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americasgreatoutdoors:

Before highways and railways, before pioneers, even before Columbus…..the land we know as the United States was truly a vast wilderness. To protect these last remaining areas, in 1984 Congress created the Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Paria Canyon’s outstanding scenery, desert wildlife, colorful history, and opportunities for primitive recreation will remain free from the influence of man and are protected in this condition for future generations. Its 112,500 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude, scenic splendor, and the chance to explore one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Manager Kevin Wright hikes Coyote Buttes South in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness area within the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona. 

Photo: Rachel Tueller, Bureau of Land Management

mypubliclands:

An adopted burro in California. Photo Julie Thompson

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natureconservancy:

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt

agree

mypubliclands:

Moon and clouds hang over the landscape of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness in New Mexico. The wilderness area is a remote desolate area of steeply eroded badlands which offers some of the most unusual scenery found in the FourCorners region. Time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations and fossils. It is an ever-changing environment that offers the visitor a remote wilderness experience. Translated from the Navajo language, Bisti means “a large area of shale hills” and is commonly pronounced (Bis-tie). De-Na-Zin (Deh-nah-zin) takes its name from the Navajo words for “cranes.” Petroglyphs of cranes have been found south of the wilderness area. Photo by James Sippel

mypubliclands:

When my husband retired from the Navy after serving 20 years, we took a road trip out to the southwest by Jeep. My husband felt that is not enough to fight for our country – to protect our freedom; it is even more important to enjoy it. We sought the off road trails that were crooked, winding, lonesome and an even a tad bit dangerous. It leads us to the most amazing view of Moab’s public lands overlooking the Green River. Beyond the next turn of the canyon walls, we explored down into a desert of red rock, mesas, domes and pinnacles of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs. Wilderness is vital to the human spirit. So get out there, ramble out yonder and explore, and contemplate the lovely, mysterious, and awesome space that the public lands provide.

—Christina E.

The submissions are in for our “What My Public Lands Mean to Me” contest for veterans, active duty military, and their families.  Head over to http://mypubliclands.challenge.gov to vote for your favorites.

amazing

mypubliclands:

“The truck pitched and yawed as we snaked our way across Arizona’s Paria Plateau and slogged through the deep channels of sandy roads that traverse the desert terrain. Our route this trip lead north across the plateau to a destination known among backcountry travelers as simply, ‘White Pockets’; one of the few remote locations within the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that to me, still feels largely like an adventure and expedition.” — Photographer Rachel Tueller 

Check back next week, when we’ll post the full story and more photos from Rachel’s trip

mypubliclands:

Angel Peak Scenic Area, located about 30 miles southeast of Farmington, New Mexico, offers more than 10,000 acres of rugged terrain recognized for its scenic and scientific wonders. The nearly 7,000-foot Angel Peak, a landmark composed of river deposited sandstone from the San Jose Formation, is visible for miles in any direction. However, the banded colors of the badlands and the deep sculpted fingers of the canyon at the base of Angel Peak are only fully revealed to those who make the short journey along the rim.

really good

mypubliclands:

Yet another amazing Bob Wick photo from the Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona. Wow.

mypubliclands:

The Wedge Overlook in Utah provides a striking view of the Little Grand Canyon, the San Rafael River, and the Sid’s Mountain Wilderness Study Area. Photo by Norm Bosworth

americasgreatoutdoors:

Yellowstone National Park after a fresh snowfall. 

Photo: National Park Service 

nice

(via mypubliclands)