Grayson West
Venturing into America’s wild spaces offers a unique chance to see wildlife up close, safely, and respectfully. These 15 destinations highlight the remarkable variety of ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them and invite explorers to witness nature’s wonder firsthand.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone, a marvel of geothermal wonders, is also a sanctuary for America’s wildlife. It’s where you can watch bison thunder across the valleys, spot elk in the meadows, and maybe even catch a glimpse of grizzly bears and wolves. Each visit promises a new adventure in this vast, untamed wilderness.
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades’ endless rivers of grass are more than just stunning scenery. Moving through its waterways, you will likely spot alligators lounging on the banks, rare birds gliding overhead, and manatees gently swimming in the clear waters.
Monterey Bay, California
Monterey Bay is a marine wonderland for close encounters with the royal humpback whale, curious sea otters, and the occasional orca. It’s also home to various shark species, including great white sharks, blue sharks, and leopard sharks. Shark enthusiasts might have the opportunity to spot these majestic creatures, especially during organized shark-watching expeditions.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali gives unparalleled opportunities to see animals in vast, pristine lands in the shadow of North America’s tallest peak. Board a bus tour to seek out moose, caribou, and wolves. Visitors here also often have the opportunity to observe majestic grizzly bears foraging for food, fishing for salmon in the rivers, or tending to their cubs.
Antelope Island State Park, Utah
Drive through Antelope Island State Park to discover a world where bison and pronghorn antelope roam against a backdrop of stunning mountain vistas. This island in the Great Salt Lake has serene topography and presents the chance to see bighorn sheep and many winged creatures nearby.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia
Chincoteague is famous for its wild ponies, which roam freely on this beautiful barrier island. The refuge also serves as a haven for observation, welcoming visitors to witness sika deer and a variety of migratory birds —the seamless blend of beach, dunes, and marsh crafts a distinctive backdrop for intimate animal encounters.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Perched on Maine’s craggy coastline, Acadia welcomes guests to witness an array of wildlife, from impressive moose to playful sea otters. Hiking trails wind through forested paths, opening up to spectacular ocean vistas where whales and dolphins can often be spotted offshore.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Discover the splendor of Kenai Fjords’ icy waters on a boat ride where glaciers meet the sea, providing a haven for seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Up close, the crisp air and thunderous calving ice magnify the area’s untouched beauty and give a distinct perspective on its indigenous species and rugged terrain.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier’s wilderness grants breathtaking vistas at every turn and is home to mountain goats, grizzly bears, and lynxes. Elk are also a common sight in the National Park, particularly in the lower valleys and meadows, and you may even witness bull elk bugling and competing for mates in the rutting season.
Jasper National Park, Alabama
Rich in biodiversity, Jasper has a large population of freshwater jellyfish and is a critical habitat for the endangered Alabama map turtle. Canoeing down its rivers, guests may encounter a variety of turtles basking in the sun, making for a peaceful and picturesque journey.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
With its iconic cactus-filled terrains, Saguaro also serves as a haven for desert wilderness. Nighttime brings out the elusive nocturnal creatures, including bats, owls, and the rare Mexican wolf. Here, the desert comes alive under the starlit sky, granting an extraordinary glimpse into the nocturnal ecosystem.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Rolling hills, deep forests, and many hiking trails make Shenandoah an environmentalist’s dream. Deer, foxes, and many feathered inhabitants thrive in the park’s diverse habitats. Autumn offers up a spectacular foliage display, enhancing stunning wildlife viewing opportunities.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Regal elk, bighorn sheep, and moose call Rocky Mountain home. With its alpine meadows, steep ranges, and crystal-clear streams, the place has unparalleled charm and facilitates viewing animal life, including the elk rut in the fall.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Secluded and pristine, Channel Islands is a sanctuary for eclectic marine life. Kayaking around these islands might reveal sea lions sunbathing, dolphins leaping, and the occasional whale. Above water, rare birds and island foxes inhabit the rough, virgin terrain.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Bordering the Rio Grande, Big Bend has dramatic desert sceneries, lush river valleys, and summits. Tourists can spot more than 450 avian varieties here, making it one of North America’s top bird-watching destinations.
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