Under-the-Radar National Monuments You’ll Have All to Yourself

4 October 2025

Ever wanted to visit a place so stunning, so untamed, that it feels like your own personal discovery? Imagine standing amidst breathtaking rock formations, ancient ruins, or lush landscapes—without another soul in sight. Sound like a dream? Well, it’s more than possible if you know where to look.

While national parks like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon attract millions of visitors every year, the U.S. is also home to lesser-known national monuments that remain blissfully crowd-free. These hidden gems offer just as much beauty, history, and adventure—minus the tour buses and selfie sticks.

So, grab your hiking boots and a sense of adventure. Here are some of the most underrated national monuments where serenity, solitude, and jaw-dropping scenery are all yours for the taking.

1. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Arizona)

Ever heard of a forest made entirely of cacti? Welcome to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, a rugged desert landscape near the U.S.-Mexico border. This place is home to the rare organ pipe cactus, which thrives only in this part of the U.S.

Despite its dramatic scenery, including towering cacti, dramatic mountain ranges, and sweeping desert landscapes, it remains one of the least-visited national monuments. The isolated location may be one reason, but that just means more solitude for those who make the journey!

Why Visit?

- Stunning cacti-studded landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S.
- Epic star-gazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.
- Remote hiking trails like the Ajo Mountain Drive or the challenging Bull Pasture Trail.

If you’re after a true desert wilderness experience, this is your spot. Just bring plenty of water—it gets scorching!

2. Craters of the Moon National Monument (Idaho)

When people talk about Idaho, they usually mention potatoes. But what if I told you Idaho was home to one of the most surreal, otherworldly landscapes in the country? Say hello to Craters of the Moon National Monument, a vast expanse of ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and caves formed by volcanic activity.

This place is so bizarre that astronauts trained here in the 1960s to prepare for moon missions. Yet, it remains one of the least crowded national monuments in the U.S.

Why Visit?

- Feels like walking on the surface of another planet.
- Hike through lava tubes and explore caves like Indian Tunnel and Dewdrop Cave.
- A perfect spot for astrophotography—dark skies make for stellar Milky Way views.

If you’re into eerie, otherworldly landscapes (or pretending to be an astronaut), this place is a must-visit.

3. Bears Ears National Monument (Utah)

Tucked away in southeastern Utah, Bears Ears National Monument is a sacred, breathtaking land that’s home to striking red rock formations, ancient cliff dwellings, and Native American petroglyphs that date back thousands of years.

Despite its rich history and jaw-dropping beauty, it remains relatively unknown compared to its famous neighbors like Arches or Canyonlands National Park.

Why Visit?

- Explore ancient ruins like House on Fire, a rock formation that glows orange at sunrise.
- Hike through deep canyons with walls covered in petroglyphs.
- An incredible place for off-the-beaten-path camping.

This is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era.

4. Chiricahua National Monument (Arizona)

Ever seen a forest made of stone? Welcome to Chiricahua National Monument, where towering rock spires form an otherworldly wonderland in southeastern Arizona. The ancient volcanic activity here sculpted thousands of bizarre rock formations, creating a dramatic and eerie landscape.

Despite its jaw-dropping scenery, this place remains relatively unknown, with far fewer crowds than other Southwest destinations.

Why Visit?

- Hoodoo wonderland—the rock formations here are some of the best in the country.
- The Echo Canyon Loop is a must-hike, winding through narrow rock corridors and offering stunning canyon views.
- A peaceful alternative to the more famous (and overrun) national parks of Arizona.

If you love landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy novel, Chiricahua is calling your name.

5. Devils Postpile National Monument (California)

Hidden in California’s Eastern Sierra, Devils Postpile is a geological marvel often overshadowed by nearby Yosemite. The monument’s namesake basalt columns, formed by cooling lava over 100,000 years ago, create one of the most fascinating natural formations in the U.S.

Why Visit?

- The hexagonal rock formations are a rare sight and incredibly photogenic.
- Take a short hike to see the Rainbow Falls, a stunning 101-foot waterfall.
- Far fewer crowds compared to Yosemite, but equally stunning scenery.

If you’re a fan of geology or just looking for a quieter alternative to nearby national parks, this place is a winner.

6. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (Nebraska)

Nebraska may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of national monuments, but Agate Fossil Beds is an underrated gem for history and fossil enthusiasts. This site is home to some of the most well-preserved Miocene-era fossils in North America.

Why Visit?

- See prehistoric creatures—fossils of ancient mammals, including early ancestors of modern rhinos and camels, have been discovered here.
- The Daemonelix Trail takes you past massive spiral burrows from prehistoric rodents.
- A fascinating mix of paleontology and Native American history.

If you love dinosaurs (who doesn’t?), this spot deserves a visit.

7. El Morro National Monument (New Mexico)

Tucked away in western New Mexico, El Morro National Monument offers a unique blend of history, nature, and solitude. This massive sandstone bluff served as a natural oasis for travelers over centuries, and its walls are covered with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions from Spanish explorers.

Why Visit?

- Walk the Inscription Trail and see messages left by Spanish conquistadors from the 1600s.
- Hike up to Atsinna, an ancient pueblo ruin with incredible views.
- A hidden gem for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

If you enjoy a mix of history and adventure, this spot won’t disappoint.

8. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Utah)

While Utah’s national parks get all the hype (we’re looking at you, Zion and Bryce Canyon), Grand Staircase-Escalante remains blissfully under-appreciated. This massive, rugged landscape is filled with winding slot canyons, towering plateaus, and hidden waterfalls.

Why Visit?

- Fewer crowds, more adventure—this place is a paradise for hikers and off-road explorers.
- Check out hidden gems like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons.
- Some of the most remote and untouched beauty in the U.S.

If you love the thrill of exploring the unknown, Grand Staircase-Escalante is a dream come true.

Final Thoughts

Skipping the crowds doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or adventure. These under-the-radar national monuments offer some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the U.S.—without the tourist hordes. Whether you're into otherworldly rock formations, ancient ruins, or desert solitude, these hidden gems are waiting for you.

So, next time you’re planning a trip, ditch the usual and head somewhere off the beaten path. Who knows? You might just have an entire national monument all to yourself.