This week, Grand Canyon National Park celebrates its 98th birthday. Long before it became a national park, this landmark’s timeless beauty was well known throughout the country and parts of the world. Today the canyon is no less a source of inspiration than it was for these early tourists. 

As we celebrate nearly 100 years of protecting this special place, check out 13 great facts about this Arizona icon.

Photo from Yavapai Point by Cat Connor (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

On this day in 1917, Denali National Park was established. While we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this area’s scenic beauty, Denali’s rich history dates back much further. For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have lived on the land surrounding the Denali area and used the resources of the land for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, handicrafts and trade. Today the park preserves a diverse tapestry of plant life and intact ecosystems where bears, wolves, caribou, moose and Dall sheep roam as they have for thousands of years. Photo by National Park Service.

Bass Lake is a serene stop off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. With miles of trails wandering by the lake and through the forest, you’ll enjoy every minute of your visit. Taking pictures along the parkway is a passion of photographer Jim Ruff, and this golden sunrise is his favorite shot from this winter. Photo courtesy of Jim Ruff.