Photo Ecosphere Web Galleries
PHOTO WEB GALLERIES Capturing the natural living environments of park and forest lands throughout the United States
Geographic Regions
Tropics to Polar
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Matafao Peak covered by mixed-species, paleotropical (Old World) rainforest with tropical plants, like the Laua'e Fern, in the foreground
National Park of American Samoa
Green
A dense tropical rainforest is replete with lush green vegetation, cluding palm trees, vines, and ferns
National Park of American Samoa
Spotted Skink on a broad leaf
National Park of American Samoa
Flying Fox (Fruit Bat) hanging from the branch of a Breadfruit tree
Tutuila - American Samoa
Samoan Fly Fox (Fruit Bat) hanging from a tree branch along Mount 'Alava Trail
National Park of American Samoa
Blue
Matafao Peak rising up to an elevation of 2,142 feet is the highest point on Tutuila Island
National Park of American Samoa
Green
Rainmaker Mountain (North Pioa) is a national natural landmark formed by volcanic igneous rock
National Park of American Samoa
Rainmaker Mountain (North Pioa) rises to an elevation of 1,718 feet over Pago Pago Harbor
Tutuila - American Samoa
Fatu Rock (Flower Pot Rock) sits at the entrance of Pago Pago harbor
Tutuila - American Samoa
Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark
National Park of American Samoa
Beach at the end of Tuafanua Trail, looking north towards Pola Island
National Park of American Samoa
Hermit Crab
National Park of American Samoa
Redfin Butterflyfish maneuver between the branches of Staghorn Coral
Tutuila - American Samoa
Redfin Butterflyfish, Sixbar Wrasses, and Staghorn Coral
Tutuila - American Samoa
Staghorn Coral
Tutuila - American Samoa
A Chevroned Butterflyfish is sandwiched between two Redfin Butterflyfish, suspended over Acropora Subulata coral
Tutuila - American Samoa
Chevroned Butterflyfish (forward) and Redfin Butterflyfish
Tutuila - American Samoa
Blackbar Damsel
Tutuila - American Samoa
Redfin Butterflyfish
Tutuila - American Samoa
South Seas Devil and Thick Finger Leather Coral
Tutuila - American Samoa
Blue Damsels and Blackbar Damsel swim above Cauliflower Coral
Tutuila - American Samoa
Blue
From the rim of Halema'uma'u Crater the glow from a churning lava lake below lights up the starry night sky
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
The silhouette of a tree on the rim of Halema'uma'u Crater stands out against "the glow"
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Kīlauea's Puʻu ʻŌʻō Vent
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
The jagged peaks of the crater of Mauna Ulu
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Kalij Pheasant
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Holei Sea Arch
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Ornate Butterflyfish
Big Island of Hawai'i - Kapoho Tide Pools
Convict Surgeonfish and Palenose Parrotfish with a Saddle Wrasse (top)
Big Island of Hawai'i - Kapoho Tide Pools
Convict Surgeonfish (striped), Palenose Parrotfish (dark), and juvenile Orangeband Surgeonfish (bright yellow)
Big Island of Hawai'i - Kapoho Tide Pools
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Big Island of Hawai'i - Kapoho Tide Pools
Moorish Idol
Big Island of Hawai'i - Kapoho Tide Pools
Blue
Niu (Cocnut Palm) trees growing on Punalu'u Beach known for is distinct volcanic black sand
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Puu Lilinoe cinder cone and crater sits at an elevation of 12,987 feet, just below the summit of Mauna Kea
Big Island of Hawai'i
Mauna Loa's summit peaks up above clouds as viewed from the summit of Mauna Kea
Big Island of Hawai'i
A glowing horizon over clouds following sunset silhouettes cinder cones from the summit observation on Mauna Kea
Big Island of Hawai'i
An aerial view of a lava flow
Hawai'i
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu)
Maui - Honolua Bay
Incense Cedar tree grove at Hosmer Grove
Haleakalā National Park
A thick Bamboo Forest grows in the southeast Kīpahulu section of the park
Haleakalā National Park
Green
Bamboo trees are native to Asia, but thrive in the moist tropical environment of the windward side of Maui
Haleakalā National Park
Looking skyward in the middle of a Bamboo Forest
Haleakalā National Park
Hawaiian Green Ti Plants adorn the landscape leading up to Waimoku Falls on Pīpīwai Trail
Haleakalā National Park
Ring-Necked Pheasant
Haleakalā National Park
Green
An other-wordly looking landscape, volcanic rocks dot the orange, gray, and reddish colored slopes leading down into Haleakalā Crater
Haleakalā National Park
Burnt red colored Cinder Cones rise up from the floor of Haleakalā Crater
Haleakalā National Park
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu)
Maui - Ho'okipa Beach Park
Overlooking TRUNK BAY
Virgin Islands National Park
Brown Boobies
Virgin Islands National Park
A BROWN PELICAN soars over the costline
Virgin Islands National Park
Blue
A schoal of Blue Runners
Virgin Islands National Park
Erect Root Sponge (rust color) and Branched Finger Coral with blades of Turtle Grass
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Great Barracuda swims above copious amounts of a light green hued Green Net Alga
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Queen Angelfish
Virgin Islands National Park
Brilliant purple colored Common Sea Fan
Virgin Islands National Park
Common Sea Fan
Virgin Islands National Park
Spotted Eagle Ray
Virgin Islands National Park
The colorful plant and coral life of the Caribbean Reef
Virgin Islands National Park
Green
Squirrelfish and Grunts
Virgin Islands National Park
Caribbean Reef Squid
Virgin Islands National Park
Blade Fire Coral, adult Blue Head (blue head and white stripe), and juvenile Blue Head (yellow)
Virgin Islands National Park
Blue Tang and a juvenile Slippery Dick
Virgin Islands National Park
Coral reef scene filled with a variety of corals (Elkhorn, Bent Sea Rod, Mustard Hill, Blade Fire, and Brain) and fish species (Blue Tang, Ocean Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Stoplight Parrotfish, and Longfin Damselfish
Virgin Islands National Park
Sergeant Majors and a Banded Butterflyfish swim over coral reef
Virgin Islands National Park
Several Christmas Tree Worms in a variety of colors grow on Blade Fire Coral with green algae growning below, while a bright yellow juvenile Threespot Damselfish can be spotted to the far left just below some Low Relief Lettuce Coral
Virgin Islands National Park
Boulder Brain Coral with a red-orange colored Christmas Tree Worm
Virgin Islands National Park
Yellowtail Snapper, a Bar Jack, and a West Indian Sea Egg
Virgin Islands National Park
A school of Yellowtail Snappers pass over a field of Finger Coral with a Flat Needlefish swimming above close to the ocean's surface
Virgin Islands National Park
Yellow Tube Sponge
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Split-Crown Feather Duster and Y Branched Algae
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Rose Coral surrounded by Y Branched Algae
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Green Feather Alga and green Bush Alga
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Green
Cushion Sea Star
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Red Mangrove roots, Turtle Grass
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
French Grunts swim around Orange Lumpy Encrusting Sponge with Sea Pearl Alga attached
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Bipinnate Sea Plumes and a school of silverside fish
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Smooth Trunkfish
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
An adult displaying MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD
Dry Tortugas National Park
RED-LEGGED HERMIT CRAB
Dry Tortugas National Park
BLUE CRAB species
Dry Tortugas National Park
GREAT BLUE HERON
Dry Tortugas National Park
ROYAL TERN
Dry Tortugas National Park
SANDERLING, a type of sandpiper
Dry Tortugas National Park
Silhouette of a BROWN PELICAN in flight at sunrise
Dry Tortugas National Park
KEY DEER, an endangered subspecies of the WHITE-TAILED DEER
National Key Deer Refuge
An OSPREY balances on a branch of a FLORIDA ROYAL PALM tree
Everglades National Park
GREAT EGRET
Everglades National Park
BLACK VULTURE
Everglades National Park
GREAT BLUE HERON hunting amongst tall SAWGRASS
Everglades National Park
YELLOW BELLIED SLIDER Turtle looking rather perturbed
Everglades National Park
ANHINGA with prominant blood-red eyes and its long, pencil-like beak
Everglades National Park
GREEN HERON clasping a small fish in its beak
Everglades National Park
A PURPLE GALLINULE amongst YELLOW POND-LILIES
Everglades National Park
PURPLE GALLINULE climbing up the stem of GIANT REED grass
Everglades National Park
An ANHINGA's webbed feet clutches the leaning trunk of a GUMBO LIMBO tree
Everglades National Park
An AMERICAN ALLIGATOR catches some shut-eye
Everglades National Park
GREAT EGRET
Everglades National Park
GREAT EGRET stares ahead intently awaiting a meal amongst GIANT REED grass
Everglades National Park
Green
GREEN HERON
Everglades National Park
ANHINGA spreading its wings on a GUMBO LIMBO tree
Everglades National Park
AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
Everglades National Park
AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
Everglades National Park
AMERICAN ALLIGATOR grinning
Everglades National Park
GREEN HERON with raised feathers on the crown of its head
Everglades National Park
A large EASTERN LUBBER GRASSHOPPER
Everglades National Park
LITTLE BLUE HERON
Everglades National Park
Blue
The SHARK RIVER SLOUGH of the "River of Grass"
Everglades National Park
GREAT EGRET landing in SAWGRASS
Everglades National Park
Green
The clear, shallow waters off of Elliott Key
Biscayne National Park
Royal Terns and Double-crested Cormorants
Biscayne National Park
Monarch butterfly
Biscayne National Park
Needlefish swimming in shallow shoreline water over a meadow of seagrass
Biscayne National Park
An Osprey takes flight
Biscayne National Park
GREAT EGRET wading in water surrounded by BALD-CYPRESS tree trunk support AIR PLANTS, a class of moss organism called an EPIPHYTE that obtains moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and water
Big Cypress National Preserve
WHITE IBIS
J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS
J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
SNOWY EGRET
J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS
J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
ROSEATE SPOONBILLS, juvenile WHITE IBIS, and SANDPIPERS
J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Black Skimmers
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Wood Stork along the grassy banks of Indian River
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pink, purple, and orange hues blanket the sky and shores along Apollo Beach as the rising sun prepares to break through clouds on the horizon
Canaveral National Seashore
Waves crash on shore as the rises just above the Atlantic Ocean horizon
Canaveral National Seashore
Willet in the frothy sea foam along the Apollo Beach shoreline
Canaveral National Seashore
Sanderling with a small shellfish
Canaveral National Seashore
BROWN PELICANS on BALD-CYPRESS trees along TIDE WATER ROAD
Louisiana - Mississippi River Delta
A BROWN PELICAN in flight
Louisiana - Mississippi River Delta
SEA OATS dunegrass and the white quartz sands of SANTA ROSA ISLAND glow in the setting sun
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Blue
AMERICAN AVOCETS on a Gulf Coast beach
Louisiana
SAVANNAH SPARROW on a stalk of GIANT COMMON REED grass
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
Morning sun filters through WIREGRASS and a pine tree forest
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
COMMON CATTAILS
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
BLACK-NECKED STILT in OLNEY POND
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
GHOST CRAB
Padre Island National Seashore
SWEET PITCHER-PLANT along the PITCHER PLANT TRAIL
Big Thicket National Preserve
SWEAT BEE on a BLACK-EYED SUSAN flower
Big Thicket National Preserve
PROPELLER-FLOWER along the PITCHER PLANT TRAIL
Big Thicket National Preserve
Yellow SKIMMER Dragonfly
Big Thicket National Preserve
A murky swamp supporting a POND-CYPRESS tree draped in SPANISH MOSS
Big Thicket National Preserve
Large BALD-CYPRESS trees and their root pillars, referred to as "knees", grow from a depressed land area in a moist, woody-swamp forest
Big Thicket National Preserve
Tiger Swallowtail butterfly on Vanillaleaf wildflower
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
American Bullfrog, a denizen of the Okefenokee Swamp
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Great Egret
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Roseate Spoonbill
Georgia
A Feral Horse feeding next to a large Southern Live Oak tree
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Feral Horse
Cumberland Island National Seashore
A Horseshoe Crab shell on a sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of the southern end of Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Sanderling
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Shark Eye Moon Snail shell
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Saw Palmettos carpet the forest floor with Spanish Moss drapping from trees above
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wild Turkeys
Cumberland Island National Seashore
A Bobcat stares out through the opening of Cabbage Palm tree leaves
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Golden Silk Orbweaver
Ocmulgee National Monument
Fiddler Crab
Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area
A juvenile Eastern Cottonmouth (aka Water Moccasin)
Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Congaree National Park
Brown Watersnake
Congaree National Park
Green Anole
Congaree National Park
Bald Cypress trees
Congaree National Park
A large Overcup Oak (aka Swamp Post Oak) tree at center in a flooded southern wetland along the forested land of the White River
White River National Wildlife Refuge
Green
Morning sun lights up the U.S. side of the Santa Elena Canyon cliffs
Big Bend National Park
Flame Skimmer
Big Bend National Park
Flowers of a Big Bend Prickly Pear cactus
Big Bend National Park
The brilliant magenta-colored flower of a Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus
Big Bend National Park
Flowers and buds of the Big Bend Prickly Pear cactus
Big Bend National Park
Greater Roadrunner clutching a small snake
Big Bend National Park
A rainbow seemingly projects out from a Pinchot Juniper tree atop a hill out over Don Quixote's Lace yacca plants down slope into the valley below
Davis Mountains State Park
Green
Born during the Permian period 270 million years ago, the El Capitan formation is a product of the horseshoe-shaped, ancient Capitan Reef built up from marine life in a shallow inland sea
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
A female Black-Chinned Hummingbird hovers next to a flowering Parry's Agave plant
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
A pair of Black Swallowtail butterfies on a flowering Wavy-Leaf Thistle
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Blue
A section of the 'Big Room' cavern known as Top of the Cross with large stalactites suspended from fractures in the cave's ceiling
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Painted Grotto in a section of the 'Big Room' cavern
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Soaptree Yuccas and Arrowweed desert plants dot the dry, sandy landscape
Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater National Natural Landmark
Arrowweed bush growing on the rim of Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater, designated a national landmark in 1975
Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater National Natural Landmark
A Burrowing Owl balances atop the flowering stem of a Soaptree Yucca plant
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Black-Tailed Jackrabbit
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
The Organ Mountains provide a backdrop to a forest of blooming Common Sotol (aka Desert Spoon) plants
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Tulip Prickly Pear cacti along Fillmore Canyon Trail
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Ornate Tree Lizard
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Marine and plant fossils interred in mud and siltstone from the Paleozoic Era of the Permian Period evidence life in an anicent tropical environment at the edge of a vast, inland seaway
Prehistoric Trackways National Monument
Soaptree Yuccas
White Sands National Monument
The Bleached Earless Lizard is a subspecies of the Common Lesser Earless Lizard, adapted to blend into the surrounding white, gypsum sand
White Sands National Monument
A Rio Grande Cottonwood tree surrives along a gypsum sand dune with roots anchored deep within to draw up moisture
White Sands National Monument
Green
A Torrey Yucca growing from a parabolic sand dune
White Sands National Monument
The setting sun casts shadows over the gypsum dune field as it hits the side peaks of transverse dunes
White Sands National Monument
Ripple patterns stretch out over a sand dune along the Alkali Flat Trail at sunset
White Sands National Monument
Green
Tints of purple and pink paint the ripple-textured white sand dunes at sunset
White Sands National Monument
An orange-pink color cast embues the wavy surface of white sands at sunset
White Sands National Monument
Looking up at the well structured pueblo-style cliff dwelling with its T-shapped high entrance that is distinctive to the southwest region
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
A wide elliptical-shaped cave recess in rhyolite tuff cliff rock house pueblo-style dwellings that were once inhabited by people of the Mogollon farming and hunting culture over 700 years ago within the Gila River Valley area
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Clouds swirl over and down into rust red ravines in the Mogollon Mountains
Gila National Forest
Twin rock pillars comprised of volcanic ash and pumice welded into dense, tuff layers
Chiricahua National Monument
Palmer's Agave along the Hailstone Trail
Chiricahua National Monument
The product of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, rhyolite rock formations were shapped following uplift and erosion
Chiricahua National Monument
A lush desert valley gives way to the barren, rocky Diaz Peak towering over 4,000 feet above Sonoyta Valley
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
The distinct organ shape of the Organ Pipe cactus with numberous branches sprouting from its base is surrounded by blooming Brittlebush
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Blue
As the sun starts to set, it shoots a ray of light below high cloud cover across the desert valley floor, lighting up its unique, rich, verdant flora
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Blooming Saguaro cactus flowers attracts a bee in the morning sunshine
Saguaro National Park
Giant Mesquite Bugs crawling on the flowering leaves of a Honey Mesquite tree
Saguaro National Park
The flowers of the iconic Saguaro cactus bloom in late spring
Saguaro National Park
A male Gila Woodpecker on the wide stem of a Saguaro Cactus
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro cactus
Saguaro National Park
Robust Hedgehog cactus flower
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro cactus branch end with the green buds of flowers beginning to form
Saguaro National Park
Greater Earless Lizard
Saguaro National Park
A forest of Saguaro cacti
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro cacti in silhouette at sunset
Saguaro National Park
Green
An orange hue is cast over Saguaro cacti and peaks of the Tucson Mountains at sunset
Tucson Mountain County Park
Looking out over the Santa Catalina Mountains rising up within the Pusch Ridge Wilderness area
Coronado National Forest - Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Saguaro and Engelmann Prickly Pear cacti grow next to a rocky outcrop in Sabino Canyon
Coronado National Forest - Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus flower
Sonoran Desert National Monument
Golden Cholla (aka Silver Cholla) cactus flower
Sonoran Desert National Monument
Chuckwalla, a type of iguana lizard, inhabits the desert of south western Arizona
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site - Arizona
Groups of blooming Brittlebush wildflowers brighten the entrance to Palm Canyon with a sole Saguaro cactus sentinel seemingly keeping guard
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Flowering Brittlebush (yellow), Burrobush, Common Phacelia (purple flowers), Teddy Bear Cholla cacti, Creosote Bush, and Ocotillo desert plants blanket the desert floor on the western edge of the Kofa Mountains
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Saguaro cacti growing amongst Blue Paloverde trees in front of the Lower Cliff Dwelling
Tonto National Monument
Saguaro cactus along the side of the Lower Cliff Dwelling
Tonto National Monument
Saguaro cacti stand tall along a steep slope overlooking the Tonto Basin and the Salt River Valley with Theodore Roosevelt Lake visible in the distance below
Tonto National Monument
Engelmann Prickly Pear cactus high atop a cliff overlooking the Apache Trail running through the Superstition Mountains
Tonto National Forest
Saguaro cacti growing in a desert garden on the northern edge of the Superstition Mountains
Tonto National Forest
Blooming yellow flowers of the Brittlebush wildflower stand out amongst Engelmann Prickly Pear cacti with the Superstition Mountains beyond
Tonto National Forest
Fremont's Barberry flowering shrub tree
Agua Fria National Monument
Horned Lark
Agua Fria National Monument
Convergent Lady Beetle inside the flower of a Silver Cholla cactus
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Grove of California Fan Plams
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Inside a California Fan Palm grove
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California Poppies and Pointed Cats-Eye wildflowers
Cleveland National Forest
Notch-leaved Phacelia (purple) wildflowers struggle to find space to grow amongst a sea of orange California Poppies
Cleveland National Forest
California Poppies and Notch-leaved Phacelia wildflowers
Cleveland National Forest
Blooming Strawberry Cactus (aka Fishhook Cactus)
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Female Black-Chinned Hummingbird drawing nectar from a Chuparosa flower (aka Hummingbird Bush)
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
A tall California Barrel Cactus donning blooming yellow-green flowers on top
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Beach Sand Verbena (pink) and Dune Evening Primrose (white) wildflowers growing in sand dunes
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
Many Headed Barrel cactus
Joshua Tree National Park
Green
Backlit by the setting sun, the Joshua Tree's unique fairytale-like, twisted tree branches with spiky needle leaves stand out
Joshua Tree National Park
The last rays of the setting sun beam across the Mojave Desert landscape and between the split trunk of a Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park
Silhouette of a Joshua Tree against a dramatic sky at sunset
Joshua Tree National Park
Notch-leaved Phacelia flowers
Mojave Trails National Monument
Desert Dandelion
Mojave Trails National Monument
Joshua Trees and sagebrush dominate the sweeping landscape of the Mojave Desert
Castle Mountains National Monument
The rich, unique variety of desert flora on display in the eastern Mojave Desert
Castle Mountains National Monument
California Barrel cactus and Buckhorn Cholla cacti growing among dry grasses with the peaks of the New York Mountains in the distance
Castle Mountains National Monument
Desert flora along the Teutonia Peak Trail
Mojave National Preserve
A cluster of Mojave Yucca plants growing out of basalt rocks with cinder cones in the distance
Mojave National Preserve
Basaltic lava flow and cinder cones on the Cima Volcanic Field
Mojave National Preserve
Southern Desert Horned Lizard
Desert Tortoise Natural Area
Mojave Desert Tortoise
Desert Tortoise Natural Area
White-Lined Sphinx Moth drawing nectar from a Bastard Toadflax flower
Desert Tortoise Natural Area
Rainbow Basin is designated as a National Natural Landmark
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Ridges of tufa pinnacles formed 10,000 to 100,000 years ago when calcium mixed with carbonated alkaline lake water from the now dry Searles Lakebed
California Desert National Conservation Area - Trona Pinnacles
Little Hebe Crater and Maar Volcanoes along a cinder field
Death Valley National Park
Ubehebe Crater
Death Valley National Park
Desert Iguana along the Ubehebe Crater's rim
Death Valley National Park
Green
Zabriskie Point
Death Valley National Park
Green
Blowing wind shapes the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Death Valley National Park
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Death Valley National Park
Intermountain Bristlecone Pine (aka Great Basin Bristlecone Pine) in the Schulman Grove
Inyo National Forest
Fire Canyon at sunset
Valley of Fire State Park
Fire Canyon at sunset
Valley of Fire State Park
Full Moon and wisp of clouds over Fire Canyon at sunset
Valley of Fire State Park
Silver Cholla cactus and Mojave Yuccas growing in Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Whitney Pockets
Gold Butte National Monument
Whitney Pockets along the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway
Gold Butte National Monument
Layers of wavy sandstone leading up to the Calico Hills
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Badlands of Tule Springs with the Sheep Mountains rising beyond
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Sunrise over the 430-foot deep Lunar Crater
Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark
Volcanic ash cinder cones next to a sand field and surrounded by Sagebrush on the Great Basin desert
Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark
The Grant Range in central Nevada
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Bristlecone Pine trees have a unique ability to adapt to extreme environments and can live for thousands of years
Great Basin National Park
Stalactite and Column cave formations
Great Basin National Park - Lehman Caves
Green
Stella Lake, an alpine lake above 10,000 feet in elevation, on a clear, calm morning with Wheeler Peak beyond
Great Basin National Park
Sagebrush desert shrubs interspersed with Utah Juniper trees at sunset
Kaibab National Forest
A view of an area of red sandstone rock formations called Mitten Ridge from an overlook along Javalina Trail
Red Rock State Park
Courthouse Butte at the edge of the Colorado Plateau and the Sonoran Desert
Coconino National Forest
Cathedral Rock
Coconino National Forest
A pueblo village once accessed with ladders by the Southern Sinagua people
Tuzigoot National Monument
Looking up through the branches of trees growing on the valley floor to the large cliff dwelling known as Montezuma Castle above
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Water collects in a limestone sinkhole in the Verde Valley, supplied from the Mogollon Rim to the north in the distance and dammed by an underground wall of dense basalt volcanic rock
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Mission San Gregorio de Abó constructed in the 1620s in the Salinas Valley, an area that for centuries served as a trading center between Pueblo Indians along the Rio Grande and the Plains Indians to the east
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Inside Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Quarai
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
The Village of Quarai was once inhabited by Tiwa-speaking people from the Rio Grande who built pueblo-style homes that by the 17th Century included this Spanish mission church and convento known as the Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Quarai
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Snow covered San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona
Arizona
The 1,000 foot Sunset Crater rises above a Ponderosa Pine forest and a dry grassy valley below
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Wupatki Pueblo is the largest masonry dwelling in the park and consists of 100 rooms
Wupatki National Monument
From underneath a limestone rock ledge, pueblo cliff dwellings are visible along Walnut Canyon, built between the ledges into softer, silty limestone rock
Walnut Canyon National Monument
High up on the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona
Arizona
Meteor Crater formed approximately 50,000 years ago when a large iron-nickel meteorite estimated to be 150 feet wide broke through the Earth's atmosphere and slammed into the rocky, arid landscape
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
White sandstone, red iron oxidized siltstone, and darker carbon rich claystone make up the mesas of the Tepees
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified tree logs in Crystal Forest
Petrified Forest National Park
Crystal Forest
Petrified Forest National Park
Blue Mesa
Petrified Forest National Park
Green
Crystal Forest
Petrified Forest National Park
The Painted Desert at sunset
Petrified Forest National Park
A view of the Grand Canyon along the Trail of Time trail on the South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park
Navajo Falls along side Havasu Falls Trail
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Havasu Creek flows past red sandstone cliffs inside Havasu Canyon
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Beaver Falls
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Beaver Falls in Havasu Canyon
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Havasu Creek
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Bighorn Sheep Ram
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Bighorn Sheep Ram
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Havasu Falls
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Havasu Falls at sunset
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Havasu Falls at sunset
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Havasu Falls in Havasu Canyon at night
Havasupai Indian Reservation - Arizona
Looking out towards where Whitmore Canyon Overlook provides a view of the Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Cream-colored flowers on a Cliffrose tree grow on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park
Peregrine Falcon on a grass meadow of the Kaibab Plateau
Grand Canyon National Park
Spider Rock sandstone rock spire rises up from Canyon de Chelly with the Defiance Plateau above
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Western Honey Bee
Utah
The natural features of Betatakin Canyon have supported native people through time, including Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi), Zuni, and more recently the San Juan Southern Paiutes
Navajo National Monument
Plateau Striped Whiptail lizard
Navajo National Monument
Upper valley in late afternoon
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Sentinel Mesa (left) sits on the Colorado Plateau in Utah just north of the Arizona border, while West Mitten Butte (right) rises on the Arizona side
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Cly Butte in the upper valley
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Winding through the Vermilion Cliffs in northern Arizona, the Colorado River makes a horseshoe bend around sandstone rock cliffs
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
The Colorado River runs through Marble Canyon with the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness beyond
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
From inside the Upper Antelope Canyon, Navajo Sandstone rises over 100 feet to the sky above
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park
Upper Antelope Canyon slot canyon
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park
A beam of sunlight hits the sandy floor of the Upper Antelope Canyon slot canyons
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park
A Juniper tree grows in front of Rainbow Bridge, one of the world's largest natural bridge formations
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
A stream of water carved into the soft Navajo sandstone opened up a hole in a fin formation, creating a natural rock bridge
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Lake Powell and Navajo sandstone cliffs
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Above Lake Powell, Navajo Mountain (10,387 feet) is viewed in the distance, rising high above the arid landscape of the Colorado Plateau
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
The ridge of a Climbing Dune
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
A Star Dune formation with the sandstone cliffs of the Moquith Mountains rising above
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The setting sun lights up a side of a Parabolic Dune formation with the notch between the Moquith (left) and the Moccasin (right) Mountains visible to the south
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Cliffs just north of Big Water
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Toadstools rock formations
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Paria River
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Green
The Towers of the Virgin include named rock peaks such as the Sundial (7,590 feet) to the left and the Altar of Sacrifice (7,505 feet) on the far right side
Zion National Park
Morning sun hits the towering sandstone rocks along Zion Canyon
Zion National Park
Bighorn Sheep Ram
Zion National Park
Virgin River and the Narrows
Zion National Park
Hairpin turns of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway lead down into Zion Canyon
Zion National Park
Looking out from the rim of the Cedar Breaks Amphitheater at over 10,000 feet in elevation
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Pronghorn Doe and Fawns on the run
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon Amphitheater just before sunrise
Bryce Canyon National Park
Sunrise over the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater at Sunrise Point
Bryce Canyon National Park
Green
Bryce Amphitheater hoodoos
Bryce Canyon National Park
Hoodoos and Fins rising from Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Amphitheater
Bryce Canyon National Park
Fin rock formations sit in Bryce Canyon, weathered by water and wind over time
Bryce Canyon National Park
Morning sun shines on Cassidy Arch atop the 100-mile long Waterpocket Fold
Capitol Reef National Park
Cathedral Valley, carved out by flash foods that eroded deep layers of uplifted soft sandstone
Capitol Reef National Park
A monolith of sandstone rising from the floor of Cathedral Valley, includes soft reddish-orange Entrada Sandstone formed from tidal flats mud topped by greenish gray Curtis Formation sandstone, which includes marine deposits
Capitol Reef National Park
Mule's Ears wildflowers and towers of eroded sandstone in Cathedral Valley
Capitol Reef National Park
Pronghorn in Cathedral Valley
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains viewed from Dixie National Forest
Capitol Reef National Park
Layered sandstone rock formation with eroded rock debris collected below
Utah
Sipapu Bridge spans 268 feet over White Canyon
Natural Bridges National Monument
Big Basin Sagebrush growing over Cedar Mesa lead to the Bears Ears Buttes rising up on the horizon
Bears Ears National Monument
Columnar pinnacles of sandstone rock rise over slick rock in The Needles district
Canyonlands National Park
The Needes at sunset
Canyonlands National Park
Mesa Arch at sunrise
Canyonlands National Park
Green
Looking through Mesa Arch out towards White Rim
Canyonlands National Park
Blue
Delicate Arch at sunset
Arches National Park
Delicate Arch stands 60 feet high
Arches National Park
Green
Collared Lizard
Arches National Park
Plains Prickly Pear cactus flower
Arches National Park
Common Sagebrush Lizard
Arches National Park
Double O Arch with Fin Canyon beyond in the Devils Garden
Arches National Park
Common Raven
Arches National Park
Looking out toward Monument Canyon with Independence Monument rising in the foreground
Colorado National Monument
Sandstone rock eroded into rounded pillars referred to as Coke Ovens in Monument Canyon
Colorado National Monument
Green
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Hovenweep Castle, once home to Ancestral Puebloans more than 700 years ago
Hovenweep National Monument
Saddlehorn Pueblo in Sand Canyon
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Texas Brown Tarantula
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Western Bluebird
Mesa Verde National Park
Green
Cliff Palace dwelling
Mesa Verde National Park
Lava Trench formed from a collapsed lava tube
El Malpais National Monument
Big Skylight Cave, formed from a collapsed lava tube in the Big Tubes Area
El Malpais National Monument
Double Sinks lava tube cave in the El Calderon Area
El Malpais National Monument
A rock pillar at the end of the Sandstone Promontory, supporting several inscriptions
El Morro National Monument
Just a few of the nearly 24,000 petroglyphs in the park, making the monument one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America
Petroglyph National Monument
A large open room inside Pueblo Bonito
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
A Great Kiva of the Chetro Ketl pueblo
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Great Kiva of Pueblo Bonito
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
A Kiva of Chetro Ketl pueblo sits in an elevated plaza 12 feet above the valley floor of Chaco Canyon
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
The distant moon, just a speck against the clear, blue sky, is visible over a wall of a Chacoan Great House called Una Vida ("One Life" in Spanish)
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Shiprock, rising between 1,400 to 1,800 feet into the clear sky, casts its shadow across the the barren landscape at sunset
Ship Rock National Natural Landmark
Kiva with the multi-family dwelling walls of the Great House stretching out beyond
Aztec Ruins National Monument
A Kiva of the Great House
Chimney Rock National Monument
Looking out over the Great House pueblo ruin from the mesa top at Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock National Monument
Rugged rock cliffs rise up along the sides of the Rio Grande Gorge
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Rio Grande Gorge with Ute Mountain beyond to the north
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Rio Grande Gorge
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - New Mexico
Kasha-Katuwe ("white cliffs" in the Keresan language of the native puebloan inhabitants)
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
The volcanic rock and ash deposited and shaped over time came from a past pyroclastic flow millions of year ago
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Tent rock formations
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Long House Cliff Dwellings
Bandelier National Monument
The 17th century San José de los Jemez Mission Church along side the 16th century Gíusewa Pueblo ruin
Jemez Historic Site - New Mexico
Coyote in Valle Grande
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Coyote tracks in snow covering Valle Grande
Valles Caldera National Preserve
The East Fork of the Jemez River lies in Valle Grande, a small section of a larger volcanic caldera formed 1.25 million years ago
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Green
Dunfield with the Sangre De Cristo Mountains
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Dunefield ridge and Mount Herard
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Western Tiger Swallowtail rest on sand near the edge of Medano Creek
Great Sand Dunes National Park
A male Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
A breeding male Ruddy Duck
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
An adult male Yellow-Headed Blackbird balances on Common Cattail
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
North American Porcupine
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
Purple
The bright autumn foliage of Quaking Aspens along Cordova Pass Road
San Isabel National Forest
Montane forest scenery
San Isabel National Forest
West Spanish Peak in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness is a designated National Natural Landmark (1976)
San Isabel National Forest
Looking skyward amongst a grove of Quaking Aspen trees
San Isabel National Forest
The Sawatch Range with La Plata Peak (14,343 feet) at center
San Isabel National Forest
Cow Moose and Calf
Rio Grande National Forest
The Arkansas River near its headwaters in Browns Canyon
Browns Canyon National Monument
Looking down onto rock formations along the Central Garden Trails
Garden of the Gods Park
Golden-colored Quaking Aspen trees and a peak reflect into a pond near the town of Grant
Colorado
Shades of reds, oranges, and yellows color a hillside
Pike National Forest
Crystal Reservoir and Pikes Peak
Pike National Forest
Looking down at Echo Lake from the side of Mount Evans Scenic Byway in the upper montane region
Arapaho National Forest
A still Echo Lake on a calm, clear morning
Arapaho National Forest
Limber Pine tree growing high up on the side of the Capulin volcano
Capulin Volcano National Monument
From surrounding grassland plains, the cinder cone Capulin volcano rises more than 1,300 feet and is covered in shrubs and small evergreen trees
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Sandstone rock cliff interspersed by layered veins of gypsum along the North Prong of the Canyon Loop Trail
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Six-Lined Racerunner lizard
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Collared Lizard
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
The setting sun lights up the eastern end of John Haynes Ridge overlooking a part of the 120 mile long Palo Duro Canyon
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Ridges and mesas, protected by a hard mineral layer of caliche referred to as a caprock, are distinct characteristic traits of colorful Palo Duro Canyon
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Rainbow over Palo Duro Canyon
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Soapweed Yucca plants with Capitol Peak rising in the background exhibit layers of sedimentary rocks through millions of years of geological time
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Rock and mineral sediments carried from the Rocky Mountains over millions of years have piled up and been shaped by erosion throughout the Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Augochlora Sweat Bees on an American Basket-Flower
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
American Lady butterfly on a lilac colored American Basket-Flower
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Collared Lizard
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
A Collared Lizard sits on sandstone rock with the Lighthouse rock formation rising above
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon in the panhandle of Texas
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Erect Dayflower
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Texas Horned Lizard
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Quartz crystals growing on red Alibates Flint stone
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
A green variety of Plains Lubber Grasshopper
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Rust red mud colors the Canadian River running through the Texas panhandle on its way to the Arkansas River
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Great Plains Soapweed Yucca plants
Rita Blanca National Grassland
Hackberry Emperor butterfly
Black Kettle National Grassland
A Cattle Egret comes in for a landing in dense marsh grass
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Prairie grass growing in salt marsh at the edge of the salt flats
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Swallows in a frenzied feed over a Salt Fork of the Arkansas River
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Salt deposits cover the Salt Flats in a portion of the southern Great Plains in north central Oklahoma
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Snowy Plover on the Salt Flats
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Grazing horses feed on lush green grass under overcast springtime skies
Oklahoma
A band of curious Horses
Tall Grass Prairie Preserve
American Bison cows and calves block the road
Tall Grass Prairie Preserve
A vista of verdant prairie in spring
Tall Grass Prairie Preserve
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