National Landscapes in United States

The United States does not have an official 'National Landscape' designation. This collection refers to over 70 federally protected areas of equivalent national significance, such as National Monuments, which safeguard distinctive landscapes and ecosystems. These areas offer thousands of routes for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

Notable examples span diverse environments across the country. They include the vast desert terrain of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in Utah, the towering old-growth redwood forests of Muir Woods National Monument in California, and the dramatic canyons of Colorado National Monument.

The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with over 2,800 routes available across the collection. Specific routes range from urban cycling paths in places like Governors Island National Monument to rugged backcountry hiking trails in areas such as Bears Ears National Monument.

This collection focuses on designations like National Monuments, which often protect specific historic, cultural, or scientific features within a defined area. In contrast, National Parks in United States are typically larger areas Congressionally designated for their scenic beauty, unique geology, and diverse ecosystems, managed for conservation and public recreation.

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument offers a vast, rugged landscape for outdoor sports. There are over 60 hiking trails through its dramatic geological formations. The area also provides routes for mountain biking and touring cycling.

Yes, Governors Island National Monument is a car-free urban area in New York Harbor with routes for several activities. It features over 40 hiking routes and nearly 50 combined road and touring cycling routes, offering scenic views of the city.

Bears Ears National Monument in Utah features diverse terrain ranging from sandstone canyons to high desert mesas. This landscape provides a setting for hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling, with routes that explore its unique geological and cultural features.

There are thousands of hiking trails across these protected areas, catering to various skill levels. For example, Muir Woods National Monument offers accessible trails through redwood forests, while Vermilion Cliffs National Monument has more challenging routes through slot canyons and plateaus.

Yes, numerous cycling routes are available for both road and mountain bikes. Colorado National Monument is a notable location with dozens of routes for hiking and cycling among its canyons. Urban areas like Stonewall National Monument also feature many paved routes suitable for city cycling.

Many of these areas offer routes suitable for all skill levels. Urban monuments like Governors Island National Monument have flat, paved paths ideal for families. Other locations, such as Natural Bridges National Monument, provide shorter hiking trails to view its massive sandstone bridges.

The best time to visit varies greatly by location. Desert landscapes in Utah and Arizona, such as Grand Staircase-Escalante, are often best explored in the spring and fall to avoid extreme summer heat. Coastal areas like Muir Woods in California can be visited year-round, though winter may bring more rain.

Access varies by location. Urban monuments in New York City, such as Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty, are accessible via ferry. More remote monuments in states like Utah or Arizona generally require other means of transport to reach the trailheads.