26 stunning Instagram pics from the Department of the Interior

We have an Instagram account you’re going to want to start following today: the U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior). The department’s Instagram feed is filled with incredible images of America: national parks, wilderness refuges, recreation areas and more. From colorful landscapes to up-close encounters with the local wildlife, this Instagram account will give you your daily fix of nature’s bounty in the U.S. Want to see for yourself? Take a look at some of the department’s 2014 Instagram pics and snag a few insider tips from park rangers and representatives across the country.

 Acadia National Park, Maine

With #sunrises as beautiful as this one, it’s easy to get up early at Acadia #NationalPark in #Maine. As one of the eastern-most points in the U.S., #Acadia has breathtaking sunrises that are best witnessed atop Cadillac Mountain. Photo by Melissa Machonis (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 10, 2014 at 7:28am PDT

Joshua Tree National Park, California

“We speak for the trees and all that is found here!”

-From Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree #NationalPark in #California has some of the most beautiful #sunsets, like this one captured by Manish Mamtani. #JoshuaTree is also known for its unique rock formations (making it perfect for rock climbing) and its Joshua tree forests, which are rumored to be the inspiration for Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax. Chief ranger Jeff Ohlfs says that Keys View, with its panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, is a must. Photo from www.sharetheexperience.org A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 10, 2014 at 2:49pm PDT

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

With the tallest dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park in #Colorado is a great place for a hike. And sometimes if you’re lucky, you might see a #doublerainbow Photo by Eric Magayne (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Sep 9, 2014 at 8:38am PDT

Zion National Park, Utah

“Endangered species, like this baby Mexican spotted owl, find sanctuary in the slot canyons of Zion National Park.”

-Michael Large, Zion National Park

We’re going to assume you all will enjoy a photo of a baby Mexican spotted owl to end the day from @ZionNPS. #Utah A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jun 6, 2014 at 2:46pm PDT

“Evening views of the Watchman and the Virgin River along Zion National Park’s Pa’rus Trail have appealed to photographers and hikers alike since the trail was built in 1993.” -Michael Large, Zion National Park

Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion National Park’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures. Photo: Steve Ancik

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Sep 9, 2014 at 2:40pm PDT

Kilauea Point Natural Wildlife Refuge, Kauai, Hawaii

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii joined the Union. Happy anniversary to the 50th state! Photo of Kīlauea Point Lighthouse in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge by Raul Ruiz (www.sharetheexperience.org). A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 8, 2014 at 8:11am PDT

Glacier National Park, Montana

“If it isn’t God’s backyard, then he certainly lives nearby.” – Robin Williams on Glacier National Park. RIP Photo: Kim Hang Dessoliers

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 8, 2014 at 5:34pm PDT

Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

From all of us at the Department of the Interior and NPS (including this grizzly bear), we want to thank you for the kind words about the National Park Service 98th birthday today. Here is our second photo celebrating the national parks and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Wilderness act on September 3rd. This bear is in Lake Clark National Park, a land of stunning beauty where volcanoes steam, salmon run, bears forage, craggy mountains reflect in shimmering turquoise lakes, and local people and culture still depend on the land and water of their home. Solitude is found around every bend in the river and shoulder of a mountain. Venture into the park to become part of the wilderness. Photo: Kevin Dietrich (www.sharetheexperience.org) A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 8, 2014 at 3:25pm PDT

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

“Midway Geyser Basin is the home of Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the park’s largest hot spring. It measures approximately 370 feet in diameter and is over 121 feet deep. A description of this spring by fur trapper Osborne Russell in 1839 also makes it the earliest described thermal feature in Yellowstone that is definitely identifiable.” -Amy Bartlett, Yellowstone National Park

A visitor enjoying both rain and a sunset in Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Manish Mamtani (www.sharetheexperience.org)

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 8, 2014 at 3:02pm PDT

Yosemite National Park, California

Happy 50th anniversary to the Wilderness Act! President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the Wilderness Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund Act in 1964 is perhaps most important single event in American conservation history. Since its signing, Congress has designated more than 106 million acres of federal public lands as wilderness. Last week we asked you to pick your favorite wilderness photo and here is the winner. This photo was taken from the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center within Yosemite National Park by Sean Goebel. A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Sep 9, 2014 at 8:10am PDT

Happy 150th to Yosemite National Park! Double tap this photo to wish them a very happy birthday! @YosemiteNPS Photo: Kevin Perez (www.sharetheexperience.org)

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jun 6, 2014 at 8:31am PDT

Pelican Island, Florida

Today marks the 111th anniversary of the establishment of America’s first national wildlife refuge, Pelican Island, and the entire USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) went from protecting one five-acre refuge (now over 5400 acres) in 1903, to currently protecting over 560 national wildlife refuges consisting of 150 million acres of the best fish and wildlife habitat in the world for visitors to enjoy. National wildlife refuges are where wildlife come first to ensure future generations have opportunities to develop a special connection with the natural world. Have you visited your refuge lately? Photo: Andrea Westmoreland. #wildlife #wildliferefuge #refuges #pelicanisland #pelicans #pelican #conservation #travel #animals #birds #birding #birdwatching #nature #naturelovers #instanature #instacool #instagood #instalike #instadaily #history #florida #travel #love #like #bestoftheday #picoftheday #photooftheday #photography   A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Mar 3, 2014 at 8:27am PDT

Snake River, Idaho

Gliding through mountains, canyons, meadows, and the vast farmlands of the Snake River plains, lined with commanding cottonwood galleries and a lush shrub understory, the Snake River Corridor is truly a beautiful and unique destination. The area offers diverse recreational opportunities with over 300,000 visits per year and sustains a broad variety of plant, fish, bird and wildlife populations. It is also home to the federally threatened Ute ladies’ tresses orchid and is a world-famous blue ribbon fishery, supporting the largest wild Yellowstone cutthroat trout population outside of Yellowstone National Park. The first World Fly Fishing Championship in North America was even hosted here in 1997. Thanks in part to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) this area will continue to be preserved and enjoyed. Photo copyright: Leland Howard. A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jul 7, 2014 at 8:11am PDT

Redwood National Park, California

One more amazing tree photo for #ArborDay. Most people know #Redwood National Park in #California as home to the tallest trees on Earth. But the parks also protect vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild riverways, and nearly 40 miles of pristine coastline, all supporting a rich mosaic of wildlife diversity and cultural traditions. Together, the National Park Service and California State Parks manage these lands for the inspiration, enjoyment, and education of all people. Photo: Jessica Watz – www.sharetheexperience.org   A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Apr 4, 2014 at 3:06pm PDT

Mount Rainier, Washington

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits. Photo: Danny Seidman

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jun 6, 2014 at 8:18am PDT

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arizona 

“Emerald Cave is a hidden gem along Lake Mohave in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Tucked along the landscape near river mile 54 on the Arizona side of the lake, the unassuming cave becomes remarkable at certain times of the day. In the early afternoon, light reflects just right to create a green glow, making it a popular destination for paddlers.”

-Christie Vanover, Public Affairs Officer

Happy National Get Outdoors Day! Participants from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry are again teaming up to host the 7th annual National Get Outdoors Day to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun at sites across the nation. Today these diverse partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching currently underserved populations and first-time visitors to public lands, and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors. To learn more about events in your area today, visit http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/. Photo from Lake Mead National Recreation Area by Cheryl Hobbs (www.sharetheexperience.org) A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jun 6, 2014 at 7:55am PDT

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia

If this photo doesn’t scream summer, we don’t know one that would. Great photo of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Viginia) by Tyrone Singletary (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Aug 8, 2014 at 2:28pm PDT

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in #Virginia. Photo: Tyrone Singletary A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jun 6, 2014 at 9:08am PDT

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Today we are happy to announce the 2013 Share the Experience photo contest winner (where we get a lot of the photos featured on this account)! Courtney Kotewa’s took this beautiful photo at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in #Michigan. To see more and enter this year’s contest, visit www.sharetheexperience.org. A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on May 5, 2014 at 9:08am PDT

Evening storms make for some of the best #sunsets at #PicturedRocks National #Lakeshore in #Michigan. One of only four national lakeshores, Pictured Rocks hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles, offering pristine beaches, hiking trails and picturesque #waterfalls. Photo by Steve Perry (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 10, 2014 at 2:57pm PDT

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

Michael DeWitt took this stunning photo from Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in #Wisconsin. Here’s what he had to say about it. “In late December, a friend and I launched a canoe from the pack ice at Meyer’s Beach, gateway to the mainland sea caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. We broke skim ice and dodged ice bergs out to the caves, and we were well rewarded for our efforts. I made the image from the canoe, through a port hole as the sun set across Mawikwe Bay,” said DeWitt. To see more photos like this, head over to @cbsthismorning who will be featuring our photos all week!   A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on May 5, 2014 at 8:26am PDT

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Fall is the perfect time to explore America’s public lands –­­ from hiking to backpacking and camping! This picture was captured by Beau Johnston at Gros Ventre Campground in Grand Teton #NationalPark (#Wyoming). Photo from www.sharetheexperience.org.

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Oct 10, 2014 at 2:44pm PDT

Alabama Hills Recreation Area, California

Photographers come from all over the country to photograph the amazing views in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area in California, and the Mobius Arch is a bonus. Whether you’re visiting for the Sierra views, identifying native plant life or photography, this area offers a variety of activities. Photo: Steve Perry

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on May 5, 2014 at 8:31am PDT

Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, Arizona

Max Seigal took this stunning photo of “The Wave” in Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness. #Arizona A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:35pm PDT

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

In the shadow of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, 5,000 year old bristlecone pine trees grow on rocky glacial moraines. Come to Great Basin National Park in Nevada to experience the solitude of the desert, the smell of sagebrush after a thunderstorm, the darkest of night skies, and the beauty of Lehman Caves. Far from a wasteland, the Great Basin is a diverse region that awaits your discovery. Photo: National Park Service

A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on May 5, 2014 at 7:51am PDT

Arches National Park, Utah

“Many national parks, like Arches National Park, preserve dark night skies by limiting light pollution. On a clear night in the summer, a hiker beneath Delicate Arch can see as many as 8,000 stars with the naked eye.”

-Ranger Kait Thomas

The Milky Way over Arches National Park in #Utah. A photo posted by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on Sep 9, 2014 at 8:55am PDT

  (Featured image: usgeologicalsurvey)