Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Winter might be around the corner at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, but we’re sharing one more summer scene from this epic Alaska park. This is a premier park for wilderness-oriented activities -- from hiking, backpacking and fishing to hunting, river trips, kayaking and biking. Whatever you choose to do, it's sure to be an adventure! Photo by National Park Service. — at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. 

#Alaska #AK






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Petrified Forest National Park

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Discover a colorful wilderness at Petrified Forest National Park. Located near the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona’s Painted Desert, this awe-inspiring park was one of the first sites in the national park system to be designated a wilderness area for its untamed, natural beauty. Pictured here, Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area’s north unit allows hikers to roam the stunning red and orange landscape of the Painted Desert. Photo by National Park Service. — at Petrified Forest National Park. 

#NationalPark 




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If You Don't Like The Weather, Just Wait A Minute And It Will Change

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

One thing that Josh Packer loves about the Tetons is how quickly the weather can change. An hour before sunset, it was pouring rain and was windy as could be, but then the sun came out and created this beautiful scene at Grand Teton National Park’s Schwabacher Landing in Wyoming. Photo courtesy of Josh Packer. — at Grand Teton National Park. 

#Weather #GrandTetonNationalPark #NationalPark #Wyoming #WY 




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Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Located within the Pacific Flyway, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge in California is an important resting and nesting place for migrating birds. With a fascinating history and an uncertain future, the refuge takes visitors 227 feet below sea level to witness a stunning desert landscape. It can get extremely hot in August, but well prepared adventurers can still find gulls and migrating shorebirds. Photo by Sarah Chah (www.sharetheexperience.org). — in Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. 

#Scenic #Landscape #Habitat #Birds #California #CA #PacificFlyway 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s protected bays, pristine beaches and natural beauty provide outstanding water recreation and fun outdoor adventures. Public docks are found on 12 of the islands in the Wisconsin national lakeshore, and visitors can explore this area of Lake Superior by boat, kayak or canoe. Use safe boating practices and you’ll enjoy good times and stunning scenery. Photo by Jasmine Wilhelm (www.sharetheexperience.org). — at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. 

#Scenic #Wisconsin #LakeSuperior #WI 

Two Snoozing Little Red Foxes

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

These two little red foxes snoozing at Maine’s Acadia National Park are beyond cute! A mother fox gives birth to a litter of 2-12 kits, which the parents raise together. When the kits are about seven months old, they’re ready to strike out on their own. Check out more photos of cuddly animals:on.doi.gov/affectionateanimals. Photo by Jana Matusz, National Park Service. — at Acadia National Park.

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El Capitan

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

It’s that time of year again when visitors flock toYosemite National Park to see the famous Horsetail Fall -- the waterfall that looks like lava flowing down the side of El Capitan. This rare phenomenon only happens for a short time in February (if the conditions are perfect). When the setting sun’s rays hit the waterfall at just the right angle, it illuminates the water in brilliant reds and oranges. It’s a spectacular sight reminiscent of Yosemite’s historic Firefall! Photo courtesy of Ray Lee. — withRayOphotography13 at Yosemite National Park. 




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Lincoln Memorial

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

On this day in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Despite his humble beginnings and lack of formal education, Lincoln distinguished himself as an honest leader and a powerful speaker. Leading the nation through the Civil War, our 16th President fought for unity and helped bring an end to slavery in our country. Modeled after the Parthenon in Greece (the birthplace of democracy), the Lincoln Memorial honors his legacy. It’s a towering icon on the Washington, D.C., landscape that attracts visitors from all over the world to be inspired by Lincoln’s words and accomplishments. Photo courtesy of Drew Geraci. — at National Mall and Memorial Parks.

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Beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado encourages you to follow your wild spirit and see what’s over the horizon. In any season, the views are epic and the experiences are unforgettable. Stopping to take a picture of one of the most beautiful sunsets he’d ever seen, photographer Brandon Sharpe noticed “an elk doing his thing” and snapped this incredible image. Photo courtesy of Brandon Sharpe. — at Rocky Mountain National Park. 




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Lassen Volcanic National Park

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Located in northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a true winter wonderland. Silent, snow-covered volcanoes hide magma beneath their calm surfaces -- clues to the area’s three million years of volcanic activity show up in steam vents, boiling springs and bubbling mudpots. Even in winter, these hydrothermal (“hot water”) features melt nearby snow and ice. Photo by Mike Matiasek, National Park Service. — at Lassen Volcanic National Park. 




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Winter in Arches National Park

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Winter brings peace and solitude to Arches National Park -- gone are the crowds and scorching heat that can plague summertime visits. It’s the perfect time to explore Balanced Rock and some of this Utah park’s other legendary rock formations. Sunset photo courtesy of Brock Slinger. — at Arches National Park.

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Sierra Ladrones Wilderness Study Area

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

For beauty off the beaten path, venture two hours southwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico to the Sierra Ladrones Wilderness Study Area. There are no trails through the area’s diverse landscapes of high mountain peaks, isolated canyons and badlands. Hiking to the top of Ladrones Mountain -- pictured here during a storm -- rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of the area’s mesa grasslands and piñon-juniper woodland. Photo by Julie Aguirre,Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico. — at Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico.




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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

This picture of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado is a perfect combination of stone, sand, snow and light. The Sangre de Cristo ("Blood of Christ") Mountains were named by early explorers for the crimson light that often appears on them at sunrise or sunset. The red color is especially vivid when the mountains and dunes are covered with snow. Photo by Patrick Myers, National Park Service. — at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 




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National Park of American Samoa

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, National Park of American Samoa offers an escape from the everyday and is one of our most remote parks. With a bit of explorer's spirit, you can discover secluded villages, snorkel coral reefs, observe tropical forest plants and wildlife, and explore the magnificent island and sea vistas. Check out more public lands that are the perfect escape from the cold:http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22

Photo by National Park Service. 




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Sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

You can never see too many sunsets on the Blue Ridge Parkway . After the first snow in Virginia this winter, photographer Brandon Dewey drove out to capture the sights. “The sky normally lights up once the sun dips behind the mountain ridges, but this night, there wasn't that much color. About 20 minutes after sunset, I was just about to pack up my gear when the sky finally caught on fire for less than two minutes.” Photo courtesy of Brandon Dewey. — with Blue Ridge Imagery at Blue Ridge Parkway. 




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Ice Dam at Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

You’ve got to see this! Among the amazing winter sights at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is the ice dam at Lower Falls. Growing over 100 feet tall, it’s an astounding natural spectacle. Winter at Yellowstone means fewer crowds, frigid temperatures and steaming geyser basins. Skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles become the primary modes of transportation as roads close, rivers and lakes freeze, and snowstorms transform the park into a winter wonderland. Photo by National Park Service. #YellowstonePledge — at Yellowstone National Park.

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The Croy Creek Trail System

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

The Croy Creek Trail System in southern Idaho offers stunning views and amazing recreational opportunities. Operated by the Bureau of Land Management, the trail system was designed and constructed primarily for motorcycle riders and mountain bikers, but hikers and equestrians also enjoy this gorgeous natural area. Get there early and you might catch a gorgeous winter sunrise from Bullion Gulch. Photo by Ace Hess, Bureau of Land Management - Idaho. — at Bureau of Land Management - Idaho. 


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