11 National Monuments That Will Surprise You With Their Beauty

National monuments might not have the glam of the official national parks, but let us tell you, they have just as much of a “wow factor”…without all the influencers clogging your view. We’re talking about underappreciated places scattered across this beautiful country that will leave you asking, “Why didn’t I know about this sooner?”

And these spots aren’t just consolation prizes for when the parks are packed. Nope, they’re awe-inspiring destinations in their own right, with stories, scenery, and adventures that will knock your socks off faster than a squirrel spotting a dropped peanut.

So before you dust off your hiking boots and hit the same old trails in the same old parks, consider visiting one of these lesser-known marvels. Cliffs, canyons, and even a few quirky surprises await. Join us as we lift the veil on some of the nation’s best-kept secrets.

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Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska

Taking a trip up north, we find ourselves at Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska, where the landscape is so dramatic it could give Hollywood a run for its money. Think steep cliffs plunging into deep fjords, lush forests clinging to mountainsides, and waterfalls cascading from unimaginable heights. Not to mention, it’s also a kayaker’s paradise.

The fjords were carved by glaciers that retreated thousands of years ago, leaving behind a playground for adventurous souls, and certainly one we can’t wait to see ourselves. Bring your sense of wonder (and maybe a raincoat) because nature clearly put in some overtime on this one.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona

While not as famous as some other spots in the state, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is your go-to for jaw-dropping desert landscapes minus the selfie stick crowds. Spread over 330,000 acres, this monument showcases the stunning organ pipe cactus, a species found mostly in Mexico but making its U.S. cameo here.

Hit the trails to experience sunsets that turn the sky into a living watercolor masterpiece and explore bio-diverse habitats teeming with critters you never knew existed. And here’s a tidbit for you: the monument is named after the cactus because, well, they look like organ pipes. Mind blown, right?

Natural Bridges National Monument, Colorado 

Let’s talk about Natural Bridges National Monument in Colorado, where Mother Nature decided to show off her architectural skills. This underrated area features some of the world’s largest natural stone bridges, carved beautifully by the hands of time and the persistent flow of water.

Did you know that this monument is home to Utah’s first International Dark Sky Park? That’s right, the stargazing here is so good it’s like the cosmos threw a rooftop party and invited everyone except light pollution.

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Forget boring landscapes; Devils Tower National Monument boasts one of the most iconic rock formations in the country. Rising 867 feet from the ground, it’s nature’s skyscraper and an absolute treat for your neck muscles. This colossal butte was America’s first national monument, thanks to President Teddy Roosevelt.

Not just for rock climbers aiming to conquer its sheer walls, this geological marvel also serves up campfire-worthy tales of Native American legends. So pack your binoculars and hike the trails below, or just sit back and marvel at how this rock decided to go all vertical on us.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon

Behold the grandeur of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where lava flows, and caldera formations serve as a testament to the Earth’s fiery past. Yep, this place is a geothermal playground, boasting the country’s largest obsidian flow. So, if you’ve ever fancied walking on volcanic glass, now’s your chance.

From the stunning Lava Butte to the shimmering waters of Paulina Lake, this hotspot has landscapes that feel straight out of a sci-fi novel. Oh, and did we mention the hot springs? Because what’s a volcanic monument without nature’s very own jacuzzi, right?

Giant Sequoia National Monument, California

Ready for some tree-hugging on steroids? Giant Sequoia National Monument will have you craning your neck in awe. These titans are so massive they make other trees look like mere twigs. The General Sherman Tree, residing here, is the largest single-stem tree on Earth by volume.

Go ahead and stroll beneath these ancient giants’ towering canopies and feel like you’ve stepped into a forest from Lord of the Rings. And if you’re into breathing some of the freshest air on the planet while feeling dwarfed by nature, this monument’s got your name written all over it.

Wupatki National Monument, Arizona

Hidden within the vast desert expanse lies Wupatki National Monument, a place where ancient pueblo ruins transport you back in time. These structures are remnants of a community that thrived over 800 years ago, but here’s the kicker: Wupatki was once the largest and tallest pueblo in the area, home to around 100 people.

The impressive red sandstone settlement provides a glimpse into the ingenuity and adaptability of its early inhabitants. Scramble through the ruins and take in the surrounding beauty they’ve called home for centuries. Adventure and history collide here, so ready those explorer vibes.

Bears Ears National Monument, Utah 

Drifting over to Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, you’ll find not just stunning canyons but also a cultural goldmine. Expect to see rock art, ancient cliff dwellings, and archeological sites telling stories from millennia past.

The monument gets its name from two towering buttes that, you guessed it, kinda look like bear ears. And the site is co-managed by local Native American tribes, ensuring the preservation of both natural and cultural treasures.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana 

Located in the rolling hills of Montana, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is not your typical tourist trap – it’s a compelling slice of American history. This infamous site commemorates the 1876 battle where General Custer faced off against the combined forces of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.

Wander the fields where cavalry and warriors clashed, and you might just feel the echo of hoofbeats and war cries lingering in the air. Here’s a strange fact related to this site: Sitting Bull, one of this battle’s legendary leaders, later joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.

John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon 

Step into the ancient world at John Day Fossil Beds, where fossils narrate tales from 40 million years ago. This geological wonder isn’t just rock and dirt—it’s a time capsule of prehistoric life. In fact, it houses fossils from three entire ecosystems, so it’s like Jurassic Park but without the T-Rex chasing after you.

Explore through the colorful Painted Hills and marvel at sediment layers that resemble a rainbow cake gone geological. Just don’t forget to bring your camera and catch these hills in all their technicolor glory.

Canyons Of The Ancients National Monument, Colorado 

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is an archeological treasure trove that spans over 170,000 acres. This place is jam-packed with more than 6,000 ancient sites, making it one of the highest densities of archeological remains in the U.S. You could practically trip over history with every step.

One jaw-dropping nugget you might find interesting: the Lowry Pueblo, a massive and well-preserved ruin, has 40 rooms and multiple kivas, which makes it a high-rise by ancient standards.

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