National Parks Are Great, But These 14 National Monuments Have Some of the Best Landscapes You’ve Never Heard Of

National Parks tend to get all the attention—and for good reason. They’re home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the country, with some of the most magnificent National Parks concentrated in the western US.

But also scattered across the west are dozens of National Monuments that quietly protect places just as scenic, fascinating, and geologically impressive, often with a fraction of the crowds.

These National Monuments showcase towering rock formations, ancient cliff dwellings, dramatic canyons, volcanic fields, and one-of-a-kind natural features you might not have even heard of.

This list highlights some of the best National Monuments in the West that are absolutely worth adding to your next adventure.

14 Insanely Cool National Monuments That Rival Any National Park

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument (Arizona)

Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “du shay”) is a national monument located in northeastern Arizona on Navajo Nation land.

The canyon itself is incredibly scenic, with red rock walls that twist and curve around a small, winding river. Thanks to that water source, the canyon floor stays surprisingly green and lush. You’ll even spot a few homes and a dirt road below—some Navajo families still live within the canyon.

There are nearly a dozen scenic overlooks to admire the canyon angles, one hike that takes you partially down in the canyon, and options to do hiking or jeep tours of the canyon floor.

The highlight of Canyon de Chelly is definitely Spider Rock—a massive 750-foot spire that rises straight from the canyon floor. Surrounded by steep, textured canyon walls, the way it stands tall and alone in the middle of the landscape is truly unforgettable.

2. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Utah)

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the largest and remote landscapes in the American West. Spreading over 1.9 million acres—slightly larger than the entire state of Delaware—this region is packed with dramatic scenery, from towering cliffs and undulating slickrock to deep slot canyons and plateaus.

It was one of the last areas in the contiguous U.S. to be fully mapped, and even today, it still feels wild and undiscovered, even though its just 2 hours from popular Zion National Park.

This monument is a dream for hikers and adventurers. Lower Calf Creek Falls is a stunning 126-foot waterfall tucked in the desert, while Spooky and Peekaboo Gulch are some of the narrowest slot canyons you can hike through, and feel like an exciting adventure.

You’ll also find the striped walls of Zebra Canyon and the unusual rock formations of Devil’s Garden (not to be confused with the Devil’s Garden in Arches), both fun places to explore.

3. Misty Fjords National Monument (Alaska)

Misty Fjords National Monument, located in Southeast Alaska, is easily accessed from the nearby town of Ketchikan, just 22 nautical miles away. Designated a protected area by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, the monument spans over two million acres of pristine wilderness.

Its name comes from the mist that frequently covers the landscape. This region receives abundant rainfall, averaging around 150 inches annually, making it a unique, non-tropical rainforest.

Misty Fjords was carved by ancient glaciers, creating the raw beauty seen today. Towering granite cliffs rise thousands of feet from the sea, covered in lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife is abundant here; bald eagles soar above, bears and mountain goats roam the region, and whales often surface in the surrounding waters.

It isn’t accessible by road, but there are several ways to visit Misty Fjords National Monument. Boat tours are popular, but a floatplane tour offers an unforgettable perspective. From the air, the scale and grandeur of this remote wilderness come fully into view.

4. Craters of the Moon National Monument (Idaho)

Craters of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho is one of the most unique landscapes in the West—an expansive volcanic field filled with twisted lava formations, massive cinder cones, jagged black rock, and surreal terrain that truly lives up to its name.

The landscape was formed by a series of eruptions thousands of years ago, that created a vast sea of hardened lava and volcanic features that feel more like another planet than a place on Earth.

Visitors can hike over rough lava flows, climb cinder cones for panoramic views, and even explore underground lava tube caves. The terrain is rugged and wild, but also surprisingly accessible, with short trails leading to some of the park’s coolest spots.

It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination that’s perfect for anyone who loves geology, unique hikes, and dramatic scenery.

5. Chiricahua National Monument (Arizona)

Chiricahua National Monument is known for its unique volcanic rock pinnacles and hoodoos, which were referred to as the “standing up rocks” by the Apache tribe. These colorful formations have been formed from erosion over the millenia and look even more stunning against the surrounding snow capped Chiricahua Mountains. 

Located in southeastern Arizona, a little over an hour away from the historic mining town of Bisbee or about two hours from Tucson, this hidden gem has been referred to as a “Wonderland of Rocks”—and has had congressional backing since 2021 to become the next U.S. National Park! 

There’s plenty to get up to in the park, including driving the scenic Bonita Canyon Drive, an 8 mile road that’s lined with towering rock pinnacles. Alternatively, consider hitting any of the incredible hikes in Chiricahua National Monument, like the popular Echo Canyon Trail, where you’ll weave between massive rock formations and spires. 

If you can swing it, try to stay in the park until sunset—the golden glow of the last rays of sun look spectacular against the vibrant pinnacles.

6. Muir Woods National Monument (California)

Muir Woods National Monument is a stunning, federally protected old-growth redwood forest located in California, just 12 miles north of San Francisco. Its proximity to the city makes it one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.

Muir Woods is one of the most accessible places in the world to walk among towering coastal redwoods, some of which are over 600 years old and stretch up to 250 feet tall. The lush, shaded forest is filled with ferns, mosses, and a bubbling creek.

The woods are notable for their well-maintained boardwalk and paved trails, making them accessible to people of all mobility levels, including those using wheelchairs or strollers.

The monument was named in honor of the famed naturalist and conservationist John Muir, whose advocacy helped preserve many wild places in America. It was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

After WWII, United Nations delegates from around the world visited Muir Woods to pay tribute to President Roosevelt. A plaque there commemorates the moment, adding to the site’s global historical relevance.

Because of its popularity, Muir Woods now requires advance parking or shuttle reservations, so planning ahead is encouraged. 

7. Natural Bridges National Monument (Utah)

Natural Bridges was one of the first national monuments, and predates even Arches and Zion in the National Park Service. This quiet park in southeast Utah protects three massive natural bridges, all formed by the powerful force of flowing water carving through canyon walls.

Each bridge is unique, and they’re all accessible via scenic overlooks from above or adventurous hiking trails that take you down into the canyon to stand right beneath them.

Sipapu is the largest and most dramatic, with steep switchbacks, ladders, and metal staircases leading to its base. Kachina is the thickest, and has a similarly exciting trail that takes you down to stand underneath. Owachomo is the thinnest and oldest, with the easiest trail—just a short descent to the base.

Each bridge offers the chance to appreciate the scale and beauty of these formations up close. Plus, the surrounding landscape is remote and striking, with layered rock walls, lush canyon bottoms, and views that go on for miles.

8. Bandelier National Monument (New Mexico)

Visiting Bandelier National Monument is like stepping back in time. Located less than an hour from Santa Fe, this 33,000 acre national monument gets you up close and personal to historic petroglyphs, stunning canyon views, and ancient carved dwellings. 

The carvings trace back to between 1150 AD to 1550 AD and were built by the Pueblo people. You can climb in and explore how these ancestral people lived and marvel at the skills required to build such intricate structures into the rock, in some cases hundreds of feet up the cliff-face.

This destination is a celebration of Pueblo culture and a history lover’s dream. Despite being relatively unknown, it is one of the best things to do in New Mexico. 

9. Dinosaur National Monument (Colorado/Utah)

Located on the border of northwest Colorado and Utah, Dinosaur National Monument protects over 210,000 acres of rugged terrain. The area is most known for its dinosaur quarry, which is the main highlight for visitors to the park.

The original quarry was discovered in 1909, and visitors can explore artifacts, including a stone slab with real bones still embedded. However, this is only a small part of the national monument.

Additionally, there is a canyon section featuring rock art, the Yampa and Green rivers, and rugged trails suitable for hiking and 4WD. The rivers are popular for day and multi-day rafting trips, with several outfits in the area offering trips. 

The national monument is also an International Dark Sky Area, boasting some of the best stargazing in the lower 48 states. The park’s location is remote, approximately 3 hours from Park City, Utah, or 2 hours from Grand Junction, Colorado. 

10. Colorado National Monument (Colorado)

Hidden away in Colorado’s far western side, Colorado National Monument is known for its towering red rock canyons, massive monoliths, and cliffside views. Located just outside Grand Junction and a 4-hour drive from Denver, the monument spans over 20,000 acres. 

One of the top activities is driving or biking the 23-mile-long Rim Rock Drive as it winds along the plateau’s edge showcasing breathtaking cliffside overlooks. There are also many short hikes exploring the plateau.

The monument was established in 1911 due to the efforts of John Otto, a local who felt the area deserved national recognition. It preserves stunning examples of the geology of the Colorado Plateau. 

Explore formations like Independence Monument, Monument Canyon, and Red Rock Canyon, which were shaped over millions of years by erosion. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and golden eagles during your visit. 

11. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument (Arizona)

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a breathtakingly beautiful and remote landscape located in northern Arizona, near the Utah border. The cliffs and formations are made of Navajo sandstone with layers of red, white, orange, and pink.

The most popular area in the Vermilion Cliffs is the Wave, a striking, undulating sandstone formation that requires a highly sought-after permit to visit.

But the Wave isn’t the only incredible place to visit in Vermillion Cliffs. There’s also White Pocket, an incredibly remote area also known for its swirling sandstone formations.

Slot canyons such as Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch provide incredible canyon adventures in the Southwest. The high desert is home to the California condor along with desert bighorn sheep, canyon birds, and coyotes.

Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers are treated to a visual feast by the sculpted rock formations carved by wind and water over millions of years. Ancient petroglyphs carved into the cliff walls give testimony to the people who lived here before.

Vermilion Cliffs is adjacent to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and is an hour’s drive from Lake Powell and Page, both which offer great boating and kayaking adventures.

12. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Oregon)

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a diverse park that has something to offer any kind of outdoor lover. 

The monument is spread across central Oregon in three separate units. The most popular unit, the Painted Hills, is located right outside of the small, quirky town of Mitchell (or a little under two hours northeast of Bend), with the Clarno unit located 55 miles northwest and the Sheep Rock unit located 44 miles east of the Painted Hills.  

The Painted Hills of Oregon are by far the most visited section of the park, with mounds of soil with swirling colors and patterns that demonstrate the rapidly changing climate during the Tertiary period, some 30 million years ago.

There are several hiking trails and overlooks that you can explore to get up close and personal with these swirling hills. The Painted Cove Trail is the most famous pathway here, with a wooden boardwalk winding between two scarlet-hued mountains. 

Alternatively, the Clarno and Sheep Rock units are must-see for any paleontologist enthusiast. They boast one of the best and most continuous collections of fossils from the Tertiary period on the planet. Fossils found in these sections have actually helped modern scientists figure out the evolution of certain species of animals, including cats, dogs, and camels.

13. Cabrillo National Monument (California)

Cabrillo National Monument is tucked away at the end of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego and is a fun mix of nature, history, and great views. One of the best parts of Cabrillo are the tide pools, a rugged and wild area that lets you get up close with sea life.

At low tide, you can walk along the rocky shoreline and find little pools filled with all kinds of marine life—crabs, starfish, anemones, sea slugs. Just be sure to check the tide chart and aim to arrive about an hour before the lowest tide for the best experience (you’ll want the tide to be 0.7 or lower).

Besides the tide pools, the monument also commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to land on what’s now the US West Coast back in 1542. You can visit the old lighthouse, hike along the cliffs, and take in sweeping views of the Pacific and San Diego skyline.

14. Devils Tower National Monument (Wyoming)

Devils Tower in northeastern Wyoming was the very first national monument in the United States.

This striking rock formation rises 867 feet from its base and is the largest example of columnar jointing in the world—its tall, hexagonal columns formed when magma pushed up into sedimentary rock and cooled underground. Over time, the surrounding rock eroded away, revealing the dramatic tower we see today.

The formation is known as Bear’s Lodge by many Northern Plains tribes and is considered a sacred site by Indigenous peoples. While climbing is allowed (with a voluntary closure during the month of June to respect tribal traditions), most visitors hike the Tower Trail—a scenic, paved path that circles the base and offers great views of the towering columns.

The site became especially famous after being featured in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Located about two hours west of Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower makes a great addition to any western U.S. road trip.

The Wrap Up

You’re not going to find me complaining about the amazing landscapes that our National Parks highlight, but as you can see, if that’s all you explore, you’ll be missing out. There is so much natural beauty in the United States, and these National Monuments showcase some truly incredible sites.