“There’s just something about a winding road that ignites wanderlust,” says photographer Kathryn Dyer, and we couldn’t agree more! At an impromptu stop in California’s Yosemite National Park, Kathryn captured this incredible shot of Half Dome shining golden from a beautiful alpenglow and framed by trees. When you visit public lands, you never know what amazing vistas you’ll find! Photo courtesy of Kathryn Dyer.

Happy National Public Lands Day! America’s public lands give us so much, like this epic view at Great Smoky Mountains National Park that’ll leave you breathless. Check out more of our favorite things about public lands: http://on.doi.gov/2cTEbk6. Photo courtesy of Bob Carr.

Are you and your friends excited for the weekend? Whatever you’re up to, we hope you have as much fun as these elk at Tule Elk San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. Once estimated to have a population of less than 30 individuals, these unique California Tule elk now number more than 4,000. See them – and other terrific wildlife – just two hours outside of San Francisco. Photo by Lee Eastman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.