One of the greatest things about the United States is the great variety of geography we can boast as our own. Unfortunately, as a result of the government shutdown, many of these locations are no longer open to the public as the National Parks system shutters itself until the problem is resolved. Here are 9 of America's most beautiful National Parks that we should all be missing while congress tries to solve its problems. 

Death Valley National Park:

Not only is Death Valley home to the lowest point in the United States that isn't underwater, it's also one of the most beautiful locations in the country. From 11,000 foot Telescope Peak you can see Badwater Basin, home to the lowest point in the Continental United States at -282, and 14,500 foot Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states. Add to that dozens of beautiful canyons, soaring sand dunes, and amazing hot springs that we can't access because the government has shut down and you might have more than enough reasons already to be frustrated with congress. Sadly, we're only getting started. 

Yellowstone National Park:

Quite Possibly the most well known park in America, Yellowstone is famous for its abundant geysers, the grandest of which is Old Faithful. In addition to all the impressive geothermal activity, however, Yellowstone boasts plenty of wildlife. From large herds of Bison to Gray Wolves and Grizzly Bear, if it's wildlife viewing you're looking for you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere better. Where else can you get so close to a 2,000 pound Bison that you could almost reach out and touch it? Not that we're recommending you do that of course. Too bad the park is closed until further notice.

Everglades National Park:

The Everglades are a truly special place. Located in southern Florida, it is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. In addition to having geography unique to the park, the Everglades are home animals as diverse as the Florida panther and the American crocodile. Though portions of the Everglades have been developed, several restoration projects aimed at restoring the ecology have begun. Those wishing to visit this beautiful park, however, will once have to wait until Congress sorts itself out. 

Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial:

Okay, so the American Cemetery in Normandy isn't a National Park, nor is it even anywhere near the continental United States, but thanks to our elected official's failures the cemetery, along with all other American battle monuments and cemeteries, has been closed for the duration of the shutdown. Sitting on a bluff above Omaha Beach, the cemetery is a testament to the sacrifices made by thousands of Americans during the Normandy invasion and the ensuing European Campaign. One of the most powerful and emotionally moving monuments in the world, the endless fields of white crosses stand as a stark reminder of the true cost of war. 

Grand Canyon National Park:

We all know what the Grand Canyon is, but that doesn't mean we can't complain about the park being closed thanks to the government shutdown now in effect. With the closing of this park, not only will visitors be unable to hike the many trails around the rim of the Canyon, rafters, many of whom have held reservations for months, will be unable to enjoy the seething rapids and graceful elegance of the mighty Colorado River. This provides just one more example of how the government blowing it is causing one of our country's most awe inspiring natural features to be closed to the public.

Yosemite National Park:

Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Though these are perhaps the most well known features of this classic American park, they barely begin to scratch the surface of everything Yosemite has to offer. Yosemite has its own vibrant culture, centered around Camp 4, which is the base for almost all major climbing expeditions in Yosemite. Not only does some of the West's most impressive geography call Yosemite home, its location just a few hours away from the Bay Area means that this park receives almost 4 million annual visitors. That's nearly 11,000 new visitors a day. This means that even if the government shutdown only lasts for a week, more than 50,000 people won't be able to visit the park. That can't exactly be good for the areas economy. 

Sequoia National Park:

Of all the beautiful and amazing parks in the United States, none is more unique than Sequoia National Park. Visitors to this park get the chance to view the biggest trees in the entire world. Though the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world by volume, is the park's most well known attraction, there have been rumors in recent years that groups of explorers have discovered stands of Sequoias that dwarf the General Sherman tree in size. Fearing exploitation by loggers, however, the groups have refused to release any information about where these trees are supposedly located. Perhaps it should be mentioned that Mt. Whitney also is within this park's boundaries. You were on the list to climb it this week? That's unfortunate. 

Glacier National Park:

This park, located in there very northwestern corner of Montana, provides what is perhaps the greatest and most awesome proof that the ice ages really did take place. Huge sweeping granite slabs, carved out thousands of years ago by shifting masses of ice hundreds of feet high, dominate the landscape. Because access to the most remote regions of this park can bored on the impossible, Glacier remains one of the most pristine parks in the United States. One of the most interesting facts about Glacier is that among its many peaks there exists one known as Triple Divide Peak. Triple Divide Peak is fascinating because all water that falls on it's summit can flow to the Pacific, Atlantic, or even the Arctic oceans. If that isn't a difficult fact to comprehend I don't know what is. 

Shenandoah National Park:

If you thought all the Nation's best parks were in the West, think again. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, contains one of the last truly wild large spaces on the east coast. One of the park's most prominent features, apart from the wondrous Skyline Drive, are its many waterfalls. Shenandoah has dozens of beautiful waterfalls, with many in excess of 50 feet high, and several nearing 100. Though the park lacks the huge mountains and vast geographic features common in more western parks, Shenandoah simple yet sophisticated beauty is more than enough to attract millions of visitors every year.  

These are just a few of the National Parks that the public can't access because of the government shutdown; there are many more parks that weren't mentioned here that are just as beautiful and contain geography unlike anywhere else in the world. 

These parks are all symbols of America's magnificence, and their closing indicates how dire things in Washington have become. Congress needs to act quickly to end this shutdown, for these nine reasons and many thousands more. 

Reach Executive Producer Christopher Coppock by email.