Your next vacation could be standing in awe before a steaming geyser, kayaking through mangrove swamps teeming with wildlife, or hiking trails where ancient glaciers have carved the landscape. These are the kinds of experiences that federally protected lands offer. Unfortunately, various factors, including climate change, environmental degradation, and human activities, are putting some of these treasures at risk. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to visit America's iconic landscapes, this may very well be it. Here's a rundown of seven endangered federally protected lands you need to visit before they're irreparably changed.
1. Yellowstone National Park (ID-MT-WY)
Yellowstone is the OG National Park — the granddaddy of all federally protected lands. Home to Old Faithful, bubbling mud pots, and vivid geothermal pools, Yellowstone offers a hotbed of volcanic wonder. There are tons you can do, from observing a herd of bison in Lamar Valley or hiking through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The park’s raw beauty has an unmatched ability to mesmerize.
Unfortunately, the fiery heart of Yellowstone is also part of its risk. The region’s geothermal activity stems from a supervolcano that’s overdue for an eruption. What’s more pressing is the impact of climate change. Rising temperatures are altering ecosystems and shrinking habitats for native species like grizzly bears and wolves. Think of Yellowstone like a living museum. It’s still open for us to learn from, but the clock is ticking.
2. Everglades National Park (FL)
Step into the Everglades, and you'll find yourself surrounded by subtropical wetlands bursting with life. With sawgrass prairies, alligators basking in the sun, and mangrove tunnels just begging to be explored, the Everglades are as adventurous as they are peaceful. Take an airboat ride, spot a manatee, or listen to the cries of exotic birds in this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
Once sprawling and mighty, the Everglades have shrunk to less than half their original size due to urban sprawl, farming, and water diversion. Invasive species, such as pythons and anacondas, pose an even more sinister problem, infiltrating and wreaking havoc on local wildlife. Add rising sea levels to the mix, and the Everglades are literally at risk of being drowned out.
3. Glacier National Park (MT)
Towering ice-carved peaks rise majestically above stunning turquoise lakes, while agile mountain goats deftly navigate the sheer cliffs. All this sets against a backdrop of a refreshing, whispering breeze that enhances the breathtaking scene. Welcome to Glacier National Park, lovingly referred to as the Crown of the Continent. With over 700 miles of trails, glaciers older than history, and unforgettable stargazing, this park feels otherworldly.
At its peak, Glacier National Park was home to 150 active glaciers. Today, fewer than 25 remain. Climate change has accelerated glacial melt, and experts predict the park’s namesakes could vanish completely by the 2030s. When that happens, the park's delicate ecosystem, which relies on cold water flows and specific weather patterns, will be fundamentally altered. If there’s one place to prioritize on your travel list, it’s here.
4. Cedar Breaks National Monument (UT)
While its cousin, Bryce Canyon, gets all the attention, Cedar Breaks is Utah’s underrated masterpiece. Known for its amphitheater of bright red rock formations, this monument feels like the inside of a fiery gemstone. The contrast of wildflower meadows against the jagged limestone cliffs makes it popular among hikers and photographers.
Cedar Breaks may appear timeless, but its fragile formations tell a different story. Acid rain, caused by pollution, eats away at its unique rock structures, while drought conditions linked to climate change are challenging the park’s flora and fauna. The beauty here can evaporate before you know it, leaving behind a marred landscape.
5. Cape Cod National Seashore (MA)
Cape Cod National Seashore puts the "postcard" in postcard-perfect. It has serene beaches, salt marshes, and historic lighthouses — it’s heaven for anyone who loves coastal vibes. Sunbathe on the sandy shores or explore tidal pools teeming with sea creatures.
Rising sea levels and eroding coastlines are chewing away at Cape Cod’s beauty, year by year. Storm surges have grown more intense, sweeping away large portions of the beach. Scientists warn that parts of Cape Cod could be underwater in a matter of decades. Visit soon to enjoy a bike ride on the scenic trails or to savor a quiet moment watching the waves.
6. Gates of the Arctic Wilderness (AK)
Gates of the Arctic Wilderness feels like stepping back in time. It’s untouched, raw, and remote. Covering 7 million acres, this is where icy rivers snake through wildflower meadows, and the mountains cast long shadows over endless tundra. It’s the definition of wilderness. Oh, and no roads, trails, or campsites. This is your chance to meditate with nature at its most pristine.
Rising global temperatures are thawing Alaska’s permafrost, releasing carbon dioxide and methane that were long locked away in frozen ground. This puts the fragile Arctic ecosystem in jeopardy, from the caribou herds that roam here to the migratory birds that stop by each year. The wilderness is changing, and once lost, it may never be the same.
7. Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River (MT)
Floating down the Upper Missouri River, you’ll feel like a character in an old frontier story. The mighty river flows through rich groves of cottonwood and sandstone cliffs that rise like ancient ramparts. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, bald eagles, and even black bears making appearances.
Agriculture and development upstream threaten the river’s water quality. The bigger issue is drought, fueled by climate change. Lower water levels could curtail the rich biodiversity and recreational opportunities this river offers today. The serene experience of this classic American waterway might be drastically different in just a few years.
