One of my top places in the world to visit, the west of the United States is rich with natural wonders and well-managed national parks. I have raved on about the American national parks in this area in a recent post so will spare you my words and just share a few of the favourite pictures I’ve taken from our visits to these uniquely beautiful parks.
Morning Glory pool, Yellowstone
Jenny Lake, Grand Tetons
Landscape Arch, Arches NP, Utah
Salt plains well below sea level, Death Valley
Thunderclouds gathering, Zion NP
The hoodoos of Bryce NP
Upper Antelope Canyon, Slot Canyons of Arizona
The Grand Canyon - needs no introduction
Channel Islands NP, California
Sequoia National Park
Joshua Tree at twilight
Beautiful collection, but no Yosemite? 🙂
Thanks Matt. Haven’t made it to Yosemite yet. Next time in CA I must do it!
Gorgeous collection! I have pics of many of these places as well (I’m from the western US), and love them dearly! (for example, here’s my Morning Glory Pool shot)
Haven’t been yet to Channel Islands (already in trip-planning stage), or Antelope Canyon (ditto). This is one amazing place.
re these all yours? great! And, Yosmite is a must!!
I love your Yellowstone pictures Matt! Thanks for the link to these, and yes, well worth visiting the other spots too.
Thanks Heather; yes, they are all my pics. I have been very lucky to have the chance to see these areas, and have returned a few times. Awesome landscapes, good access and well managed parks with good hiking trails and sleeping options. (Hey NPS guys, I should be your British PR guy :-))
Great collection! I love the Western US! I would add Big Sur, Yosemite and Joshua Tree 🙂
Sweet pics. That last one @ Joshua Tree brings back great memories.
Great pics! Seeing them reminds me of my trip to the West USA: http://www.isabellestravelguide.com/West-USA-travel-guide.html
So many great places to see!! Bummer I missed Antelope Canyon. Can only mean one thing, go back 🙂
Thanks Isabelle, Sej and Trailsauce for your comments. Still to go to Big Sur and Yosemite, but they are on the list! Isabelle, do go see Antelope Canyon. It’s overlooked by many who come to Arizona, but well worth a visit.
Great pictures!! I love the first one!
I’m impressed that you were able to get to all these. It took me the better half of my adult life to get to 75% of these. I’d have to put 2 at the top: Joshua Tree is a truly magical place and Zion has to be one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen.
I’d add to this list Canyonlands (from the Grand View Point overlook), Calf Creek Canyon, outside of Escalante, Utah (for completely unknown non-National Park but still amazing camping), and the Black Rock Desert, NV.
Great idea and wonderful inspiring photos! I love it out West!
Beautiful pictures! I live in the Western US and haven’t been to most of these places 🙁 though planning on taking a trip through Utah this summer…really looking forward to Zion.
Love this post Andy. We love the west coast so much when we return from living abroad, that’s where we are headed. Probably the PNW though and particularly Oregon.
beautiful images.
Gorgeous pics! I love our part of the country!!!
Thanks for the kind comments. @gotpassport Agree with you guys that I need to see the PNW – it’s on our list!
I just found your blog today through Velvet Escape and I love it! Have you every been out to Seattle? Thats where I live and you should totally come visit!
I’ve added you to my google reader and I cant wait to read more from your blog!
Thanks Carol! So kind of you. Nope, never been to Seattle. It’s on our list; I’ve only heard good things. Would like to explore Washington and Oregon slowly, and take in some of the great scenery you guys have there. Your blog looks cool too – and you have a big day coming up soon 🙂 Congratulations in advance. Any big honeymoon plans??
I’m with you on visiting the western US – some of my most favourite places on the planet and you’ve hit almost every great place. Even though you have a Grand Canyon picture I highly recommend hiking the Rim to Rim to Rim trail in the fall from the North Rim to the South Rim and back over 3 days – 2 hiking days and 1 much needed rest day. The views never let up.
I would love to hike the Rim to Rim to Rim someday Leigh. We met a guy who ran it, and decided he was completely crazy. Walking down 3000 feet and back twice was enough for us on our first visit – but the rim to rim needs to be done 🙂 When did you do the hike?
Thanks for sharing your experiences Leigh.
Very nice. I feel like I’ve been out of the country more than around the states. I do want to see and photograph all of the things you shared above. Hopefully I can start those adventures next year.
Nice post!
Fabulous photos! I’m looking forward to taking my first trip out west next month. I’m really excited about seeing the Grand Canyon and also the California landscape.
Great pictures! You’ve convinced me:-)