Believe it or not, I never used to want to travel in the US. That seems crazy now after basically traveling around it for jobs for the last three years. I’m still dying to leave the country, which I haven’t done since I got back from the Philippines, but at the same time, I’ve loved exploring the US national parks.
I’ve come to love the US parks and exploring all things outdoors, whether it’s part of a road trip or just a weekend day trip. I’ve realized I have tons of pictures from hiking around the US that I either haven’t had a post to share them in or they just don’t get shared often enough, so I decided to put a bunch of them in one post to help inspire you to explore some of the best outdoor destinations in the US.
While I still feel the pull to travel abroad and know I will again sooner than later, I feel it even more to explore the US. I just get more and more excited thinking about future road trips around different regions of the US. Now I want to get you excited about exploring the US, whether it’s your own backyard or a big trip, there is something cool to see and do, I promise. And if you need more inspiration to get out there, check out some of these awesome outdoor adventure books.
Posts you might also enjoy:
- My National Park Page
- How to avoid crowds in national parks
- Perfect road trip packing list for camping in the national parks
- Should you take a winter road trip? Yes. Yes, you should.
- Climbing the Coral Pink Sand Dunes outside of Kanab, Utah
- A non-hikers drive-through guide to Arches National park
- Fun National Park Facts
- How to make the most of a trip to a national park
- My favorite national park hikes
- 11 more of my favorite national park hikes
- My favorite hikes that aren’t in national parks
Have you been to any of these places? What is your favorite outdoorsy place in the US? Favorite hike?
Gorgeous photography!! The buffalo picture’s fantastic, I’m dying to explore more national parks, especially Joshua Tree and Yellowstone! thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I loved seeing the bison. I’m dying to go to Joshua Tree, toO!
These photos are so gorgeous. I spend too much time wanting to travel outside of the US when there is so much beauty in my own backyard! I’m feeling so inspired!
Thank you! I feel the same way haha
Gosh. Wow. You’ve completely wowed me. It’s good to remember that the USA can be incredible. Thank you.
Thank you! It’s got some pretty amazing stuff
I know exactly how you feel!! Most of the time I want to leave the US, but the national parks remind me that I do love it here sometimes. The pictures you have capture that love so well. Thanks for sharing!
Right?! I never used to think about the parks and what to see here. Thank you!
Beautiful photos
Thank you!
Amazing photos.
Thank you!
Always love a good photography post – you have some amazing pics girl! And I’ve added a few new amazing places to my USA bucket list!
Thank you! <3 That list just keeps growing for me haha
These photos are great, really remind you how big and diverse US is!
Thank you! I always used forget that, too
Wowers! Beautiful images. We are hoping to be in America at the end of the year. Thanks for helping inspire me to plan a lot of outdoor adventure
Thank you! Enjoy your trip, I’m sure it will be awesome!
Such gorgeous shots! I can’t wait to visit as many national parks as possible when I do a roadtrip through the US later this year! What would be your favourite recommendation if you had to pick?
Thank you! That’ll be an awesome trip. I’d have to say my favorites so far are Great Basin in Nevada and Grand Teton in Wyoming (especially in the winter.) Capitol Reef is another favorite in Utah (but all the Utah parks are fantastic!)
I absolutely love the American West! Thanks for compiling this stunning gallery and sharing the best of the US!
– Sarah @ http://www.our21stcenturyodyssey.com
I love it out in the west, too, it’s just so different from where I grew up!
That newspaper rock picture is such a close up! I remember when I was visiting, we were not allowed to go so near it, it was all behind fences and we could only see it from a distance. How did you get so close to it? Has something changed? I visited back in 2013.
There is a fence still, I just zoomed in for that one I think. The fence is maybe six feet(ish) from the rock
I knew about some of these placs but Devils Tower and Newspaper Rock look super cool. Added them now to my travel wishlist.
Both are super cool and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area
Wow so many awesome places to see that I did not even know about! love this guide!
Thank you! So much to see!
Your photography is top notch. I’ve seen a few of these…like Devils Tower and Horseshoe bend! Can’t wait to explore more when I return to the states. Thanks for sharing this AMAZING list.
Thank you! I loved both of those and can’t wait for you to see more!
This reminds me of all the places in the US I still need to visit. The Utah parks are at the top of the list. My favorite outdoor spot is probably the Grand Canyon.
Yesss, the Utah parks are so good! I’ll be back at the Grand Canyon in November and I’m so excited!
You have to visit California’s 9 (!!!) National Parks. They are all stunning and you’ll have millions more beautiful photos to show off. 😛
I want to see those sooo bad! Especially Death Valley and Joshua Tree. And Lassen! Well, all of them haha
It doesn’t take much to get me outdoors. This is overload! Lol! Great post!
Haha, well I’m glad I could help!
Like many others have said, great photos! I never realized all the wonders that America held. Instead of traveling abroad this year maybe I’ll keep it closer to home. Thanks for the post.
Thank you! 😀 It was always my priority to travel abroad, but after going on my first road trip, I just really wanted to see more of the US and fell in love with it!
Beautiful and inspiring! I can’t wait to visit these in person. I don’t know if you’ve been, since I’m new to your blog, but I think you would ❤️ Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina!
Ahh! I have been there and I love it! I’ll actually be there again soon!