Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, one of California's most challenging natural settings, spans roughly 1,200 square miles of utter awe, with towering waterfalls, millennia-old sequoia trees, dramatic, intimidating cliff faces, and some of the country's most unusual rock formations. Despite its huge size, Yosemite Valley's 8-square-mile region hosts the majority of visitor activity. Half Dome and El Capitan, two of the park's most iconic features, are located here, as are good hiking paths through the natural wonders.

Yosemite is accessible to even beginner hikers, with local adventure outfitters offering guided tours and climbing courses. Just don't expect to be able to accomplish it on your own. Crowds are the main hurdle to a successful Yosemite trip, as they are in many other American tourist locations — around 4 million people visit each year. Mother Nature's beauties will unveil themselves to you in a magical and calm way if you go at the correct moment (and start your day a bit earlier than usual).