11 Stunning Valleys To Visit In The US

Why Valleys?

The US is a vast landmass of scenic beauty, with travelers being able to find nearly every natural landscape and climate within our land. One of the country’s most underrated natural adventures is the many valleys that are waiting to be explored. Thanks to the many mountains and ranges in all the states, many lush valleys have developed.

You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore these valleys on your next getaway to connect with nature. After so much time stuck inside, many are itching for a vacation while still being mindful of the pandemic. The perfect solution and a relatively low-risk one is driving and road-tripping, which remains a popular, affordable option, still allowing for social distancing.

Many scenic valley views can even be easily enjoyed through car windows. So find out which are OUR 11 favorite valleys and read on!

…Click below to see 11 Stunning Valleys To Visit In The US!

Yosemite Valley

Where?
California

Why?
Yosemite Valley has been under protection since 1864, Which, by the way, was one year before the Civil War ended. This valley is known for its waterfalls, and many visitors descend on this park to explore the torrential waters that fall over the rocks. Visitors can explore the Yosemite National Park’s 1,200 square miles, and they will find lush meadows, giant sequoias, and undiscovered wildlife in the High Sierra region.

Things To See And Do:

1. Here’s where you’ll find the earth’s biggest single piece of granite from El Capitan Meadow. Grab your binoculars, and watch the climbers inch their way up The Nose.
2. Relax as you float lightly down the lazy Merced River.
3. Lunch at The Ahwahnee Dining Room. It has enormous picture windows framed by heavy draperies that let in views of Yosemite Valley.

Waipio Valley

Where?
Hawaii

Why?
The Waipio Valley, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is remote, with a steep, rugged terrain looking down over it. The valley is home to several large waterfalls that cascade over the rocky terrain to its ground below. It sits at sea level and is bordered by black sands on one side and tall cliffs on the other. Many travel to the valley to surf the waves because its location means only a handful of riders are in the water most days. The valley is also home to a small number of taro farmers who till the valley’s rich soil. It is pure Hawaiian excellence.

Things To See And Do:

1. Waipio on Horseback
2. Visit the many Waipio art shops.
3. Check out the Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure
4. Take a sunset cruise.
5. Kayak & Snorkel or Whale-Watching Tour to a Marine Sanctuary.

…Psst, take a look at this!

Napa Valley

Where?
California

Why?
Napa Valley is just 40 miles from San Francisco, making it a great escape from the city. The Valley is the heart of California wine country and many of the tourists who visit here go for the rich reds and tasty whites of the region. It’s covered in vineyards, hillside chateaus, and boutique hotels oozing with romance. It’s also a gorgeous return for couples looking to get away for the weekend or spend an entire vacation in seclusion.

Things To See And Do:

1. Tour Jarvis Estate, a family-owned Winery.
2. Participate in the Self-guided Napa Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game.
3. Check out the old miners camp foundations from the skyline trail
4. Take a full-day tour, starting with the Golden Gate Bridge and a stroll under old-growth coast redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. Then head to the Napa and Sonoma valleys at several wineries and tastings. Cheese samples included!

Verde Valley

Where?
Arizona

Why?
The Verde Valley is home to Arizona’s Verde River, an essential ecosystem for local fish and wildlife. It’s also home to several incredible natural rock formations, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Devil’s Bridge Trail. The location is perfect for scenic hikes, and you also get the chance to learn about this region’s history thanks to the Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Things To See And Do:

1. Find out what life was like one hundred years ago in the Jerome State Historic Park and the Douglas Mansion museum, a blast from the past.
2. Check out the Blazin’ M Ranch featuring a BBQ chicken and ribs chuckwagon supper and toe-tapping Western stage production by award-winning musicians.
3. The Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure takes you on a 4-hour sightseeing journey by train aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad.
4. Go on a Horseback Ride in Camp Verde.
5. Watch Bengal tigers play as they “hunt” their caretakers at the Out Of Africa Wildlife Park.

Olympic Valley

Where?
California

Why?
Located near Tahoe City, Olympic Valley is the home of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. The Squaw Valley Ski Resort hosted the event and attracts visitors every year. It’s perfect for outdoor trips and activities. During winter, the resort is a must and gives travelers the chance to descend the same slopes as Olympic greats. If it is outdoor activities thrill-seekers crave, then Olympic Valley is the place to go.

Things To See And Do:

1. For the winter sports lover, Squaw Valley Resort is a playground.
2. When the snow has melted, ride the cable car to High Camp, and enjoy picturesque scenes of the Sierra Nevada mountain and Lake Tahoe.
3. The Eagle Falls Trail is a great hiking route to trek.
4. Swim in a mountaintop swimming pool or relax in a hot tub.
5. Visit the Olympic Museum to see memorabilia and watch video presentations that celebrate the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Kalalau Valley

Where?
Hawaii

Why?
Kalalau Valley can be found on the northwest side of Hawaii’s island. This valley is part of Na Pali Coast State Park, a barren area with rough, unfriendly terrain. Visitors cannot drive into the state park because the ground is too harsh. So, hiking is your only real option to get deep into the valley. The area is also where you’ll find the Kalalau Trail, which runs from Ke’e Beach into the Kalalau Valley. While the 11-mile long trail is said to be one of the most beautiful globally, it’s also very dangerous.

Things To See And Do:

1. Explore Waimea Canyon, AKA the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
2. On your return from Waimea Canyon, You will find thousands of acres of rainforests to explore.
3. Take a helicopter tour over the island.
4. Visit the Spouting Horn Blowhole.
5. Go to Poipu Beach to see the turtles and seals.

Santa Clara Valley

Where?
California

Why?
Even though Silicon Valley has overtaken Santa Clara Valley over the years, its geographical border corresponds with Santa Clara Valley. Visitors get a dose of high-tech innovation companies when visiting the area. Santa Clara Valley’s largest city, and California’s third-largest, is San Jose.

The booming town has everything tourists would need, no matter your budget. San Jose and many of the area’s towns are within a short distance of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range. The great thing about Santa Clara Valley is travelers can be in a major city one minute and the countryside the next, making it a perfect combination of both worlds.

Things To See And Do:

1. At California’s Great America, take the family and spend the day riding rollercoasters, watching unique shows, or even floating down a lazy river!
2. See hands-on exhibits at the Intel Museum.
3. Get a glimpse of history at Mission Santa Clara.
4. Take in a game at the Levi’s Stadium.

Logan Pass

Where?
Montana

Why?
Logan Pass can be found along the Continental Divide at 6,646 ft, cutting through the Rocky Mountains inside Glacier National Park. The pass is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, glacier lilies, wildflowers, and alpine plants. Two popular hiking trails meet at the pass, so you can continue your climb on foot if you like. Just bring a picnic basket, because there is nowhere to buy food in the area.

Things To See And Do:

1. Check with the visitor center at the top of the pass for information on hiking trails and wildlife activity.
2. McDonald Creek is an incredible color of blue, with striking clarity.
3. The Weeping Wall is a sight worth seeing and perfect for a hot day when the mist cools you down.
4. St Mary Lake makes for a fantastic first or last view, depending on how you choose to travel the road.

Shenandoah Valley

Where?
Virginia

Why?
This area has a reputation for incredible natural beauty and great history. More than 45 million residents can trace their family history to ancestors who lived or migrated through Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. You can enjoy views of the valley along its 105-mile Skyline Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Things To See And Do:

1. Take scenic drives and hike on Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway.
2. Visit Shenandoah National Park.
3. The Shenandoah Spirits Trail offers 27 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries between Winchester and Harrisonburg.
4. Head off Route 11 in Mount Jackson, and drive through the covered bridge to the Route 11 Potato Chip factory.

Monument Valley Park

Where?
Arizona

Why?
This is on the Navajo reservation, on the border between Arizona and Utah. Therefore, the park area is run by the Navajo. It’s not a National Park, so while you can’t use a park pass to get in, the imposing sandstone structures will be worth your visit. These towers, formed over 50 million years of erosion, range between 400 and 1,000ft tall.

Things To See And Do:

1. Check out the Museum, Viewing area, Restaurant, and Gift Shop. There are exhibits with lots to read about the Navajo code talkers from WWII, displays of traditional clothing and jewelry, and history of the area.
2. Go for a tour on the 17-mile Scenic Drive.
3. Hike the Wildcat trail or take the horseback riding trail.
4. Take a Navajo Guided Tour
5. Go check out Goulding’s Lodge if you are a John Wayne and old western movies fanatic.

Mat-Su Valley

Where?
Alaska

Why?
This location is the size of West Virginia and gets its name from its two rivers, the Matanuska and the Susitna. It offers views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the starting point for climbing Denali in the town of Talkeetna.

Things To See And Do:

1. Seize your chance to walk right up to and touch one of the most enormous roadside glaciers, the Matanuska Glacier.
2. See the remarkable Alaskan backcountry on a rafting tour.
3. Get in a helicopter or airplane and fly over the exciting scenery, getting up-close and personal views of the peaks of the Alaskan Range, including Denali.
4. Go on a sightseeing and food tour and meet the local farmers who grow colossal vegetables here.

…Lets us know if you know of any other incredible places below!

Also Check Out: 12 American Ruins And Their Incredible Stories