Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area in California includes expansive rolling hills of blue oak and lush forests surrounding the Sacramento River and its tributaries. The beautiful and diverse habitat – home to bald eagles, osprey, deer and salmon – offers natural beauty and solitude paired with numerous recreation opportunities. You can explore the area by foot, horseback, boat and bike, and then pitch a tent at the end of the day for stunning sunsets on your public lands. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands).

Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the best kept secrets in California. Only a few hours from Los Angeles, Carrizo Plain offers visitors a rare chance to be alone with nature. This remote monument – traversed by the San Andreas Fault, which has carved valleys, and created and moved mountains – is seen in subtle alignment of ridges, ravines, and normally dry ponds. When conditions are right (like this year), numerous wildflowers carpet the valley floor. Although short lived, it can be breathtaking. Check out a few tips for planning a trip: https://on.doi.gov/2o5lICE.  

Photo of Monday’s full moon 🌝  + 🌼 by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands). #TrackTheBloom

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida was once a part of the 140,000 acres of land acquired by NASA for the John F. Kennedy Space Center. In 1963, the wildlife refuge was established on some of the unused land. Today, the refuge is home to over 1,000 species of animals and plants, making it an ideal place for birdwatching, hiking and fishing. If you plan it just right, you can see a rocket launch. Photo by Mike Ballard  (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl). Check out other public lands side trips: https://on.doi.gov/SideTrips