Western U.S.
After viewing some of the United States' most iconic cities and skylines over the past couple of updates - today we'll be taking road trip through some of the country's most stunning national parks and other impressive sights from the West.
We begin our trip through the West in Southern Arizona - where we'll be visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Established in 1937, it's a thriving community of plants and animals - and the only place in the United States where you'll get to see the impressive Organ Pipe cactus.
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After making our way through Organ Pipe's many winding roads, we now travel north towards the Arizona/Utah border to visit our first National Park and one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders - the Grand Canyon. This five-thousand foot deep gorge was created over a period of 15 million years - and it's truly one of nature's best masterpieces.
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Monument Valley can be found further East, towards the Arizona/Utah border. This iconic symbol of the West lies in the middle of Navajo Nation, and offers stunning views any time of the year.
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We take a brief stop at Capitol Reef National Park - it might be less visited than a few of the other iconic parks close by, but it's just as beautiful. Small farms and orchards like the Gifford Homestead offer a beautiful contrast to the stunning red rock backdrop.
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Utah's Canyonlands National Park is our next sight - and this endless maze of canyons, buttes, and other dramatic rock formations can take your breath away.
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Although snow here can be rare, it makes for quite the exceptional sight - especially from the air.
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We travel further north for our next destination - Arches National Park. Landscape Arch is the 5th longest natural arch in the world and is one of the park's most awe-inspiring sights.
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We start heading towards the West Coast to view a few more natural wonders - but before then, we take a brief stop to visit one of the West's desolate ghost towns. It's been over a century since the gold rush, and nature has long since taken over - these long abandoned towns are truly frozen in time.
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Rural western California can be quite rugged and barren in some places - with only the occasional oil field in the distance breaking up the view.
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Our next stop is Sequoia National Park - we get a first hand look at some of its imposing Sequoia trees, some of which can tower over 200 feet tall. In the midst of a heavy snowstorm, it's a real winter wonderland.
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The last stop on our journey is Yosemite National Park - one the most impressive natural wonders on the face of the planet, formed by glacial activity millions of years ago. Massive rock formations like El Capitan tower nearly 3,000 feet over Yosemite Valley - and is a popular destination for rock climbers. But only the bravest would dare to take it on during a heavy snowstorm..
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Half Dome is another one of Yosemite's most impressive sights - with one of its sides being completely sheer and the others being smooth and rounded, it gives it the appearance of a dome being cut right in half. It's one of the park's most iconic destinations - and cable routes offer brave tourists a route straight to the top for incredible views.
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One last view of Yosemite - an overview of the entire valley from above. I hope you enjoyed your trip to the West! 
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Special thanks for photographs used in this update:
dawn on the S rim of the Grand Canyon, CCSA2, Murray Foubister | Gifford Farm, Capitol Reef National Park, CCSA4, Towneb | Green River Overlook, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, CCND2, Chao Yen | Yosemite valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA, CCSA2.5, AngMoKio.
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-korver
Previous Update: "New York City - Landmarks & Mosaics"
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