Image: Modes of public transportation - clipartpanda.com
Many of the world’s natural wonders are hidden in remote deserts or dense jungles, far from the nearest bus stop or subway station according to atlasobscura.com. It’s not unexpected—harsh climates, powerful waters, and bubbling lava can make landmarks both awe-inspiring and inaccessible. And sometimes a long, arduous journey makes the destination that much more impressive.
But if you’re itching to take in some planet-produced glory and don’t have access to a car—or a camel—you’re not necessarily out of luck. Many of the buses and trains that we take to work can lead to some incredible sights. From a brightly colored salt lake to a retreating glacier, these are 12 natural wonders that are accessible by public transportation.
1 JUNEAU, ALASKA - Mendenhall Glacier
From the Juneau Public Library, bus route 3 can take you to the base of the West Glacier Trail. This four-mile out-and-back trail takes you past the glacier and Mendenhall Lake.
2 YUNCHENG, CHINA - Yuncheng Salt Lake
A number of bus lines (21, 66, and 88) run from downtown Yuncheng to this spectacular salt lake. In the summer, algal blooms turn the water into a rainbow of bright colors.
3 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - Maungawhau (Mount Eden)
This long-dormant volcano lies in the middle of Auckland. While there is no transportation to the top, a train to the Mt. Eden station will get to you to the base.
4 HILO, HAWAII - Wai?nuenue (Rainbow Falls)
These light-catching falls are located in Wailuku River State Park, which can be reached by the Hele-On Bus' Intra Hilo-Kaumana route.
5 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Bronson Cave
Griffith Park is rugged wilderness inside Los Angeles's city limits. From this old rock quarry, there's a great view of a decidedly unnatural wonder: the Hollywood sign. The DASH Beachwood Canyon bus route stops near the trailhead.
6 PLITVI?KA JEZERA, CROATIA - Plitvice Lakes
You can reach these limestone lakes in the Dinaric Alps by bus from several major cities, including Split, Zagreb, and Zadar.
7 MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Great Blue Hill
This hill is located within Blue Hills Reservation, a 7,000-acre park just outside Boston. The 238 bus will take you to the Skyline Trail trailhead.
8 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Badu Mangroves
Walk through this mangrove forest located in Sydney Olympic Park, which you can reach on the T7 line of Sydney's train system.
9 BREÑA BAJA, SPAIN - The Black Beaches of La Palma
The sand on this beach is made of fine grains of volcanic rock. Bus route 500 runs between the island's airport, capital, and black sand beaches.
10 AVALON, CALIFORNIA - The Catalina Island Bison Herd
Passenger ferries run from four ports in Southern California to Santa Catalina Island. The island is home to many endemic species, as well as this unlikely bison herd.
11 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
While these gardens are not naturally occurring, their acres of lily ponds are stunning when in full bloom. You can reach the gardens by taking the Metro's Orange line to Deanwood.
12 NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Rat Rock in Morningside Heights
You can find this urban boulder around the corner from 116 Street Station on the 1 line of New York City's subway system.
Many of the world’s natural wonders are hidden in remote deserts or dense jungles, far from the nearest bus stop or subway station according to atlasobscura.com. It’s not unexpected—harsh climates, powerful waters, and bubbling lava can make landmarks both awe-inspiring and inaccessible. And sometimes a long, arduous journey makes the destination that much more impressive.
But if you’re itching to take in some planet-produced glory and don’t have access to a car—or a camel—you’re not necessarily out of luck. Many of the buses and trains that we take to work can lead to some incredible sights. From a brightly colored salt lake to a retreating glacier, these are 12 natural wonders that are accessible by public transportation.
1 JUNEAU, ALASKA - Mendenhall Glacier
From the Juneau Public Library, bus route 3 can take you to the base of the West Glacier Trail. This four-mile out-and-back trail takes you past the glacier and Mendenhall Lake.
2 YUNCHENG, CHINA - Yuncheng Salt Lake
A number of bus lines (21, 66, and 88) run from downtown Yuncheng to this spectacular salt lake. In the summer, algal blooms turn the water into a rainbow of bright colors.
3 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - Maungawhau (Mount Eden)
This long-dormant volcano lies in the middle of Auckland. While there is no transportation to the top, a train to the Mt. Eden station will get to you to the base.
4 HILO, HAWAII - Wai?nuenue (Rainbow Falls)
These light-catching falls are located in Wailuku River State Park, which can be reached by the Hele-On Bus' Intra Hilo-Kaumana route.
5 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Bronson Cave
Griffith Park is rugged wilderness inside Los Angeles's city limits. From this old rock quarry, there's a great view of a decidedly unnatural wonder: the Hollywood sign. The DASH Beachwood Canyon bus route stops near the trailhead.
6 PLITVI?KA JEZERA, CROATIA - Plitvice Lakes
You can reach these limestone lakes in the Dinaric Alps by bus from several major cities, including Split, Zagreb, and Zadar.
7 MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Great Blue Hill
This hill is located within Blue Hills Reservation, a 7,000-acre park just outside Boston. The 238 bus will take you to the Skyline Trail trailhead.
8 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Badu Mangroves
Walk through this mangrove forest located in Sydney Olympic Park, which you can reach on the T7 line of Sydney's train system.
9 BREÑA BAJA, SPAIN - The Black Beaches of La Palma
The sand on this beach is made of fine grains of volcanic rock. Bus route 500 runs between the island's airport, capital, and black sand beaches.
10 AVALON, CALIFORNIA - The Catalina Island Bison Herd
Passenger ferries run from four ports in Southern California to Santa Catalina Island. The island is home to many endemic species, as well as this unlikely bison herd.
11 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
While these gardens are not naturally occurring, their acres of lily ponds are stunning when in full bloom. You can reach the gardens by taking the Metro's Orange line to Deanwood.
12 NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Rat Rock in Morningside Heights
You can find this urban boulder around the corner from 116 Street Station on the 1 line of New York City's subway system.