Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 549 images found }

Loading ()...

  • On Mount Rainier (14,411 feet elevation or 4392 meters), a climber at 12,000 feet ascends Emmons Glacier, which terminates 7,000 feet below in the White River which flows northwest into Puget Sound. Watersheds in the upper right flow south into the Columbia River. Little Tahoma (11,138 feet) rises at right.  Permitted climbers can ascend Mount Rainier via the Camp Sherman route starting at White River Campground, in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    82RAI-99-01-EmmonsGlacierClimber_16-...jpg
  • See vast vineyards growing on steep hills near Martigny, Switzerland, Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-7436.jpg
  • Seen through a jet window, a vast ice sheet stretches across Greenland, the world's largest island. This ice cap (Sermersuaq in Greenlandic) contains 10 percent of the world's fresh water, plus atmospheric particles which scientists can use to gain an insight into the climate of both Greenland and the Earth going back some 250,000 years. Scientists report accelerated melting since the new millennium, with a net loss of ice mass. If the entire ice sheet melted, the world's oceans would rise by 6-7 meters (20-23 feet). Greenland's huge ice sheet is only second in size to the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Greenland lies between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. While it is physiographically part of the North American continent, for more than a thousand years Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe (the colonial powers of Norway and Denmark, plus the nearby island of Iceland). In 2008, the people of Greenland passed a referendum making it an autonomous country within the Danish Realm. With a population of about 56,480 in 2013, it is the least densely populated country in the world. (The continent of Australia is larger but isn't considered an island.)
    16SWI-0026.jpg
  • Seen through a jet window, a vast ice sheet stretches across Greenland, the world's largest island. This ice cap (Sermersuaq in Greenlandic) contains 10 percent of the world's fresh water, plus atmospheric particles which scientists can use to gain an insight into the climate of both Greenland and the Earth going back some 250,000 years. Scientists report accelerated melting since the new millennium, with a net loss of ice mass. If the entire ice sheet melted, the world's oceans would rise by 6-7 meters (20-23 feet). Greenland's huge ice sheet is only second in size to the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Greenland lies between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. While it is physiographically part of the North American continent, for more than a thousand years Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe (the colonial powers of Norway and Denmark, plus the nearby island of Iceland). In 2008, the people of Greenland passed a referendum making it an autonomous country within the Danish Realm. With a population of about 56,480 in 2013, it is the least densely populated country in the world. (The continent of Australia is larger but isn't considered an island.)
    16SWI-0022.jpg
  • Wes and Carol Dempsey enjoy Antarctica. See a vast frozen wilderness from the railing of an Antarctic cruise ship. For licensing options, please inquire.
    05ANT-20059-1329.jpg
  • Trekkers admire the vast Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, Patagonia, South America. Before dividing in two at its tongue, the glacier is 6 kilometers wide and over 30 meters high. Originating in the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the Grey Glacier has receded 4 km and lost 17 square kilometers from the mid 1900s through 2010.  Torres del Paine National Park is listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    2002PAT-5579-Pano.jpg
  • See the vast Aletsch Glacier from atop the Eggishorn in Valais canton of Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From Fiesch, ascend via cable car first to see stunning views from the Eggishorn (2926 m), then return to the mid station of Fiesheralp, from where you can hike a spectacular ridge above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6867.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6761.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6684.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-6614-15pan.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2105.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2056.jpg
  • Double O Arch, Devils Garden Trail, Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, USA. A thick underground salt bed underlies the creation of the park's many arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Some 300 million years ago, a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated to create the salt bed up to thousands of feet thick. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 million years ago) desert conditions deposited the vast Navajo Sandstone. On top of that, about 140 million years ago, the Entrada Sandstone was deposited from stream and windblown sediments. Later, over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and then mostly worn away, leaving the park's arches eroded mostly within the Entrada formation. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    1403UT-223-225pan_Double-O-Arch_Devi...jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50436_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above green Alpe di Seceda, above Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). As sheep and cows graze en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is fittingly dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20912_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • A Minoan stone room and chair are restored in the Knossos palace, at Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit.
    01GRE-16-35_Minoan-chair-Knossos.jpg
  • Sunset light strikes Cathedral Mountain, seen from Kia Ora Hut along the Overland Track, in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia. The Tasmanian Wilderness was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, expanded in 1989. The famous Overland Track features mountains, temperate rainforest, wild rivers, alpine plains, abundant birds, and other wildlife. The most extensive dolerite formations in the world dominate the landscape of Tasmania, where magma intruded into a thin veneer of Permian and Triassic rocks over perhaps a million years during the Jurassic breakup of supercontinent Gondwana in the Southern Hemisphere, forming vast dolerite/diabase sills and dike swarms. (North American geologists use the term diabase instead of dolerite to refer to the fresh, unaltered rock.) Mostly native to Australia where they dominate the tree flora, Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees (and a few shrubs) in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Many are known as gum trees because of copious sap exuded from any break in the bark.
    04AUS-30336_Cathedral-Mt_Overland-Tr...jpg
  • Snow coats a tree in a mossy canyon in Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.
    11UT1-2055_Zion-NP-Utah.jpg
  • See the vast Aletsch Glacier from atop the Eggishorn in Valais canton of Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From Fiesch, ascend via cable car first to see stunning views from the Eggishorn (2926 m), then return to the mid station of Fiesheralp, from where you can hike a spectacular ridge above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6958-p2.jpg
  • See the vast Aletsch Glacier from atop the Eggishorn in Valais canton of Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From Fiesch, ascend via cable car first to see stunning views from the Eggishorn (2926 m), then return to the mid station of Fiesheralp, from where you can hike a spectacular ridge above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6955.jpg
  • See the vast Aletsch Glacier from atop the Eggishorn in Valais canton of Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From Fiesch, ascend via cable car first to see stunning views from the Eggishorn (2926 m), then return to the mid station of Fiesheralp, from where you can hike a spectacular ridge above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6923.jpg
  • See the vast Aletsch Glacier from atop the Eggishorn in Valais canton of Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From Fiesch, ascend via cable car first to see stunning views from the Eggishorn (2926 m), then return to the mid station of Fiesheralp, from where you can hike a spectacular ridge above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6911-p1.jpg
  • See the vast Aletsch Glacier from atop the Eggishorn in Valais canton of Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From Fiesch, ascend via cable car first to see stunning views from the Eggishorn (2926 m), then return to the mid station of Fiesheralp, from where you can hike a spectacular ridge above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6866.jpg
  • See the vast Aletsch Glacier from atop the Eggishorn in Valais canton of Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From Fiesch, ascend via cable car first to see stunning views from the Eggishorn (2926 m), then return to the mid station of Fiesheralp, from where you can hike a spectacular ridge above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6865.jpg
  • The majestic Weisshorn (4506 m / 14,783 feet) rises behind Berghotel Riederfurka, in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Riederfurka is perched between the Rhone valley and Aletsch Glacier. Getting there: near Brig, go to Mörel; take the aerial cable-car from Mörel via Ried to Riederalp summit station; then walk 20 minutes up to Riederfurka. A stunning ridge walk from Riderfurke gives vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohfluh, Moosfluh, Hohbalm; from Fiesheralp, lift up to the spectacular Eggishorn viewpoint. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6829.jpg
  • The majestic Weisshorn (4506 m / 14,783 feet) rises behind Berghotel Riederfurka, in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Riederfurka is perched between the Rhone valley and Aletsch Glacier. Getting there: near Brig, go to Mörel; take the aerial cable-car from Mörel via Ried to Riederalp summit station; then walk 20 minutes up to Riederfurka. A stunning ridge walk from Riderfurke gives vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohfluh, Moosfluh, Hohbalm; from Fiesheralp, lift up to the spectacular Eggishorn viewpoint. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6825.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6820.jpg
  • See the Dom, Matterhorn and Weisshorn (left to right) from Riederalp ridge, in the Pennine Alps, Valais/Wallis canton, Switzerland, Europe. The Dom (4545 m / 14,911 ft) is the third highest mountain in the Alps and the second highest in Switzerland (after Monte Rosa). Located in the Pennine/Valais Alps between Randa (in Matter Valley) and Saas-Fee, the Dom is the main summit of the Mischabel Group (German: Mischabelhörner), the highest massif lying entirely in Switzerland. The Mischabel Group (ancient German term for pitchfork) includes many summits above 4000 meters: the Nadelgrat, composed of the Lenzspitze, the Nadelhorn (4327 m/14,196 ft "Needle Peak"), Stecknadelhorn, Hohberghorn and Dürrenhorn; and Täschhorn (4491 m south/just left of highest peak in photo), plus the flat summit of the Alphubel (4206 m / 13,799 ft, further left). From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp.
    16SWI-6811.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6805.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6804.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6801.jpg
  • See the Matterhorn and Weisshorn (left to right) from Riederalp ridge, in the Pennine Alps, Valais/Wallis canton, Switzerland, Europe. Getting there: from Fiesch, take the Eggishorn cable car for vast views, then lift back to Fiesheralp mid station, where you can enjoy walking above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Or an easier hiking option is via Betten-Bettmerhorn cable car then hiking to Riederalp-Mörel gondola.
    16SWIC-664.jpg
  • See the Matterhorn and Weisshorn (left to right) from Riederalp ridge, in the Pennine Alps, Valais/Wallis canton, Switzerland, Europe. Getting there: from Fiesch, take the Eggishorn cable car for vast views, then lift back to Fiesheralp mid station, where you can enjoy walking above Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Or an easier hiking option is via Betten-Bettmerhorn cable car then hiking to Riederalp-Mörel gondola.
    16SWI-6795.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-6776.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-6771.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6760.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6739.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6725-p1.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6710.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6693.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6661.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6653.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-6628-31pan.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6628-p1.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6621.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6602.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6599.jpg
  • The limestone Churfirsten group forms a distinctive line of peaks the Appenzell Alps, in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, as seen from atop Säntis. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2418.jpg
  • Berggasthaus Alter Säntis is perched dramatically atop Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet), the highest peak of the Alpstein range and the Appenzell Alps, located in northeast Switzerland, Europe. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via aerial tramway (Luftseilbahn) from Schwägalp, or with effort via wonderful trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. We highly recommend staying overnight on top of Säntis as we did at Berggasthaus Alter Säntis, a fifth-generation family-run mountain inn since 1850, offering modern private double and dormitory lodging with good food and magnificent views. From where we joined it at Rotsteinpass, the spectacular, rocky Lisengrat trail to Säntis is rigged with safety cables in case of icy or wet conditions (and can be scary for those with fear of heights). In rainy weather the next day, we took the easy tram down to Schwägalp instead of hiking to Ebenalp. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2412.jpg
  • A propeller airplane flies over Säntis, highest peak of Alpstein & Appenzell Alps. Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet) is the highest peak of the Alpstein range and the Appenzell Alps, in Switzerland, Europe. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via aerial tramway (Luftseilbahn) from Schwägalp, or with effort via wonderful trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. We highly recommend staying overnight on top as we did at Berggasthaus Alter Säntis, a fifth-generation family-run mountain inn since 1850, offering modern private double and dormitory lodging with good food and magnificent views. From where we joined it at Rotsteinpass, the spectacular, rocky Lisengrat trail to Säntis is rigged with safety cables in case of icy or wet conditions (and can be scary for those with fear of heights). In rainy weather the next day, we took the easy tram down instead of hiking to Ebenalp. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2392.jpg
  • Berggasthaus Alter Säntis is perched dramatically atop Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet), the highest peak of the Alpstein range and the Appenzell Alps, located in northeast Switzerland, Europe. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via aerial tramway (Luftseilbahn) from Schwägalp, or with effort via wonderful trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. We highly recommend staying overnight on top of Säntis as we did at Berggasthaus Alter Säntis, a fifth-generation family-run mountain inn since 1850, offering modern private double and dormitory lodging with good food and magnificent views. From where we joined it at Rotsteinpass, the spectacular, rocky Lisengrat trail to Säntis is rigged with safety cables in case of icy or wet conditions (and can be scary for those with fear of heights). In rainy weather the next day, we took the easy tram down to Schwägalp instead of hiking to Ebenalp. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2390-p1.jpg
  • View from atop Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet), the highest peak of the Alpstein range and the Appenzell Alps, in Switzerland, Europe. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car (Luftseilbahn) from Schwägalp, or with effort via wonderful trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. We highly recommend staying overnight on top as we did at Berggasthaus Alter Säntis, a fifth-generation family-run mountain inn since 1850, offering modern private double and dormitory lodging with good food and magnificent views. From where we joined it at Rotsteinpass, the spectacular, rocky Lisengrat trail to Säntis is rigged with safety cables in case of icy or wet conditions (and can be scary for those with fear of heights). In rainy weather the next day, we took the easy aerial tramway down instead of hiking to Ebenalp. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2332.jpg
  • Dining deck. Berggasthaus Alter Säntis is perched dramatically atop Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet), the highest peak of the Alpstein range and the Appenzell Alps, located in northeast Switzerland, Europe. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via aerial tramway (Luftseilbahn) from Schwägalp, or with effort via wonderful trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. At center is Altmann peak (2435m), second highest of the Appenzell Alps. We highly recommend staying overnight on top of Säntis as we did at Berggasthaus Alter Säntis, a fifth-generation family-run mountain inn since 1850, offering modern private double and dormitory lodging with good food and magnificent views. From where we joined it at Rotsteinpass, the spectacular, rocky Lisengrat trail to Säntis is rigged with safety cables in case of icy or wet conditions (and can be scary for those with fear of heights). In rainy weather the next day, we took the easy tram down to Schwägalp instead of hiking to Ebenalp. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2295.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2292-p1.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-2270-75pan.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2242.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2238.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2234.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2233.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2199-p1.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2180.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2159.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2149-p1.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2127-p1.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2127-29pan.jpg
  • Alpine yellow composite wildflowers bloom along the Lisengrat ridge trail, in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. The aster, daisy or sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae) is the largest family of vascular plants. Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2091.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2087-p1.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2076.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2059.jpg
  • Partition Arch, Devils Garden Trail, Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, USA. A thick underground salt bed underlies the creation of the park's many arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Some 300 million years ago, a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated to create the salt bed up to thousands of feet thick. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 million years ago) desert conditions deposited the vast Navajo Sandstone. On top of that, about 140 million years ago, the Entrada Sandstone was deposited from stream and windblown sediments. Later, over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and then mostly worn away, leaving the park's arches eroded mostly within the Entrada formation.
    1403UT-194_Partition-Arch_Utah.jpg
  • Partition Arch hiker, Devils Garden Trail, Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, USA. A thick underground salt bed underlies the creation of the park's many arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Some 300 million years ago, a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated to create the salt bed up to thousands of feet thick. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 million years ago) desert conditions deposited the vast Navajo Sandstone. On top of that, about 140 million years ago, the Entrada Sandstone was deposited from stream and windblown sediments. Later, over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and then mostly worn away, leaving the park's arches eroded mostly within the Entrada formation.
    1403UT-178_Partition-Arch_Utah.jpg
  • Partition Arch runner, Devils Garden Trail, Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, USA. A thick underground salt bed underlies the creation of the park's many arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Some 300 million years ago, a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated to create the salt bed up to thousands of feet thick. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 million years ago) desert conditions deposited the vast Navajo Sandstone. On top of that, about 140 million years ago, the Entrada Sandstone was deposited from stream and windblown sediments. Later, over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and then mostly worn away, leaving the park's arches eroded mostly within the Entrada formation.
    1403UT-172_Partition-Arch_Utah.jpg
  • Sunset light on orange rock near Devils Garden Campground, in Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, USA. A thick underground salt bed underlies the creation of the park's many arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Some 300 million years ago, a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated to create the salt bed up to thousands of feet thick. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 million years ago) desert conditions deposited the vast Navajo Sandstone. On top of that, about 140 million years ago, the Entrada Sandstone was deposited from stream and windblown sediments. Later, over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and then mostly worn away, leaving the park's arches eroded mostly within the Entrada formation.
    1403UT-145_Arches-NP_Utah.jpg
  • Near Devils Garden Campground, in Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, USA. A thick underground salt bed underlies the creation of the park's many arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Some 300 million years ago, a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated to create the salt bed up to thousands of feet thick. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 million years ago) desert conditions deposited the vast Navajo Sandstone. On top of that, about 140 million years ago, the Entrada Sandstone was deposited from stream and windblown sediments. Later, over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and then mostly worn away, leaving the park's arches eroded mostly within the Entrada formation.
    1403UT-136_Arches-NP_Utah.jpg
  • Walk or bike along an idyllic path in Selva di Val Gardena village beneath Langkofel/Sassolungo peak on your way to Vallunga, in the Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50433_Langkofel-Sassolungo-Dol...jpg
  • Walk an idyllic path in Selva di Val Gardena village beneath Langkofel/Sassolungo peak on your way to Vallunga, in the Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50431_Langkofel-Sassolungo-Dol...jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50430_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-30175-77pan_Geisler-Odle-Dolom...jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30167_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30081_Santa-Maddalena_Funes-Vi...jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group from St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30035_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • An old wooden door is framed with a fresco design, in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village in the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Dolomites, Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30011_door-Dolomites.jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental, Puez Group, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei or St. Christina, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). As sheep and cows graze en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is fittingly dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-21187_Vallunga_Naturpark-Puez-...jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental, Puez Group, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei or St. Christina, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). As sheep and cows graze en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is fittingly dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-21181_Vallunga_Naturpark-Puez-...jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental, Puez Group, hiker, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei or St. Christina, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). As sheep and cows graze en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is fittingly dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 8 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-21152-59pan_Vallunga_Naturpark...jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental, Puez Group, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei or St. Christina, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). As sheep and cows graze en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is fittingly dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-21138-43pan_Vallunga_Naturpark...jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above green Alpe di Cisles/Cisles-Alm, near St. Christina, in Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The Puez Group rises on the right. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 10 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-21031-40pan_Puez-Group-Dolomit...jpg
  • At Prera Longia/Pieralongia, between Alpe di Seceda and Alpe di Cisles/Cisles-Alm, walk by curious rock outcrops, near St. Christina, in Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. In the background are the Puez Group (middle) and Langkofel Group (right, Sassolungo, 3181 meters/10,436 feet). The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 7 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-21019-25pan_Val-Gardena_South-...jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above a hiker on green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20982_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above a hiker on green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20979_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above a hiker on green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20977_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Marmots are large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota. This animal lives atop Alpe di Seceda, in the Geisler/Odle Group, above Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20934_marmot_Dolomites.jpg
  • Cliff near Upper Emerald Pool waterfall, Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.
    1303UT-1215.jpg
  • Kolob Terrace Road entrance to Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.
    1303UT-1134-p1.jpg
  • Deer cross Kolob Terrace Road at entrance to Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.
    1303UT-1118.jpg
  • Deer cross Kolob Terrace Road at entrance to Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.
    1303UT-1103.jpg
  • Patterns of desert varnish coat canyon walls near Lower Emerald Pool waterfall in Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. More about Zion: The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.
    1303UTC-5012.jpg
  • A red Minoan pillar is restored at Knossos palace, in Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit.
    01GRE-16-22_Knossos-Minoan-pillar.jpg
  • Granite cliffs soar a mile above the mile-wide Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA. Flightsee over a vast wilderness of glaciers and icy peaks in the Alaska Range. Ruth Glacier was 3800 feet thick in 1983 and flows 3 feet  a day from Denali (20,310 feet or 6191 meters, aka Mount McKinley), the highest mountain peak in North America. Denali is a granitic pluton uplifted by tectonic pressure while erosion has simultaneously stripped away the softer sedimentary rock above and around it.
    06AK_6016-fly-Denali.jpg
  • Granite cliffs soar a mile above the mile-wide Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA. Flightsee over a vast wilderness of glaciers and icy peaks in the Alaska Range. Ruth Glacier was 3800 feet thick in 1983 and flows 3 feet a day from Denali (20,310 feet or 6191 meters, aka Mount McKinley), the highest mountain peak in North America. Denali is a granitic pluton uplifted by tectonic pressure while erosion has simultaneously stripped away the softer sedimentary rock above and around it.
    06AK_6015-fly-Denali.jpg
Next
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Portfolio of Tom Dempsey / PhotoSeek.com

  • Portfolio
  • BLOG — PhotoSeek HOME
  • ALL IMAGES + captions
    • Worldwide favorites
    • ALL GALLERIES
    • Lightbox
  • SEARCH
  • CART
  • How to buy my images
  • Camera reviews
  • ABOUT