Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Photograph by Raymond Gehman, National Geographic Teton Crest Trail When to Go: Mid-July to Mid-September One Way: 36.7 Miles, 6 Days Level: Moderate Backpacking Trip See the Trail Map The signature hike of Grand Teton National Park threads its way along the interior spine of the Teton range, joining high divides and passes, alpine lakes, and intimate looks at those iconic craggy summits. The brief hiking season coincides with a supernova burst of color—carpets of lupine, streams choked with mountain bluebells. At Fox Creek Pass you get sweeping views of Jackson Hole in Wyoming and Teton Valley in Idaho. And starting in Hurricane Pass, every view for several miles frames the three Tetons in all their glory. Insider Tip: Leave a car at trail’s end—the Leigh Lake trailhead—then ride the Teton Village tram to start the hike on the Granite Canyon Trail.
Lightning, Arizona Photograph by Richard T. Cole, Your Shot This is a time exposure of four lightning strikes over Scottsdale, Arizona. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Thunderstorm, Florida Photograph by Michael Roberts,Your ShotIt rains almost every afternoon in the sunshine state. I work in a strip mall and left work to threatening, but beautiful, skies. I put on a long lens, intending to shoot only these treetops and sky. It immediately poured rain, forcing me into the car. What a blessing. I used the long lens and focused on the rain-covered windshield. It lessened the depth of field, adding to image distortion, eliminating strip mall clutter, and creating an image with the feel of a Florida afternoon thunderstorm. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Hermit’s Trail, Grand Canyon Photograph by Akshay SateeshOn the remote Hermit’s Trail off the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare occurrence of rain brings joy to a cold November day. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Chicago Photograph by Mihai IacobI happened to be in the right place at the right time when I took this picture. The place was Nichols Bridgeway leading to the modern wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, with beautiful views of downtown Chicago, and the time was sunset. I love the architecture, the vibrant city life and the light, all captured in the same frame. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Chinatown, New York Photograph by Matthew Goddard-JonesReflections on the road after a wet afternoon. Chinatown, New York. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico Photograph by Troy Lim, Your ShotThis was taken in December 2010 during my first trip to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. It took me four days, waiting in the cold weather an hour before sunrise. On the fourth day, everything fell together. The gorgeous sunrise, wind direction, and snow geese all took off right in front of my lens.