Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is a wonderful place to explore the world below. The unique caverns were formed over 4 million years ago by sulfuric acid dissolving limestone – creating long tunnels and amazing rock formations. Take a self guided tour of the Big Room or embrace adventure and follow a ranger into the deep, dark, tight recesses of this fascinating park. Photo courtesy of Aaron Bates.

The snowiest place in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park’s winter blanket glows in the fading light of a purple sunset. Despite the frosty atmosphere, the lake rarely freezes. The last complete freeze was in 1949. Photo by John Dale (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge stretches into a sea of fog, as seen from a helicopter. California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which borders the bridge, is just as stunning at ground level. To the west, Kirby Cove features fantastic views and camping, while Fort Baker to the east offers crabbing, kayaking and hiking near a historic U.S. Army post. Sunset photo courtesy of Engel Ching.

Winter has come to Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska and left it wrapped in white and blue. Besides water and sky, every feature is coated with snow and frost – obscured by a wispy fog and lingering clouds. It’s peaceful, beautiful and cold enough to make your teeth chatter. Photo by J. Mills, National Park Service.

Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires in North America. This western Colorado landmark was sculpted by the Gunnison River and the forces of weather over 2 million years. Photo of a snowy and fog-filled canyon by Judd Clark, National Park Service.

Congaree National Park in South Carolina protects a watery wonderland of old-growth forest, including some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Travel by canoe or kayak through 15 miles of wilderness on the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail – be sure keep an eye out for fall colors and wildlife like river otter, birds and maybe even an alligator! Photo courtesy of James and Jenny Tarpley, the park’s 2014 artists in residence.

On a chilly morning, photographer Susan Taylor waited more than an hour to capture the perfect pastel sunrise at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. “It’s been my mission and passion to support and photograph America’s parks and public lands since I was young teen,” Susan said. The park honors President Theodore Roosevelt, who fell in love with the rugged landscape of grasslands, forests and rivers and started a cattle ranch at Elkhorn Ranch, which you can still visit today. Photo courtesy of Susan Taylor.

Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 729,000 acres of freshwater wetlands in south Florida. Together with neighboring Everglades National Park, the preserve is essential to the health of the state’s diverse wildlife and marine estuaries. It’s also a place of stunning beauty and amazing outdoor experiences. Aerial photo by John Kellam, National Park Service.

Morning greets Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming with curling clouds and snow-dusted peaks. When photographer Eric Adams noticed the weather clearing through airport windows, he rebooked his flight, rented a car and drove along the park’s Jenny Lake Road to capture this stunning scene. Photo courtesy of Eric Adams.

Arches National Park in Utah is the perfect place to snuggle into your sleeping bag and spend the night counting stars. Towering rock formations reach for the Milky Way as the magnificent landscape surrounds you in silence. Photo by Allen Utzig (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).