There may come a time when we can travel easily to other planets. We may someday be able to go to Mars for the weekend or spend the weekend on Saturn. At some point, that technology may be available. Alas, not quite yet.
Earth, however, has its own amazing and otherworldly landscapes. If someone from a distant planet came to Earth, what places would interest them about the landscape of our home? Consider the following:
Meteor Crater (Flagstaff, AZ)
If you travel about 37 miles from the beautiful city of Flagstaff in Arizona, you can see where a meteor impacted Earth more than 50,000 years ago. The crater is one-mile across, 2.4-miles around, and 550-feet deep. This significant geological site is called The Barringer Crater. It is named after Daniel Barringer, who was the first to suggest that the impact spot was created by a meteor.
When looking at it from the sky or from the rim in certain lights, one can easily believe they are on another planet. Humans somehow never see our planet as one of many. Meteor impact is a fact of life. In Flagstaff, it is simply more evident.
Take a bus or train to Flagstaff and spend a day exploring the phenomenal nature that surrounds it.
Jackson Hole (Jackson, WY)
About 60 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, you will find a famous ski resort called Jackson Hole. The valley between the Teton Mountain range and Gros Ventre is a very steep formation that looks like a giant hole. When standing atop the hole, one can only imagine the forces it took to create it. This is not something you see every day.
Travel to Jackson, WY by bus or train and make this area your vacation destination.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
Lake Champlain is the eighth largest body of fresh water in the United States. It is 120 miles long with more than 400 miles of surface water. Lake Champlain began its formation about 200 million years ago. The plains were shifting and this caused a massive piece of bedrock to fall between two faults, forming the canyon that ended up creating the lake.
Lake Champlain is otherworldly because it represents our world before man. There are many places to go and see the remains of the mighty dinosaurs that once held this area. It is home to the largest fossil reef in the world.
Travel to Lake Champlain and enjoy biking, fishing, and exploring the reef. While you are there, you should also visit the local museums and learn about the history of this unique region.
The Wave, Arizona
At the border of Utah and Arizona, you can see a beautiful rock formation called the Wave. The stunning colors and swirls in the rock look like they have been airbrushed on. Humanity could not begin to create a finish like this on rock. Even with all the tools known to man, only nature could create such a structure.
Trek over to the Wave to explore the area by horseback riding, hiking or even mountain biking.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” Pine Creek has carved a massive trail for thousands of years. You can witness the results of the creek cutting through five massive rock formations.
As you pass along the gorge, you will see a huge variety of wildlife including woodpeckers, wild turkeys, and a host of migrating birds. This site is so amazing you will feel you are in another world, untouched by man.
Ripley Falls Trails, New Hampshire
Credit: Navin 75 / Flickr
Ripley Falls is a sight that everyone should experience at least once. Watch as the water flows freely over the side of the mountain with a drop of 100 feet. Ripley Falls is continuously rated a five-star adventure.
As you make your way up the trail, you will quickly feel that you are invading someone else’s planet. The wildlife ignores your hiking and the trail is unyielding. When you reach the top, you are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. This is a personal journey and well worth taking.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park spans 45,000 acres along the Atlantic Coast. The rocky beaches only yield to the force of nature. There is camping, hiking, climbing, and spectacular beauty. This area can be treacherous, however, so if you go climbing, be sure to take extra care of yourself.
What makes this park truly unique is the range of elements merging in one location. There are rocky beaches, and you will see glacier-scoured granite peaks like the famous Cadillac Mountain. This is great for hiking and climbing. Expect to see moose, bears, as well as seabirds and whales.
The earth has been changing for centuries and it is still changing today. Don’t put off seeing something that you want to see, because it could be changed or even gone in the future.
While we may not be able to travel to outer space to see the unusual landscapes, we do have the technology to travel to the wonders of our own world. Head over to Wanderu.com or download the Wanderu app and book your trip to one (or all) of these gorgeous destinations today for cheap!
About the author: Wendy Dessler is a super-connector with Outreachmama helping businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.
