Thor's Hammer Hoodoo at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah

Originally posted on another platform by U.S. Department of the Interior:

One of the most famous hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, Thor’s Hammer stands over 10 stories high. More hoodoos are found in the park than at any other place in the world. Why? Bryce Canyon receives both above freezing temperatures and below freezing temperatures over 200 nights out of the year. During the day, water seeps into the cracks in the rocks and then when the temperature drops, it freezes and expands. This expansion into ice causes tremendous pressure on the surrounding rock and causes it to break apart, sculpting this red rock wonderland. Photo by Keith Moore, National Park Service.

#Hoodoo #BryceCanyon #NationalPark #Utah #UT #NPS #rock #formation 
#stone 

Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

One of the most beautiful drives in America, Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park curves 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. With 70 overlooks and a 35 mph speed limit, you can take your time to enjoy mountains views and snowy sunsets. Photo by D. Machado, National Park Service. — atShenandoah National Park.

#beautiful #scenery #scenic #scene #view #outdoor #outdoors #outside

Northern Lights in Alaska

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Longer nights in Alaska mean more chances to see the northern lights. Above the frigid landscape of Denali National Park & Preserve, the dark sky comes alight with bright waves of color caused by massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields interacting with elements in the Earth's atmosphere. Who said science can’t be beautiful? Photo by Kent Miller, National Park Service. — at Denali National Park and Preserve.

#Alaska #AK #NationalPark

The Soon Arrival of Autumn

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

The first touches of fall are in the air at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. While most of the trees in this Colorado park are still green, snow showers dusted the Sangre de Cristo Mountains over the weekend, and the highest aspen groves are beginning to turn gold. This photo was taken south of the dunes looking toward California Peak at 13,855 feet. Photo by Patrick Myers, National Park Service. — at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.


#Colorado #CO

Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias | U.S. Department of the Interior

Check out this stunning shot of Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Open tomorrow for the first time in three years, the Mariposa Grove has undergone a landmark restoration project to improve natural hydrology, construct an accessible boardwalk and more. The grove includes 500 mature giant sequoias, making it the largest of three sequoia groves within Yosemite. The work to restore the grove will ensure it thrives and can be enjoyed by future generations. Photo by Al Golub, National Park Service. — at Yosemite National Park.

#Plant #Tree #Sequoia #Park #NationalPark #California #CA

Arches National Park in Utah | U.S. Department of the Interior

Visit Arches National Park in Utah to discover a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms and textures unlike any other in the world. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets. This photo was taken moments after sunset courtesy of Oz Santana. — with Ozéias Sant'ana at Arches National Park.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in Ohio | U.S. Department of the Interior

Located in southern Ohio, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is where the Hopewell people built enormous, landscape-scale geometric earthworks during the Middle Woodland period (1,500 – 2,100 years ago) in an extraordinary expression of cooperative cultural activity. Because of its cultural value, Interior is proposing that the United States nominate the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as a World Heritage Site. If selected, Hopewell would join other cultural and natural sites of universal importance such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. Learn more: https://on.doi.gov/2KNnQuL

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin | U.S. Department of the Interior

This gorgeous picture of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin won the Scenic, Seasons and Landscapes category of the Share the Experience photo contest. Photographer Michael DeWitt captured a sublime sunrise casting its morning glow over some of the islands that make up this remarkable park. Water recreation and boating are so popular here that even this sea stack looks like its trying to set sail. Photo by Michael DeWitt (www.sharetheexperience.org). — at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Happy birthday, Glacier National Park! | U.S. Department of the Interior

Happy birthday, Glacier National Park! On this day in 1910, President William Taft signed a bill into law establishing this Montana park -- making it our nation’s 10th national park. 108 years later, Glacier remains the Crown of the Continent with glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine turquoise lakes and streams, and dense ancient forests for all to enjoy: https://on.doi.gov/glacier. What is your favorite memory at Glacier?

Photo of Wild Goose Island by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service. — at Glacier National Park.

The Glittering Night Sky | U.S. Department of the Interior

The night sky is a glittering dome peppered with stars, planets, and passing meteors—but most people no longer get to see it. For many who visit public lands like Joshua Tree National Park, it is where they discover the starry night and views of the Milky Way for the first time. Check out five easy tips for exploring the park after dark: https://bit.ly/2q5aP7O Photo by Dana McMullen (www.sharetheexperience.org). — at Joshua Tree National Park.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve | U.S. Department of the Interior

Virtually unchanged except by the forces of nature,Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska is as wild as it is vast. Through endless summer days and winter nights colored by the Northern Lights, visitors travel by rivers and mountains yet to be named. With no roads, no trails and very few people, it’s the perfect place for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Photo by Carl Johnson, National Park Service. — at Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Department of the Interior

Located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is anything but dismal. With more than 111,200 acres of seasonally flooded wetland forest and the 3,100-acre Lake Drummond at its center, the refuge contains some of the most important wildlife habitat in the mid-Atlantic region. In the winter, the lake provides a resting place for thousands of migratory birds including Tundra Swans and Snow Geese. In the summer, it’s home to Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets. It’s also an amazing place to witness the start of a new day. Photo courtesy of Tom Hamilton. — with Tom Hamilton Photography at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

#nature #wildlife #habitat

Beautiful Winters at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon | U.S. Department of the Interior

Winters at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon are long and snowy -- but they sure are beautiful. Storms from the Pacific Ocean dump an average of 43 feet of snow in the park, making it the perfect place for a winter adventure. Photo courtesy of Christian Schaffer. — with Christian A. Schaffer at Crater Lake National Park.

Two Bear Cubs Looking Like They Are Playing Leapfrog | U.S. Department of the Interior

Life is better with friends. Just ask these two bear cubs that look like they are playing leapfrog at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska.#FriendsDay Photo by Hunt Karen (www.sharetheexperience.org). — at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado | U.S. Department of the Interior

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado isn't the most visited or well known national park, but with some of the most beautiful, dramatic, and steep cliffs in North America it shows just how amazing and diverse the National Park System is. Nick Souvall came here on a last minute change of plans, and he says, “I'm sure glad we did as we were treated with amazing views and an amazing sunset." Photo courtesy of Nick Souvall. — at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The sky is ablaze with color during sunset at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge in Montana | U.S. Department of the Interior

The sky is ablaze with color during sunset at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge in Montana. This wildlife refuge rests among the prairie potholes of the Mission Valley to serve primarily as a refuge and breeding ground for native birds. Photo by Dave Fitzpatrick, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region.

Fall snow drifts across Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | U.S. Department of the Interior

Fall snow drifts across Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. By now, Dream Lake, Bear Lake and Emerald Lake are frozen, but the frosty beauty of these areas still draw hikers throughout the winter. Swirling clouds and cracked ice make gorgeous pictures, but please be safe and carry the proper gear. Photo by Carlton Fuqua (www.sharetheexperience.org). — at Rocky Mountain National Park.

Crater Lake

With a depth of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States -- and one of the most beautiful. Surrounded by cliffs, the lake is fed entirely by rain and snow. No matter what time of year you visit, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is sure to leave you speechless. Photo courtesy of Ilanit Manor. — at Crater Lake National Park.

Starkly Beautiful Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska

Winters can be harsh, though starkly beautiful at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Temperatures can be well below 0 degrees F by November, and on the winter solstice, Denali receives less than 5 hours of true daylight. Those who venture to the park in winter will find plenty to do -- from skiing and winter biking to mushing and snowmobiling. Photo by Katie Thoresen, National Park Service. — at Denali National Park and Preserve.

Reflection Canyon | U.S. Department of the Interior

The sun peeks over the tops of the winding cliffs of Reflection Canyon. Part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this extremely remote site is challenging to reach and requires a long drive on rough (sometimes impassable) dirt roads, and miles of hiking over rugged, unmarked terrain. For Leo Xu, arriving at the end was the most rewarding scene after the toughest hike of his life. Photo courtesy of Leo Xu. — at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.