Arch and Milky Way, Alabama Hills, Sierra Nevada, California, USA May 13, 2026

Arch and Milky Way, Alabama Hills, Sierra Nevada, California, USA

In today"s image, the granite arches of the Alabama Hills frame the Milky Way over a rugged landscape in California"s eastern Sierra Nevada. Famous for its rounded boulders and weathered rock formations, this area formed when molten rock cooled deep underground around 100 million years ago. Water and wind gradually shaped the stone into the smooth shapes seen today. Visitors can explore the natural arches, hike among the rocks, capture photographs of the unique landscape, ride horses or mountain bikes and enjoy seasonal displays of wildflowers.

© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures

palette

Today in History

Tis the season for travel
World’s largest tulip festival
May 13, 2024Fish River Canyon, Namibia
May 13, 2025Yoho National Park, British Columbia

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug. 25, 2024Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Where is this ethereal mountain?
Dec. 12, 2024Poinsettia Day
Jan. 2, 2026Aerial view of Venice, Italy
Dec. 26, 2025Boxing Day
Mar. 31, 2026Paradise Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
Jul. 3, 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
Lest we forget
May 2, 2026Jasper National Park in Alberta
Oct. 8, 2024World Octopus Day
Dec. 14, 2024Christmas Bird Count turns 125
Apr. 20, 2024Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
A future built on the past
Aug. 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
Owl be seeing you ... somewhere!
Jan. 27, 2026Dalmatian pelicans, Lake Kerkini, Greece
Secluded sands in Mexico
Nov. 27, 2025Eastbourne Pier, East Sussex, England
Where buffalo roam
Fragrant fields as far as the eye can see
Oct. 9, 2023Thanksgiving Day
Apr. 8, 2025Paro Tsechu Festival, Bhutan
The lungs of Earth
Feb. 20, 2025Red deer, Canada
Dec. 24, 2024Silent night, sparkling lights and hearts full of joy
May 3, 2026International Leopard Day
Aug. 27, 2023Jeju Island, South Korea
Oct. 12, 2024World Migratory Bird Day
Apr. 25, 2024World Penguin Day
Jan. 22, 2024Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California, USA