From Glowing Caves to Sky-High Summits: 4 Natural Wonders for Your Next Adventure

Our beautiful world is packed with incredible sights, but some places are so unreal that they feel like a dream. Whether you’re chasing adventure, planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or just looking for new places to add to your bucket list, these four natural wonders deserve a top spot.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

Photo by Fudo Jahic on Unsplash

If you’ve ever seen a photo of swirling sandstone bathed in golden light, there’s a good chance it was taken in Antelope Canyon, Arizona’s most famous slot canyon (characterized by long, narrow passages and sheer rock walls). Carved by floods over thousands of years, this otherworldly formation is an absolute paradise for photographers, adventurers, and anyone who wants to experience nature’s version of a light show.

The canyon is split into two sections—Upper Antelope Canyon, known for its famous light beams, and Lower Antelope Canyon, which offers narrower passageways and more challenging terrain. No matter which one you visit, expect to be mesmerized by the smooth, flowing rock walls that look like something out of a surrealist painting.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit:

• Book a guided tour—this is the only way to enter the canyon, which is protected by Navajo Parks and Recreation.
• If you’re after those dramatic sunbeams, visit between late morning and early afternoon (March through October is prime time).
• Bring a good camera, but ditch the tripod—most tours don’t allow them.
• Be ready for some light hiking, as the sandy ground and occasional ladders in Lower Antelope Canyon add a bit of adventure.

Related: Horseback Riding in Monument Valley: Once-in-a-Lifetime Navajo Trail Rides & Tours

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Photo by Jacky Huang on Unsplash

Tucked away in Banff National Park, Canada’s Moraine Lake is so vibrantly turquoise that it looks almost artificial—but it’s the result of glacial rock flour reflecting sunlight. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, this place is peak postcard material.

Moraine Lake is also an adventurer’s dream. You can paddle across the glassy water, hike to spectacular viewpoints, or sit back and enjoy the scenery (while a very bold chipmunk inevitably tries to steal your snack).

Pro Tips for Visiting:

• Arrive before sunrise to beat the crowds—this place gets packed.
• Consider a sunset visit when the lake is quieter, and the lighting makes the scenery even more surreal.
• If you’re up for a little challenge, hike the Rockpile Trail for some of the best views.
• Canoe rentals can be pricey but worth every penny for the experience.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves, North Island, New Zealand

Imagine drifting through an underground river with thousands of tiny blue lights twinkling above you. No, this isn’t the Na’vi River Journey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—it’s Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, where bioluminescent larvae create an enchanting, star-like effect inside a vast cave system.

As you glide silently through the dark caverns, the glowworms create an otherworldly atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve left Earth behind. It’s a moment of pure magic—just don’t think too hard about the fact that the glowing dots are, technically, larval bioluminescent poop. (Still magical, though!)

What You Need to Know:

• You’ll need to take a guided boat tour to see the caves.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit Piripiri Cave on your own, but beware: it’s muddy, and there’s less infrastructure than in the other caves.
• The glowworms shine brightest on humid days, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash

If you think the best views come with a challenge, then Mount Kilimanjaro is calling your name. Towering over Tanzania at 19,340 feet, it’s the highest free-standing mountain in the world (meaning it’s not part of a mountain range)—and one of the few major summits that doesn’t require technical climbing skills to conquer.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Between altitude sickness, freezing temperatures, and about five to nine days of pure uphill trekking, this adventure will push you to your limits! But if you make it to the top? You’ll stand above the clouds, looking over this beautiful land, knowing you’ve accomplished something incredible by hiking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tips for a Successful Summit:

• Choose your route wisely—Marangu is the oldest and most established route, with amenities for hikers; Lemosho offers the best scenery.
• Train in advance—hiking at a high altitude without preparation is asking for trouble.
• Go slow and steady—altitude sickness is real, and pacing yourself is key to reaching the top and truly enjoying the experience.
• Pack layers—temps swing from hot and humid at the base to frigid and windy at the summit.

More Natural Wonders That Deserve a Spot on Your List

Couldn’t get enough? Here are a few honorable mentions for nature lovers who want to keep exploring:

• The Great Blue Hole, Belize: A massive underwater sinkhole perfect for divers who want to descend into the deep blue.
• The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland: Towering cliffs that make you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world.
• Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: A fairytale-like maze of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
• The Northern Lights: Not a place, but a phenomenon—catch them in Norway, Iceland, or Canada for a natural light show you’ll never forget.
• The Southern Lights: Same thing but in the Southern Hemisphere! Check out this list of our favorite spots to catch the show.

Related: See all of our adventure travel tips and stories!

Start Planning Your Next Adventure

The world is packed with enchanting sights, and these natural wonders are just the beginning. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking to dizzying heights, or floating through glowing caves, there’s a whole planet of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

So, what’s next on your bucket list? Share your ideas and stories with the Frayed Passport community!

Featured image by Alayna Tam on Unsplash