A trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming isn’t complete without viewing the majestic Lower Falls. When visiting the park in 2012, Stuart Burnett and his wife Patti captured this shot of Lower Falls legendary rainbow thanks to detailed research and planning. Of the experience, Stuart says, “You could hear the gasp from the other viewers as the rainbow formed. It was just magnificent!! It lasted for about 10 minutes … 10 minutes that I will never forget!!” Photo courtesy of Stuart Burnett. 🌈

Last week’s summer solstice marked the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, but Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska hasn’t noticed much change. The last time the sun set in Bettles was on June 2, when it dipped below the horizon for a little over 20 minutes. The next time it sets will be on July 10, when it will once again drop below the horizon briefly before rising again. No wonder it’s called the land of the midnight sun. Photo by National Park Service.

Fought over the first three days of July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania was one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. On those hills and fields, over 160,000 soldiers struggled to survive. Preserved as Gettysburg National Military Park, visitors can hear their stories and walk in their footsteps. Sunset photo by Doug Shearer (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park

Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion National Park

Natchez Trace Parkway

Looking for a road trip this summer? Some of the best views are along these outstanding scenic roads in national parks across the country. So buckle up and let the journey begin with 8 of America’s best drives: http://on.doi.gov/drives 🚙💨

The incredible beauty of Yosemite Valley in California has deeply affected millions of people over time. Thanks to the foresight of a few of them, this stunning place was protected for public use and recreation for future generations. On this day in 1864, President Abraham Lincoln formally set aside the land that would later become Yosemite National Park and visitors have been enjoying it ever since. Photo by Kristopher Schoenleber (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

http://ift.tt/295f7CN//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js

Check out these adorable bobcat kittens! Rangers found these cute brothers denning in a woodrat nest at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California. Rangers took samples and measurements and placed ear tags on the kittens before returning them to their den and setting up a camera to monitor for mom’s appearance. Video by National Park Service.

Red Cloud Peak Wilderness Study Area in Colorado is a hiker’s dream, featuring 30 mountain peaks over 13,000 feet tall and two peaks over 14,000 feet: Red Cloud Peak and Sunshine Peak. Alpine tundra and vast scenic vistas offer solitude and spaces to backpack, mountain climb, horseback ride and more. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that inspire us, like this tiny desert horned lizard that’s small enough to fit into the palm of a scientist’s hand! You’ll find these cute critters near rocks and sandy soil in the Great Basin, including Oregon, where this photo was taken. Desert horned lizards eat ants and beetles, and hiss when threatened by larger predators like snakes and hawks. As cute as this little lizard is, remember to keep wildlife wild when you see it and enjoy from a distance. Photo by Joel Herzberg, @mypubliclands

Here’s your daily dose of cute: Four baby foxes 🐺  snuggling on the beach at Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts. The seashore protects 40 miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds and uplands support diverse species, including these cute little red foxes. Photo by National Park Service.

Bison calves born this spring are growing quickly, building relationships and learning survival skills. Sometimes called “red dogs” because of their orange coats, bison calves are slowly becoming dark brown like their parents. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa has a small herd of bison in a 700-acre enclosure and visitors can safely observe them from the visitor center or the auto route tour. Photo by Joanna Gilkeson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.