Capitol Reef National Park in Utah got its name from the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble capitol building domes and the rocky cliffs – which act as a reef, creating a barrier to travel. The park is one of the best geological classrooms in the world. Rock layers in Capitol Reef reveal ancient environments as varied as rivers and swamps, Sahara-like deserts and shallow oceans, each marking an era through almost 200 million years of Earth’s history. Photo by David Long (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

A fall visit to North Cascades National Park in Washington is a great chance to see the larches in their gorgeous fall colors. Photographer Meghan Young captured this beautiful scene. “We went on an overnight hike and woke to a fresh dusting of snow, the perfect complement to the fiery orange of the trees. We watched the clouds dance over the distant hills while taking in the views, dumbstruck by the beauty of the moment!” Photo courtesy of Meghan Young.

A stroll through the Monterey cypress tunnel is one of many ways to enjoy serenity and scenery at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. From rocky headlands and sand beaches that seem to stretch forever to open grasslands and forested ridges, the park’s unique landscapes captivate visitors and provide a home for over 1,500 species of plants and animals. Photo courtesy of Brian Chan.