30 Breathtaking North American Natural Wonders You Have to See Before You Die

This natural pool, located in Austin, TX, came to be after an underground river collapsed in the wake of an erosion thousands of years ago. There is a high demand for swimming, which can sometimes come with planned reservations.

Nestled within Oregon's Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake was formed by a now-collapsed volcano. It's now the deepest lake in the US and one of the state's most stunning sights.

This glacier, which is situated in both Alaska and Yukon, Canada, is a star sight on the various Winter cruises that travel through the region.

Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali, Alaska features 6 million acres reaching up to North America's highest peak. Visitors can experience a taiga forest and snowy mountains, as well as the various small and large animals that roam freely.

The second smallest Mexican state makes up for its size with its picturesque scenery, small seaside villages, and popular resort towns like La Paz and Los Cabos.

Home to hot springs, geysers, and mudpots, it's no wonder Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park is a top US road trip destination.

Situated in the western Sierra Nevada mountains, this glacial valley is a must visit in Northern California. In addition to its famed cliffs and waterfalls, visitors can enjoy a museum and wilderness center, as well as various outdoor activities such as hiking and ice skating.

Beneath the surface of this New Mexico landmark lie more than 119 dissolved limestone caves. Throughout your exploration, you can also take in and see dozens of species of reptiles, birds, and bats.

Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine, as well as the second largest on the US's eastern seaboard. Home to Acadia National Park, the island contains evidence of a large moving glacier that it once housed before it melted away.

This small mountain range, which actually extends through to Wyoming, is home to various parks as well as scenic byways and outdoor activities.

Nestled within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake is fed by a glacier, which provides its pristine and transparent blue color. It's no wonder it's a top destination and getaway spot in Canada.

Water runs over rocks under shimmering blue ceilings and walls in this breathtaking Juneau, AK, spot. You'll feel like you're in something of a fairy tale while visiting the "glacier behind the town."

Although a severe drought recently caused the falls to stop flowing, this Alabama landmark is back in business, allowing kayakers to once again ride the rapids of the Little River.

This 80-foot waterfall, located within Big Sur, CA, falls directly into the Pacific Ocean and can be seen by anyone who passes through Highway 1.

The youngest and most active of the five volcanoes that form the state of Hawaii, its flowing lava fountains make it a sight to see.

Made famous by its bald cypress trees, East Texas's Caddo Lake State Park offers an abundance of activities, from kayaking and paddling to hiking and picnic spots.

Mount Rainier is closely associated with the snow that caps it, so at first glance visitors may be shocked to learn that it actually houses an active volcano, which makes it a must see when visiting the state of Washington.

This cone geyser was the first one in Yellowstone National Park to receive a name. If you visit this park, you won't want to miss witnessing its eruption.

Easily Arizona's premier must-visit landmark, the Grand Canyon spans 277 miles from end to end. There are various ways to see it, from hiking, rafting, and even air tours.

The Utah Red Rocks offer miles of beautiful scenery and untamed wilderness. Hit the road and drive the loop through Utah's five landmark national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.

Don't let its name fool you about its size; this waterway actually stretches from New Jersey to Pennsylvania for 40 miles, offering scenic roadways and abundant wildlife.

Bryce Canyon National Park, with its red-pin-orange hues, makes for a can't-miss sight when visiting Utah. Make your way through the park by biking, hiking, or even snowshoeing.

You can't get much more extreme than California's Death Valley, whose claim to fame is that it's the hottest, driest, and lowest park below sea level. But even with its intimidating name, Death Valley offers a diverse selection of nature and wildlife, from snow-capped peaks to fields of wildflowers.

Separating the border between Canada and the United States, New York's famed waterfalls offer hiking, cave tours, and even a restaurant at the highest point of the falls.

It's a relatively well-known fact that California Redwoods are the tallest trees on earth. However, they're just one small part of the wildlife that makes their namesake forest so beautiful.

As the largest drainage system in North America, the Mississippi River extends more than 2,500 miles, from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Itasca in north central Minnesota.

These preserved wetlands on the southernmost tip of Florida are home to various animal and wildlife species, from manatees to crocodiles and even Florida panthers.

Kentucky's Mammoth Cave is a 400-plus-mile-long system of chambers and underground passageways, making for awe-inspiring tours.

Located on the Oregon side of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest.

Located on the northwest coast of Michigan's lower peninsula, the Sleeping Bear Dunes offer miles of sand beaches, green forests, and amazing views of the lake.