Wildflowers are in full bloom at the Pryor Mountain Wilderness Study Area! Located on the border of Wyoming and Montana, this scenic area’s rugged, isolated portions of the Pryor Mountain Range may be tough to get to but the view is worth it. Some areas are only accessible by ATV, horseback or on foot. In less than 13 miles, the landscape transitions through a wide spectrum of geologic and biotic features, ranging from desert environments to those found in sub-alpine mountainous settings. Opportunities for nature photography, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, nature study, and scenic viewing are outstanding. Pryor Mountain is approximately nine miles north of Lovell, Wyoming. Before venturing into this wilderness study area, make sure to check in with the Bureau of Land Management’s Billings Field Office and grab a map. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands.

Wildflowers are in full bloom at the Pryor Mountain Wilderness Study Area! Located on the border of Wyoming and Montana, this scenic area’s rugged, isolated portions of the Pryor Mountain Range may be tough to get to but the view is worth it. Some areas are only accessible by ATV, horseback or on foot. In less than 13 miles, the landscape transitions through a wide spectrum of geologic and biotic features, ranging from desert environments to those found in sub-alpine mountainous settings. Opportunities for nature photography, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, nature study, and scenic viewing are outstanding. Pryor Mountain is approximately nine miles north of Lovell, Wyoming. Before venturing into this wilderness study area, make sure to check in with the Bureau of Land Management’s Billings Field Office and grab a map. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands.

Massive Navajo sandstone domes and fins, steep cliffs, and natural arches erupt out of the desert landscape within Utah’s Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area. The area’s extreme topography makes cross-country foot travel very challenging, yet possible. The highly scenic rock fins traversing the wilderness study area are popular subjects for photographers. Behind the Rocks offers amazing views of the La Sal mountains and is nearby to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. For those who prefer to catch their scenery at a little faster pace, there are plenty of nearby mountain biking trails and off-highway vehicle routes. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands.

The walk along the Ocean Path at Acadia National Park in Maine is an easy stroll past tide pools, smooth boulders, jagged cliffs and lush forests. The deep smell of salt air accompanies the dramatic ocean views and the cacophony of breaking waves. The first national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia has been thrilling visitors for generations. Photo by William Mobilian (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve in Alaska offers visitors a chance to explore a gorgeous and largely untouched landscape. Whether you float the mighty Yukon River or paddle the Charley River’s whitewater, your memories will last a lifetime. Geology, cultural history, gold rush remnants, wildlife and vast scenery will be a part of your experience. Photo by Sean Tevebaugh, National Park Service.

Here’s a photo to get your heart racing. The massive stone column at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming – known as “Bear’s Lodge” or “Bear’s Tipi” to local tribes – rises 867 feet from its base. Hundreds of parallel cracks divide Devils Tower into large hexagonal columns, making it one of the finest traditional crack climbing areas in North America. Approximately 5,000 climbers a year test their skills on this amazing natural tower. Photo by National Park Service.

On land or lake, there’s so much to see and do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. Along its 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline are over 15 miles of towering sandstone cliffs, 12 miles of beautiful beaches and 5 miles of sand dunes. You can climb to the top of a lighthouse, hike through forests, kayak past waterfalls or just lay on a beach. It’s a perfect summer getaway! Photo by Betty Greene (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Whether you have an hour, a day or a week, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a great place to explore. Meander along Skyline Drive, picnic with the family or walk through the forested hillsides, where oak trees, birches and poplars stretch to the sky. Photo from Low Gap (mile 8) by N. Lewis, National Park Service.

The weather at the Grand Canyon can be as varied as the landscape. Dramatic elevation changes influence air temperature and circulation. Incredible heat is common at the canyon floor in the summer and unexpected thunderstorms can pop up quickly. With such sweeping vistas, storm watching can be a thrilling experience. Photo by Scott Keelin (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on Sanibel Island in south Florida. Part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States, the refuge is famous for its spectacular migratory birds. One of the most recognizable is the roseate spoonbill, a large pink bird that uses its long, curiously shaped bills to catch prey as it wades in shallow water. Photo courtesy of Harold Wagle.