7. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Covering 280,000 acres of northern Arizona, the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a huge wilderness of vibrant sandstone cliffs, steep canyons, and unusual rock formations. Rising 3,000 feet above the surrounding desert, this lonely and tough terrain boasts some of the most amazing geological structures in the Southwest, including the Vermilion Cliffs itself, White Pocket, and Paria Canyon. The monument’s varied topography creates a naturally beautiful canvas from the bright red Vermilion Cliffs to the white and grey bands of the Chinle Formation. Around the monument, visitors can investigate many hiking paths, picture spots, and undeveloped camping sites. Additionally a vital home for threatened California condors, the region allows one to see these unique birds swooping above the cliffs. The monument’s distant position and few amenities guarantee a real wilderness experience; its black sky offer great chances for astronomy and night photography.