American National Parks That Feel Like They're On A Different Continent

When people picture America, they typically conjure up images of bustling cities, sprawling suburbs, and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore. While these symbols are quintessentially American, the country is home to much more than urban marvels and historical monuments. The United States boasts an array of national parks that offer a taste of far-off lands, showcasing incredible geographic diversity. From marine national parks that provide a cool escape in the summer to the perfect US national park for incredible views of black bears, the variety is astonishing — and you can experience it all without an expensive plane ticket. 

Join us as we explore American national parks that will transport you to different continents, while you stay within the borders of the continental United States. From the rolling sandscapes of Great Sand Dunes National Park to the tropical rainforests of Redwood National Park, prepare to be amazed by the unexpected wonders that await you in America's very own great outdoors. 

Nestled in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a striking expanse that transports visitors to the heart of Africa's Sahara Desert. This park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the highest rising to 750 feet, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The vast sea of golden sand, shaped by wind and water over thousands of years, creates a surreal landscape comparable to the Sahara's iconic rolling dunes. 

Visitors can embark on adventures in this extraordinary environment. Sandboarding and sledding down the dunes provide exhilarating fun for all ages, while hiking offers amazing panoramic views. The Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the dunes adds an unexpected element of refreshment, especially during the warmer months, when its shallow waters are perfect for wading. 

Contrary to the Sahara, however, the Great Sand Dunes' is more accessible. While the Sahara spans across multiple countries, with vast, dauntingly endless stretches of desert, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a compact yet equally majestic alternative to the endless sandy waves of the Sahara Desert. 

In South Dakota, Badlands National Park gives visitors the feeling that they are traversing the rugged terrains of the Mongolian badlands. This park features dramatic geologic formations, including sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. The intricate layers of sedimentary rock, shaped by millions of years of erosion, create a landscape that is remarkably similar to the vistas found in Mongolia.

While the Mongolian badlands are known for their harsh conditions that would take weeks to cross in their entirety, Badlands National Park offers a more approachable yet equally stunning alternative within the United States.

At Badlands National Park, nature enthusiasts can get up close and personal with the stark beauty of this extraordinary environment. Hiking trails wind through labyrinthine canyons and towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views at every turn, and particularly so at sunrise and sunset. The park is also known to be a haven for fossil enthusiasts, as it preserves one of the world's richest fossil beds from the Oligocene epoch, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient life. 

Travelers to New Zealand are often enthralled by the island's lush redwood rainforests. Renowned for their towering trees and verdant landscapes, these ancient giants, encircled by a rich understory of ferns and mosses, create a serene, cathedral-like atmosphere that you can actually experience in northern California. 

Redwood National Park is home to plenty of majestic coastal redwoods. Some of these trees reach over 350 feet into the sky. You can hike through the towering groves and gaze up to see the immense, ancient trees stretching high above. The interplay of light through the towering canopy and the tranquil ambiance evoke the same sense of wonder that travelers often are struck by in New Zealand's forests. 

The park's proximity to the Pacific Ocean further enhances its allure, with rugged coast cliffs and pristine beaches offering a dramatic contrast to the lush forest interior. From its soaring trees to its diverse coastal ecosystems, this park is a testament to the remarkable natural beauty of the U.S. landscape. 

Dramatic vistas define the Scottish Highlands, where rocky outcrops and misty moors create a sense of timeless beauty. Similarly, Acadia National Park in Maine offers its own rugged coastline and granite peaks. This unique park features a dramatic interplay of mountains, forested valleys, and coastal cliffs that evoke the charm of Scotland's world-famed highlands. 

Acadia National Park's Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, provides panoramic views that are reminiscent of the Scottish hills.  Meanwhile, the coastal sections of the park, with their craggy shores and rocky coves, offer a dramatic backdrop that echoes Scotland's wild seascapes. 

While Scotland's highlands present remote and often challenging hiking terrain, Acadia provides a similarly stunning landscape with well-maintained hiking and biking trails and accessible viewpoints, meaning that this park offers an unforgettable experience that feels just as diverse and grand as the highlands, but from right in the heart of Maine. 

On Mars, the desolate, reddish terrain and expansive vistas paint a picture of an otherworldly landscape. Canyonlands National Park, in southeastern Utah offers a similar visual experience with its own Martian-like scenery. Hiking opportunities abound in Canyonlands, ranging from short walks, long day hikes, and even overnight stays that'll feel like a vacation on another planet.

The park's terrain is characterized by deep canyons, towering mesas, and intricate rock formations that evoke the barren beauty of the red planet. The park's Island in the Sky district features a high mesa with sheer cliffs that drop off into a labyrinth of canyons below. The Needles district, with its spire-like rock formations and colorful, layered sedimentary rock, add vibrancy to the extraterrestrial ambiance. 

Instead of wishing for that Mars trip someday, you can explore Canyonlands National Park with relative ease and comfort, without the need for specialized equipment, and years of preparation.