The 10 Most Colorful Natural Wonders in America That Belong on Your Bucket List

With 50 breathtaking states that all offer their own amazing attractions, it's easy to find jaw-dropping natural wonders within the United States. In fact, there are so many colorful places in the U.S. to visit that you could spend a lifetime traveling around the country, seeking out nature's best works of art. But out of all of America's natural wonders, there are some that are simply a bit more eye-catching than others. Full of gorgeous colors that you won't see just anywhere, here are some of the most vibrant views that you can find around the USA!

1. Grand Prismatic Spring - Wyoming

One of many colorful destinations that are worth visiting in the state of Wyoming, Grand Prismatic Spring is considered to be the most photographed place within Yellowstone National Park. Filled with scalding hot water, this spring is actually deeper than a 10-story building! Made up of electrifying green, yellow, and orange shades, this is one of the most colorful attractions in the USA.

2. Paint Mines - Colorado

Out in the small town of Calhan, Colorado, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park is home to a beautiful ecological system. A historical site that's amazing to see in person, Colorado's Paint Mines covers hundreds of acres of the park and features hiking trails that will give you a unique view of these colorful natural wonders.

3. Green Lake - New York

Inside Green Lakes State Park in New York, Green Lake is one of the only meromictic lakes on the entire planet — meromictic meaning a lake in which the layers of water do not intermix. An extremely rare natural wonder, the water maintains such a vibrant and crystal clear emerald shade because the lake does not experience any turnover. The state park features a beach that allows you to swim in the colorful water, with plenty of hiking trails surrounding the lake as well. Wouldn't you love to see this colorful natural wonder in New York?

4. Havasu Falls - Arizona

Arizona may just be America's most colorful state, with the breathtaking Havasu Falls flowing within the Grand Canyon. The waterfall has a roughly 100-foot drop, splashing down into a gorgeous pool of bright blue water at the base of the falls. Havasu Falls has become a popular place to visit for those who are camping in the nearby area on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Visit the NPS website for information on how to apply for a permit to hike into Havasupai.

5. Lake McDonald - Montana

An amazing place to photograph, Lake McDonald is the largest of 700 lakes within Glacier National Park at 10 miles long with a maximum depth of 500 feet. This lake, in particular, is not only filled with beautifully hued water but has an array of colored pebbles below the water near the shores, making it one of the most colorful places in the United States.

6. Painted Desert - Arizona

Another colorful location within the Grand Canyon, Arizona's Painted Desert, is known for having bold red colors that will make your head turn, and even shades of light purple that you won't expect to see. Inside the park, visitors will find a variety of trails that are great for beginners and experienced explorers. This is an extraordinary place to explore in northern Arizona.

7. Morning Glory Pool - Wyoming

Located inside Yellowstone National Park, Morning Glory Pool is made up of layers of vibrant colors. As one of the most fascinating hot springs in the USA, it maintains a vivid color all throughout the year due to bacteria, very rarely ever erupting as a geyser. While the spring keeps a unique color, over the years, it has unfortunately become damaged due to visitors throwing objects inside this natural wonder.

8. Waimea Canyon - Hawaii

The gorgeous islands of Hawaii are made up of endless, colorful natural wonders that you'll always wish you could surround yourself with. Getting the opportunity to see the remote Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai is an underrated experience that belongs on your list of things to do before you die. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this canyon features some of the wettest places on earth. This is definitely one of the most colorful attractions in the US.

9. Fly Geyser - Nevada

One of the most amazing natural wonders in America, Nevada's Fly Geyser is hiding in plain sight out in Washoe County. Located on a private island, the geyser is layered in colors of yellow, red, green, and orange in a way that you've never seen before.

10. La Jolla Cove - California

In America, we're lucky to have a beautiful blue body of water in just about every state, but out in California, the electrifying shades of blue that you can find at La Jolla Cove will leave you speechless. Beautiful cliffs surround the cove; it's a scenic place to cool off and appreciate California's coastal

views.

What's the most colorful natural wonder you've ever seen in America? If you have your own photos of any of these natural wonders, be sure to reach out and send them our way! For more places to add to your bucket list, check out our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in the USA, one from each state.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.