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Some landscapes on Earth look so unusual that they are often compared to scenes from science fiction.
From salt flats and volcanic deserts to ice fields and red-rock valleys, these places are shaped by extreme geology and climate.
They attract tourists, filmmakers, and researchers, but many are fragile and face pressure from growing visitation.
Local rules and careful travel practices are increasingly part of the experience.

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Across the world, certain landscapes stand out for how unfamiliar they look. They can resemble the surface of Mars, the Moon, or a distant exoplanet. The comparison is usually poetic, but the underlying reasons are real. Uncommon minerals, intense erosion, volcanic activity, and extreme dryness or cold can create terrain that feels far from everyday Earth.

These destinations have become popular in travel culture. They also matter to science. Researchers use some of them as “analogs,” places that help test equipment and ideas for space exploration. At the same time, many of these environments are sensitive. Foot traffic, off-road driving, and litter can leave long-lasting marks.

The idea of “another-planet” travel is not new. What has changed is how widely images circulate and how quickly a remote site can become a must-see stop. In many regions, local authorities and park managers now balance access with protection.

## Salt flats that look like a mirror world
Large salt flats can create a stark, bright horizon with few visual cues for distance. In some seasons, a thin layer of water turns the surface into a mirror. The effect can make people feel as if they are walking through the sky.

The best-known examples include the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and the Bonneville Salt Flats in the United States. These areas form where ancient lakes dried up, leaving thick salt deposits behind. The surface can be surprisingly delicate. Tire tracks and footprints may persist, especially when the crust is wet.

## Volcanic deserts and black rock fields
Volcanic landscapes often look “alien” because they are young in geological terms and lack soil. Fresh lava flows can form rippled rock, sharp clinker, and dark plains that absorb heat. Steam vents, sulfur staining, and crater fields add to the otherworldly feel.

Iceland is widely associated with this kind of terrain, including lava fields and geothermal areas. Hawaii also has extensive volcanic features, though access varies and some areas are protected or hazardous. In many volcanic zones, visitors are asked to stay on marked paths. The ground can be unstable, and fragile mosses and crusts can take decades to recover once damaged.

## Red-rock basins and wind-carved canyons
Desert regions with iron-rich rock can produce deep reds and oranges that are often compared to Mars. Wind and water erosion then carve mesas, arches, and narrow canyons, creating dramatic shapes and layered cliffs.

The American Southwest is a major example, with many protected parks and tribal lands. Similar red-rock scenery appears in parts of Australia and the Middle East. These landscapes are popular for hiking and photography. They also face common pressures, including crowding at viewpoints, trail widening, and the temptation to climb on delicate formations.

## High-altitude deserts and mineral-colored lagoons
At high elevations, thin air, strong sun, and limited vegetation can make a plateau feel stark and exposed. In some places, mineral-rich water creates lagoons in vivid greens, blues, or rust tones. Nearby, geysers and hot springs can add steam and strong smells of sulfur.

The Andes contain several high-altitude desert regions where salt flats, volcanoes, and colorful lakes sit close together. Conditions can change quickly, and altitude sickness is a real risk for some travelers. Local guides and gradual acclimatization are often recommended where services exist.

## Polar ice, blue glaciers, and “white deserts”
In polar and subpolar regions, ice can dominate the landscape in a way that feels like another world. Glaciers can appear bright blue where dense ice absorbs red light. Sea ice and snowfields can create a near-featureless horizon, especially in flat light.

Antarctica is the most extreme example, but similar sensations can be found in Greenland, parts of Alaska, and high mountain ranges. These environments are closely tied to climate conditions. Many operators and parks emphasize strict rules on wildlife distance, waste, and biosecurity to reduce human impact.

## Why these places matter beyond tourism
Scientists use some extreme environments as test sites for instruments and field methods. Dry valleys, volcanic plains, and salt-rich basins can help researchers study how life persists under stress and how rocks and minerals form in harsh conditions.

For local communities, tourism can bring jobs and income, but it can also strain water supplies, roads, and emergency services. In response, some destinations use permits, visitor caps, seasonal closures, or designated routes.

For travelers, the “another planet” feeling often comes with a simple trade-off. The more unusual the landscape, the more easily it can be damaged. Staying on trails, respecting closures, and following local guidance are increasingly part of what it means to visit these rare corners of Earth.