The Best Natural Wonders: Our planet is filled with stunning natural wonders, from grand mountains to desert dunes and everything in between. For those looking to explore the most breathtaking and iconic landscapes in the world, here is a bucket list of the top 7 natural wonders to see before you die.
The Grand Canyon, United States
No list of natural wonders is complete without the Grand Canyon. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world with stunning views. The canyon is 277 miles long with some parts 18 miles wide and over a mile deep. The colors and rock formations in the Grand Canyon are a spectacular sight, changing appearance with the shifting shadows and sunlight throughout the day. For the best experience, hike part of the Rim Trail for panoramic vistas or take a mule ride into the canyon.
Aurora Borealis, Scandinavia and Canada
The spectacular Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are one of the most brilliant & The Best Natural Wonders around the world. They can be witnessed in the northern parts of Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska. The vibrant colors of green and red ignite the night sky with a dramatic dismal light show. The best time to see the Aurora Borealis is between 10 pm to 3 am in locations far from city lights. Some of the top spots to see the Northern Lights include Yellowknife in Canada, Tromsø in Norway, and Abisko National Park in Sweden.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia | The Best Natural Wonders
The largest living structure on the planet and the only one visible from space – the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Located off the coast of Queensland in northern Australia, the reef contains over 2,900 individual coral reefs and 900 islands. It is home to a diverse array of marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, over 1,500 fish species and 200 types of birds. The most spectacular way to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is by scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. A scenic flight over the reef is another option to take in the grandeur of this natural wonder.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil
Spanning the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Consisting of 275 individual waterfalls over 1.7 miles, Iguazu Falls is an awe-inspiring sight. The tallest waterfall reaches up to 82 meters or 269 feet in height. Surrounded by dense tropical rainforest, the falls offer scenic walking trails to get up close to the thundering cascades. The best time to visit is during the rainy season from October to March when the water flow is the strongest.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe | The Best Natural Wonders
Located on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world based on width and height. Also known as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ due to the sheer volume of spray from the falls, Victoria Falls spans 1,708 meters or 5,604 feet wide. At 108 meters or 354 feet high, the falls are an incredibly powerful sight, especially during the rainy season from March to May. One of the best views of Victoria Falls is from Livingstone Island where you can get up close to the edge of the falls.
Mount Fuji, Japan | The Best Natural Wonders
The iconic symmetrical snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and a sacred volcano that last erupted in 1707. The mountain’s most stunning views appear during sunrises and sunsets when Mount Fuji’s peak turns orange and pink against a colorful sky. There are four hiking trails to climb Mount Fuji, taking about 6-8 hours to reach the summit. For a less strenuous experience, view Mount Fuji from the Fuji Five Lakes surrounding the mountain.
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Home to half the world’s geysers, Yellowstone National Park holds some of the most extraordinary geothermal features on the planet. From erupting geysers to bubbling hot springs and colorful hot pools, Yellowstone is filled with hundreds of geothermal wonders. The most famous geysers are Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, while Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin also offer unique sights. Yellowstone National Park is also renowned for its stunning canyons, alpine rivers, hiking trails, and mountainous beauty. This wonderland in the Northwestern United States is a must-see natural wonder.