Like pages in a book, the rock layers of Black Canyon and Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado tell a story of past environments, ancient animals, and dynamic processes of geologic change.

At the rate of about one inch per every 100 years, the Gunnison River has slowly worked its way through the resistant rock layers, forming the narrow, steep-sided Black Canyon and Curecanti. Only a high volume, high-velocity river like the Gunnison could produce such a breath-taking canyon!

Photo courtesy of Sophie Bechara

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington delivers autumn with bright blue skies, sunshine and shimmering waterfalls. Michael Althauser snapped this photo while visiting the Paradise area, capturing the beauty of the park. “A brisk 1.4 miles from the trailhead brought us to Comet Falls, which made for just about the most perfect lunch spot one could imagine. It’s named Comet Falls because when the water hits the rocks below, it sprays out in a few distinct directions and looks like shooting stars, especially when shady in the afternoon.” Photo courtesy of Michael Althauser.

Upon getting out of the army in 2016, I wanted nothing more than to visit our nation’s national parks. And after four years of travel, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is still the one that takes my breath away more than any other. I took this image with my trusty Nikon D8 10 camera on a frosty 22° morning in October 2019. As always, I woke up at about 4 a.m., found myself a cup of coffee, drove to one of my favorite lookouts and waiting for the sun to rise. Photo and words courtesy of Brian Johns.

Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland was first established as a Recreational Demonstration Area to help thousands of acres of forests and hills recover from the effects of logging and farming. In those second-growth forests, trails and cabins were built so people could visit and enjoy the cool air and wonderful views. Some camps were used for disabled children and the Salvation Army. During World War II, the Marines used Camp Misty Mount as a training facility. One camp was converted for use as a peaceful retreat for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Other presidents kept up that tradition with President Dwight Eisenhower renaming the presidential vacation spot after his grandson: Camp David. Photo of Camp Misty Mount at Catoctin Mountain Park by Thomas Zygmunt, National Park Service.

Dragging yourself out of bed to greet the sunrise takes determination. Yet rising early ensures an exhilarating experience, especially at Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii. The summit of Haleakalā is a wahi pana - a legendary place. To see the sunrise from the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Haleakala takes some preplanning and a reservation made through recreation.gov. But as you watch the sun slowly make its way above the clouds, bathing everything in a wash of warm hues, you realize there’s no better way to welcome the day. It’s an incredible opportunity to watch the barren but colorful volcanic landscape come to life. Photo by Jeff Nigro (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Welcome to Paradise. Located on the south side of Mount Rainier National Park, the area features stunning scenery, waterfalls and subalpine meadows. The second you reach the parking lot, you’re overwhelmed with epic mountain views. The rolling, verdant mountainside along the Myrtle Falls trail provides plenty of opportunities for photographs and places to pause and process the beauty.  At these higher elevations, it’s always good to prepare for winter conditions, be flexible with your plans and follow safety measures that the park recommends. Photo by Kristopher Schoenleber (www.sharetheexperience.org).

This little coyote pup was recently born in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Coyotes are canines with gray to tan coloring with long snouts, large erect ears and a bushy tail with a black tip. They stand about 2 feet high at the shoulder and weigh from 20 to 50 pounds when full grown. They can be found throughout North America and live successfully in habitats ranging from wilderness to dense cities. Coyotes are nocturnal, typically sleeping during the day and active at night. Shy and sneaky, it’s more common to hear their yips and howls than to see them. Photo by National Park Service.

Deep in the enchanting woods of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, fireflies perform their mesmerizing light show over a two-week period between mid-May to mid-June. Synchronous fireflies are among the 19 species found in the park. The fireflies sync up their flashing patterns, timing everything like a luminous dance number. They require an extremely dark environment to stay coordinated, and any light that enters the area throws off their whole performance. Their presence beckons to photographers and viewers alike, to explore the Appalachian forests of Tennessee and North Carolina after dark –with eyes peeled for flashing. This image is a combination of close to 100 photos with long exposure. What a magical place this world is, especially with these dazzling beetles. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Hoomes.

You got an early start. The morning mist still drifts between the trees as the trail leads you deeper into the forest. The cool mountain air is a relief from the summer and stress. You can only hear the birds chirping and the sound of your own footsteps. Like Native Americans, pioneers and people just like you, the invigorating peace of these mountains and woods will stir your soul. Photo at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park in Kentucky and Tennessee by National Park Service.

Like pulling the veil off the face of the love of your life, the fog lifts and reveals the unparalleled beauty of Yosemite National Park in California. On this day in 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law setting aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove as protected lands. Overshadowed by the Civil War, this news received little attention, but it set a significant precedent - places of scenic and natural importance should be protected for the enjoyment of all people. Photo by National Park Service.