Check Out Some of the World's Most Epic Wonders: Rainbow Mountains
It's true: rainbow mountains exist! In fact, there are four around the world that you can explore, hike and of course, take stunning photos of for your Instagram.
These mountains are vibrant, colorful rock and sand formations created from a combination of tectonic plate movement, layered sediment and erosion. Basically, layered sandstone and minerals built up over millions of years and when tectonic plates moved, the colors began to appear. Combine that with water erosion, freezing and thawing and wind and voilà, epic rainbow-colored mountains appear.
So plan to add the following to your bucket list:
Vermilion Cliffs, Arizona, USA
Just south of Utah along Highway 89A, you can see these massive, colorful sand and rock formations from your car window. During the 19th century, a wagon route was created through the cliffs so settlers could get from Utah to Arizona. These days, these mountains are pretty isolated and deserted, making up a National Monument spanning almost 300,000 acres. The edges have some of the best rainbow formations, like the Paria River Gorge to the north and Coyote Buttes and the Wave to the west. The south and east edges are also impressive, with some of the most spectacular, towering cliffs.
Although the closest towns, Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, are tiny, you can still use your points to stay there. The Hampton Inn Lake Powell is a Hilton property, and there's also a Best Western Lake Powell. The Days Inn and Suites Kanab is a Wyndham property. We recommend flying into Phoenix or Las Vegas and then driving — it should take you around four hours from either city to reach the area. Plus, we think the Phoenix airport is pretty great, and we ranked it number one in the US in 2016.
Vinicunca Mountain, Peru
Also known as la Montaña de Siete Colores, or the seven-colored mountain, the nickname pretty much speaks for itself. A day trip away from Cusco, the hike is best done with a guide, because this particular section of the Andes can be difficult to find.
This is at 17,000 feet above sea level, and altitude sickness will likely strike if you plan to hike this wonder. Follow our tips to prevent and treat it. Plan to bring layers too, as it can get very cold as you near the top. This hike is not for beginners or anyone with disabilities or injuries — it can be extremely difficult and despite what tour agencies in Cusco might tell you, conditions can become very rough in rain or snow, so we don't recommend attempting the hike in bad weather.
Speaking of Cusco, it's a great jumping off point for not only visits to Rainbow Mountain, but to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. You can stay in several different hotels using points; we recommend SPG's Palacio del Inka.
Zhangye National Geopark, Gansu, China
Repeatedly selected as one of China's most beautiful national wonders, this national park has colorful mountains that aren't quite as tall as some of the others on this list, but just as striking. The mountain range, named an UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans about 120 square miles and the highest peak is around 8,000 feet. The area is becoming more and more tourist friendly, with 2014 improvements like small roads, viewing platforms and boardwalks so people can explore these special rock formations. For those with mobility issues, there is a sightseeing bus that will take you around for a small fee, making this one of the more accessible rainbow mountains on this list.
You'll have to find your way to the Gansu province in northern China to arrive here, though, and the best option is to fly into the Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY). This is a rather remote area, so check out our list of Chinese airlines so you can figure out your best route and preferred airline.
Landmannalaugar Mountain, Iceland
If you want to see the breathtaking beauty of this Icelandic national wonder, prepare to work for it. To reach it, you'll have to complete a four-day hike along the through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. But it's worth it — besides seeing the glorious, colorful peaks, you can also relax in pools of water as the whole area is full of geothermal hot springs. This will be also be a welcome rinse-off as you'll have to camp along the trail. There aren't any Starwood properties here!
We highly recommend doing this as a guided tour, especially if you aren't an experienced hiker. Riding horses in the Reserve is another fun way to explore parts of the area not accessible by car. For more fun stuff to do in Iceland, stay tuned for coming posts on The Point Guy's recent trip there to see the Northern Lights, hike through glaciers and snowmobile on black sand beaches. Plus, with so many deal alerts and new routes to Iceland, now is the time to go!
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.