The designation of “national monument” evokes statues and memorial buildings that do not sound too interesting for landscape photographers. However, in the United States, the term has a different meaning. What you will find among our national monuments are vast lands rivaling the national parks in beauty, diversity, cultural heritage and unique photographic destinations. You will not find crowds, tight regulations or over-photographed views. Get ready for an adventure off the beaten path. Whitmore Canyon Overlook, morning. Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona. What Are National Monuments? Like national parks, national monuments are federally protected areas. They vary in size from less than an acre to surface areas comparable to large U.S. states. They preserve natural or historic features. The main administrative...