Sometimes it"s nice to get away. Thanks to environmentalist Howard Zahniser, Americans can do that in one of the country"s many wildernesses—areas sheltered from human activities. Pictured in today"s image, Crystal Lake is one such protected area. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington, the Enchantments has more than 700 lakes and ponds and some of the best rock climbing in the Western United States. It"s also home to mountain goats, ptarmigan, pikas and numerous types of alpine flowers. If you want to see Alpine Lakes Wilderness yourself, however, be prepared to wait. Few permits are granted for day hikes, and of the 40,000 people who entered last year"s lottery for overnight permits, only 2,558 received one.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, USA
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Single file, please!
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Dragon waterfall, Venezuela
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Whos in this creepy copse?
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Happy Birthday, JRR Tolkien!
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Grand National
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When landscape met wilderness
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J.R.R. Tolkien Day
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Mount Fuji Day
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Shark Fin Cove, California
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World Rivers Day
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World Bee Day
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Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Canada
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The beauty of intricate carvings
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A beautiful labyrinth
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Doves of peace
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Lighting up the Badlands
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The world’s greatest oasis?
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Lei Day
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Camel thorn trees, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
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Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
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Celebrating women
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World Oceans Day
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Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
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A day for giving
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Songkran—Thai New Year
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Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
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SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
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The buffet is open
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Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering, Nebraska, United States