This picture of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado is a perfect combination of stone, sand, snow and light. The Sangre de Cristo (“Blood of Christ”) Mountains were named by early explorers for the crimson light that often appears on them at sunrise or sunset. The red color is especially vivid when the mountains and dunes are covered with snow. Photo by Patrick Myers, National Park Service.

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, National Park of American Samoa offers an escape from the everyday and is one of our most remote parks. With a bit of explorer’s spirit, you can discover secluded villages, snorkel coral reefs, observe tropical forest plants and wildlife, and explore the magnificent island and sea vistas. Check out more public lands that are the perfect escape from the cold: http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22

You can never see too many sunsets on the Blue Ridge Parkway. After the first snow in Virginia this winter, photographer Brandon Dewey drove out to capture the sights. “The sky normally lights up once the sun dips behind the mountain ridges, but this night, there wasn’t that much color. About 20 minutes after sunset, I was just about to pack up my gear when the sky finally caught on fire for less than two minutes.” Photo courtesy of Brandon Dewey.