Most Naurally Beautiful States in the U.S. These states are home to must-visit national parks, dreamy, snow-covered peaks, and dramatic black-sand beaches.
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5 Most Naturally Beautiful States
From the icy glaciers of Alaska to the white-sand beaches of Florida, our country is home to stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. Each state is beautiful on its own, but some are home to a plethora of awe-inspiring natural wonders, dramatic landscapes, and state and national parks (California, we're looking at you), making them heaven for nature lovers.
1- Alaska
The famous naturalist and "father of the national parks" John Muir wrote in his 1915 book "Travels to Alaska": "To the lover of pure wildness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world." And who could argue with that? With eight national parks, including the breathtaking Denali National Park and Preserve that encompasses six million acres of unspoiled wilderness and, of course, the highest peak in the country, Alaska's beauty will leave anyone full of appreciation for Mother Nature. Add to that the dense forests, glaciers, and rugged coastline of Glacier Bay National Park and the stunning snow-covered scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park, and you get a good idea of why the Last Frontier state is on the wishlist of most travelers.
2- Colorado
While saying that Colorado's landscape is dominated by its towering peaks is technically correct — after all, the state is home to a whopping 58 mountain peaks that are higher than 14,000 feet — it is also a little misleading as the Centennial State has a lot going on at lower altitudes, too. Whether it's the mysterious Caves of the Winds, the deepest hot spring in the world (Pagosa Springs), or the stunning Garden of the Gods with its red-rock formations, Colorado's natural beauty certainly qualifies it as one of the most scenic states in the country.
3- Hawaii
Hawaii may be one of the smallest states in the country, but it packs quite the visual punch. The eight major islands that comprise the Hawaiian archipelago offer miles of pristine, picture-perfect beaches with white, yellow, orange, red, black, and even green sand. Lush rainforests, volcanic craters, expansive valleys, picturesque waterfalls, and striking canyons transform Hawaii into a natural paradise.
4- Arizona
One look at the Grand Canyon is enough to convince you that Arizona is an extraordinary place. While this national park, with its 1,904 square miles of layered red rock formations, turquoise waterfalls, and snaking streams, is the state's main draw, there are plenty of other natural gems to explore here. The majestic smooth shapes of Antelope Canyon, Sedona's red rocks, the Sonoran desert's giant saguaros, and the ancient "plant fossils" of petrified wood logs in the Petrified Forest are some of Arizona's most unique natural landmarks.
5- Florida
With its sun-drenched beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida has become the quintessential vacation (and a favorite second home) destination. Ocean lovers can't get enough of its dreamy stretches of sand (all 825 miles of them), turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and beautiful islands in Biscayne and Dry Tortugas national parks. And of course, there is the Everglades — a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and home to the largest tropical wilderness in the country and countless endangered species.
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