You Won’t Believe These Stunning Landscapes Are In The United States

You don’t have to go far to find majestic, enchanting landscapes in the United States. And, the U.S. Department of Interior chronicles the most stunning shots in the country. Check out these amazing locations for yourself below.

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California.

A vibrant desert #sunset silhouettes a joshua tree, the namesake plant of #JoshuaTree #NationalPark in #California. These twisted, spiky plants can take on many forms, appearing like bushes or tall and spindly like trees. Visit @joshuatreenps to see these surreal plants and a diversity of landscapes, including sand dunes, dry lakes, flat valleys, rugged mountains and palm oases. Photo by Danner Bradshaw (www.sharetheexperience.org). #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 31, 2017 at 4:43pm PST

2. Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina

The forested wetlands of #PocosinLakes National #WildlifeRefuge in #NorthCarolina provide excellent habitat for migratory #birds. Large numbers of waterfowl concentrate on this relatively small area in the winter with peak numbers of well over 100,000 gathering in December and January. It is also home to the only population of wild, free roaming red wolves in the world and supports several clusters of endangered red cockaded woodpeckers. Here, a large flock of tundra swans fly over the refuge at #sunset. Photo by Ginny P. Gillam (www.sharetheexperience.org). #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 27, 2017 at 8:20am PST

3. Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area, Wyoming

Bobcat Draw #Wilderness Study Area located southwest of Worland, #Wyoming, is made up of a vast maze of colorful rock and clay #badlands. Layers of differing hardness erode into multi-hued arches, #hoodoos, spires and other fanciful landforms. There are no developed trails in the area, but hikers can discover the area’s unique landscapes along their own routes while enjoying a majestic backdrop of the 13,000 foot snowcapped peaks of the Absaroka Range. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM (@mypubliclands). #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 31, 2017 at 8:24am PST

4. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah-Arizona Border

Wide expanses of land make #Southwest #sunsets some of the best in the United States, and the view from #GlenCanyon National Recreation Area is no exception. Straddling the border of #Utah and #Arizona, this #desert gem is a perfect place to explore golden cliffs, lush hanging gardens, narrow slot canyons and the brilliant blue paradox of #LakePowell. Photo by Jeremy Stevens (www.sharetheexperience.org). #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:46am PST

5. Mary Jane Canyon, Utah

The five #nationalparks of #Utah aren’t to be missed, but if you’re looking for solitude, take the road less traveled to explore the state’s other public lands that feature mesas, mountains, canyons and arches. Just a short drive from Moab up the Colorado River Canyon is the Mary Jane Canyon between the Fisher and Adobe Mesas set against the backdrop of Mt. Waas. The #sunset is something special. Photo courtesy of Josiah Roe (@josiahq). #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 17, 2017 at 4:21pm PST

6. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

An unforgettable #nightsky — with a tinge of color from the #NorthernLights — stretches over #CraterLake #NationalPark in #Oregon. America’s national parks hold some of the last remaining harbors of darkness where visitors can enjoy the splendor of these protected dark skies. Photographer Matthew Newman says his nighttime adventure forever changed the way he experiences nature: “Making a seven-mile snowshoe hike round trip in the middle of the night to try and capture the Aurora Borealis and #MilkyWay from this location was amazing.” Photo courtesy of Matthew Newman (@matthewnewmanphotography). #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 14, 2017 at 8:11am PST

7. California Coastal National Monument, California

Today President Obama took steps to protect America’s cultural and natural treasures — including designating 3 new national monuments that honor our nation’s civil rights history, while expanding 2 existing national monuments in California and #Oregon. That includes the stunning #California Coastal #NationalMonument (pictured here). Established in 2000 to protect marine wildlife habitat just offshore of California’s iconic coastline, the monument was expanded in 2014 to include Point Arena-Stornetta — its first onshore unit. Today’s expansion of 6 spectacular places along the coast will preserve important habitat for coastal plants and animals, and protect cultural sites that provide insight into the people who lived along the California coast thousands of years ago. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands. #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 12, 2017 at 4:52pm PST

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Watch your step! Cracks in Dream Lake at #RockyMountain #NationalPark in #Colorado create a gorgeous, but perilous, natural tapestry. Always test ice before walking on it and never take chances. Have an amazing, but safe, winter adventure. Photo @rockynps by Carl Finocchiaro (www.sharetheexperience.org). #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 3, 2017 at 8:21am PST

9. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Happy New Year! Just like this gorgeous sunrise at #Canyonlands #NationalPark in #Utah, we hope your new year is filled with beauty and adventure. Photo @canyonlandsnps by Greg Sager (www.sharetheexperience.org). #findyourpark #usinterior #happynewyear

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jan 1, 2017 at 8:06am PST

10. Buffalo National River, Arkansas

Established in 1972, Buffalo National River (@buffalorivernps) in #Arkansas flows for 135 miles. A journey here will take you from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs. A hike through the #Ozark Mountains will make your heart beat quickly and leave you weak in the knees, but it is so worth it. Photo courtesy of William Rainey. #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Dec 15, 2016 at 8:47am PST

11. Yosemite National Park’s Iconic Tunnel View, California

Photo @Chrisburkard. Some of the most magical moments are when everyone is asleep. This was taken at 2 am at @yosemitenps’s iconic Tunnel View. When all the conditions align and the fog settles into the valley, the scene becomes almost too perfect to be real. I have waited to see the Valley like this for years. I watched the weather and found this crazy inversion and low lying fog coming to the valley. I can’t sleep when I know there is the possibility conditions like this might be lining up. -@Chrisburkard #usinterior #findyourpark #Yosemite #Nationalpark #California #TunnelView

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Dec 14, 2016 at 2:04pm PST

12. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Dreaming of warmer weather? Even in summer, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (@alaskanps) still wears snow on its glacier-sculpted #mountains. With several peaks over 10,000-feet tall in the Fairweather Range, Glacier Bay boasts the highest coastal mountain range in the world. Says photographer Nick Harrison, “When it comes to pure beauty, nothing beats #GlacierBay #NationalPark.” Photo courtesy of Nick Harrison (@youthgroupnick). #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Dec 7, 2016 at 4:41pm PST

13. Zion National Park, Utah

On this day in 1919, #Zion became a national park. It encompasses some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States, featuring high plateaus, a maze of sandstone canyons and waterfalls with colorful hanging gardens. Happy birthday to #Utah’s first #nationalpark! Photo of The Narrows @zionnps by Kevin Roland (www.sharetheexperience.org). #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Nov 19, 2016 at 8:33am PST

14. Acadia National Park, Maine

Greetings from @acadianps! My name is Will, and I’m one of four lucky high school students on #Acadia National Park’s youth technology team. This summer, we spent most of our time outdoors gathering photos and videos of the park, including stunning #sunsets. One of our favorite spots for views and solitude is the Schoodic Peninsula — shown here — which offers many ways to discover #Maine’s rugged coast without the busyness of Mount Desert Island. To find out more about our amazing summer exploring Acadia and how we’re using technology to share the majesty of public lands, visit DOI.gov. Photo by Will Greene, Youth Technology Team, #NationalPark Service. #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Nov 10, 2016 at 8:10am PST

15. Olympic National Park’s Sol Duc Falls, Washington

#Autumn slays at Sol Duc Falls in #Washington’s #Olympic National Park. Grant Longenbaugh (@grantolio) took this stunner just as the trees started turning in the Sol Duc Valley. His inspiration: The iconic image from this same vantage point @olympicnationalpark by George Alexander Grant — the first chief photographer of the #NationalPark Service. Photo courtesy of Grant Longenbaugh (@grantolio). #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Nov 4, 2016 at 4:39pm PDT

16. Eastern Sierra’s Green Creek, California

Enjoy the sights and sounds of #fall with yellow leaves and rushing water at Green Creek in #California’s famed Eastern Sierra. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands. #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 31, 2016 at 6:03pm PDT

17. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Happy birthday to President Theodore Roosevelt! As President, #Roosevelt established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land. His words and actions were a massive contribution to the #conservation movement and solidified his legacy as a champion of #publiclands. Photo of #TheodoreRoosevelt #NationalPark in #NorthDakota by Gary Anderson, National Park Service. #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 27, 2016 at 8:21am PDT

18. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

It’s hard to compete with fall at #GrandTeton #NationalPark in #Wyoming. After photographing @grandtetonnps all day, Michelle Olmstead (@findmeonthemountain) headed to Schwabacher Landing last minute for sunset. Since the spot is best known for amazing sunrises, she didn’t expect much, but Mother Nature proved her wrong. “Instead, I captured what is still my favorite sunset to date, from my favorite place on earth. Just goes to show that you never know what you’re going to get in the Tetons, but it’s always special.” Photo courtesy of Michelle Olmstead (@findmeonthemountain). #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 25, 2016 at 4:32pm PDT

19. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Sun rays shine through clouds to light up the North Rim of @grandcanyonnps in #Arizona. If you’re looking to explore #GrandCanyon #NationalPark with less crowds, the North Rim provides serenity and spectacular views. Even though the canyon is up to 18 miles wide, the drive from the South to North Rim is over 200 miles. Fall — when the aspens turn golden — is an ideal time to visit. The #NorthRim closes to vehicles during the winter and remains open to hikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers. Photo by Yan Li (www.sharetheexperience.org). #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 17, 2016 at 4:49pm PDT

20. Death Valley National Park, California

No need to adjust your screen, this technicolor terrain is Artist’s Palette at #DeathValley #NationalPark in #California. Aprons of blue, pink, green, purple, brown and black drape across the mountain front. Metals and minerals affected by oxidation and other chemical reactions created this unique landscape. Photo @deathvalleynps by Kevin O’Connell (www.sharetheexperience.org). #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 6, 2016 at 8:22am PDT

21. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

A lifetime of adventure awaits on America’s #publiclands. The question is, are you ready? Explore ALL public lands for free on Saturday in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Photo of #LakeMead National Recreation Area by Cheryl Hobbs (www.sharetheexperience.org). #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Sep 23, 2016 at 4:28pm PDT

22. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Alaska

It’s that time of year in #Alaska when the gorgeous fall colors come out at Serpentine Hot Springs in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Gone are the shockingly bright pinks, yellows and purples of summer, replaced by deeper and darker reds, yellows, greens and the beginnings of brown, all of equal vibrancy and beauty. Enjoy the change of seasons wherever you may be! Photo @alaskanps by Katie Cullen, #NationalPark Service. #findyourpark #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Sep 17, 2016 at 8:26am PDT

23. Morley Nelson Snake River Birds Of Prey National Conservation Area, Idaho

Come for #wildlife watching and stay for the starry #nightsky at Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in #Idaho. The deep canyon of the #SnakeRiver, with its crags, crevices and thermal updrafts, is home to the greatest concentration of nesting birds of prey in North America. Each spring, some 800 pairs of hawks, owls, eagles and falcons journey to this beautiful area to mate and raise their young. Use your binoculars to spot birds during the day and constellations at night. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM (@mypubliclands). #usinterior #mypubliclands

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 15, 2016 at 4:24pm PDT

24. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah

A vast and austere landscape, #GrandStaircase-Escalante National Monument encompasses 1.9 million acres of canyons, plateaus, mesas and cliffs set in an environment of colorful geologic formations. This #Utah monument is truly a treasure and one that is even more beautiful during #monsoon season when storms create dramatic skies. Phill Monson (@phillmonson) captured this amazing pic at #sunset as an incredible cloud formed perfectly behind the toadstools. “It was a great moment of being in the right place, right time.” Photo courtesy of Phill Monson (@phillmonson). #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 9, 2016 at 8:35am PDT

25. Denali National Park, Alaska

Soak in #wildflowers, calm water and captivating views at #Alaska’s Denali #NationalPark. #Denali, seen here just before #sunset from the aptly-named Reflection Pond, towers over @denalinps’s vast landscape. While clear skies are common in winter when intense cold locks up moisture, summer skies are often cloudy. Photo by Gavin Danapong (www.sharetheexperience.org). #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Sep 7, 2016 at 4:30pm PDT

26. Arches National Park, Utah

As the saying goes, “Half the park is after dark,” and nowhere is that more true than at #Arches #NationalPark in #Utah. Stay after sunset to see the night sky @archesnps come alive with shimmering stars above the colorful red rock formations. Photo of the #MilkyWay behind Balanced Rock courtesy of Joshua Snow (@j.snow_photo). #usinterior #findyourpark ?

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 2, 2016 at 4:22pm PDT

27. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Midnight makes for a dazzling display of stars over #CraterLake #NationalPark in #Oregon. Photographer Matt Shiffler endured freezing temperatures and whipping winds on the lake’s rim to capture this spellbinding #MilkyWay photo: “It was one of the most thrilling photographic experiences of my life.” Photo courtesy of Matt Shiffler (@mattshifflerphoto). #usinterior #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jul 26, 2016 at 4:25pm PDT

28. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

Unreal scenery awaits those who venture to White Pocket, a remote area of @mypubliclands’s #VermillionCliffs #NationalMonument in #Arizona. In this dramatic photo, a fiery #sunset amplifies rocks banded red and white. Add a lucky reflection in a still pool — water that sometimes appears after rainstorms — to create a dreamy landscape that you won’t want to wake up from. Photo by Ryan Lima (www.sharetheexperience.org). #usinterior

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jul 13, 2016 at 4:23pm PDT

29. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Utah

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in #Utah protects a unique transition zone — the meeting of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin Desert and #MojaveDesert. Where these distinct landscapes overlap, unusual plants and animals have evolved, including flowers like the dwarf bearclaw poppy and Shivwits milk-vetch that grow nowhere else on earth. Explore the area’s flora, wildlife and spectacular desert scenery with more than 130 miles of #hiking and #mountainbiking trails. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands. #waterfall

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on May 17, 2016 at 8:22am PDT

30. Redwood National State Parks, California

#Redwood National and State Parks contain some of the planet’s most majestic forests. ? From a seed the size of a tomato seed, #California’s immense coast #redwoods can grow as tall as 367 feet and as wide as 22 feet. Photo courtesy of Michael Bonocore (@michaelbonocore). #findyourpark

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Apr 3, 2016 at 8:21am PDT