People get really excited about Badlands National Park in South Dakota. The sudden change in landscape from grassy plains to colorful, jagged rock formations comes as a pleasant shock. The wildlife – both ancient fossils and roaming freely – is fascinating. Photographer Kevin Griffith really enjoyed his visit: “This was taken last August, a little bit off Badlands Loop Road. It was an awesome experience! We had some decent sightings earlier in the day of some bighorn sheep and bison in the distance, but seeing these guys lined up on a narrow ledge just hanging out was really cool! It was just what I was hoping to find in the park.” Photo courtesy of Kevin Griffith. 

A magnificent sunrise kisses the landscape at Grand Teton National Park with early morning light. The skyline of the Teton Range in northwestern Wyoming depicts quintessential mountain beauty. Many have stood in awe, in this very place, pondering life and overwhelmed by the stunning surroundings. Isn’t it spectacular? We’d love to hear about times you’ve been to your public lands and felt utterly awestruck. We can relive these memories again and again when we share them. Photo by Michel Henson (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The sunset brings vibrant orange hues over Skyline Arch and fills spectators with a resounding sense of awe. When visiting Arches National Park in Utah, try camping with family or friends in Devil’s Garden Campground. From there, take the short hike up behind Skyline Arch. Experiencing the sunset from this vantage point promises some of the best evening light and can be a dream scenario for photographers. Photo by Nina Mayer Ritchie (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The waterfalls and granite cliffs provide endless wonder at Yosemite National Park in California. With scenery sculpted by glaciers carving and smoothing the mountains, Yosemite’s waterfalls flow over the rock cliffs making a moonbow or “lunar rainbow” possible. In the spring and early summer, if the sky is clear and the moon is full, it can produce enough light to create a rainbow from a waterfall’s mist. Just another reason why Yosemite is a magical place. Pic courtesy of Dave Lyons.  

Coastal lupine flowers dance in the wind as the fog clears from the coastline at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. About an hour drive from San Francisco, the park offers stunning views of the ocean and over 150 miles of trails to explore. Stop in at the visitor center and see the exhibits about the historic lighthouse or collect more information on the whales, seals, sea lions and wildflowers, all part of what makes this national seashore a treasure. Pic by Lauren Buchholz (www.sharetheexperience.org)