Zion National Park in Utah delivers winter charm with a peaceful elegance. Nearly half of Zion Canyon’s annual precipitation falls between December and March and when the temperatures drop, that means snow and frost display beautifully. Depending on elevation, the snow may accumulate or melt away quickly – either way - it’s a special time to experience the park. Check on the current conditions from the website and prepare accordingly. There’s nothing like experiencing Zion’s trees illuminated with hoarfrost and its  2,000-foot Navajo Sandstone cliffs, seeps and streams decorated with a fresh coat of snow. Photo by Shauna Sprunger (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The Guadalupe Mountains of Texas are sometimes called an island in the sky. Rising abruptly above the vast and formidable Chihuhuan desert, the rocky bluffs and canyons shelter mountain springs, rich forests and fascinating wildlife. Visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park can learn about this unique landscape’s incredible origins, try to spot a road runner rushing by or hike to the highest point in the state to marvel at the magnificent views. Photo by National Park Service.

Did you know that June is National Oceans Month? Covering over 70 percent of the planet, oceans are vital to our climate, food supply and way of life. Wherever you live, everyone is connected to the ocean. Interior is a principal steward of America’s ocean and coastal resources. With 88 ocean and coastal parks and 183 marine and coastal national wildlife refuges, there are countless ways to experience our country’s waters, marvel at its unique wildlife and explore its maritime heritage. This photo from Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi makes us want to dive right in. Photo by National Park Service.

Today is National Love Your Pet Day! Sharing beautiful adventures with our best friends makes everything better. Dog-friendly options are available at many public lands, like the lovely Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area in Nevada managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Watch the sunset, run free and get the zoomies (in designated areas) or take to the trail together. Exploring these places with our pets makes unfurgettable memories. Photo by Matthew Raifman (www.sharetheexperience.org).
Couple things to remember:
🐶 Always bag waste
🐶 Check the location’s website for rules around pets
🐶 Have a leash handy
🐶 Practice Leave No Trace
For more ideas, read about the best dog-friendly public lands. 

Seven new national parks in Alaska were established on this day in 1980. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act extended varying degrees of protection to over 157 million acres of public lands, doubling the size of the national park system. From ice-covered peaks to turquoise fjords, countless glaciers, forests, tundra, rivers and wildlife were added to the state’s conservation jewels. A lifetime of exploring and a heart the size of Denali are not enough to fully appreciate the wonders found on these lands and waters. Photo of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

Known simply as “the Arch,” architect Eero Saarinen’s stainless steel construction dominates the St. Louis skyline. Finished in 1965 and standing 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch is the tallest memorial in the U.S. and its ingenious elevator design allows visitors to enjoy the incredible view from the top. In 2010, Karen and Matt Smith quit their jobs to embark on a two-year journey to visit all the national parks. “At the time we finished there were 59 parks. We were thrilled when the Gateway Arch was made the 60th national park, and it felt like an honor and a homecoming to return and take our picture in front of the new entrance sign and get the official stamp in our park passports.” Photo courtesy of Karen and Matt Smith.

Waves break under a cotton candy morning sky at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. Spend time listening to the sound of the surf, climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, camp under the stars and find peace of mind in the sunshine at the nation’s first national seashore. With splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Hatteras National Seashore allows you the beach time you’ve been craving. Photo by Roupen Baker (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Shenandoah National Park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. Two peaks, Stony Man and Hawksbill, exceed 4,000 feet. The range of elevation, rocks, soils, precipitation and latitude create a mix of habitats. Tens of thousands of living creatures make their homes in the park, from black bear resting beneath rock overhangs to tiny aquatic insects darting through cool mountain streams. Take your time and explore the deep forests and rugged mountaintops on your next adventure. Photo by National Park Service. 

The sunset paints the sky with complementary colors along the Grapevine Hills Trail leading to Balanced Rock. Big Bend National Park in Texas offers a chance to explore the Chihuahuan Desert while surrounded by the Chisos Mountains. Though a desert landscape, this place is far from deserted, so look for signs of wildlife. Grapevine Hills Trail is an easy walk that turns into a hike leading you up through beautiful boulder arrangements to the iconic Balanced Rock. In the spring, bluebonnets, paintbrush, bi-color mustard, desert marigold, yucca and cacti blossoms add color to the desert landscape. Photo courtesy Matt Smith.

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.