The 10 Most Colorful Natural Wonders In America That Belong On Your Bucket List
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Lea Monroe
Author
With 50 breathtaking states that all offer their own amazing attractions, it’s easy to find jaw-dropping natural wonders within the United States. In fact, there are so many colorful places in the US to visit that you could spend a lifetime traveling around the country, seeking out nature’s best works of art. But out of all of America’s natural wonders, there are some that are simply a bit more eye-catching than others. Full of gorgeous colors that you won’t see just anywhere, here are some of the most vibrant views that you can find around the USA!
1. Grand Prismatic Spring - Wyoming
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming 82190, USA
One of many colorful destinations that are worth visiting in the state of Wyoming, Grand Prismatic Spring is considered to be the most photographed place within Yellowstone National Park. Filled with scalding hot water, this spring is actually deeper than a 10-story building! Made up of electrifying green, yellow, and orange shades, this is one of the most colorful attractions in the USA.
2. Paint Mines - Colorado
Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
Out in Calhan, Colorado, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park is home to a beautiful ecological system. A historical site that's amazing to see in person, Colorado's Paint Mines cover hundreds of acres of the park and feature hiking trails that will give you a unique view at these colorful natural wonders.
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3. Green Lake - New York
Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA
Inside Green Lakes State Park in New York, Green Lake is one of the only meromictic lakes that you can find on the entire planet - meromictic meaning a lake in which the layers of water do not intermix. A very rare natural wonder, the water maintains such a vibrant and crystal clear emerald shade because the lake does not experience any turnover. The state park features a beach that allows you to swim in the colorful water, with plenty of hiking trails surrounding the lake as well.
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4. Havasu Falls - Arizona
Havasu Falls, Arizona 86435, USA
Arizona may just be America's most colorful state, with the breathtaking Havasu Falls flowing within the Grand Canyon. The waterfall has a roughly 100-foot drop, splashing down into a gorgeous pool of bright blue water at the base of the falls. Havasu Falls has become a popular place to visit for those who are camping in the nearby area on the Havasupai Indian Reservation.
5. Lake McDonald - Montana
Lake McDonald, Montana 59936, USA
An amazing place to photograph, Lake McDonald is the largest of 700 lakes within Glacier National Park. This lake in particular is not only filled with beautifully hued water, but also has an array of colored pebbles below the water near the shores, making it one of the most colorful places in the United States.
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6. Painted Desert - Arizona
Another colorful location within the Grand Canyon, Arizona's Painted Desert is known for having bold red colors that will make your head turn, and even shades of light purple that you won't expect to see. Inside the park, visitors will find a variety of trails that are great for beginners and experienced explorers.
7. Morning Glory Pool - Wyoming
Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
Located inside Yellowstone National Park, Morning Glory Pool is made up of layers of vibrant colors. The hot spring maintains a vivid color all throughout the year due to bacteria, very rarely ever erupting as a geyser. While the spring keeps a unique color, over the years it has unfortunately become damaged due to visitors throwing objects inside of this natural wonder.
8. Waimea Canyon - Hawaii
Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
The gorgeous islands of Hawaii are made up of endless colorful natural wonders that you'll wish you could surround yourself with always. Getting the opportunity to see the Waimea Canyon is an underrated experience that belongs on your list of things to do before you die. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this canyon features some of the wettest places on earth. This is definitely one of the most colorful attractions in the US.
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9. Fly Geyser - Nevada
Fly Ranch Geyser, Gerlach, NV 89412, USA
One of the most amazing natural wonders in America, Nevada's Fly Geyser is hiding in plain sight out in Washoe County. Located on a private island, the geyser is layered in colors of yellow, red, green, and orange in a way that you've never seen before.
10. La Jolla Cove - California
La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
In America, we're lucky to have a beautiful blue body of water in just about every state, but out in California the electrifying shades of blue that you can find at La Jolla Cove will leave you speechless. The cove is surrounded by beautiful cliffs; it's a scenic place to cool off and appreciate California's coastal views.
What’s the most colorful natural wonder you’ve ever seen in America? If you have your own photos of any of these natural wonders, be sure to reach out and send them our way!
For more places to add to your bucket list, check out our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in the USA, one from each state.
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More to Explore
Colorful Places In The United States
What are the most colorful cities in the United States?
Some of the most colorful and vibrant cities in the United States are:
- Charleston, South Carolina: Rainbow Row, with its Caribbean color scheme, inspires countless photographs. Charming architecture painted in hues of aquamarine and pastel pink, combined with cheerful palm trees, make this city one of the most colorful in the country.
- Portland, Oregon: Its quirky, brightly painted Victorian houses land Portland a well-deserved place on this list.
- Miami, Florida: The outdoor street art museum Wynwood Walls alone is enough to earn Miami its place on the list of most colorful places in the United States, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: New Orleans is bursting with vibrant colors and architecture, especially of course around Mardi Gras.
- San Antonio, Texas: From the colorful umbrellas along the River Walk to the multicolored flags above Historic Market Square to beautiful murals, to the stunning Saga Light Show at the San Fernando Cathedral, there are so many reasons why San Antonio is one of the most colorful cities in the USA.
Which states have the best scenery in the United States?
Some of the best and most dramatic, colorful scenery in the United States can be found in:
- Arizona, home to the Grand Canyon, along with the Petrified Forest National Park, Desert Botanical Garden, and more.
- Wyoming, home to Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, and some of the best views in the country.
- Alaska, home to sea fjords, towering mountains, beautiful rugged coastline, and one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.
- Hawaii, with its spectacular views and incredible, words-defying landscapes.
- California, with amazingly diverse beauty ranging from deserts to stunning redwood forests to gorgeous coastlines.
- Colorado, home to four national parks - including of course the breathtakingly beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Utah, home to five national parks including the unforgettable Zion National Park.
- Montana, where you’ll find Glacier National Park, which attracts visitors from all over the world for its scenic views.