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North America is a unique continent that has brought together all the climatic zones of our planet. Fresh rivers, mountains, deserts, waterfalls, volcanoes and meteorite craters, like precious stones, are scattered across the mainland. There are three large states here: the USA, Canada and Mexico, as well as many small ones, with their many traditions. North America is one of the richest places in the world for attractions. Modern megacities coexist with unique natural monuments, so when going to the continent, you need to think over the route in advance and choose the best of the best places that are worth visiting in the first place.
10 Grand Canyon, Arizona
Those who have ever watched American films about gold diggers and Indians are already familiar with the Grand Canyon, and with its truly breathtaking view. And those who were lucky enough to visit here as tourists speak of the canyon as one of the most amazing wonders of the world. Here flows the Colorado, a river that has eroded rocks for millions of years, clearing its way. The depth of the Grand Canyon in some places can reach 1800 meters, and its length is 446 km. Until now, here you can meet the indigenous inhabitants of this land – the Indians. The most attractive place for tourists is a viewing platform with a transparent floor, which is located directly above the abyss.
9. Fly Geyser, Nevada
A multi-colored miracle and a real oasis of the Nevada desert. “Fly” is not only the name of the geyser, but also the ranch on whose territory it is located. The geyser was discovered by accident while drilling a well for a well. It is only one and a half meters in height, however, this does not prevent it from attracting a huge number of tourists. Looking at the geothermal miracle, one gets the impression of an alien origin of this attraction, its colors are so unusual and colorful. Three jets shoot from the top, irrigating the soil around. It is noteworthy that the geyser grows every year. This unusual phenomenon is located on private property, so before approaching it closer, you must ask permission from the rancher.
8. Yellowstone, Wyoming
This national park can be called a real land of wonders. Mountains covered with snow-white caps rest their tops against the clouds. Their height is about 3000 meters. The valley of the Yellowstone Park has hundreds of geysers, from which hot jets of water are beating. An unusual multi-colored lake is one of the favorite attractions among tourists. The color of this lake fascinates with its depth and diversity. Near the shore, it has yellow and green hues, thanks to the unique bacteria that inhabit this reservoir. In Yellowstone Park is the largest supervolcano, surrounded by a huge caldera, the width of which reaches 70 km.
7. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave got its name because of its huge size. Today it is the longest system of multi-level underground labyrinths, its length is more than 627 thousand meters. No one has yet managed to go through all the passages, corridors and halls. Here all year round the stable temperature is +12. Tours of the cave can last from 1 to 6 hours. Numerous rivers and lakes are inhabited by amazing eyeless fish, transparent crayfish and albino shrimps. Tourists are offered to look at the “Frozen Niagara” – cascades of stalactites and stalagmites, tending to meet each other, and also leave their mark in the “record room”, where there is a special wall of memory. The first inscription on it was made in 1890.
6. Niagara Falls, New York
Three streams, each with its own original name, form Niagara Falls. “Horseshoe”, “American” and “Bridal Veil” – all these are the waters of the Niagara River, which fall from a height of 50 meters into Lake Ontario. The falling speed of powerful streams is 5 liters per second. Literally, Niagara is translated as “rumbling water”. The waterfall looks especially attractive at night. Illuminated by many multi-colored spotlights, it attracts tourists with such a phenomenon as the “lunar rainbow”. Surprisingly, Niagara Falls sometimes partially freezes around the edges. There have been two cases in history when the falling waters of Niagara froze completely. This happened in 700 and in 000.
5. Moraine Lake, Canada
A glacial lake, as if specially hidden from prying eyes by a ring of mountain ranges and dense forests. The road to it is difficult, but at the end of the road, tourists receive a decent reward. The view of the reservoir is magnificent, the waters of which shimmer in the sun with all shades of blue, like a sapphire gemstone. At one time, Canadians issued banknotes with the image of Lake Moraine. This small but beautiful wonder of the world is located in the valley of the Ten Peaks. Glacial waters flow into it from mountain peaks. The most full-flowing lake becomes in June. It is forbidden to swim in it, and hardly anyone wants to swim in the icy water. But here they arrange canoe excursions, fishing.
4. Mendenhall Caverns, Alaska
Mendenhall Caves are hidden in the heart of a glacier in Alaska and reach a length of 19 km. Being inside, there is a feeling of a crystal dome overhead, through which sunlight breaks through. Due to the fact that glaciers are constantly melting and moving, the color and size of the caves change all the time. This place is created for real extreme sportsmen. The entrance to the caves can only be reached by water in a kayak. It is important for tourists to remember that the glacier inside is quite fragile, so excursions through the labyrinths of Mendhall are dangerous. At any moment, blocks of ice can begin to fall from the ceiling, and the cave itself can completely collapse.
3. Thor’s Well, Oregon
One of the most mysterious places on the planet, which is popularly called the “gates of hell”. It is dangerous to come close to it if you do not know the timetable for the ebb and flow of ocean waters. At a time when the ocean recedes, a gaping hole in the ground appears before the tourist’s gaze, the depth of which is 6 meters, and the bottom is strewn with mussels. But at high tide, the real show begins. The waters of the ocean are rushing into an earthen funnel at breakneck speed. Having overflowed it, they break out in a six-meter fountain, which again sucks in the mysterious well. According to one version, the well got its name from the name of the god Thor.
2. Blooming Anza Borrego Desert, California
On the border of the USA and Mexico there is an amazing place – a flowering desert. Most of the time, this is an ordinary earth cracked by the sun, however, after hibernation and heavy rains, it seems to come to life, covered with colorful carpets of plants. Here you can see such flowers as: agave and yucca, flowering cacti, verbena, primrose, sunflower, desert lilies. The desert begins to bloom in March. And the more it rained, the more plentiful and colorful its appearance. For only a few months, flower splendor reigns on dry land. Of interest to tourists are such attractions of the desert as the split mountain, weathered caves and pumpkin valley.
1. Sequoia Park, California
A park with giant trees. It is here that the General Sherman Tree is located – the largest on earth. This type of tree got its name from the leader of the Cherokee Indians. The average size of a tree is amazing. Trunks rush into the sky to a height of 100 meters. It is hardly possible to hug such a tree, since the girth of the trunk is 11 meters. The tree lives long enough, for 4 thousand years. Surprisingly, the thick fibrous bark of the sequoia does not burn. The attraction of the park is a tree trunk that has fallen on the road, in the middle of which a small tunnel for cars has been cut.