Good Lifestyle

At the top of your head, you can probably name some of the most famous American national monuments. Perhaps the emblematicStatue of Liberty In New York is the first to come to mind, but this is only one of the approximately 129 national monuments across the country. According to the National Park Service (NPS), a "national monument"The designation is given To a range of different sites, including "nature reserves, historic military fortifications, prehistoric ruins and fossil sites".

National monuments tend to be smaller thanNational parks And as such, they generally do not offer as many attractions. But that does not mean that they are not worth visited, because they allow you to explore different parts of the United States outside their best known (and sometimes more congested) counterparts. In fact, travel experts say that some monuments are so underestimated that they deserve a place at the top of your list. Read more to find out which seven sites they recommend.

Read this then:8 state parks that are even better than national parks, say the experts.

Head west to explore the national monument of Chiricahua in Arizona, described by the NPS like "Wonderland of Rocks. ""

"Chiricahua is a jewel hidden in the south of Arizona which remains unknown to most, including many inhabitants!"Adam Marland,,Travel photographer and writer Because we dream of traveling, tellsBetter life.

The site was formed after an eruption of the Turkey Creek volcano, explains Marland, who pulverized ashes on 1,200 miles. Over the thousands of years, it has settled and formed the "geological wonder", says Marland. "In Chiricahua, the NP protect a world of strange rock formations in the most awaited," he adds. "A hike through Echo Canyon reveals an impossible display of balanced rocks, columns and pinnacles."

The site was even nominated as a Dark Sky International Park in 2021 and is an ideal place "to see our heavenly world", according to Marland. The dark skyThe designation is given At the sites "having an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights", as well as a "night environment" protected for education, science, cultural heritage and the enjoyment of the public, declares the international association of the black sky.

Another underestimated monument to make the list is in the state of the centenary. The Colorado National Monument is a site that should be one of your dream destinations.Sophie Clapton,,travel blogger Because we dream of traveling, explains that this monument is "often overlooked", despite its massive monoliths and Red Rock canyons.

"It is mainly used as a panoramic detour in which the passer-by can take advantage of the high road of 23 miles on the" grand pocket canyon "," she explains.

The park wasFirst promoted By Trail BuilderJohn Ottoin 1906, and thanks to his efforts, then presidentWilliam Howard TaftSigned the proclamation to establish the monument in 1911. The legend says that Otto looked up with the base of the canyon and "wondered what it would be to see the world as the birds did," said ClaptonBetter life.

The historic site is an excellent destination for nature lovers, as well as those who want to see an native fauna. "Along this photogenic route, visitors can expect to meet a colorful range of rocky islands, arrows, pinnacles and transparent canyon walls," explains Clapton. "With a little luck, there is a good chance that the landscape will be shared with a wide variety of wild animals, in particular America sheep, golden eagles and mulet deer."

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If you wondered what the United States looked like in prehistoric times, do not look further than the National Monument of John Day Fossile Beds in Oregon. "This area offers one of the most continuous collections of fossils and other geological characteristics of the world of the tertiary period, which extended between five and 50 million years", "Jessica Schmit of thetravel site The uprooted traveler tellsBetter life.

Schmit explains that the monument is divided into three main units, but painted Hills is the most famous in the trio. "Here you can explore five hiking trails that weave around and between the huge striated hills, painted with vibrant green, red and orange nuances," she said. "These colors are remains of a significant and sudden climate change in the region about 30 million years ago."

According to the NP, the three units of the fossil beds of John Day are betweenOne and two hours apart, but you can also admire the landscape on the reader. If you hope to hike, the journey to Clamo or Sheep Rock will be worth it, because the two offer an excellent opportunity to explore our prehistoric past. Clamo and Sheep Rock "both have an impressive collection of fossils, many of which have helped scientists reconstruct the evolution of dogs, cats and other mammals", explains Schmit.

If you plan an adventure on the East Coast, consult the National Monument of Fort Monroe in Virginia, which wasofficially designated by the presidentBarack Obama In 2011. A paradise for lovers of history, the fort is known as "Freedom's Fortress" ,,,,,,Yuri Milligan, Director ofMedia relations and the community For the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau in Virginia, saysBetter life.

"[Fort Monroe] has a diversified history covering American history of the American Indian presence, captainJohn Smith Journeys, arrival of the first Africans enslaved in English North America in 1619, a safe refuge for seekers of freedom during the American civil war, and a defense bastion for the bay of Chesapeake in the 21st century ", says Milligan, adding that It is also the largest stone forte ever built in the United States

Even if you are not in American history, there is no longer to explore on this site, including a public beach, several places to eat, a visitor and a center of education and the Casemate museum, says Milligan.

Read this then:The last 5 national parks that you should add to your list of buckets.

Another national monument which should claim a place on your list of buckets is the national monument of large storage-spaces in UTAH. AccordingAvichai Ben Tzur, depth editorTravel Guide website X days in Y, those who love the landscapes of the desert and who make trips on the way will be particularly fascinated by Grand Staircase.

"This national monument in South-Utah is wedged between the national parks of Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, extending on 1.8 million acres of sandstone canyons, trays, cliffs and unique rock formations", explains -Al. "The immense national monument is perfect for a day visit for travelers heading towards Moab de Bryce Canyon, or on an extended stay which allows you to discover some of the monument's jewels."

Ben Tzur recommends visiting at the beginning of fall or at the end of spring when the temperatures are a little cooler and you can enjoy stopping at the head of the rocks or a hike to "the desert oasis of the falls of lower stream ". Are you looking to make a trip? He also suggests heading to Hells Backbone.

"Due to its size and lack of extensive tourist infrastructure, Grande Staircase receives only fraction of the figures for visitors who flock to its neighboring national parks," explains Ben TzurBetter life. "However, those who seek to go out of the beaten track and discover the south of Utah without the crowd will cherish their visit."

Head west of New Mexico and you will find the National Monument of El Morro. For hundreds of years, this site offered a refuge to travelers thanks to a "reliable water hole" at the base of the monument's sandstone, according to the NPS.Fred Baker,,editor -in -chief of travel From the trip, says this monument not to be missed, because it is really a "hidden gem".AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

El Morro "offers visitors a breathtaking view of natural sandstone formations, as well as an overview of the history of the region," he said. "El Morro was once a popular stopping point for Spanish conquistadors and the first American settlers, and today, visitors can always see the petroglyphs and inscriptions left by these first travelers."

Like a large star storage, Baker suggests planning your visit in the fall or spring, when you have a cooler time and fewer crowds. You can enjoy all the experience of hiking and walking, namely the registration path, the Headland path and the Atsinna path. "However, no matter when you visit, El Morro is sure to leave a lasting impression," he said.

Read this then:The 8 best American national parks for people over 65, say the experts.

Just as its name suggests, Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is really another world - even the NPS describes it as "weird and picturesque. ""

"The park contains a variety of different types of volcales such as ash cones as well as splashes which are later caused in the eruption cycle", "Anwar y of thetravel blog Beyond my door, explains. "The park is massive, and the majority of the park is actually in desert. Visitors can even visit" wild caves ", which are lava tubes that force you to sail a little more to travel to the interior.

Wild flowers and other plants flourish at the end of spring and summer, he adds, and you should be able to see a majority of "the park accessible to the road" in one or two days. Unlike some of the other national monuments, Craters of the Moon should also be on your list of winter destinations, thanks to all that is to do.

"In winter, the park closes the roads and allows cross -country skiing, racket and hiking," says Anwar y Better life . "Visitors can even increase volcanic cones and skiing if they prefer."