want to pull over to gaze up at the sky. Riley Creek Campground is open year-round and is also a great place to spend the night enjoying the stunning night skies of Alaska. Lucky visitors to the park will also sometimes catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Sedona – Arizona

The best part about visiting this charming northern Arizona town — about halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon —  is that you don’t have to completely abandon civilization and electricity to get a good look at starry night skies. In 2014, Sedona was designated an International Dark Sky Community, thanks to a city ordinance that helped reduce light pollution. Dozens of trails crisscross the iconic red rock landscape surrounding Seoda, creating a truly magical environment for stargazing. Once you’ve had your fill of twinkly stars, discover Sedona’s stunning natural parks, spiritual wellness scene, and vibrant culture. 

Straddling the equator 500 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands are, quite simply, unlike anywhere else on Earth. Home to over two dozen endemic species of land and marine life, the isolated volcanic archipelago provides some of the best wildlife viewing in the world — just ask Charles Darwin. Learn more about the islands’ wildlife, history, and conservation efforts through these nine fascinating facts.

The Galápagos Inspired the Theory of Evolution

When famed naturalist Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835 to observe the local flora and fauna, he soon became fascinated by the physical variations of the archipelago’s endemic island species, particularly finches. Through his observations, Darwin hypothesized that species change over time in order to adapt to their environment, which led to the theory of evolution by natural selection. To honor his special relationship with the Galápagos, a statue of the famous naturalist has been erected on the island of San Cristóbal.

The Archipelago Is Named After a Giant Tortoise

The archipelago was fittingly named for its most iconic resident — the giant tortoise. The word galápago is derived from an old Castillian word that translates to “riding saddle,” a reference to the saddle-like shell of a tortoise. Although these turtles can live up to 100 years of age, they are still endangered due to being over hunted by sailors in the 18th century, which led to the extinction of various species. 

The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island is an ideal spot to learn more about efforts to conserve these fascinating creatures and to witness them in their natural habitat.

A National Park Covers 97% of the Islands

To conserve this unique region of the world, a whopping 97% of the Galápagos Islands’ land mass is dedicated to Galápagos National Park. Established in 1959 and encompassing 3,040 miles, the park aims to protect the 56 species (27 of which are endemic) that call the archipelago home. The unique species aren’t just limited to land animals — the waters surrounding the islands are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to 500 species of fish and almost 800 species of mollusks.

The Number of Islands Fluctuates

As of 2023, the Galápagos Islands are officially home to 108 islets and rocks, plus 19 large islands — four of which are inhabited. However, since the Galápagos are considered one of the most volcanically active places in the world, these numbers are subject to change. With 21 active volcanoes and 50 eruptions in the last 200 years, the number of islands is constantly fluctuating, with different formations emerging or disappearing due to heightened volcanic activity.

The World’s Smallest Penguins Live Here 

The only species of penguins found in the Northern Hemisphere, Galápagos penguins are native to the islands for which they are named. They are also the smallest penguins on the planet, which makes them agile and avid hunters beneath the water. 

With a current population of 2,000, these birds make their homes in caves and coastal crevices and are known to mate for life. They most often reside on Isabela and Fernandina Islands but can often be spotted swimming around Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome.

Three Species of Boobies Inhabit the Islands

Named by Spanish sailors who believed these birds to be clumsy “bobos,” boobies are alsoendemic to the Galápagos Islands. There are three different species — identified by their colorful markings — which inhabit the various islands. The smallest of the three are the red-footed boobies, known to be agile fliers, while blue-footed boobies are larger and more adept at diving underwater. The Nazca booby is recognized for its black-and-white plumage but does not share the brightly colored feet of the rest of the booby population.

It’s the Only Place on Earth Where Marine Iguanas Exist

Native to the Galápagos, marine iguanas are the only lizards in the world that can swim. Unlike other land-bound reptiles, these sea-faring iguanas are able to relocate between islands, swimming distances as far as 40 miles. Referred to by Charles Darwin as the “imps of darkness,” marine iguanas dive under the water to forage for algae on the ocean floor, while employing their claws to cling onto rocks. 

The Islands Have an Unofficial Post Office

Post Office Bay on Floreana Island earned its name from homesick 18th-century whalers who devised a unique system to send letters home. They use a floating barrel as a makeshift post office, allowing whalers departing the region to sift through the messages and hand-carry mail back home for delivery — no postage stamp required. The system continues to be in operation today, with visitors simultaneously dropping off or picking up letters for delivery to a final destination.

The Galápagos Contain the Largest Shark Biomass on the Planet

As a designated marine sanctuary, the Galápagos Islands is home to a rich and diverse array of marine wildlife, including 30 species of sharks. In fact, these waters contain the largest shark biomass on the planet, measuring 12.4 tons per hectare. The region is most famous for whale sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sharks, and whitetip reef sharks — and snorkel and shark diving tours are available for adventurous visitors.

From bubblegum pink lakes to rainbow-hued hot springs and glowing neon blue bays, there are many places on Earth that look like they might belong on another planet. While the photos below might look more like a CGI movie backdrop or surreal works of art, the places depicted in these breathtaking images are actual places you can visit. Don’t believe us? Take a look for yourself at these 20 photos of places on Earth that don’t look real. 

Lake Hillier – Australia

You might do a double take when you first see this lake, which looks more like a puddle of bubblegum ice cream than an actual body of water. The stunningly pink Lake Hillier sits on Middle Island, part of a nationally protected reserve on an archipelago off the coast of Western Australia. Its color is likely a result of micro-algaes, such as Dunaliella salina, that thrive in the lake’s salty water. These microorganisms produce beta-carotene, a pigment found in carrots, which is believed to be the cause of the lake’s unforgettably pink hue.

Grand Prismatic Spring – Wyoming

The Grand Prismatic Spring adds a splash of tie-dye color to the beauty of Yellowstone National Park. It’s the third-largest spring in the world and also the most photographed thermal sight in Yellowstone.

The varying bands of color around the spring result from the presence of thermophilic, or heat-loving, bacteria. Hot water moves from the center of the Earth’s crust to the surface of the spring. It cools at the edges of the spring, and the bacteria there create the rainbow of colors that draws thousands of visitors each year.

Fjaðrárgljúfur – Iceland

We’ll forgive you if you can’t pronounce this canyon’s name, because the view alone will probably leave you speechless. Fjaðrárgljúfur formed about 9,000 years ago and remained a hidden gem until Justin Bieber filmed a music video there in 2015, bringing this magnificent spot to the world’s attention.

After being flooded with an influx of visitors in the following years, the Environmental Agency of Iceland temporarily closed the canyon in 2019. The country is now focused on reducing the effects of climate change and building the necessary infrastructure to support year-round visitors. Once it’s open to the public again, you can marvel at the 300-foot-high canyon walls that wind like a serpentine through the southern part of the island.

Socotra – Yemen

This isolated, four-island archipelago in the Indian Ocean is home to a variety of plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else on Earth, which is how it earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Approximately 37% of Socotra’s plants (including the superbly named dragon’s blood tree, pictured here), 90% of its reptiles, and a whopping 95% of its land snails are endemic to the archipelago.

Despite its remote location, Socotra is home to about 50,000 human residents, too. Many of them fish, dive for pearls, and raise crops and animals. The island’s famous exports include frankincense, fish, and ghee.

Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia

Stretching more than 4,000 square miles across the Andes of Southwestern Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flat contains an estimated 10 billion tons of salt. Within the layers of salt lies 70% of the world’s lithium reserves, making this area particularly important for the manufacturing industry, as lithium is used to make batteries for laptops, cellphones, and electric cars.

For travelers, however, the area’s appeal lies in the unique hexagonal formations on the surface, as well as the mirroring effect that’s created when a thin layer of water covers the salt flat on a sunny day. Though local legends have different takes on how the area came to be, scientists tell us that the salt flat formed over 40,000 years ago, when an evaporated lake left behind a thick crust of salt.

Fly Geyser – Nevada

The Fly Geyser consists of three strange misshapen mounds of Earth rising from the northern Nevada desert. But these mounds are actually the result of human actions, rather than nature.

The first geyser formed here in 1916 when residents in the area dug a well, only to discover that, at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the water was too warm to be useful. About five decades later, a geothermal power company drilled a test well on the site. Because the well had been improperly sealed, hot water spewed forth. Over time, mineral deposits formed and eventually grew into the multicolored green and red cones we see today.

Notably, the insides of the cones contain quartz, which typically doesn’t start forming inside geysers until at least 10,000 years have passed, making these geysers even more unusual than they appear.

Naica Mine – Mexico

In Mexico, the Cave of the Crystals within Naica Mine looks like a supersized salt shaker you can climb right into. This cave is home to the largest crystals in the world, which were remarkably discovered only 20 years ago.

The conditions inside the cave are ideal for growing crystals since the air is acidic, humidity is high, and no natural light enters. As a result, the crystals inside the cave have reached lengths of up to 36 feet. The largest crystal is believed to have been growing for approximately 500 years. Unsurprisingly, the ideal conditions for growing crystals aren’t so ideal for humans, so you can’t enter the cave without wearing a special suit.

Richat Structure – Mauritania

Unlike other sites on this list, this structure doesn’t offer much to see at ground level. In fact, you may even have trouble finding it, despite its 28-mile diameter. From space, however, this formation looks like a giant bullseye or a landing site for flying saucers, which has earned it the “Eye of the Sahara” nickname. Its unique appearance has long captured the imagination of astronauts, but alas, the geological feature does have origins here on Earth.

The Richat Structure consists of what geologists call a domed anticline that has been eroded by the elements over 100 million years, revealing layers of older igneous and sedimentary rocks surrounded by newly formed rocks.

Tunnel of Love – Ukraine

An industrial train track wouldn’t normally make a list of incredible places to visit, but the Tunnel of Love is a notable exception. Just outside of Klevan, Ukraine, this two-mile tunnel is formed from trees growing over the tracks, their branches and leaves creating a brilliant green canopy overhead.

The tunnel dates back to the Cold War, when trees were planted around the tracks to hide the transporting of war materials to and from a nearby military base. Since then, the Tunnel of Love has undergone quite the rebranding. Today, it’s believed that couples who make sincere wishes during their visit will see their hopes and dreams come true.

Mosquito Bay – Puerto Rico

Mosquito Bay is the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, located off the island of Vieques. The bay gets its dazzling neon blue color from microscopic organisms in the water that capture light energy from the sun and glow when agitated or touched.

Though these microorganisms live in the ocean, you can only find them in a few rare spots on Earth, which makes Mosquito Bay even more special. Their large concentration produces a visible glow-in-the-dark effect in the bay’s waters. For a truly otherworldly experience, visit during a new moon, when the dark night sky will further illuminate their glow.

Zhangye National Geopark – China

Also known as the Rainbow Mountains, these colorful peaks offer one of the most surreal sights in the world. Known as a Danxia landform, meaning “red cloud,” the site covers approximately 19 square miles in China’s Gansu province and has become a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The colorful stripes are reflective of how the mountains formed. The land was once flat, containing layers of different minerals. When the tectonic plates collided millions of years ago, the land was pushed up and the various layers were revealed — creating an array of colors that attract visitors from all over the world.

Mendenhall Ice Caves – Alaska

For those willing to brave bone-chilling temperatures, the tunnels of blue ice formations in the Mendenhall Ice Caves are a worthy payoff. Located about 12 miles outside of Juneau, Alaska, the Mendenhall Glacier stretches another 12 miles into the Mendenhall Valley, and its partially hollow interior allows for easy exploration.

Unfortunately, climate change has had a negative impact on the glacier, causing it to recede nearly two miles over the last 60 years. If the ice melts and the caves continue to shift, they may eventually become inaccessible to humans. But for now, the stunning blue hues of the ice caves leave an indelible mark on anyone who makes the trek inside.

Tulip Fields – The Netherlands

With rows of blooms in vibrant colors, the seasonal tulip fields in the Netherlands look like a postcard come to life. Here, the flowering season begins in March, with crocuses and tulips in full bloom from mid-April through the first week of May. Though there are a number of fields across the country, the largest and most famous are at Keukenhof.

Every autumn, more than seven million bulbs are planted, turning the area into an enormous patchwork quilt of kaleidoscopic colors. Keukenhof is located just 25 miles southwest of Amsterdam — which makes it a convenient destination for your springtime travels.

Antelope Canyon – Arizona

The smooth red sandstone slopes of the canyon consist of multihued striations, artfully sculpted by wind and water over 190 million years. Located in Arizona on Navajo land, this famous slot canyon is divided into Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, both of which can be accessed only by guided tours.

The upper canyon is particularly popular with tourists. There, visitors can see shifts of cascading sunlight grazing the 120-foot rock walls, creating incredible photo ops that make it one of the most photographed places in the Southwest. The hike through the lower canyon is more physically demanding but offers equally memorable scenery.

Dead Vlei – Namibia

Located on the western edge of Namibia, the landscape at Dead Vlei looks like a surrealist painting, with its starkly contrasting red-orange sand dunes set behind apocalyptic trees and the dried white clay pan of the desert floor..

The trees began to grow when the area was flooded by a nearby river. In later centuries, however, newly formed sand dunes cut off the water supply. Though the trees here are around 900 years old, they haven’t yet decomposed due to the extreme dryness of the climate — leaving them intact in all their bleak, barren beauty.

Stone Forest – China

While touring China, you won’t want to miss Shilin, also known as the Stone Forest. Its towering karst landforms have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The landscape began forming 270 million years ago and today covers approximately 150 square miles in the Yunnan Province. In addition to the labyrinth of limestone towers and ridges, the Stone Forest is home to caves, lakes, waterfalls, and even an underground river.

Hitachi Seaside Park – Japan

The beautiful trails of Japan’s Hitachi Seaside Park wind through flower beds lined with millions of daffodils, tulips, roses, red Kochia, and baby-blue Nemophila that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. Flowers bloom in every season, making it a popular year-round attraction which you can explore on foot or bike.

There’s also an amusement park on site, complete with a Ferris wheel and roller coaster, so you can enjoy a little adrenaline rush after admiring the flowers.

Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe – Germany

Combining ornate Baroque architecture with waterfalls and overgrown gardens, Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe evokes thoughts of a fairytale castle. Europe’s largest hillside park offers a mix of unexpected sights, from a Chinese pagoda to a towering statue of Zeus.

The park is located in the city of Kassel in central Germany. Its construction began in 1696; over the following centuries, various features such as gardens and fountain displays were added to the park.

The Gates of Hell – Turkmenistan

The Darvaza gas crater has been burning in a Turkmenistan desert for about five decades, earning it the nickname of “The Gates of Hell” or “The Door to Hell.” Approximately 226 feet in diameter and 98 feet deep, the pit is located in a natural gas field. This gives it all the fuel it needs to light up the desert like the world’s biggest campfire.

According to most accounts, the crater was first discovered in 1971, when geologists thought they had found an oilfield. Instead they were drilling on top of a large pocket of natural gas, which collapsed under the weight of their equipment. Since the high quantity of methane in natural gas can make it hard to breathe, the scientists set the pit on fire in order to protect the area’s wildlife. They hoped to burn off the gas in a few short weeks, but their plan failed. Since it’s difficult to tell exactly how much gas there’s left to burn, the Gates of Hell could stay open for a while.

Carlsbad Caverns – New Mexico

The stalactites and stalagmites, underground pools, and rippled limestone walls give the 100 caves that make up the Carlsbad Caverns an otherworldly appearance.

One of the oldest cave systems in the world, estimated to have formed 3.9 million years ago, the caverns are also biologically diverse ecosystems with bat colonies and other habitats. Each of the various chambers — such as the Temple of the Sun, the Big Room, and the Hall of the Giants — has unique geological features that were formed over centuries.

National parks provide a gateway to some of the most unique, serene, and awe-inspiring landscapes across the United States. Beloved for their recreational opportunities that range from camping to climbing and scenic road trips, national parks offer an educational glimpse into millions of years of natural and human history. In 2022, the National Park Service reported a staggering 312 million recreational visits. Find out which parks made it into the list of top 10 most visited U.S. national parks. 

10. Glacier National Park – Montana (2.908 Million Visitors) 

Some call it the “Crown of the Continent,” while others say that it’s the “Backbone of the World.” Whichever nickname you prefer, Glacier National Park is a breathtaking wilderness of rugged peaks, ancient forests, and some 700 lakes (131 of which are named). Boasting 700 miles of trails, including the iconic Grinnell Glacier Trail and Highline Trail, this Montana gem is a paradise for outdoor pursuits. Those who prefer more relaxed adventures can take in all the majestic scenery via the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Don’t miss the summertime Native America Speaks program, which features talks from members of Blackfeet Nation and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. 

9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio (2.913 Million Visitors)

Perched between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park boasts a fascinating blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage within its 33,000 acres of undulating hills and dense forests. More than 125 miles of hiking trails wind alongside the Cuyahoga River and lead to picturesque waterfalls and rock formations that date back millennia. Visitors can hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a two-hour vintage railcar journey amid stunning countryside and past urban landscapes. Winter sports enthusiasts can also carve up powder pistes at the Boston Mills/Brandywine ski area. 

8. Joshua Tree National Park – California (3.06 Million Visitors)

Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park is a place where curious flora and fauna (including the park’s namesake spiny trees) thrive in an area carved by strong winds and sporadic rainstorms. Famed for its sheer canyons and enormous boulders, the park is a haven for both novice and experienced climbers. Those who would rather keep their feet on the ground can explore dozens of desert trails, or lie down and enjoy stargazing in one of the country’s darkest regions. Overnight campers can pick from nine campgrounds in addition to wild backcountry spots. Early March to early May is a great time to visit, when species such as brittlebush and desert dandelion contribute to a mesmerizing wildflower bloom. 

7. Yellowstone National Park – Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming (3.29 Million Visitors)

Considering it was established as the world’s first national park in 1872, it’s probably unsurprising that Yellowstone National Park remains among the most visited parks in the U.S. today. In fact, few sights within the National Park System are as emblematic as Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. When you aren’t marveling at the bubbling hot springs, Yellowstone offers diverse landscapes that range from verdant forest to winding rivers and mountains. The park provides a natural habitat for bison, coyotes, grizzly bears, and wolves, in addition to 150 nesting birds. If hiking off the beaten track is on the agenda, don’t miss the Lone Star Geyser Trail or North Rim Trail. The latter travels into the heart of Yellowtone’s very own Grand Canyon. 

6. Yosemite National Park – California (3.67 Million Visitors)

Although Yellowstone was officially the first national park, the lands that make up Yosemite National Park received federal protection eight years earlier, under President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. This incredibly biodiverse area spreads across around 750,000 acres in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, where snowfall from towering peaks creates magnificent waterfalls that flow down cliffs into rivers and meadows. Scenic overlooks, including Tunnel View and Glacier Point, promise postcard-worthy shots of the park’s star attractions, which include the El Capitan and Half Dome granite rock formations, as well as Yosemite Falls. With such jaw-dropping beauty, the park famously inspired Isaac McClellan, Wallace Bruce, and other revered poets. 

5. Acadia National Park – Maine (3.97 Million Visitors)

Nestled upon a series of islands along Maine’s Atlantic coastline, Acadia National Park packs a whole lot into its relatively small 47,000 acres. And with 150 miles of trails, 78 miles of motor and carriage roads, and 60 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of ways to discover this New England marvel — established in 1919 as the first national park east of the Mississippi River. Much of the park occupies the eastern half of Mount Desert Island. Among its highlights are birding and stargazing on Cadillac Mountain, as well as summertime swimming at Echo Lake Beach. Obtain a deeper appreciation for the park, its people, and its wildlife by visiting Hulls Cove Visitor Center and Sieur de Monts Nature Center.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado (4.3 Million Visitors)

Home to lush meadows, glacial lakes, and cloud-busting mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park is a region of extremes. This is one of the highest national parks in the country, home to the Continental Divide and some 77 peaks rising above 12,000 feet. It’s not all about the mountains, though — the park’s montane ecosystem features varied wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, moose, and 280 bird species. The park also has a vast museum collection that consists of over 33,000 cultural artifacts and 294 works of art. To see everything on one visit is near impossible, but a trip along the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road uncovers many of the park’s highlights and leaves visitors craving more.

3. Zion National Park – Utah (4.69 Million Visitors)

A jaw-dropping expanse of multicolored canyons and vertical red cliffs in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is a dreamland for hikers. And no visit is complete without reaching the Angels Landing overlook. It requires an adventurous 2.2-mile trek via switchbacks to the top, but the views are well-worth the effort. When the sun is blaring down, hikers can cool off in the waist-high waters of the Zion Canyon. Also not to be missed is the park’s collection of ancient Anasazi petroglyphs that adorn a cliff edge above the Santa Clara River. To aid in the park’s preservation, an eco-friendly shuttle service helps to reduce car traffic. 

2. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona (4.73 Million Visitors)

The country’s second-most visited park is home to one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Measuring 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon has been carved progressively over millions of years by the meandering Colorado River. Arguably the world’s most famous canyon, it is located almost entirely within Grand Canyon National Park, which was established in 1919. The park is loosely divided into two sections: the South Rim (open year-round) and North Rim (open in summertime only). You can explore its 1.2 million acres on foot, by bike, or adrenaline-inducing river rafting trips. Popular areas include the South Kaibab Trail, Rim Trail, and Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Tusayan Pueblo Museum features millennia-old artifacts that showcase ancient human traditions. 

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina and Tennessee (12.94 Million Visitors)

With more annual recreational visits than Grand Canyon and Zion combined, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is far and away the most-visited park in the National Park System. This 522,419-acre wilderness showcases both centuries of Appalachian culture and natural beauty sculpted over millions of years. It features 850 miles of hiking trails, 70 of which are part of the famed Appalachian Trail. The park is also home to fascinating geological wonders, historic homesteads, free-roaming black bears, and the Cherokees’ sacred mountain, Clingmans Dome. Part of the reason the park is so popular is due to its excellent infrastructure and accessibility from major population centers. In addition to several campgrounds, lodging is available at busy park towns like Bryson City, Cherokee, and Gatlinburg. The park is also free, so visitors can just lace up their walking shoes and stroll right in. 

Earth is an ever-changing planet. A major contributor to both seasonal and permanent changes to Earth’s atmosphere is the weather, and its ability to conjure up unexpected conditions and situations piques the interest of scientists and adventurers alike. From impossibly long wave-like clouds chased by glider pilots to magnified shadows seemingly cast in midair, these six places boast some of the most unusual weather phenomena on the planet. 

Lake Maracaibo – Venezuela

The old saying goes that “lightning never strikes twice in the same place,” but this Venezuelan lake tends to debunk that theory. Between 140 to 160 nights each year, lighting strikes up to 280 times per hour at the spot where the Catatumbo River empties into Lake Maracaibo. Called the Relámpago del Catatumbo (Catatumbo Lightning), the phenomenon is believed to produce more ozone than anywhere else on the planet. 

Though scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes it, one theory behind the event is that methane gas rises from bogs around the lake and interacts with storm clouds from the Andes mountains. Another suggests it’s caused by a low-lying Caribbean air current. Visible from 250 miles away, the lighting thwarted nighttime raids on the city of Maracaibo by Sir Francis Drake in 1595 and again in 1923 by a Spanish fleet at the end of the Venezuelan War of Independence.

Harz Mountains – Germany

A glory is an optical phenomenon typically observed at high altitudes, and the Brocken Spectre is a type of glory that creates a huge, magnified shadow of a person surrounded by a rainbow-like halo of light. It happens when sunlight is diffracted and reflected by water drops in clouds or layers of fog. To experience this mystical event on land, you need to be located at a high vantage point, such as a mountaintop, have the sun behind you, and be able to look down into clouds or foggy conditions. 

The Brocken Spectre takes its name from the 3,744-foot-tall Brocken peak, located in the Harz mountain range of northern Germany — one of the best places to see this phenomenon. With the peak shrouded in mist for much of the year, when the spectre appears, it often seems enormous. This is, in fact, an optical illusion most likely caused by the mist obscuring common reference points. Johann Silberschlag, a German Lutheran natural scientist, documented the phenomenon in 1780, and it has folkloric associations with the legend of evil spirits and witches. 

Litla Dímun – Faroe Islands

Uninhabited and covering less than 250 acres, Litla Dímun is the smallest of the 18 principal islands of the Faroe Islands, a Danish archipelago between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic. Despite the island’s tiny size and relatively low maximum elevation of 1,358 feet, this verdant landmark possesses the unique ability to influence the surrounding atmosphere. 

On almost any given day, a lenticular cloud — so called for its similarity to a lens — sits atop the islet. From various angles, it can resemble a fluffy blanket, a hat, or even a UFO. These types of clouds continually reform over the same place as a result of new air rising up and over a landmass. Litla Dímun is visible from the village shorelines of Halba and Sandvik, on the island of Suðuroy. In addition to its quirky cloud, the island is home to a colony of sheep famed for producing some of the world’s most prized sheep meat. 

Yoro – Honduras

You’ve heard of the expression “raining cats and dogs” to describe heavy rainfall, but it’s unlikely that you’ve ever witnessed something like it in real life. However, there’s a place in northern-central Honduras where residents gather for an annual celebration of fish falling out of the sky. Around the months of May and June, large storm systems sweep through the town of Yoro, and when the rains have passed, the streets become swarmed with hundreds of live, flapping fish. 

Many locals associate the Lluvia de Peces (“Rain of Fish”) with religious folklore. It’s said that, in the mid-1800s, a priest prayed for sustenance for the starving people. His prayers were answered with the miracle of raining fish. Scientific theories imply that the fish come from underground rivers, or are removed from their natural habitats by the power of the storms. 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Wisconsin

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, set around the eastern shoreline of Lake Superior, boasts a dramatic landscape that’s been sculpted over centuries by waves and continual freezing and thawing. One of its biggest lures are the Mainland Ice Caves, a collection of ethereal caves that change from chamber to chamber and from one day to the next. They occur when the lake freezes over and the water that drips from the rocks turns into needle-like icicles. 

Visitors can explore the caves by hiking on the iced-over lake and even crawling inside to peer through glass-like floors. The temporal nature of the caves makes it impossible to predict how long they will stick around for every year — a slight increase in temperature or strong winds is enough to make them disappear overnight.

Gulf of Carpentaria – Australia

Head Down Under to Australia’s North Queensland region to observe one of the world’s most extraordinary meteorological phenomena: the Morning Glory cloud. During the months of September and October, this rare type of cloud appears like a never-ending tube above the settlement of Burketown. As its name suggests, the cloud is typically visible in the morning, and forms when cool ocean temperatures collide with warm land temperatures. It can measure around 620 miles long, be situated between 0.62 and 1.24 miles above ground, and move at 37 mph. 

Warm updrafts pushing through the clouds generate ideal conditions for glider pilots, who search for the sweet spots before switching off their engines and cruising at one with nature. The clouds have important cultural connections, too, with the Gangalidda peoples believing that it’s the creation of Walalu, the rainbow serpent deity.