14 Must-See Spots in the US National Parks

Three hundred acres of beauty and clear blue water. While it may be strenuous to reach the view, it is worth every bit of time and effort. Spot big horn sheep and mountain goats along the uphill trek. Eventually you'll hit 1,700 feet, where you'll be able to spot icebergs floating in the glacier with the mountains in the distance.

This 60-foot-tall sandstone arch is natural and freestanding. It is one of the country's most famous sights — an emblematic symbol for both the American West and Utah (it's on the state's license plates!). The trail to get to it is one of the most popular routes in the park, but that shouldn't stop you. There are few natural formations as incredible as this one.

Everyone knows of The Grand Canyon's south rim, but Havasu Falls is a more off-the-beaten-path spot. A couple of miles north of Supai Village is this stunning spot with picturesque turquoise waters, vibrant red rock, and lush greenery. Whether you want to swim or take photos, it shouldn't be missed.

This valley is as historic as it is secluded. Tucked away into some of the most rugged and beautiful mountains in the southeast, it's surrounded by 6,000-foot peaks and rolling hills. It can be accessed through North Carolina during the Summer months and offers everything from hiking to fishing and horseback riding.

Bryce Amphitheater is the famously eye-catching and breathtaking area of Bryce Canyon. The cliffs can be admired from four different vistas: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. The viewpoints to be expected at each are self-explanatory as they have been named accordingly.

Great Sand Dunes is a more under-the-radar national park, around three hours south of Colorado Springs. Home to North America's tallest sand dunes, it feels something like one giant, grown-up sandbox to play in. High Dune may not be the tallest of them all, but it's the easiest to manage with about two hours of hike time.

As one of the most scenic routes in the entire country, Trail Ridge Road's summit is at 12,183 feet. It's a standout attraction of the Rocky Mountains, continuous and ascending from the lush foothills and beautiful pines to the spruce-fir forests and alpine tundra. It's the best way to see it all, in every direction.

This is a national park that will definitely strain your neck with its massive sequoia trees — some of which reach as tall as 26-story buildings. The Grand Sherman tree is one of the tallest of them all.

This one isn't so much of a must-see spot as it is a must-see time to visit . . . A stunning place to witness Autumn's colors greeting the coast. With rugged coastline, scenic mountains, lakes, and forests, it's an East Coast paradise. Early October is when the leaves really begin to peak.

This is the highest waterfall in all of Yosemite, which naturally makes it a must see. There are two different hikes, an upper and a lower, both of which end in majestic views. Keep in mind that the lower is much easier than the upper, which can become quite difficult. Powerful and heart pounding, the three-tiered fall is a magical sight.

The Narrows are just as the name suggests — the most narrow part of Zion Canyon. It's a challenging and exciting place to get your dose of adrenaline and your feet wet. Literally. To get the hike done, you'll need to travel upstream through a river and its gorges that are sometimes only 20 feet wide. The beautiful surroundings are the reward.

One of the many geysers in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin, this is the most famous of them all. No visit to the park would be complete without witnessing at least one of Old Faithful's eruptions. It may not be the largest in the park, but it is the most consistent. Bison and elk can be spotted grazing in the day while the Milky Way and glowing stars serve as a backdrop in the night.

Straight out of a postcard . . . Ruby Beach is at the edge of a lush forest, covered in flat, smooth stones, drift wood, and huge rock formations. There's no shortage of crashing waves or raw nature. To make it impossible to say no to a visit, the easy walk to get there is like something out of a postcard.

After five miles of narrow, winding road, the panoramic view at the top of this summit makes the journey well worth it. Make sure to stop for a bit at the first lookout before you reach the very top. If you're into wildlife, it's also a perfect place for spotting.