Maggie Slepian

National Parks might get most of the glory, but the range and locations of the 128 National Monuments spanning the US deserve at least as many spots on the bucket list. National Monuments cover every ecosystem in the US, including mountains, forest, prairie, and desert. They range from a million acres of wild canyons and regal bluffs to historic monuments and preservation sites. They see less visitation than National Parks, and are often free to camp in or around, and often don’t require a challenging permit system for backcountry travel. 

There’s more than likely a National Monument within a few hours’ drive from where you live, making them an ideal option for a socially distanced road trip this fall. 

Also, we couldn’t talk about National Monuments without mentioning recent controversy. National Monuments have been under siege, with massive land reductions happening over the past several years. Both Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument made headlines when significant portions of land protection were revoked to make room for mining leasings by energy companies. The defeat reverberated through the outdoor industry, politicians, environmentalists, and Native American tribes. 

As the lands continue to be under siege, it’s important to remember why we value them, and to take the time to visit the places we’re trying to protect. Here are a few of our top picks for visiting this fall, and while you’re at it, do a deep dive into the current political unrest surrounding protecting these lands. Sign a petition, chat with your neighbor, or donate to one of the organizations trying to ensure these lands are protected for future generations.

1) Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Where: Southern Utah 

What to do here: Hiking, backpacking, camping 

With a span of one million acres, there’s more to do here than you could possibly imagine. The “staircase” is so named from the vertical drops creating cliffs, mesas, and massive expanses of sandstone and desert floor. There are slot canyons, rivers, trails for day hiking and backpacking, and a gorgeous visitor center where you can learn the history and geology of this unique area. Grand Staircase-Escalante is another National Monument under threat of protection revocations, so learn about it, visit it, and do your part to help protect it. Find out more here.

2) Bears Ears National Monument 

Where: Utah 

What to do here: First, sign the petition to preserve as much as possible. Then, visit the historical artifacts, take scenic drives, and go for hikes 

Bears Ears National Monument is even more special, as it was the first National Monument to be designated from requests from a collection of Indigenous tribes. This made it even more devastating when the size of the monument was drastically reduced. Remember when you visit here that the land has a sacred history, and to leave everything as you found it. You can visit Cave Towers, see ancient artwork at Newspaper Rock, and visit Bears Ears Buttes, the namesake of this monument. Find out more here.

3) Sequoia National Monument

Where: California

What to do here: Hiking, camping

Sequoia National Monument features six groves of the largest trees in the world—they’re so massive you might have trouble even comprehending what you’re standing underneath. This monument is a section of Sequoia National Forest, an area packed with hiking trails and camping options. Early fall is usually pretty smoky (and especially so this year) but later autumn is perfection. Find out more here.

4) Devil’s Tower

Where: Wyoming

What to do here: Rock climbing

Devil’s Tower is the first designated National Monument in the US. The lofty tower stands with epic prominence, rising far above the surrounding trees. This is a popular climbing destination, with dozens of climbs ranging from 5.7 to 5.13. This monument is in the middle of phased reopening, so the visitor center is currently closed, but the area is open for hiking and climbing. The first people to inhabit the area has a special, spiritual connection to the land and the tower, and as always, this should be acknowledged and treated with respect. Devil’s Tower is just one part of the greater Black Hills ecosystem, which has plenty of land and trails to explore.

5) Colorado National Monument 

Where: Eastern Colorado 

What to do here: Hiking, scenic drives, biking, wildlife viewing

Settled in the Colorado Plateau, this national monument is over 30 square miles of red sandstone spires, deep canyons, and winding valleys. Visitors will be treated to the howling of coyotes at night, possible mountain lion tracks, and the chance to spot mule deer and bighorn sheep. Colorado National Monument has miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, and is temperate enough for year-round adventures, though fall is a particularly nice time thanks to the cooler temperatures and surrounding aspen groves. Find out more here.