Take a journey to some unforgettable trips at world heritage sites in the USA
By Cherissa Banag
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the American West and explore the region’s most captivating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From ancient Native American civilizations to stunning natural wonders, this adventure takes you on a historical and cultural odyssey.
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon was formed by the erosive action of the Colorado River. The national park is 277 miles long, with the deepest part of the canyon reaching 6,000 feet. As a group trip, guests can embark on a guided tour. The activities include enjoying a rafting expedition along the Colorado River, bicycle tours, bus tours, touring the park with local guides, mule trips, guided hikes, picturesque helicopter tours, and trail rides harnessing a horse or mule. But within each of these activities, preparation would already have to be made. However, exploring the Grand Canyon and walking among the trails, and taking in the beauty that completely surrounds you would leave an impressionable and breathtaking experience all on its own. The best time to plan a trip is in Spring or Fall; there would not be as many people, along with the temperatures would have a slight breeze.
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Known as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone offers guests a variety of breathtaking experiences. As an introductory point, groups can enjoy a magnificent time at the lake, with a scenic view of a body of water that spans across hundreds of square miles. Depending on the time of year you decide to visit, you can expect crystal blue waters or an icy expanse. In addition, guests can spot wildlife in their natural habitat, much different from what is seen in the zoo, providing valuable insight into witnessing their natural interactions and behaviors. Following that, hiking through nature is a beautiful experience on its own, but to hike through the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is undoubtedly superior. To explore the valley that was carved by the Yellowstone River and then take in two breathtaking waterfalls, which can be viewed through multiple viewpoints, is an opportunity waiting to be delved into. Guests can also walk among the geysers, witnessing Old Faithful’s eruption, a famous geyser in the park, and behold the aftermath of the smoldering field of steam vents, geysers, and hot springs.
Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite National Park (California)
In the heart of California lies Yosemite National Park. This park is known for its waterfalls, granite cliffs, crystal-clear streams, groves, and biodiversity. As a group trip, depending on what time of year you decide to travel, activities for adventurers include rafting, cycling, and rock climbing. For those who came to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and have a more relaxed time, they can partake in hikes and tours, with tours including stargazing, historic tours, nature exploration, and bus tours. These tours talk about the celestial objects that fill the night sky, the park’s rich historical and cultural heritage, the national park’s diverse ecosystems, and an overview of the scenic beauty that surrounds the place. Then specifically for winter, groups can bask in an uncrowded park and Yosemite’s ski area.
Redwood National and State Parks (California)
Habitat to the world’s tallest trees is Redwood National and State Parks, standing more than 370 feet in height. The park comes with
200 miles of trails, along with a park system allowing for scenic drives. Among those trails, groups can venture on hikes, horseback rides, camps, and bike rides. As your group explores the wonders of these majestic forests and bodies of waters, keep an eye out for the diverse set of creatures that roam the place, such as banana slugs and gray whales. As many parks may highlight the picturesque view of it all, taking a closer look at the ecological significance of these magnificent creatures provides groups opportunities to appreciate and observe nature in their finest form.
Mesa Verde in Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
To travel back in time through the enriched cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and Tribes is through Mesa Verde National Park. Groups can indulge in these fun-filled activities, such as hiking, becoming a junior ranger, star gazing, camping, viewing a cultural dance, being present at an evening program, and going on a cliff tour. Along with a variety of places to explore, such as a museum, tree house, a walk through the forest, scenic routes for drives, and captivating views from every point of the national park. This exploration also serves as a learning opportunity for the importance of acknowledging Indigenous peoples’ rights and sovereignty.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park (New Mexico)
For a high-desert escape, plan on taking your next adventure to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The ancestral Pueblo people developed a sophisticated society centered around stone structures, now visitors can explore the significance and impact they made today. A historical place that showcases the history of the ancestral Pueblo people from 850 to 1250 CE. From a variety of activities your group can partake in, such as hiking trails along the Canyon Loop Drive that is 9 miles long, ranger programs that include night sky programs, junior ranger programs for children to get involved in, and biking across the Chacoan sites.
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