National Take the Stairs Day Jan 8, 2025

National Take the Stairs Day

New year, new goals—so why not start by taking a step toward better health? On this National Take the Stairs Day, let"s climb into the past. The Great Wall of China, one of the longest humanmade structures in the world, offers the perfect inspiration. Stretching more than 13,000 miles and dating back thousands of years, the ancient marvel in today"s picture is a series of fortifications spanning rugged mountains, valleys, and deserts. Featuring steep trenches and watchtowers, parts of it were designed to keep invaders at bay. Hiking the Great Wall offers a unique glimpse into this historical landmark. The experience varies from well-preserved sections like Mutianyu to wild, unrestored parts such as Jiankou. Some steps are so high, they"re more like steps on a ladder! Talk about a workout—taking these stairs could rival any modern fitness challenge.

© View Stock/Alamy

palette

Today in History

Jan 8, 2018Gardens by the Bay nature park, Singapore
Jan 8, 2019A stunning national park in winter white
Jan 8, 2020Take the stairs
Jan 8, 2021Take this for a spin...
Jan 8, 2022American bison
Jan 8, 2023Breckenridge, Colorado
Jan 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
Jan 8, 2026Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun 6, 2020The long and wiggling path
Apr 7, 2018The confluence of the Arve and Rhône Rivers
Aug 9, 2018Ruins of Inca temples and terraces on Huayna Picchu, Peru
Dec 11, 2025International Mountain Day
Jun 15, 2023Nature Photography Day
Sep 19, 2023Splügen Pass, Switzerland
Dec 10, 2023Sand dunes in the Sahara, Algeria
Jan 6, 2020Have fun storming the castle
Nov 25, 2018‘Ciao’ from Varenna
Aug 1, 2023National Mountain Climbing Day
Apr 13, 2021Ruins of a royal temple
Jan 4, 2020Celebrating whales—and a whale of a tale
Sep 14, 2019I am the walrus
May 19, 2026Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Sep 3, 2024Wilderness Act anniversary
Jun 5, 2019Happy trees = Clean air
Jan 12, 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
Oct 5, 2021A day to celebrate teachers
Apr 5, 2022Goðafoss waterfall, Iceland
Oct 3, 2019Love on ice
May 15, 2022Lunar eclipse
Dec 18, 2025Celebrating 54 years of Capitol Reef National Park
Dec 26, 2025Boxing Day
Nov 22, 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Jun 13, 2023Okefenokee Swamp
Feb 15, 2020Whales in winter
Jul 21, 2019A peek behind the royal curtain
Mar 26, 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Oct 23, 2023Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Mar 21, 2025Happy International Day of Forests!