Earth, Water, And Fire: An Elemental Trip Of America
Sunday, August 27, 2017
The US has always felt the harsh and unrelenting force of Mother Nature. Being such a big continent, the variations in landscapes, climates, and ecologies are huge from place to place. Along with this, its size and location make a lot of the country prone to natural disasters. Over the years, this has created some amazing sights throughout America, giving tourists loads to soak in and enjoy. Of course, though, it can be hard to know what you want to do in such a big place. So, to help you out, this post will be going through some of the best elemental activities to enjoy on your stay.
Earth
Canyons are formed over thousands of years, as the result of moving water eroding the ground around it. In some cases, the quantity and flow of water are great enough to make these landmarks into gaping chasms, often with incredibly unique appearances. One of the most famous examples of a Canyon in the US is the Grand Canyon, in Arizona, which is known for its huge size. Along with this option, though, you also have examples like Antelope Canyon which has beautifully shaped walls, letting the light shine on the floor in nice patterns.
Mother nature doesn’t just go down, though. Along with this, some of the biggest natural wonders in the world are going straight upwards. Denali, in Alaska, is the USA’s tallest mountain. With a peak of over 6000m, this landmark is sure to take your breath away, while also giving you the chance to climb one of the hardest mountains in the world. If you’d like something smaller, though, Alaska is home to loads of different mountains, and many of them give you the chance to look right into Canada.
Water
Some of the most impressive of mother nature’s feats lie in water, in the form of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and coastlines, and the US has its fill of all of these. Starting with lakes, you have dozens of options to choose from. In Oregon, you have Crater Lake, a place perfect for scuba divers and those that want to see a unique lake on their trip. Alternatively, you could look at something a little bigger, with Lake Superior in Michigan. Some of the lakes in the US are massive, with water sports and summer fun wherever you go. But, others are colder, giving you the chance to enjoy some of Earth’s hardiest wildlife.
Next, it’s onto waterfalls, and possibly the biggest reason to travel inland in the US. From the Niagara Falls and other waterfalls in New York to the options in Yosemite National Park, you have the chance to see loads of gushing water on your stay in America. There are loads of different ways to see this sort of landscape. Some people will use the normal viewing platforms which are provided. But, if you want something a little more exciting, you could also consider the idea of using a helicopter tour to see this part of the US.
Being such a large continent, the US has one of the widest ranges of coastline any country has to offer. From sandy beaches, with clear water and beautiful wildlife, to rock pool filled areas, with murky water and rich history, America has all the ocean you could ask for. For those looking for the perfect beaches for relaxation, Florida and California have some of the best options for you. But, for those looking for something different, you could travel to a huge range of places to get your fill. Most of the US is built on the coast, with most of its major cities and towns dotted around the edge. This gives you an excellent opportunity to see this wonderful part of the US.
Fire
Finally, it’s time to think about fire. It may be hard to think of any locations or landmarks in the US which are based on fire or heat, but there are plenty. One of the most famous of these is Yellowstone Park, a National Park which sits on top of an active volcano. This has created huge areas which are filled with natural hot springs and geysers. Along with the volcanic activity at Yellowstone, there is also a huge amount of diverse ecology to be found here. Rare animals, like Bobcats, can be found around every corner. Some of the biggest natural history television shows of all time have been filmed here, including parts of Planet Earth Two.
Along with places like Yellowstone, the US is also home to several deserts. Starting with the most popular, the Nevada desert is a huge expanse of near nothingness. But, at its heart, you find the city of Las Vegas. Known for its casinos, luxury hotels, and fine dining, this part of the US is a great place to go on vacation. Of course, though, you also have the likes of the Mojave Desert and other large areas of barren land. Deserts are very interesting places, and they tend to have a rich grouping of native wildlife for you to enjoy.
All in all, the USA has a lot to offer for those looking for an elemental break. Mother nature has crafted loads of jewels for you to enjoy, and you can find them all over this part of the world. From watery wonders which boggle the mind, to huge mountains which make you feel tiny, there’s truly something for everyone. When travelling to this sort of area, it’s always worth doing some of your own research. This will help you to find the best examples of the places you’d like to see, while also helping you to make a full bucket list.
Hopefully, this post will give you the inspiration you need to pack your bags and jet off to one of these wonders of nature. Of course, though, you might need some more tempting. Take a look at some travel guides and brochures to give yourself an idea of the chances you’ll have to travel in the USA. Along with this, it could also help to look at websites like Instagram to give yourself a better idea.
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