Every spring, the cherry blossoms at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. explode into a gorgeous display of white and pink. Blooming into flowering clouds that hover over the Tidal Basin, it’s an incredible natural event in the middle of an urban area. With peak bloom expected March 19-22, the National Park Service is getting ready to welcome over 1.5 million people to this annual festival. Photo from a previous year by Jesse Collins (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Many visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are mystified: Why is there a Sahara-like dunefield below alpine peaks that reach over 13,000 feet in Colorado? The answer is complex, but the two essential elements are here: Avast, arid, closed basin that lakes once covered and a mountain barrier with a low curve to funnel winds into this natural pocket. Learn more at https://on.doi.gov/2lU4nyW. Photo by Patrick Myers, National Park Service.

Within sight of downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park in Florida protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. There’s also evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, fish, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife or simply enjoy a gorgeous sunrise over the ocean. Photo courtesy of Andrew R. Slaton.

Travel back in time at Hovenweep National Monument where six prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a 20-mile expanse of mesa tops and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. Multi-storied towers that are perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders lead visitors to marvel at the skill and motivation of their builders. Newly retired Gary German snapped this wonderful sunrise photo while enjoying his morning coffee from the park’s Sleeping Ute Mountain. Photo courtesy of Gary German.

There’s something interesting around every turn at Badlands National Park in South Dakota. You’ll see colorful rock formations, a mind-blowing collection of fossils, wildlife like bighorn sheep, bison and prairie dogs, and sunrises that will inspire you. In sunlight or snow, the park’s 244,000 acres offer a tempting reason for you to get outside and explore. Photo by National Park Service.

The Iditarod National Historic Trail in Alaska encompasses a 1,500-mile system of winter trails that first connected ancient Alaska Native villages, opened up Alaska for the gold rush and now plays a vital role for travel and recreation. Maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, the trail is now mostly closely identified with the famous annual sled dog race. The race, which started this weekend, challenges the racer and the 21 dog team with harsh conditions across rugged, but beautiful terrain. Photo by Kevin Keeler, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands).

Half the park is after dark when the night skies come alive with dazzling stars. In the winter, skies are filled with a whole new catalog of stars, making the experience even better. Derek Culver took this amazing photo in December of Zion National Park in Utah. That’s the Virgin River, the Watchman, and in the sky, you can see the Orion Constellation with Barnard’s loop and Orion Nebula. Photo courtesy of Derek Culver.

Sunset at Death Valley National Park in California is a magical time. The retreating sun mutes the shadowed ripples and graceful curves of the sand dunes while the day’s last light focuses on the mountaintops. Here, a rogue white cloud wanders in to enjoy the view. Photo courtesy of Sandra Slead.

Happy 168th birthday to us! On March 3, 1849, Congress passed a bill creating the Department of the Interior to take charge of the nation’s internal affairs. Interior’s diverse mission – which includes managing America’s vast natural and cultural resources, honoring our tribal relations and supplying the nation with energy – has earned it the nickname “The Department of Everything Else.” Photo of Yosemite National Park by William Woodward (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring this icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks its lower slopes. Created March 2, 1899, Mount Rainier is America’s fifth oldest national park. Photo by Vikas Garg (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).