Good Lifestyle

At the top of your head, you can probably name some of the most famous American national monuments. Perhaps the emblematic Statue of Liberty In New York is the first to come to mind, but this is only one of the approximately 133 national monuments across the country. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the The designation is given To a range of different sites, including "nature reserves, historic military fortifications, prehistoric ruins and fossil sites". Among these many national monuments, however, some say that travel experts are really underestimated.

These areas tend to be smaller than National parks , and as such, they generally do not have 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 exceptional that they deserve a place at the top of your list. Read more to find out which sites they recommend.

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Head to the 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, tells Better life.

As Marland explains, the site was formed after an eruption of the Turkey Creek volcano, which sprayed the ashes on 1,200 miles. Over the thousands of years, it has settled and formed the "geological wonder", he said.

"In Chiricahua, NPS protect a world of strange rock formations in the least anticipated locations," added Marland. "A hike through Echo Canyon reveals an impossible display of balanced rocks, columns and pinnacles."

The site was even nominated as Dark Sky International Park in 2021 and is an ideal place "to see our heavenly world", according to Marland. The dark sky The 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 Dark-Sky Association.

Another site that you may not know - or recognize as a national monument as opposed to a national park - is the national monument of Muir Woods in California. The imposing redwood forest has been a national monument since 1908, but it always attracts visitors who are looking for the adventure off the beaten track.

Parking reservations are necessary, but according to a Tiktok April 2023 video from Travel Tiktok account @ Wherere.we.wander, it is worth planning in advance for the views at this place.

"Muir Woods is a Mystical redwoods Forest less than an hour from San Francisco, "the video legend reads, pointing accessible and stimulating trails." While you walk in the forest, you will be amazed by the gigantic sequoiahs, fresh air and sound will be water flowing in the cracking. ""

The park is open all year round, but the high season is between May and October, so get ready for the crowd if your visit is during this period, @ where.we.wanderred advises.

"Take advantage of getting lost among the trees," continues legend. "Muir Woods is really an escape in nature. We spent about 2 hours walking in the park and admiring its beauty."

In relation: 10 best national parks that you can travel .

Another underestimated monument to make the list is in the state of the centenary. Sophie Clapton ,, travel blogger Because we dream of traveling, says that the Colorado National Monument is "often overlooked", despite its massive monoliths and red 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 said.

The park was First promoted By Trail Builder John Otto in 1906, and thanks to his efforts, then president William Howard Taft Signed 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", says Clapton Better life .

The historic site is an excellent destination for nature lovers, as well as those who want to have an overview of the indigenous flora and fauna.

"Along this photogenic route, visitors can expect to meet a colorful range of rocky islands, arrows, pinnacles and transparent canyon walls," shares Clapton. "With a little luck, there is a good chance that the landscape will be shared with a wide variety of wild animals, including America sheep, golden eagles and mule deer."

The next place on the list of underestimated national monuments is Gila Cliff's dwellings in New Mexico. In the 1200s, the Mogollon people established their homes in natural caves, construction rooms and education for children for one to two generations, According to the NPS. The housing was abandoned after the departure of the Mogollon people in the 1300s, but today, the 42 rooms they built in local stone still exist - and you can see them for yourself.

According to the full -time traveler and Tiktker @Mindyonthemove, this place should not be missed, nor the surrounding Gila national forest.

"Not only are these cliff dwellings absolutely fascinating, but the national forest of Gila herself overflows with wild beauty, hot sources, and much more," says @mindyonthemove in a June 2023 Tiktok .

The protruding facts for her understood the path of Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila's Trail to the Past, Gila Hot Springs, Mineral Creek Trail, Melanie Hot Springs and Middlefork Hot Springs Trail.

If you have wondered what the United States looked like in prehistoric times, you will find answers to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument 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 took place between 5 and 50 million years", " Jessica Schmit , of the travel site Uprooted traveler, tells Better 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, red and orange shades," 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 between One 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.

In relation: The 10 most naturally beautiful states of the United States, the data show .

The National Monument of Chelly Canyon also guarantees a first place on your list of buckets, Steve MORROW ,, travel expert And the founder of Paddle sur, says.

"Located in northeast Arizona, this canyon houses some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes," he shares. "Trained over millions of years by the erosion of soft limestone layers, the canyon is a land in the wonders of imposing cliffs, winding canyons and colorful rocks."

The entire national monument is located on Navajo tribal lands And families still live on the canyon floor, according to the Park website. During your visit, you can admire the view from two on -board players and nine glasses (including the famous Spider Rock Overlook) and explore the walls of the Canyon La Maison Pueblo ruins Built between 350 and 1300 AD.

"Although it is not as well known as some other national parks in Arizona (such as the Grand Canyon National Park), Celly canyon really deserves to be visited," says Morrow. "So, if you are looking for an unforgettable natural experience, check it."

If your ideal excursion implies a natural flora, you must consult the national monument of the organic pipe cactus in Arizona. It is actually the Only place In the United States, where you can see cacti of organs pushing naturally!

It is often quoted as an underestimated place, with travel bloggers @thenationalparktravelers pointing towards the monument like "a place in Arizona No one is speaking. ""

According to @Mindyonthemove, the hike is just as surprising as plants and vegetation. If you are fortunate to visit, consult Archyon Trail (especially if you can go after sunset), Alamo Canyon, Victoria Mine and Lost Cabin Trail, according to her recommendations.

Another national monument which should claim a place on your list of buckets is the national monument of large storage-spaces in UTAH. According to Avichai Ben Tzur , depth editor Travel 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 stuck 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," said -he. "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 jewels of the monument."

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 take advantage of stopping at the head of the rocks or a hike to "the desert oasis of the falls 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 extended tourist infrastructure, Grande Staircase receives only fraction of the figures for visitors who flock to its neighboring national parks," notes Ben Tzur. "However, those who seek to go off the beaten track and discover the south of Utah without the crowd will cherish their visit."

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The next place on the list of underestimated spots is the national monument of lava beds. Described as a " earth of troubles , both geological and historical "by the NPS, this place was formed by volcanic eruptions and is also rich in Native American history thanks to its sites of rocky art, battlefields and campsites.

@Mindyonthemove stresses that exploration here is self -guided, which makes an even more fun journey.

"Here you can explore so many lava caves at your own risk! No guide! What, for me, is so great," she said in the video of June 2023. "But be sure to stop in the center Visitor to obtain a rider's license, and make sure to bring a front lamp and / or a flashlight. "

Skull cave is on the list of favorites of @ mindyonthemove. According to the NP, the cave is a "rest of three very large lava tubes" and as a bonus, it is large open, which makes it an ideal place for explorers who do not like restricted spaces.

Bridge Cave symbol And the large painted cave, which both presents Amerindian pictograms, were other favorites.

Another paradise for fossil enthusiasts is the national monument of the Forurisant fossil beds in Colorado. Huge stumps of petrified red wood are dispersed throughout the site, containing insects and plant fossils from prehistoric time .

"I would go so far as to call it more impressive than the petrified forest national park in Arizona," Agnes Groonwald ,, editor and the founder of Travel on reg. "Although it is not as large, the strains of the tree themselves are larger than you find in the desert."

Groonwald signals the interior and exterior exhibitions to the monument reception center as a must -see spots, as well as the "large strain", which measures 12 feet in diameter. Depending on the NP, the tree may have been finished 230 feet high Before its base was buried by a volcanic mud flow between 500 and 1,000 years.

With so much to see, you will probably be ready to plan your trip as soon as possible - and fortunately, the park is a "destination all year round," says Groonwald. However, you will have to be aware of the weather.

"You are 8,500 feet above sea level while you are there, so winter temperatures require a lot of hot diapers," she explains, noting that it visited the park when the temperatures were hot and sunny in July. If you do hiking right now, it suggests "more water than you think", because most of the trails are not shaded.

Although it is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable national monuments, Devils Tower is a necessary addition to any list of traveler's buckets. Playing the meadow around the black hills of Wyoming, the "" tower "was a sacred place for the Indians of the Northern Plains and the Aboriginal peoples, according to NP. The legends vary From the tribe to the tribe, but there is also a scientific explanation for training.

"Science tells us that Devils Tower was trained underground from the molten rock and was pushed by the magma in sedimentary rock ... 50 million years ago", hiker Gavin Hungerford (@gavinhikes) explains in a August 2021 Tiktok .

Hungerford also offers some recommendations for visiting this "867 granite foot monolith", in particular by taking an overview of the fauna " Dog Town meadow "Near the entrance to the place.

"[It's] a great place to look at these municipal animals in their wild habitat," said Hungerford. From there, he recommends hiking the tour, which takes you to a 1.3 mile trek around the tower.

"It is paved and accessible to all, offering you a breathtaking view of the tower, the pine forests and the meadows - I also saw deer along the way," explains Hungerford. (The NPS notes that the path is not Americans with disability law [ADA] approved after reaching the Entestration of the loop After the pavilion at the beginning of the start of the tower path.)

Hungerford continues: "The Amerindians consider this sacred site, and you can see prayer tablecloths along the road."

"As a culturally important site, some perceive to climb the disrespectful tower," he said, noting that around 5,000 people travel to climb the tower each year. "The NPS tries to respect its spiritual meaning by having a voluntary closure of climbing in June."

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 sandstone of the monument, according to the NPS. Fred Baker ,, editor -in -chief of travel Travel, 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 shares. "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 recommends 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 spoke.

In relation: 63 facts from the National Park on the most beautiful American destinations .

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 the ash cones as well as splashing cones which are later caused in the eruption cycle", " Anwar y of the travel blog Beyond my door, explains. "The park is massive, and the majority of the park is in fact wild. Visitors can even visit" wild caves ", which are lava tubes which force you to sail a little more by yourself to travel to The interior.

Wild flowers and other plants flourish at the end of spring and summer, he adds, and you can 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 appear 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 hike volcanic cones and ski if they prefer."

If you plan an adventure on the East Coast, consult the National Monument of Fort Monroe in Virginia, which was officially designated by the president Barack Obama In 2011. A paradise for lovers of history, the Fort is known as "Freedom's Fortress", according to Yuri Milligan , Director of Media relations and the community For the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau in Virginia.

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

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

This story has been updated to include additional inputs, verification of facts and copying edition.