Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States Apr 2, 2025

Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States

Wavy sandstone ridges stretch across the Caineville Badlands, Utah, United States, resembling nature"s brushstrokes on stone. These formations are made of fine-grained sediment that settled in ancient river deltas and inland seas and later hardened into stone. Over time, erosion carved through the layers, exposing flowing, ripple-like patterns. The sedimentary layers tell a story of shifting climates and ancient landscapes. The barren land, seen in today"s image, may appear lifeless, but during early spring, rainfall blankets the terrain with tiny purple and yellow flowers. Light and shadow shift throughout the day, offering photographers and visitors various angles. While much of the terrain remains rugged, some areas offer easy access, allowing visitors to explore without strenuous hiking.

© Chris Moore/TANDEM Stills + Motion

palette

Today in History

Where is this ethereal mountain?
Apr 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Apr 2, 2026Wildflower bloom, Central Valley, California, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Feb 25, 2024Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
May 6, 2025An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia
A mountaintop cultural wonder
Aug 3, 2024Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
Lighting the world
Feb 27, 2024Polar bear cubs
Aug 8, 2025The Three Musketeers Falls at Iguazú Falls, Argentina
Apr 13, 2025Songkran—Thai New Year
An apex predator
Feb 7, 2024St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
Jul 19, 2025Luna moth in New Braunfels, Texas, United States
Nov 2, 2025Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Jun 20, 2024Summer solstice
A dramatic celebration of peace
Bridging the gap two ways
Mar 13, 2024Lake Magadi, Kenya
Feb 12, 2026Darwin Day
A church atop a hill
Apr 5, 2025Gaztelugatxe islet at sunset, Basque Country, Spain
Aug 11, 2024Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada
Oct 22, 2025Belogradchik Rocks, Bulgaria
Feb 7, 2026Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia
Nov 19, 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
Himalaya mountain range
Dec 30, 2025Whooper swans, Kotoku Pond, Japan
Jun 14, 2024Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Canada
Southern tip of a northern isle
Dec 1, 2024Antarctica Day
Feb 19, 2026Dragons Eye, Uttakleiv Beach, Norway
Mar 31, 2025Ostuni, Apulia, Italy