Jail from the 19th century that was built by inmates.

A few dilapidated structures are all that remain of this deserted former silver mining town.

Home to the deepest rift anywhere on Earth.

Standing in a state of "arrested decay," this ghost town allows for a detailed peek into Gold Rush life in an unusually harsh climate.

California's own majestic geyser is powered by a subterranean volcano.

This old mining town, deep in the California desert, has a year-round population of one.

"Only the devil could play golf here."

Not merely a museum – but a whirring powerhouse that offers a subterranean peek into the heart and soul of cable car operations.

The highest dunes in California are the most likely place in the area to hear the Singing Sands.

A desert ghost town—occupied for only 12 years—was once home to more than 500 silver mines.

Quite simply the largest tree in the world (by volume).

Hollywood's most famous landmark, the "temporary" sign that has stood for decades longer than intended.

A land of debatable treasure.

This Nevada lake holds its titular natural pyramid and, if the legends are true, a number of dangerous spirits.

Dyed by iron oxide over centuries, these sandstone rocks rise thousands of feet into the sky.

Odd outsider art installations surround a Gold Rush-era ghost town.

Stepping away from the glitz of mobsters and casinos to learn about the other history of Vegas.

A collision of human error and natural geothermal pressure created this rainbow-colored geologic wonder.

Hidden behind Lincoln's head is a chamber containing enamel plates documenting American history, sealed in a teakwood box in a titanium vault.

The world's largest mountain carving could fit all of Mount Rushmore inside it many times over.

The residents at this Yellowstone wildlife park will certify your cooler as "bear-proof."

An entire town preserved as a historic landmark.

At the time of its completion, it was the tallest dam in the world.

This Yellowstone geyser may not shoot as high as the nearby Old Faithful, but it erupts for considerably longer.