As a world traveller, I’m always looking for exciting new places to explore – that’s why I love the United States. It offers some amazing unique sights and experiences that few people know about.
In this post, I talk about five of the least visited places in the USA. If they tickle your fancy, book your next trip so you can find some of these hidden gems.
#1 El Morro In New Mexico
Exploring El Morro Valley was like stepping back in time. Scattered throughout the valley are the ancient ruins and mounds of the Anasazi, The Ancient Ones.
These ruins are evidence of the massive human migration that occurred in the 1200s AD, when diverse groups of people came together to form new communities. One such community is “Atsina Pueblo”, a settlement that was situated high atop El Morro Mesa.
It is estimated that this community had up to 1,500 residents (across 875 rooms), making it two to three times larger than the current settlement of Ramah, NM and larger than the more famous Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon.
#2 Gila Cliff Dwellings In New Mexico
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument provides travellers with a glimpse into the lives and homes of the Mogollon people. The Mogollon lived in the area for more than 700 years.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings are located in southwest Mexico, and along with the dwellings, you will find hot springs to dip your toe in.
#3 Aztec Ruins In New Mexico
You can venture down the winding corridors of the ancient Aztec ruins, transporting you back in time to the days of the Aztecs. Explore the West Ruin – a centre of traditional Pueblo society that was home to over 500 masonry rooms.
Spend time marvelling at the original timbers which still hold up the roof, then look for evidence of the ancient worker’s fingerprints in the stucco walls. You will swear that you can almost hear the echoes of ritual drums reverberating from the reconstructed “Great Kiva”.
It is truly an awe-inspiring experience to be able to explore the remnants of the past.
#4 Hovenweep In Utah/Colorado
Six prehistoric sites are protected by Hovenweep National Monument. The sites include Puebloan-era villages spread across 20 miles of mesa tops and large canyons.
Hovenweep is located along the Utah-Colorado border. You will find multi-storied towers atop canyon rims balanced on boulders. Visitors will marvel at the skill Hovenweep’s builders displayed.
Hovenweep is full of character while providing complete solitude to visitors.
#5 Cape Krusenstern In Alaska
Cape Krusenstern National Monument is on the Alaskan coast and is dotted with large lagoons and gently rolling hills of limestone.
There are 114 beach ridges located next to Krusenstern Lagoon, and each is well-preserved. The bluffs behind the beach may date back as early as 9,000 years ago.
The earliest ridges are located inland, and the new ridges are near the shoreline due to accumulation over time. The ridges showcase detailed evidence of history throughout thousands of years (estimated at 9,000 years).
Some of the archaeological sites at Cape Krusenstern are older than the remains of ancient Egyptian civilizations that are more well-known.
