Often people see pictures of beautiful places and think, “Wow, I wish I had the time and money to travel across the world to see some of these places,” but I think people forget there are several amazing places to see right here in the country. So there’s no need to save thousands to travel across the world. Me living in Las Vegas and on the budget of a college student with extreme wanderlust, my family and I have always wanted to travel, so we took it upon ourselves to explore the areas we call home. Here are some of the best places we’ve seen that are about, or less than, a day’s trip away.

Lake Tahoe

I've seen my fair share of bodies of water, but I've never seen a lake such as this one. So blue, so clean and all surrounded by forest views. It is surprising to think that this is only about an hour away from Reno, Nev. I did not go on any of the hikes that this place has to offer, but the beauty of this lake is enough to impress anyone.

Sequoia National Forest

Located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California is the home of the largest tree in the world. At first, the drive up to the top looks deceiving, with regular-sized trees and views that aren’t all that great, but once you see that first giant sequoia, you’ll know you’ve arrived at your destination. With several short hikes or being able to connect many into one long hike, you have the freedom to make the adventure as easy or as challenging as you wish. The one challenging part is the drive up the mountain with several turns and high elevation, motion sickness is your enemy here.

Mountain Charleston Peak

The highest peak in southern Nevada is just about 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas. This hike is very difficult, so I do not recommend it to most, for many people take on the challenge but then turn around. Hiking up to this mountain peak is as challenging as it sounds. The scenic views are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It is amazing that one hike can offer a variety of scenery. From green trees, forest like views, to rocky and deserted parts of the trail, this hike has it all. Even experienced hikers have thoughts of turning back, I had to give myself about five pep talks on the way up, but the view is beyond worth it. Not to mention that at the top there is a military box filled with notebooks and pens for you to write your name and a small message for other to read for years to come. The way down is a bit more difficult, but at least you can tell people later that you were able to do it.

Grand Canyon

In northwestern Arizona, it's is a sight to be seen. When my family and I went, we did not go on any of the hikes here, so if hiking isn't your thing, you can still feast your eyes on this. This is a place that should be on everyone's bucket list to go see.

Lower Antelope Canyon

I had seen several pictures of orange canyons with light peaking through beautifully, and I never knew where it was until I finally decided to just google it and see where it would take me. My family and I arrived in Navajo land east of Page, Ariz. These canyons are now only accessible by tours that are offered by the Navajo, and it is worth every penny. They have conserved these canyons extremely well, and you will walk away with your very own photographs that look like they are straight out of National Geographic. The hike through the canyon is simple and easy going, the only challenging part are the ladders down. Going 30 feet down into a canyon by a steep ladder is scary, so people who were afraid of heights did end of turning around.

Horseshoe Bend

This is also located in Page, Ariz. I could not believe that this was just a short drive from the main highway and a short walk from the parking lot. This view is so hidden that a huge sign with an arrow pointing to where to turn has to be put out on the highway.

Coconino National Forest — Lava River Caves

Tucked away in Flagstaff, Ariz., is the Coconino National Forest. If your only wish is to see what a real forest looks like, this is the place to go. With nothing but pine trees for miles, it is the ideal place for someone who wants to get out of city life for a bit. In this forest is a lava river cave, and it is as scary as it sounds. Flashlights are a must here. If you are claustrophobic and/or afraid of the dark, I would not recommend this. We went in March, so temperatures dropped in the cave to around 30–40 degrees Fahrenheit. There was also parts where water dropped onto the cave ground and froze, so it did get slick and dangerous at some points. If adrenaline is your thing, this is the best adrenaline rush you could ever get.

Zion National Park — Angels Landing

A hike that is known as one of the most difficult and dangerous hikes, how could one say no to that? I guess it would be pretty easy to, but if you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is definitely for you. The hike is challenging in the sense that it is all going up hill, and you end up at a very steep, very high elevation, with only the assistance of a chain to hold on to. Once again, it’s difficult, but at least you can snap a few pictures and say, “Yeah, I did that.” This park also offers shorter and easier hikes for those that aren’t that big on risking your life for a hike, and the views in general of this place are incredible.

I’ve seen lots of things that the West Coast has to offer, but these are the ones that have really left an impression on me. Traveling across the world to see beautiful places is not always necessary. Make it a goal for yourself to see what your country has to offer before you go off somewhere else. Who knows? You may even find a place like the ones listed above are not far from you at all.