Travel & Tourism

The United States of America has a large and lucrative tourism industry serving millions of international and domestic tourists. Tourism in the United States is mostly promoted at the state and local level.The federal government also promotes tourism as well, and sets visa entry requirements.

Tourists visit the U.S. to see natural wonders, gambling venues and historic landmarks.

Death Valley

Death Valley National Park comprises more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery, rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness and sites of historical interest. Death Valley is unique because it contains the lowest, hottest, driest location in North America. Nearly 550 square miles of its area lie below sea level. Ecologically, its plants and animals are representative of the Mojave Desert. Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth, attaining the second-highest temperature ever recorded, 134 degrees F. in 1913. It contains the lowest point in the western hemisphere -- 282 feet below sea level near Badwater -- as well as numerous high-rising mountain peaks, including Telescope Peak at over 11,000 feet. Death Valley was named by gold-seekers, some of whom died crossing the valley during the 1849 California gold rush.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is more than a pleasuring ground for those that explore the roads, hike the trails, or float the currents of the turbulent Colorado River. This canyon is a gift that transcends what we experience. Its beauty and size humbles us. Its timelessness provokes a comparison to our short existence. In its vast spaces we may find solace from our hectic lives. As the shadows lengthen across the spires and buttes, time passing into the depths of the canyon, understand what this great chasm passes to us - a sense of humility born in the interconnections of all that is and a willingness to care for this land. We have the responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to form their own connections with Grand Canyon National Park.

Old Faithful Geyser

The most famous geyser, known as "Old Faithful", is situated in front of the visitor's center and the lodges near the Upper Geyser Basin in the southwestern quadrant. It regularly erupts approximately every 90 minutes. When you visit that area, it is wise to first go to the park visitor's center and check on the estimated times of eruption for the local geysers. The park rangers usually post the expected eruption times for six or eight geysers that normally adhere to fixed cycles. With a bit of patience, you can time your sightseeing to catch several geyser eruptions. At each of the major geothermal areas and other attractions in the park, there are small boxes filled with interpretive brochures available for a 50-cents donation. They are excellent guides to the local features.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and was the world's first national park. It is situated in the northwest of Wyoming and extends into Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone is one of the largest national park in the USA and is yearly visited by millions of tourists. The park is a part of the Rocky Mountains range and has a violent volcanic past. The central portion of the park was formed during the latest eruption (600.000 years ago). That eruption caused the central portion to collapse, forming a caldera or basin. Yellowstone is famous for the thermal wonders like geysers, mudpots and hotsprings but has also a rich wildlife.