“We are never far from the lilt and swirl of living water. Whether to fish or swim or paddle, of only to stand and gaze, to glance as we cross a bridge, all of us are drawn to rivers, all of us happily submit to their spell. We need their familiar mystery. We need their fluent lives interflowing with our own.” — John Daniel

The John Day National Wild and Scenic River the longest undammed river in Oregon. It flows through colorful canyons, broad valleys and breathtaking terrain. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management.

Roam, bison style, under a gorgeous sky. The magnificent Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma includes 8,570 acres of designated wilderness and beautiful places to roam. Home to approximately 650 American bison, this stunning prairie land also provides habitat for bison, white-tailed deer, elk, Texas longhorn cattle, and more than 240 bird and 50 mammal species. Photographer Debra Gail explains why this photo means something to her,  "I am overwhelmed by the emotions I feel when having the opportunity to photograph in this extraordinary place. I love the bison’s symbolism because they are the largest land animal in the United States, and the refuge is on the Great Plains, a land on which I feel most connected.“ Photo courtesy of Debra Gail.

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).

Moonlight illuminates the surreal and delicate rock formations of Fantasy Canyon. Located about 40 miles south of Vernal, Utah, the naturally weathered sandstone rises dramatically from clay beds, exposing fantastically colored and shaped configurations. A self-guided rock trail dotted with interpretive signs provides information about the surrounding natural wonders. Even though the area is only about 10 acres in size, it contains some of the world’s most unique geologic features and gives off the feeling you’ve been transported to another world. Photo by John D’Onofrio (www.sharetheexperience.org).

What a view! Gilded clouds stretch in gleaming ribbons across the cool Nevada sky. Basin and Range National Monument is famous for its empty spaces—but behind the austere of deserted ranges lies monument valleys, winding canyons and brilliant rock art – perfect for exploring. Drive two hours north from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, and stumble into serene solitude when you tread into this sprawling wilderness. It’s a landscape that unfolds with craggy cactuses and extends for hundreds of miles to meet striking mountains on the horizon. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management.

It turns out, the golden views at Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge are what you find at the end of the rainbow. This Colorado wildlife refuge offers glimpses of both the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Great Sand Dunes National Park in the distance. The auto-tour route between April and early fall allows a drive, in solitude, amongst wetlands home to dozens of bird species. Along the Rio Grande River Trail, you will see a wide variety of habitats, from lush grasses to dense stands of willow, to towering cottonwood trees. Photo courtesy of Patricia Henschen.

Happy National Trails Day! We’re celebrating the National Trail System and the way trails connect us to adventure, exercise, natural beauty and one another. From a relaxing walk through the woods to a challenging hike, their variety in length, scenery and difficulty offers something for everyone. This photo captures a pink sunrise at mile 200 of the legendary Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. Whether you choose to hike locally or in the middle of desert wildflowers in bloom, everyone deserves a journey along a trail. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management.

There is so much to discover on public lands. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is the second largest wilderness area in Arizona. A campaign by the Arizona Boy Scouts helped establish the refuge in 1939 to protect desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The refuge’s name – Kofa – comes from an acronym for one of the area’s most notable mines, the King of Arizona gold mine. Photo by Rebecca Wilks (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Just an hour from downtown Washington, D.C., Douglas Point offers a tranquil respite from the rush of the city. Several hiking trails (including part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail) lead through a beautiful hardwood forest to narrow beaches along the Potomac tidewaters. The Bureau of Land Management and the State of Maryland jointly acquired about 1,270 acres of land known as Douglas Point, and it’s one of the last remaining undeveloped tracts along the Potomac River. In addition to connecting nearby residents to the outdoors, Douglas Point offers visitors a chance to learn about the region’s history – close by are a Civil War encampment site of approximately 25,000 troops, archeological sites and the evolving ecosystems of the shipwrecks at Mallow Bay. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands

Autumn is in full swing at California’s Eastern Sierra near the famous ghost town of Bodie Hills. Although these rounded sage-covered peaks are less dramatic than their adjoining Sierra Nevada neighbors, they climb above 10,000 feet and offer great opportunities for prepared travelers to explore away from the crowds. A loop route leading from the Bodie ghost town back to Bridgeport via Bodie-Masonic and Aurora Canyon Roads offers glimpses of hidden windswept aspen groves and views of the rugged Sierra Nevada crest – even better vistas can be had with some hiking. Both mule deer and pronghorn antelope can be seen along the route. Hunting, wildlife viewing and exploring the backcountry roads are popular pastimes in this area. High clearance vehicles are recommended for these remote unpaved roads, and be sure to check local weather conditions before venturing out. Photos by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands.