Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming protects the Teton Range, whose jagged peaks rise abruptly above Jackson Hole. Grand Teton reaches 4,199 metres. Jenny Lake, the Snake River Overlook and the historic barns of Mormon Row are popular viewpoints, and the park is rich in wildlife such as moose and elk.

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in Yellowstone National Park, named in 1870 for its predictable eruptions. It erupts roughly every 60 to 110 minutes, sending water up to 56 metres high. Yellowstone, founded in 1872, was the world's first national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the United States, about 90 metres across. Its deep blue centre is ringed by bands of orange, yellow and green created by heat-loving microbial mats. The best view is from the Fairy Falls Trail overlook above the Midway Geyser Basin.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a 32 km canyon carved by the Yellowstone River, with walls in vivid yellow, orange and pink. The Lower Falls plunge 94 metres, nearly twice the height of Niagara. Artist Point and Lookout Point offer classic views of the canyon and falls.

Glacier National Park in Montana is known as the Crown of the Continent, with rugged peaks, glaciers and more than 700 lakes. The Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the park over Logan Pass. Lake McDonald, with its colourful pebbles, and wildlife such as mountain goats and grizzly bears are highlights.

Shoshone Falls on the Snake River near Twin Falls, Idaho, is sometimes called the Niagara of the West. At 64 metres, it is taller than Niagara Falls. The falls are most powerful in spring when snowmelt swells the river. Viewing platforms and a park overlook the canyon.