As bright as freshly fallen snow, the gypsum sands at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico are a mesmerizing sight. And just like snow, you can even go sledding on the dunes – while you may not need a winter coat, it can still get chilly. Be sure to stay for sunset and the cotton-candy colors that shine on the dunes and mountains. Photo by Amy Proctor (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

The solitude and beauty of a winter sunrise at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is unmatched. The park protects the United States’ deepest lake, which rarely freezes even in cold temperatures. Make the most of the season by strapping on snowshoes or skies to explore this volcanic landscape of scenic views and old-growth forests. Photo courtesy of Jordan McFall.

Nothing compares to staying up all night, watching the stars twinkle overhead. Derek Culver captured this amazing pic at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. The lights on the mountain: A few climbers getting an early start to the summit under the Milky Way.  Photo courtesy of Derek Culver.

The largest trees in the world, giant sequoias can stand more than 250 feet tall and grow over 30 feet wide at the base. These huge trees at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California are dressed for Christmas in their winter finery. Whatever your holiday tradition may be, we hope you enjoy a season of peace and joy. Photo courtesy of Susan Mapson Schleppenbach.

Cameras are the only way to safely see a caribou – also known as a reindeer – this close! More than half a million caribou migrate in summer and winter through the Central Brooks Range, which crosses Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. As they travel, caribou bring gifts to the land and those who depend on it, shaping plant communities by grazing and providing food for people and other wildlife like bears and wolverines. Looks like this reindeer is resting up for the big ride tonight. Photo by Zak Richter, National Park Service.

Snow coats the Grand Canyon in this gorgeous winter photo from a few years ago. For spectacular views of this geologic wonder, take Desert View Drive – a scenic 25-mile route on the South Rim of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. Photo from Pipe Creek Vista by Jeremy Evans (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Winter white and evergreen create a lovely palette at Olympic National Park in Washington. Snow in the lower Sol Duc Valley has added more beauty to an already stunning place. With over 875,000 acres of wilderness in the park, you’re sure to find many peaceful spots to enjoy. Photo by Megan Juran, National Park Service.

Happy first day of winter! All across the country, America’s public lands are being transformed into winter wonderlands. The days may be colder and shorter, but they are still full of adventure. We hope you find time to explore! Photo of California’s Yosemite National Park by Yu Shi (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Snow decorates the desert under a dreamy night sky at Joshua Tree National Park in California. To survive, Joshua trees depend on perfect conditions, including a crisp winter freeze – researchers believe that freezing temperatures may first damage the growing end of a branch and then stimulate flowering, followed by branching. Photo by Craig Schoenbaum (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Sunrise breaks the winter chill at Acadia National Park in Maine. As you admire the snow reflecting the morning light and listen to the waves lap at the stony shoreline, feel the warmth of another day welcome you to this beautiful place. Park Loop Road has closed for the season, but Ocean Drive remains open as conditions allow. Happy exploring! Photo by Rebecca Wilks (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).