The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a rolling landscape of badlands, which offers some of the most unusual scenery in New Mexico. Time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations out of sandstone and shale. Off the beaten path, it’s a great place to find solitude, explore the amazing desert landscape and marvel at the sunset. Photo by Theresa Rose Ditson (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

A photo of the moon glowing red because of smoke from Jones Fire in Willamette National Forest. With over 114 wildfires burning in the west, it’s a good reminder to check for closures before heading out to a national park, wildlife refuge or other public land location, monitor air quality conditions, seek guidance from local authorities on fire restrictions, and put together an emergency supply kit. Photo by Marcus Kauffman, Inciweb.

On this date in 1964, Canyonlands National Park was established. Canyonlands National Park preserves colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches and spires in the heart of southeast Utah’s high desert. Water and gravity have been the prime architects of this land – sculpting layers of rock into the rugged landscape park visitors know and love today. Photo of the park’s iconic Mesa Arch at sunrise by Terry Barnes (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

It’s been 16 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but the images of that day remain clear. Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and a third into the Pentagon in Virginia. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. Because of the actions of 40 passengers and crew aboard the fourth plane, Flight 93, the U.S. Capitol was saved. In New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and across the country, people will gather today to remember the depth of our loss and the strength of our resolve. By visiting these places and hearing their stories, those who were taken will never be forgotten. Photo from Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania by Tami Heilemann, Interior.

Whoa! ⚡️  Mother Nature puts on a show, creating this dramatic lightning shot at Colorado National Monument. Photo courtesy of JT Dudrow (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Among the incredible moments you can experience on public lands, one of the most overwhelming has to be walking among the tall trees at Redwood National and State Parks in California. Growing taller than a 35-story building, redwoods can live to be 2,000 years old. Only California’s North Coast provides the soil and climate necessary for these immense trees to flourish. They are truly a marvel of nature. Photo by Stuart Gordon (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Here’s a vivid sunset from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Taken from Jewell Hollow Overlook, this area was selected for its valley views, natural outlooks and interesting rock formations. The sunsets aren’t too bad either. Photo courtesy of Joseph Gruber.

What better place to relax than Easy Chair Crater in Nevada? Located along Lunar Crater National Back Country Byway, Easy Chair Crater doesn’t have anything to do with the moon. It’s origins lie deep within the Earth. Formed by a cinder cone volcano, it is littered with evidence of its violent past – cooled lava bombs and volcanic crystals. Photo by Chip Caroon, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands).

With Labor Day behind us, beach season is drawing to a close. If you’re looking for one more sunset stroll on the sand, check out Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts. With over 44,000 acres of beaches, wetlands, forests and grasslands, there’s a lot to explore. Photo by
Marisa Geraghty (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Winter might be around the corner at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, but we’re sharing one more summer scene from this epic Alaska park. This is a premier park for wilderness-oriented activities – from hiking, backpacking and fishing to hunting, river trips, kayaking and biking. Whatever you choose to do, it’s sure to be an adventure! Photo by National Park Service.