Your vacation guide to national parks of the west

Lighted by a very bright half moon, night becomes day during this 30-second time exposure of the skies over Half Dome, as seen from Glacier Point at 9:35 p.m.

A rainbow forms during a rare stormy sunrise at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Read the story: There’s weird science, quirky history and plain fun in the 3.4 million acres of Death Valley National Park

MORE: In Death Valley, a Jeep, back roads and a whole new perspective

Beauty is found on the floor of the forest as well as in the canopies of the surrounding Humboldt redwoods and other trees.

MORE: California’s redwoods: In the land of the giants

Two large, dominant coastal brown bears fight in the shallow waters at Brooks Falls. According to park rangers, the battles between the animals are usually caused by disputes over fishing rights.

MORE: In Katmai National Park, Alaska, up close with bears pursuing salmon

A ranger leads a group of visitors on a tour. These miniature cities carved into the cliffs were originally inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people (also known as Anasazi) between 550 and 1200.

MORE: At Mesa Verde National Park, step back into ancient Pueblo times

A bright moon illuminates the sky above the desert in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park encompasses almost 800,000 acres and is about a three-hour drive from Los Angeles.

MORE: Southern California Close-Ups: Joshua Tree National Park and Desert Hot Springs

Morning Glory Geyser, near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, is know for its many colors.

MORE: Yellowstone National Park in the summer