Photo by Mint_Images at Envato Elements
The US has many incredible cliffs that you can visit and check off on your bucket list. Not only are they remarkable for their natural scenic beauty but the thrill factor as well.
Besides a large number of historical events associated with some cliffs, there is also an abundance of tourist activities centered around them. Each cliff is unique and has diverse geographical features, but the stunning natural splendor, as well as their adrenaline factor, sets them apart from other destinations.
There’s something incredibly liberating about jumping into the unknown. But for those who don’t have the will or experience to jump safely, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views.
Find out our 11 most breathtaking cliffs (wait ’till you see number 5) around the United States and choose one for your next trip!
These mountains near the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the Pacific Ocean reach over 2000ft above sea level. The cliffs have significant historical significance since they were the site of a leper colony in 1866 confined in the region because the illness was not well known at the time.
The fact that these cliffs overlook the beautiful Pacific Ocean only adds to their allure. While in the area, the more adventurous should check out Kahekili’s Leap!
Legend has it that in the 1770s, the Birdman King, Kahekili, initiated the sport of cliff diving by making his warriors leap from the top of the 63ft falls into the shallow waters below to prove their loyalty. While the tale might lure you to Kahekili’s Leap in Lanai, this is one of the most dangerous dives and recommended only for the pros.
The Big Sur Cliffs, located on California’s Central Coast, belong to a chunk of the Santa Lucia Mountains, rising from the Pacific Ocean and forming a natural arch. The tallest point touches 5155ft above sea level, making it the highest point in the country.
As a result, it offers you natural architecture embracing the coast’s dramatic beauty. Tourists will also enjoy the excellent nearby beaches to explore. The temperature is often very chilly, which gives it a unique touch. While in the area, check out McWay Waterfall.
It’s a breathtaking place that allows visitors to experience a great connection with nature. This thin, yet energic waterfall located in Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, is famous because of how the water hits the sand.
This Colorado location is well-known for its archaeological sites. It’s a World Heritage Site besides also being a National Park, making it a rare blend.
Sometime during the late 1190s, after mainly living on the mesa top for over 600 years, many Puebloans began living in villages they built beneath the overhanging cliffs. The houses ranged in size from one-room units to villages of over 150 rooms.
Today these remnants of the past enhance the attractiveness of the cliffs in the surrounding region. There are around six hundred cliff houses, but Cliff Palace is one of the most popular. It is believed to be the largest cliff residence on the entire continent of North America, making it one of the most visited.
Most people visiting this protected area come to see Buckskin Gulch, The Wave, and Paria Canyon, which can all be found in the northwest part of the monument, generally called Coyote Buttes.
These incredibly scenic features, with their vibrant colors and intriguing forms, attract photographers, artists, and tourists alike. They’re part of the Colorado Plateau’s Grand Staircase, which is best described as a series of escalators.
The cliffs are coated with a carpet of flowers in the spring, dramatically enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
Because of the large concentration of iron oxide in the soil, the cliffs have a reddish hue and become even more attractive to visitors who come to see them as a result of this.
The Notch Peak in Utah is the tallest of all the carbonate cliffs in the United States, and it is also the most dangerous. It is a part of the House Range, and the height is more than nine thousand feet above sea level, making it a prime tourist destination spot.
Hiking to the top of the area and taking in the breathtaking view below while enjoying a picnic doesn’t sound too shabby! Make sure to look for the Bristlecone pines, estimated to be 3,000 to 4,000 years old and are located on the ridges surrounding Notch Peak.
Also, check out The Swiss Route and the Book of Saturdays. They are two of the most well-known rock-climbing courses in the region.
Not only is Crater Lake one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous spots in the world, with its blue hues and forest setting, it’s also one of the most refreshing dives you can take if the adventurer in you comes out.
You can also discover Crater Lake’s geology on a boat tour or join a ranger program for another fascinating perspective on this 183,224-acre national park. Ninety miles of trails wind through mixed forests and rise to peaks with views of the lake.
Take the historic 33-mile Rim Drive that circles Crater Lake with perspectives from 30 different overlooks. Opportunities to photograph landscapes, the lake, and wildflowers are countless. Stargazing, camping, and with some advanced planning, fishing are also great options for things to do……Check this out, if the nature lover in you craves National Parks!
Scattered over 100 acres of land, Red Rocks Park is open year-round, with parking just outside the main gate. While bikes aren’t allowed, visitors can still enjoy hiking, jogging, cross country skiing, and even snowshoeing!
Considered to be among the most dangerous jumps in the country, Red Rocks has cliffs as high as 76ft tall with narrow, jagged openings and sobering cold temperatures in Lake Champlain.
Unskilled jumpers can go just for the thrill of watching. You can also take a leisurely stroll in the woods to a couple of lovely lookouts of Lake Champlain.
Bonus: If you’re in the area and have the kiddies with you, take them to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. It can be fun, and they get to create their own bear!
Set on the southern side of the Grand Canyon, it’s a 10-mile hike to get to this jewel with blue-green waters and a red, sandy bottom. For many years, young men of the Havasupai tribe jumped as a rite of passage.
Today, adventure seekers take the hike to enjoy the view and jump into the crystal waters with plenty of low-to-mid level cliffs for beginners.
Havasu Falls is famous because of the aqua-blue waterfalls that spill over deep-orange, travertine cliffs in a desert oasis of stunning beauty. There is a stark contrast between the desert landscape of the Havasu Canyon and the rich vegetation by the water.
The hike to the falls is not for the faint of heart, and tribal regulations state that visitors must spend the night in the canyon rather than making it a day trip. So, pack your tent for this one!
The next time you’re in Music City, you may want to take a slight detour about 84 miles from Nashville. Located in the Rock Island State Park, the Caney Fork Gorge is the spot where the Caney Fork River ends below the Great Falls Dam.
This deep gorge has gorgeous cascading waterfalls, scenic look-out points, deep-blue pools that beckon you to swim, tranquilizing water for fishing and kayaking, and several natural pathways for hiking and exploring.
Inside Rock Island State Park, the Caney Fork Gorge attracts jumpers and nature rubberneckers, with its family of waterfalls splashing into one of the best small swimming holes in Tennessee.
Just pick a spot, but make sure the water is high enough, hop right in alongside the hipsters and country folk.
The 1-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to get to these cliffs makes the chilly water all the more refreshing. One short but steep part overlooks the final descent to the falls, so wear good shoes and be careful.
Once here, a short cascade fills the pool, and the bottom is lined with large boulders and bedrock that vary from wading depths to bottomless holes. Gently sloping rocks around the rim are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
Numerous ledges from 5 to over 40ft are easy to climb onto and launch off of if you take the plunge. The transparent water makes the landing zones reasonably simple to spot, but you should always use caution and check the depth before jumping in…..You’ll also love these Waterfalls!
Located a short drive from Idaho Springs, Colorado, this short hike to St. Mary’s Glacier offers spectacular views and the chance to visit a beautiful alpine lake and glacier.
This is an excellent option for day trips year-round, as the snow-covered landscape during the winter makes for some fantastic views at the top.
The glacier-fed lake at St. Mary’s has several spots to dive in, and you can work up a sweat on the 2-mile trail before cooling off in the waters.
This lake is a great resting point and offers fantastic views. The trail continues to the glacier, where the obvious route disappears, and you’ll need to find your own path.
You can turn around whenever you choose, or you can extend your hike to James Peak and into the wilderness area….Continue your nature adventure with some Amazing Stargazing Sites!
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