"Ubehebe Crater is the result of a steam explosion that resulted when rising magma flash evaporated water underneath the surface, creating a strange landscape of blasted rock."

"An American-Indian word, "Atchafalaya" (Think of a sneeze: uh-CHA-fuh-lie-uh) means long river. Established in 2006, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area stretches across 14 parishes in south-central Louisiana. It is among the most culturally rich and ecologically varied regions in the United States, home to the widely recognized Cajun culture as well as a diverse population of European, African, Caribbean and Native-American descent."

Quite a few units of the National Park System have a "Painted" something-or-other. In Petrified Forest National Park, it's the Painted Desert, with saturated desert colors of orange, red, rust, pink and beige. This Painted Desert can be accessed just off of Interstate 40 through Arizona.

Chances are, you've photographed atmospheric phenomena like this sun halo captured at the Painted Hills Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. An atmospheric phenomenon is created by the interaction of sunlight or moonlight with the atmosphere, clouds, rain, water, dust or other particulate matter.

"The Windows Section is considered by some to be the beating heart of Arches National Park. The area contains a large concentration of arches and is one of the most scenic locations in the park. North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the awe-inspiring expanses you’ll find in just over two square miles. Other named features in this area include Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte, and Parade of Elephants."

Between late March and late May, and depending upon the amount of rain fall Big Bend National Park experienced in the past year, the many varieties of cactus will be in bloom, sporting brilliant saturated colors ranging from yellow to orange to magenta to red.

"How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a stranded sailor risen up to become a great chief over an entire island? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Where else can you stand on a beach and watch as sharks pass over a submerged temple? Experience all this and much more – only at Pu'ukoholā Heiau!"

"Over the last ~570,000 years, water has transformed the Upper Las Vegas Valley. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is an urban park that preserves the unique story of this ever-changing ecosystem."

"Cow Island was the site of the Battle of Cow Island on September 23, 1877. The Nez Perce were fleeing from pursuing Army units toward Canada. They crossed the Missouri at the Cow Island ford on September 23." Cow Island Landing is one "of 38 places [within Nez Perce National Historical Park] important to the history and culture of the [Nez Perce] nimíipuu."

How would you like to explore a little of the backcountry at Wupatki National Monument in Arizona? The park is offering three overnight backcountry hikes this April to the Pueblo site known as Crack in The Rock. All hikes are Saturday to Sunday and the hike dates for April are the 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23. Click here for more information. The application period closes on March 14, 2023.