These 15 US Landforms Are So Big and Beautiful, They’ll Make You Feel Small

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By Samantha Collins

While many people know prominent US landmarks, you may not be aware of some of the most significant monuments. They are so big that they make you feel like a bit of an ant looking either up or down at these structures created by Mother Earth. These landforms range from mountains, valleys, and even quarries. 

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Sunset moment at Horseshoe bend Grand Canyon National Park. Colorado River. famous view point.
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Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most enormous landmarks. This canyon has gained plenty of fame over the years, extending over 277 miles. The Grand Canyon holds plenty of incredible, unexplored caves that are restricted to public access. 

2. Mt. Rainier, Washington

Mt. Rainier, Washington
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Reaching the peak of Mount Rainier is a difficult but beautiful hike if you are brave enough to take that risk. This hike takes travelers over ten days to finish and is over 93 miles long. Only about half of the people attempting to complete the hike actually do.

3. Yosemite Valley, California

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite is an incredible valley created by glaciers over a million years ago. This diverse landscape is home to over 400 species living within the stunning scenery. Yosemite Valley takes up 1,200 acres across California and was discovered over 5,00 years ago.

4. Three Ridges, Virginia

Three Ridges, Virginia
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Three Ridges is a gorgeous hiking trail located north of the Tye River. This hike is over 11 miles and ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. If you plan to take this hike, anticipate plenty of steep stairs and giant boulders. The amazing trail takes up about 4,700 acres across Virginia and includes about eight miles of the Appalachian Trail.

5. Brazos Cliff, New Mexico

Brazos Cliff, New Mexico
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These stunning cliffs are located in the northern part of New Mexico. This range covers over 10,000 square miles and reaches a height of 11,000 total feet. These cliffs are made up of some of the oldest rocks in New Mexico, dating back to over 1.5 billion years. The highest point can be seen from Route 64 heading East.

6. Denali, Alaska

Denali
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It is the tallest peak in North America and covers over 6 million acres with stunning views. Denali is known for its awesome wildlife, plant life, and geological features. Denali has plenty of activities, such as hiking and rock climbing, and opportunities for fantastic photography. 

7. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
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The name for this beautiful sight in Hawaii comes from a volcano that stands a staggering 10,023 feet tall. This volcano is one of the most sacred sights in Hawaii and is home to lots of plant life and wildlife. Plenty of hiking and biking trails have some of the most gorgeous views in the state.

8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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This fantastic park covers over 86,000 acres and is home to plenty of wildlife and outstanding plant life. The highest peak is Guadalupe Peak, which towers 8,751 feet tall. This national park has a diverse landscape, including beautiful oak trees, grasslands, and wetlands. 

9. Scotts Bluff, Nebraska

Scotts Bluff, Nebraska
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This incredibly historic landmark was used by Native Americans, settlers, and other travelers as they crossed the country. With over 3,000 acres of trail remnants, the elevation reaches 4,659 feet.

10. Mt. Sopris, Colorado

Mt. Sopris, Colorado
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 It is an extremely strenuous 12.5-mile hike, but the views make it worth it. Mount Sopris is located in the Rocky Mountain Range and reaches a height of 12,965 feet. Many people used to mistakenly believe this used to be a volcano, and that the lava that was located within the mountain never actually erupted.

11. Sugar Loaf Mountain, Oklahoma

Sugar Loaf Mountain, Oklahoma
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This mountain range, with another challenging hiking trail that takes only about four hours to complete, is known for its array of bird watching, hiking, and biking, with gorgeous scenery and views. The elevation reaches 2,560 feet, with plenty of trails to hike for all types of hikers.

12. Kinnerly Peak, Montana

Kinnerly Peak, Montana
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Kinnerly Peak is located about three miles south of the Canadian border, in the remote northwest corner of Glacier National Park. To get the best view, hikers recommend to travel about 5 miles up the mountain. Even though this may be the best view, hikers are still advised to be safe and cautious because this is a very challenging hiking trail.

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