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

Aqueducts have dramatically changed this old lake, now home to tufa towers and its very own species of tiny brine shrimp.

Towering basalt columns, a creation of fire and ice.

Eons old volcanic activity created one of the most stunning rock formations in the United States.

This unique graffiti art from the 1940s has become a staple of this local landscape in the remote California desert.

One of the most unusual geological features, recognizable from a dozen hit movies.

This sun-scorched lakebed contains samples of half the natural elements known to humankind.

Named after a bandit and the star of several Hollywood prehistoric landscapes, these sandstone formations are a historical part of the Los Angeles natural landscape.

The California capital city once stood 10 feet lower than it does today.

Art Deco stylings conceal the true nature of this bridge.

Trails through lava-carved tube-caves display sparkling bacteria and a rich history.

The deepest lake in the United States, and once the site of epic destruction that lives on in legends.

This natural marble cave is one of only five national monuments in Oregon.

Two mammoth statues inspired by equally tall tales lure tourists to this roadside attraction.

One of the most scenic stretches of road in America winds between some of the country's oldest trees.

Guns that have been defending San Francisco since 1904.

This private residence was the template for one of the most beloved television homes of all time.

One of the oldest producers of hand-folded fortune cookies still uses its original secret recipe.

In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim.

This pristine World War II airfield gives a comprehensive look at atomic development and aviation history.

Come for the speed, leave in love with the desert.

A hidden garden of stones engraved with scriptures, a Joseph Smith Sphinx, all carved by one man.

Largest man-made excavation on earth!

The location along the shores of the Great Salt Lake of what was once called, "The Coney Island of the West", now sits barren due to arson and time.