Ever wonder what’s the difference between a national park, monument and forest? All this week, we’re breaking down the different types of America’s public lands and why they’re all so special. First up: National monuments – they protect a specific natural, cultural or historic feature. For example, the Sonoran Desert National Monument in Arizona is the most biologically diverse of the North American deserts, and its namesake monument protects an extensive saguaro cactus forest that visitors can hike through to see classic desert vistas. Photo of the Milky Way shining above saguaro cacti by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands

Towering mountains, glaciers and icy-blue waters meet at Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. Captivating scenery and the chance to see wildlife like bears and whales await adventurous travelers, who can explore the park by boat, kayak, or hiking the iconic Harding Icefield Trail. The park is named for fjords, or long, narrow valleys with steep sides carved by glaciers. Photo by National Park Service.

We’re celebrating National Get Outdoors Day with this beautiful photo of Spray Park Trail, which winds through meadows and forests at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. This 6-mile trail offers spectacular views of fields of wildflowers alongside va waterfall and Mowich Glacier. Even if you can’t make it to the park, get inspired and find public lands near you to make the most of this special day! Need more inspiration? Check out some of our favorite public lands photos at: http://on.doi.gov/1PkhGOq Photo by Sam Braverman (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl). 

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada – only 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip – entices visitors with a 13-mile scenic drive, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. With so many recreational opportunities, there’s something for everyone. After a few straight days of rain and dark clouds, the skies cleared to create this serene sunrise over the area’s unique desert landscape. Photo courtesy of Josh Packer.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina will engage your senses. Shaped by the forces of water, wind and storms, these islands are always changing. The plants, wildlife and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are walking on the beach, kayaking on the sound or climbing up the lighthouse, there is something for everyone to explore. Sunrise photo by Dennis Kowalewski (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Happy World Oceans Day! Covering over 70 percent of the planet, oceans are vital to our climate, food supply and way of life. Wherever you live, everyone is connected to the ocean. Interior is the primary steward of America’s ocean resources and we’re constantly working for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Photo of a whale breaching at Kenai Fjords National Park by Steve Boice (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Dawn wakes the sky at Grandview in New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. From 1,400 feet above the river, you can look down on the clouds nestled in the valley below and enjoy sweeping views of mountains and forests. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, which is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers spectacular scenic and recreational opportunities. Photo by Nathaniel Gonzales (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

White Pocket is in a remote section of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona. Home to extraordinary sandstone formations, it is popular with photographers intrepid enough to explore it. Under a deep blue sky, the red and white swirls form an amazing contrast, and if you get lucky enough to find a puddle after a rainstorm, you might get a picture of a lifetime. Photo by Jessica Fridrich (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

It’s World Environment Day – a day dedicated to encouraging awareness and action to protect our most treasured natural resources. Every day, Interior works to preserve America’s special places for all to enjoy! 

Photos from top to bottom:

Yosemite National Park in California by Perry Foutch (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

St Anthony Sand Dunes in Idaho by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands.

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska by Juan Calos Giese, USFWS.

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona by Randy Langstraat (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Happy National Trails Day! We’re celebrating with this epic view from the top of Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park in Utah. A strenuous climb and a steep, narrow ridge lead to the summit, where an expansive panorama is well worth the effort. This trail can get crowded – please remember to be safe. Join the fun by getting outdoors and exploring a trail near you! Photo courtesy of Brock Slinger.