Often left in the shadows of big-name national parks, national monuments are an underrated gem that not enough people are talking about… for now! Take advantage of the same great perks as visiting a national park without all the crowds before the word gets out. Whether you want to immerse yourself in natural beauty, dive deep into cultural history, or check out some really cool dinosaur bones, there is bound to be a national monument for you!
Besides, most national monuments border those national parks that you already have plans to visit, so why not take a little side trip to spark a new love affair?
Chiricahua National Monument
In the running to be America’s newest national park, Chiricahua National Monument has many things working in its favor. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Arizona, this sleepy monument is one of the least visited sites on this list, and that’s just part of its appeal. As you drive through a canopy of forest, leaving the barren desert behind you, you will be transported into an oasis filled with breathtaking geology and abundant wildlife. Watch for coatimundi, cousin to the raccoon, as you drive the scenic road and find yourself surrounded by a “Wonderland of Rocks” the moment you hit the trail. It’s no wonder the country is looking at this marvelous monument with national park glasses!
- Where: Arizona
- Nearby: Saguaro National Park
Jewel Cave National Monument
Because Jewel Cave National Monument is larger and deeper than its national park counterpart, Wind Cave National Park, it is surprising how few people plan a visit here, especially when it’s just down the road! With more than 200 miles of cave passages and a maximum depth of 832 feet, Jewel Cave is ranked as the 4th largest cave system in the world and the deepest cave in the region. And if that wasn’t enough to have you schedule a cave tour, Jewel Cave also has jewels!
- Where: South Dakota
- Nearby: Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park
Colorado National Monument
A miniature version of the towering red cliffs that make up Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, the Colorado National Monument offers the same incredible views without, you guessed it, all the people! Within proximity to the city of Grand Junction, you won’t find yourself completely alone at the Colorado National Monument, but there are plenty of places to find solitude. Take the scenic drive or go for an adventurous hike, but keep your eyes peeled for the plethora of bighorn sheep that call this place home!
- Where: Colorado
- Nearby: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Tucked away in the northern corner of Maine, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument speaks to the adventurer in all of us. With limited services and a vast wilderness of lush greenery, scenic waterways, and towering mountains, Katahdin Woods and Waters is the ultimate place to reconnect with nature. Hike the countless trails, take to the water, or stay after dark to marvel at a truly dark sky. It is safe to say that America made the right choice by putting this monument in the running for national park status.
- Where: Maine
- Nearby: Acadia National Park
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Considering the diverse beauty of Idaho state, it’s quite shocking that it hasn’t been awarded a national park – but that could change soon! Another contender in the race for naming America’s next national park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, is sporting some fierce competition. With dramatic mountain peaks out in the distance and a sea of ancient lava flows within your grasp, it’s hard to decide where to focus your attention. Walk along a trail once booming with volcanic activity and head underground for a chance to stand in a lava tube!
- Where: Idaho
- Nearby: Grand Teton National Park
Devil’s Tower National Monument
Established as the first national monument in 1906, Devil’s Tower National Monument has more than just seniority. This geologic wonder stands 867 feet tall and has been around for over 50 million years. Surrounded by a picturesque valley, you’ll never lose sight of this iconic formation as you hike along the trails, and the sunsets here are as breathtaking as they get. Pitch a tent and stay awhile for a view of Devil’s Tower both day and night!
- Where: Wyoming
- Nearby: Wind Cave National Park
Cedar Breaks National Monument
An undeniable look-alike to Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks is where you go when you can’t get enough of the naturally-carved rocks known as hoodoos but you’ve had enough of the people. Resting at 10,000 feet elevation, Cedar Breaks rises above Bryce Canyon and introduces a larger variety of deciduous and conifer trees. The vibrant red rock beautifully contrasts with these green giants, and various hiking trails let you hike around and down into this dramatic amphitheater. Just don’t forget to pack a sweater!
- Where: Utah
- Nearby: Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Aniakchak National Monument
While Aniakchak National Monument is not for the faint of heart, it’s great to put on the bucket list for die-hard adventurers. This monument prides itself on being one of the country’s least visited park service sites and one of the most remote places in Alaska, which is really saying something! In an already wild state, Aniakchak challenges even the most experienced travelers. Inaccessible by road and riddled with bad weather, flights here are unpredictable. Travelers lucky enough to make the journey will be rewarded with an untouched wilderness complimented by the roaring Aniakchak River and a six-mile deep caldera.
- Where: Alaska
- Nearby: N/A
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument might be spread over 210,000 acres and feature some of the most unique geology in the area. Still, there is no denying that people come here to see one thing – dinosaurs! Over 1,500 dinosaur bones can be admired along the monument’s quarry wall; even more have been discovered throughout the area. As you walk along the trails here, imagine a time when dinosaurs called this place home. Petroglyphs and homesteads tell us this iconic monument has changed hands throughout its rich history.
- Where: Colorado
- Nearby: N/A
Muir Woods National Monument
Dedicated to the man who got the ball rolling for preservation and advocated for the protection of some of the most beloved national parks today, Muir Woods National Monument is worth a visit for the history alone. Walk amongst a dense forest of old-growth coastal redwood trees and feel connected to nature as John Muir had nearly two hundred years ago. Find yourself at the beach looking out at the ocean and reflecting on how proud Muir would be to know that the National Park Service now protects 84 million acres of pristine beauty.
To maintain this reflective and serene experience, Muir Woods National Monument limits the number of people allowed on the trails simultaneously. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand if you want to experience this magical place!
- Where: California
- Nearby: Pinnacles National Park
Bandelier National Monument
Steeped in history, Bandelier is the national monument that every history buff will love. The monument protects a wide array of ancestral pueblos and invites visitors to learn more about the lives of the ancestral people who lived here. While just a small moment in a larger scale timeframe, the use of this monument during the Manhattan Project also reels in lovers of World War II history. After your brain has absorbed as much knowledge as possible, take to the trails to enjoy the monument’s wild landscape. Bandelier has it all!
- Where: New Mexico
- Nearby: N/A
