It’s been a remarkable year for lava activity at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The astounding power of nature can be easy seen at lava lakes, surface flows and the Kamokuna ocean entry, where lava is streaming out into the Pacific, creating huge clouds of gas and steam. The lava entering the ocean is beginning to rebuild a large delta, forming new land. While there’s something mesmerizing about the movement of molten rock, visitors should always pay attention to their surroundings and stay out of closed areas as they explore Kīlauea – the world’s most active volcano. Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service.

There’s no better place to be inspired by American history than the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C. Walking among the historic buildings and statues, you can learn lessons from our greatest leaders and hear about the sacrifices of Americans in times of war. The Washington Monument serves as the centerpiece of the nation’s capital, rising over 555 feet tall and honoring the commanding general of the Revolutionary Army and the first President of the United States: George Washington. Photo courtesy of Drew Geraci.

Today marks the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. With over 23,000 combined casualties suffered by both the Union and Confederate armies, it remains the bloodiest day in American history. It’s hard to imagine the horror that ravaged this Maryland community when you walk the now peaceful fields of Antietam National Battlefield. Photo by National Park Service.

There’s nothing like waking up at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Pull back the tent flap and walk into a bright world of vivid color and crisp mountain air. The sounds of the water lapping at the shore of a lake surrounded by tall trees and towering peaks revives the sense and refreshes the soul. Photo by Tim Wood (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

It used to be much harder to send a selfie. In the 1860s, riders carried the mail from Missouri to California – covering 1,800 miles in 10 days. Today, visitors can explore sections of this famous mail route along the Pony Express National Historic Trail and learn about the challenges faced by the young men who kept the coasts connected. It might have been dangerous work, but you couldn’t beat the views. Photo from a section of the trail in Utah by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands).

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a rolling landscape of badlands, which offers some of the most unusual scenery in New Mexico. Time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations out of sandstone and shale. Off the beaten path, it’s a great place to find solitude, explore the amazing desert landscape and marvel at the sunset. Photo by Theresa Rose Ditson (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

A photo of the moon glowing red because of smoke from Jones Fire in Willamette National Forest. With over 114 wildfires burning in the west, it’s a good reminder to check for closures before heading out to a national park, wildlife refuge or other public land location, monitor air quality conditions, seek guidance from local authorities on fire restrictions, and put together an emergency supply kit. Photo by Marcus Kauffman, Inciweb.

On this date in 1964, Canyonlands National Park was established. Canyonlands National Park preserves colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches and spires in the heart of southeast Utah’s high desert. Water and gravity have been the prime architects of this land – sculpting layers of rock into the rugged landscape park visitors know and love today. Photo of the park’s iconic Mesa Arch at sunrise by Terry Barnes (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

It’s been 16 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but the images of that day remain clear. Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and a third into the Pentagon in Virginia. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. Because of the actions of 40 passengers and crew aboard the fourth plane, Flight 93, the U.S. Capitol was saved. In New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and across the country, people will gather today to remember the depth of our loss and the strength of our resolve. By visiting these places and hearing their stories, those who were taken will never be forgotten. Photo from Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania by Tami Heilemann, Interior.

Whoa! ⚡️  Mother Nature puts on a show, creating this dramatic lightning shot at Colorado National Monument. Photo courtesy of JT Dudrow (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).