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

Wavy sandstone ridges stretch across the Caineville Badlands, Utah, in the 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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jul. 31, 2025Kalalau Beach on the Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, United States
Oct. 14, 2025Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
A curious little otter pup
Sep. 23, 2025Keel-billed toucan, Costa Rica
Sway with the Amazonian canopy
Jul. 28, 2025World Nature Conservation Day
Mar. 27, 2025World Theatre Day
Feb. 21, 2026Red fox, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, United States
Sep. 22, 2025Autumn equinox
Oct. 7, 2025Fall colours below Mount Sneffels near Ridgway, Colorado, United States
May the 4th be with you
Oct. 15, 2024Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
Jun. 26, 2025Horse Head Rock, New South Wales, Australia
Sep. 6, 2025Rufous hummingbird
May 6, 2025An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia
Sep. 21, 2025Sea Otter Awareness Week
Oct. 30, 2023Common raven
Oct. 26, 2023Schönbrunn Palace Park, Vienna, Austria
A pink moon over Arizona
Nov. 25, 2023Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Jul. 4, 2025Skipper butterfly on an Echinacea flower
May 2, 2024Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho, USA
Apr. 11, 2024Dragon waterfall, Venezuela
Sep. 20, 2025Oktoberfest begins!
Mar. 15, 2025Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Racing through the five boroughs
Sep. 23, 2024Sea Otter Awareness Week
Southern tip of a northern isle
Bungle beehives
Scenic Mount Michener