Places Michael K Wants to Go

Earth's tallest volcano is sacred to Native Hawaiians, and home to a dozen world-class observatories.

The highest point in Florida is still the lowest high point in the country.

The highest point in Connecticut was incorrectly memorialized before surveyors discovered the actual spot.

The largest dinosaur trackway in North America is tucked away among this canyon's ghosts and archaeological gems.

The largest self-built castle in the U.S., six decades in the making.

At the tallest peak in Colorado, an electrifying mix of thin air, lightning, and rivalry.

A large stone map of Arkansas awaits visitors to its highest point.

The highest point in Arizona is an oddly snow-topped peak within the otherwise arid state.

The highest point in Alabama was almost completely deforested, but is now home to protected towers and trees.

The highest point in Washington state is a volcano covered in glaciers.

This highest peak in Idaho can only be reached by traversing a formation known as "Chicken-Out Ridge."

The easiest way to the highest point in Wyoming is only accessible via one hefty fee.

Despite a legend that says this highest peak in Oregon was climbed in high heels, scores of people have died on its slopes.

The highest point in Montana is as rugged and singular as the state itself.

The only Florida state park with publicly accessible caves.

Nearly 200 prehistoric giants lurk among the trees at this theme park.

The summit Roosevelt conquered before he descended to become The Chief.

Once close to extinction, there is no shortage of elephant seals on the beaches of Año Nuevo State Park.

This stretch of beach along California's central coast is a busy highway for the largest seal in the northern hemisphere.

Happy harbor seals frolic and snooze on this warm, sandy stretch of coast.

Massive mounds of golden sand look like a desert landscape randomly plopped in an Arctic forest.

An enormous goose sits atop this nest-shaped home.

You can climb to the summit of Black Mountain, as long as you sign the waiver.

In this relatively flat state the highest point is an honored place.