{"id":143450,"date":"2025-03-21T10:52:53","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T10:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.way.com\/blog\/?p=143450"},"modified":"2025-12-12T07:09:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T07:09:32","slug":"surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 20 Surreal Places to Visit in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Plan a trip to these places and you might just ask yourself, &#8220;Did I doze off and fall into my screensaver?&#8221; If you&#8217;re fed up with visiting all the usual tourist traps, these destinations are a refreshing change. Let&#8217;s get you on the right track with the top 20 most surreal yet underrated places to visit in the US of A.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">What you&#039;ll read about<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #e71346;color:#e71346\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #e71346;color:#e71346\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Fly_Geyser_NV\" >Fly Geyser, NV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Great_Sand_Dunes_National_Park_CO\" >Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Bonneville_Salt_Flats_UT\" >Bonneville Salt Flats, UT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#White_Sands_National_Park_NM\" >White Sands National Park, NM<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Mono_Lake_CA\" >Mono Lake, CA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#The_Wave_Coyote_Buttes_AZUT_Border\" >The Wave (Coyote Buttes), AZ\/UT Border<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Glass_Beach_CA\" >Glass Beach, CA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Devils_Tower_WY\" >Devils Tower, WY<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Painted_Hills_OR\" >Painted Hills, OR<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Apostle_Islands_Ice_Caves_WI\" >Apostle Islands Ice Caves, WI<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Carlsbad_Caverns_NM\" >Carlsbad Caverns, NM<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#BistiDe-Na-Zin_Wilderness_NM\" >Bisti\/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, NM<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Cholla_Cactus_Garden_Joshua_Tree_CA\" >Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree, CA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Valley_of_Fire_State_Park_NV\" >Valley of Fire State Park, NV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Thors_Well_OR_Coast\" >Thor\u2019s Well, OR Coast<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Antelope_Island_UT\" >Antelope Island, UT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Horseshoe_Bend_AZ\" >Horseshoe Bend, AZ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Badlands_National_Park_SD\" >Badlands National Park, SD<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Lava_Beds_National_Monument_CA\" >Lava Beds National Monument, CA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/#Zebra_Slot_Canyon_UT\" >Zebra Slot Canyon, UT<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Why focus on surreal places to visit in the US? Because no passports or visas are needed, just what you need for an easy getaway.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fly_Geyser_NV\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Fly Geyser, NV<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The most intriguing thing about this geyser is that it isn\u2019t something nature originally intended. In fact, a geothermal company&#8217;s drilling caused this eye-catching, rainbow-colored accident! The geyser has created a bunch of travertine terraces, making about 30 to 40 pools spread across 74 acres. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The water is teeming with thermophilic algae that thrive in hot, wet conditions. This is what gives the surrounding rocks their vibrant shades of green and red. The result is a place that looks almost like it&#8217;s desperately trying to be part of James Cameron&#8217;s next movie!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143483\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143483\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143483\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Fly-geyser.jpg\" alt=\"Fly geyser\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Fly-geyser.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Fly-geyser-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Fly-geyser-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Fly-geyser-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143483\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"L_B_Photography\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/LuBiPhoto\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">L_B_Photography<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spring or fall for pleasant weather.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong data-start=\"811\" data-end=\"831\">Nearest airport:<\/strong> Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> 2-hour drive north from Reno. It\u2019s on private land, so book a guided tour through Friends of Black Rock-High Rock or the Fly Ranch Burning Man Project.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> You can\u2019t just roll up and explore. Access is limited and controlled for conservation, so be sure to book!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Great_Sand_Dunes_National_Park_CO\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sheer drama is what you&#8217;ll get at the Great Sand Dunes. Starkly beautiful desert dunes set against a backdrop of snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains. Visit just once, and you&#8217;ll quite likely carry the memories with you forever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s home to the tallest dunes in North America, with Star Dune and Hidden Dune reaching 741 feet. High Dune is 692 feet and is the most popular destination. The dunes were created by winds that sweep the San Luis Valley floor. The early 19th and 20th centuries saw prospectors arriving here in droves, lured by the idea that there was gold hidden under all that sand.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143505\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143505\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143505\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Great-Sand-Dunes-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Great Sand Dunes National Park\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Great-Sand-Dunes-National-Park.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Great-Sand-Dunes-National-Park-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Great-Sand-Dunes-National-Park-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Great-Sand-Dunes-National-Park-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143505\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Eric Brinley\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/EricBrinley\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Eric Brinley<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> October to April is cooler and has fewer crowds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1181\">Nearest airport:<\/strong> San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS) or Colorado Springs Airport (COS)<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> 1-hour drive from El Paso, TX.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Rent a sled at the visitor center and embrace your inner desert child. No, really &#8211; the dunes are perfect for sliding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonneville_Salt_Flats_UT\"><\/span>Bonneville Salt Flats, UT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Imagine a horizon so flat and so blindingly white that it messes with your sense of depth. After the rain, the whole place turns into a mirror! You&#8217;ll be left wondering if the sky is on the ground or if you&#8217;re in the clouds. Soak in the emptiness, and feel at peace with yourself.<\/p>\n<p>The origin story of the salt flats is quite interesting. Apparently, there was once a Lake Bonneville (almost the same size as Lake Michigan) that dried out and left a huge amount of salt behind! In some spots, the salt crust is only a couple of inches thick, but in other places, it can be up to 5 feet deep.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143475\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143475\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-143475 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bonneville-Salt-Flats.jpg\" alt=\"Bonneville Salt Flats\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bonneville-Salt-Flats.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bonneville-Salt-Flats-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bonneville-Salt-Flats-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bonneville-Salt-Flats-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143475\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Christopher Moswitzer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Christopher+Moswitzer\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Christopher Moswitzer<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Best time to visit: <\/strong>Late spring to early fall; post-rain for those mind-bending mirror effects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How to get there: <\/strong>1.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City via I-80 West.<\/li>\n<li><strong data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"521\">Nearest airport:<\/strong> Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Bring sunglasses (blinding white = eye squinting galore). Also, wear sturdy shoes and avoid walking barefoot on salt flats &#8211; it can cut your feet pretty badly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"White_Sands_National_Park_NM\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">White Sands National Park, NM<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The name is a dead giveaway, of course. But what the name does not prepare you for is how surreal and gorgeous White Sands is! Here&#8217;s a fun fact &#8211; the dunes are pure white gypsum, not sand. So yes, it crunches underfoot like freshly fallen snow. If you feel the urge to take your shoes off, go ahead and do so. White sand doesn&#8217;t really absorb heat, so even on very hot days, it won\u2019t burn your feet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We recommend you go to sunset and stay for a moonrise. Don&#8217;t worry, if you fall asleep. You&#8217;ll wake up and wonder if you&#8217;re still dreaming! Trust us &#8211; when you experience it, you&#8217;ll understand why.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143750\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143750\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143750\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/White-Sands-National-Park-NM.jpg\" alt=\"White Sands National Park NM\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/White-Sands-National-Park-NM.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/White-Sands-National-Park-NM-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/White-Sands-National-Park-NM-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/White-Sands-National-Park-NM-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143750\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Galyna Andrushko\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/galyna\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Galyna Andrushko<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> time to visit:<\/span> <\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">October to April for cooler weather and fewer crowds<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> El Paso International Airport (ELP)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> 1-hour drive from El Paso<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">P<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Sledding on white sand is highly encouraged. Buy a sled at the visitor center and embrace your inner dune kid.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mono_Lake_CA\"><\/span>Mono Lake, CA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There&#8217;s old, and then there&#8217;s Mono Lake old. This ancient saline lake is a weird yet wonderful place. Besides the fact that there are no fish in this lake, its most surreal feature is the tufa towers. These otherworldly-looking limestone spires erupt out of the water like alien sculptures. Be prepared for a distinct sulfur smell when you get up close. Water was diverted from Mono Lake starting in 1941. This is what caused the tufas (some that can grow more than 30 feet tall) to be visible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Boating is allowed, but make sure to comply with the rules. You can even swim here if you want to, but keep in mind that the water is quite salty and will keep you a little bit buoyant. It might be worth it because the salty water is rumored to have curative properties.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143751\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143751\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143751\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mono-Lake.jpg\" alt=\"Mono Lake\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mono-Lake.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mono-Lake-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mono-Lake-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mono-Lake-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143751\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Joaquin Ossorio Castillo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/JqnOC\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Joaquin Ossorio Castillo<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Late spring or fall<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) or Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> You can drive there from Lee Vining or from Yosemite&#8217;s east entrance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Sunrise or sunset is when the tufas look most haunting and magical.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Wave_Coyote_Buttes_AZUT_Border\"><\/span>The Wave (Coyote Buttes), AZ\/UT Border<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This is nature\u2019s lava lamp, frozen forever in sandstone. The Wave is old, like 160 to 180 million years old! While it is undoubtedly one of the most mind-bending places to visit in the U.S., it is also one of the hardest to access. To control crowds and preserve the area, the National Park Service requires you to get a permit to visit, and these are not easy to obtain.<\/p>\n<p>The pain of getting a permit is totally worth it, though. The surreal, swirling sandstone formations, with their vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, look like something out of a dream or a sci-fi movie. The undulating patterns and smooth curves, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water, mess with your sense of scale and reality, making it feel both ancient and alive at the same time.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143816\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143816\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-143816 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Wave.jpg\" alt=\"The Wave\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Wave.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Wave-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Wave-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Wave-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143816\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Tu Le\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/vinosity\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Tu Le<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Best time to visit:<\/strong> Spring or fall for mild weather<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nearest airport:<\/strong> Page Municipal Airport (PGA) or St. George Regional Airport (SGU)<\/li>\n<li><strong>How to get there:<\/strong> Drive from Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> You need a permit to enter. Apply in advance or try the local lottery system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Glass_Beach_CA\"><\/span>Glass Beach, CA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A beach covered in colorful sea glass instead of sand sounds like a real-life Pinterest board. It&#8217;s peaceful, sparkly, and oddly therapeutic. All thanks to years of wave-polished glass debris. Yup &#8211; the beauty of the beach is all thanks to trash, quite literally. This area used to be a dumping ground for trash, including glass, up until the mid-20th century. But then the Pacific Ocean did this magical thing and transformed the trash into the smooth, colorful sea glass that now awes travelers, young and old.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143825\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143825\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143825\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Glass-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Glass Beach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Glass-Beach.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Glass-Beach-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Glass-Beach-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Glass-Beach-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143825\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Pi-Lens\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/pilens\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Pi-Lens<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Year-round, though fall and winter sunsets are extra special<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Charles M. Schulz\u2013Sonoma County Airport (STS)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Scenic three-and-a-half-hour coastal drive from San Francisco<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Don&#8217;t pocket the glass. It&#8217;s protected and better left for others to enjoy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Devils_Tower_WY\"><\/span>Devils Tower, WY<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It rises straight out of the prairie like it was dropped there by another planet. Devil&#8217;s Tower is just a couple of hours from the more popular Mount Rushmore. This massive monolith is sacred, cinematic, and unforgettable. The natural structure is believed to have been created from the remains of a volcano. It has also been the site of many Native American religious ceremonies. Be warned &#8211; the path to walk up has a steep incline. There is a sidewalk that lets you get close to the formation and walk around it to see the grooves up close.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143826\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143826\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143826\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Devils-Tower.jpg\" alt=\"Devils Tower\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Devils-Tower.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Devils-Tower-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Devils-Tower-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Devils-Tower-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143826\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Jim Parkin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/photojim\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Jim Parkin<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> May to October<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Two-hour drive from Rapid City<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Go around sunset for the best views and colors. Stargazing here is also next level.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Painted_Hills_OR\"><\/span>Painted Hills, OR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It&#8217;s unreal when you drive around a corner, and woah, there&#8217;s a painted hill! Because these hills certainly live up to their name. Rich layers of red, gold, and black sweep across the land like brushstrokes. The colors shift depending on the angle of the sun, time of day, and moisture levels. Whatever the reasons,<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> every visit feels slightly different because of this, and that&#8217;s why this is one of the most surreal places to visit in the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143834\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143834\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143834\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Painted-Hills.jpg\" alt=\"Painted Hills\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Painted-Hills.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Painted-Hills-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Painted-Hills-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Painted-Hills-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143834\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Tomas Nevesely\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Tomas+Nevesely\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Tomas Nevesely<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spring and early fall<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Roberts Field (RDM) in Redmond, Oregon<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Two-hour drive from Bend<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> The colors shine brightest in the late afternoon. Remember your camera and some water.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Apostle_Islands_Ice_Caves_WI\"><\/span>Apostle Islands Ice Caves, WI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This one&#8217;s a real doozy in more ways than one. To start with, these ice caves look like something straight out of a fantasy novel with their shimmering icicles, frozen chambers, and glowing ice walls sculpted by nature. But here&#8217;s the kicker: access depends entirely on Lake Superior freezing solid, which rarely happens anymore. The last time conditions allowed safe access was in 2015, so it\u2019s become a rare event.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143844\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143844\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-143844 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves.jpg\" alt=\"Apostle Islands Ice Caves\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143844\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Alex Nikitsin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/nikitsin\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Alex Nikitsin<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit: <\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Winter, but only if the lake freezes solid enough for safe access<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Duluth International Airport (DLH)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Drive to Bayfield, Wisconsin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0 Watch for local park announcements and ice condition reports. If you ever get lucky enough to visit when it opens, drop everything and go. It\u2019s that spectacular and you may not get another chance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carlsbad_Caverns_NM\"><\/span>Carlsbad Caverns, NM<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Descending into Carlsbad feels like walking into a fantasy film set. We would not blame you if you expect to bump into an orc around the corner! Because that&#8217;s how otherworldly they look! The caverns stretch endlessly underground, with bizarre formations and echoing silence that\u2019s more calming than creepy.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143859\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143859\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-143859 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Carlsbad-Caverns.jpg\" alt=\"Carlsbad Caverns\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Carlsbad-Caverns.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Carlsbad-Caverns-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Carlsbad-Caverns-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Carlsbad-Caverns-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143859\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Beach Creatives\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Beach+Creatives\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Beach Creatives<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Year-round<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> El Paso International Airport (ELP)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Two-and-a-half-hour drive from El Paso<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Take the Natural Entrance trail on your way down. The elevator is fine, but the slow descent feels like an adventure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BistiDe-Na-Zin_Wilderness_NM\"><\/span>Bisti\/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, NM<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">No trails, no signs, no crowds. Just strange rock formations and a desolate beauty that feels like you&#8217;ve been transported to another planet. It\u2019s one of the most underrated desert landscapes in the country. It&#8217;s not just about the rock formation; keep your eye out for petrified trees, animal tracks of deer, and wild mustangs.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143863\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143863\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143863\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bisti-De-Na-Zin-Wilderness.jpg\" alt=\"Bisti\/De-Na-Zin Wilderness\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bisti-De-Na-Zin-Wilderness.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bisti-De-Na-Zin-Wilderness-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bisti-De-Na-Zin-Wilderness-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bisti-De-Na-Zin-Wilderness-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143863\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Sean Pavone\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/sepavo\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Sean Pavone<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spring and fall<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) or Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Drive from Farmington, New Mexico<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Bring offline maps, extra water, and a good sense of direction. It\u2019s easy to get turned around.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cholla_Cactus_Garden_Joshua_Tree_CA\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree, CA<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You know, those funny dancing cacti toys? They ain&#8217;t a patch on what you&#8217;ll find at Cholla Cactus Garden. These cacti aren\u2019t just cute &#8211; they glow like they\u2019ve been plugged in when the light hits them at the right angle. Sunrise and sunset are pure magic here.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143899\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143899\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143899\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cholla-Cactus-Garden-Joshua-Tree.jpg\" alt=\"Cholla Cactus Garden Joshua Tree\" width=\"1000\" height=\"868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cholla-Cactus-Garden-Joshua-Tree.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cholla-Cactus-Garden-Joshua-Tree-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cholla-Cactus-Garden-Joshua-Tree-768x667.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cholla-Cactus-Garden-Joshua-Tree-150x130.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143899\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Billy McDonald\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Billy+McDonald\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Billy McDonald<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spring or golden hour year-round<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Forty-five-minute drive from Palm Springs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Look, don\u2019t touch. The spines are clingy and unforgiving.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Valley_of_Fire_State_Park_NV\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Valley of Fire State Park, NV<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bright red rocks, ancient petroglyphs, and landscapes that look like a Martian backdrop. Valley of Fire delivers the drama without the crowds of the national parks. The colors and patterns in the rocks are amazing. The petroglyphs are interesting, and the designs that were carved into the rock are captivating. Valley of Fire is quite close to Vegas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143904\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143904\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143904\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valley-of-Fire-State-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Valley of Fire State Park\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valley-of-Fire-State-Park.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valley-of-Fire-State-Park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valley-of-Fire-State-Park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valley-of-Fire-State-Park-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143904\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Galyna Andrushko\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/galyna\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Galyna Andrushko<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> October to April<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">airport:<\/span><\/strong> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Harry<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> One-hour drive from Las Vegas<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> The Fire Wave trail is short but stunning. Carry extra water, even on cooler days.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thors_Well_OR_Coast\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Thor\u2019s Well, OR Coast<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Let&#8217;s get one thing straight &#8211; if you&#8217;re expecting Chris Hemsworth, you might just be disappointed. But if you aren&#8217;t quite a treat awaits. Thor&#8217;s Well is a swirling hole on the coastline <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that appears<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to drain the sea. It\u2019s mesmerizing to watch and makes for jaw-dropping photos &#8211; from a safe distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143911\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143911\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143911\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Thors-Well.jpg\" alt=\"Thor\u2019s Well\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Thors-Well.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Thors-Well-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Thors-Well-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Thors-Well-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143911\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Mike Trachtenberg\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/traveltrachs\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Mike Trachtenberg<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Winter storms for drama, low tide for safety<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Eugene Airport (EUG)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Drive to Cape Perpetua via Highway 101<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Never turn your back to the ocean here. It\u2019s wild, unpredictable, and a little moody.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Antelope_Island_UT\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Antelope Island, UT<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Antelope Island is one of those places that feels like it shouldn\u2019t exist. You\u2019ve got bison herds roaming freely, a salty desert landscape that turns otherworldly at golden hour, and surreal reflections on the Great Salt Lake that look like they\u2019ve been Photoshopped. It\u2019s quiet, peaceful, and oddly hypnotic.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143927\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143927\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143927\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Antelope-Island.jpg\" alt=\"Antelope Island\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Antelope-Island.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Antelope-Island-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Antelope-Island-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Antelope-Island-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143927\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Michael Chatt\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Michael+Chatt\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Michael Chatt<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spring or fall<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> One-hour drive from Salt Lake City<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Summer brings intense bugs. Trust us \u2014 spring and fall are your best bet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Horseshoe_Bend_AZ\"><\/span>Horseshoe Bend, AZ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A sweeping curve carved by the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend is one of those places that feels unreal even when you\u2019re standing right in front of it. The red rock walls drop dramatically to reveal water that looks almost too perfect to be natural. You&#8217;ve seen the photos, yes &#8211; but show up at the right time, and it\u2019s a whole different experience.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143928\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143928\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143928\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Horseshoe-Bend.jpg\" alt=\"Horseshoe Bend\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Horseshoe-Bend.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Horseshoe-Bend-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Horseshoe-Bend-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Horseshoe-Bend-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143928\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Joe Belanger\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/kelpfish\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Joe Belanger<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Early morning or sunset<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Page Municipal Airport (PGA)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Short hike from a parking area just outside Page, Arizona<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Bring a wide-angle lens and water. The trail is short but completely exposed to the sun.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Badlands_National_Park_SD\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Badlands National Park, SD<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Striking rock formations, layered cliffs, and sweeping views that seem to go on forever. The Badlands are wild in every sense, with rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and a quiet kind of beauty that sneaks up on you. It&#8217;s not polished or postcard-pretty, but that\u2019s exactly the charm.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143931\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143931\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143931\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Badlands-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Badlands National Park\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Badlands-National-Park.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Badlands-National-Park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Badlands-National-Park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Badlands-National-Park-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143931\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Suman Udupa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Suman+Udupa\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Suman Udupa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> May to September<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> One-hour drive from Rapid City<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> The Notch Trail is a must-do. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It\u2019s short<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">steep, and rewards you with unforgettable views.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lava_Beds_National_Monument_CA\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lava Beds National Monument, CA<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This is where geology gets weird in the best way, with lava tube caves, jagged volcanic rock, and a landscape that feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Above ground, the terrain is stark and dramatic. Below ground, it\u2019s an entire world of tunnels, chambers, and complete silence.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143932\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143932\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-143932\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lava-Beds-National-Monument.jpg\" alt=\"Lava Beds National Monument\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lava-Beds-National-Monument.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lava-Beds-National-Monument-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lava-Beds-National-Monument-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lava-Beds-National-Monument-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143932\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"high fliers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/high+fliers\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">high fliers<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spring or early fall<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Klamath Falls Airport (LMT)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> One-and-a-half-hour drive from Klamath Falls<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Bring a headlamp and gloves. The lava rock can be rough, and phone flashlights won\u2019t cut it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Zebra_Slot_Canyon_UT\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Zebra Slot Canyon, UT<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tucked away in the Escalante region, Zebra Slot Canyon feels like nature\u2019s abstract art gallery. The narrow canyon walls are striped in soft pinks and reds, curving and twisting just enough to make you feel like you\u2019ve stepped inside a painting. Smaller and quieter than Antelope Canyon but just as unforgettable.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_143924\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-143924\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-143924 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Zebra-Canyon.jpg\" alt=\"Zebra Canyon\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Zebra-Canyon.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Zebra-Canyon-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Zebra-Canyon-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.way.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Zebra-Canyon-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-143924\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Image by: <a class=\"mui-w0b8ym-a-inherit-linkContainer\" title=\"Filip Fuxa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/fyle\" data-automation=\"ContributorDetails\"><span class=\"MuiBox-root mui-16qd35q-centeredContent-avatarContainer\"><span class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 mui-1f7bowf-contributorLabel-linkAvatarLabel\">Filip Fuxa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best time to visit:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spring and fall<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearest airport:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Page Municipal Airport (PGA) or St. George Regional Airport (SGU)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to get there:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Drive to Escalante, Utah and hike in<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Avoid visiting after rain. This area is prone to flash floods and not worth the risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>No matter which surreal corner of the U.S. you choose to explore, the journey should be just as smooth as the destination is stunning. If you&#8217;re driving or flying in, don\u2019t forget to sort out your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/parking\">parking<\/a> ahead of time!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Plan a trip to these places and you might just ask yourself, &#8220;Did I doze off and fall into my screensaver?&#8221; If you&#8217;re fed up with visiting all the usual tourist traps, these destinations are a refreshing change. Let&#8217;s get you on the right track with the top 20 most surreal yet underrated places to&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Top 20 Surreal Places to Visit in the US<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":143459,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[352],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-143450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.3 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>20 Places to Visit in the US That Feel Straight Out of a Dream!<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Done with all those tourist traps? If yes, top here are the 20 most surreal yet underrated places to visit in the US.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.way.com\/journal\/surreal-places-to-visit-in-the-us\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top 20 Surreal Places to Visit in the US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Done with all those tourist traps? 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