A Roman-style column in Oregon hides a spiral staircase inside.

This ultra-modern California span is actually a titanic solar clock in disguise built by famed architect Santiago Calatrava.

The flow from this waterfall sometimes comes out of springs below its rim.

One of the largest fleets of armored vehicles in the world, sitting out in the California desert.

At the edge of the high desert, California's second-largest natural lake is home to a unique subspecies of trout adapted to its alkaline waters.

This hiking/biking/horse trail along an old railroad grade features trestles, tunnels, and a roadless stretch through the scenic Susan River canyon.

The now-abandoned tunnels were built for the transcontinental railroad on the route where the first wagon train entered California.

This impressive tunnel was dug entirely by hand over the course of 36 years.

The liveliest ghost town in the state.

Everything you always wanted to know about borates is here.

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

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

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

The most magnificent bottle house in a town strangely full of them.

A land of debatable treasure.

Twelve plaster figures inspired by da Vinci's famed painting haunt the desert landscape above a real-life ghost town.

This crumbling Death Valley mining complex was known for its use of giant, 20-mule team wagons.

"Only the devil could play golf here."

The lowest point in North America is home to an undrinkable pool surrounded by fields of geometric salt flats.

Millions of years of oxidation make a drive down this winding Death Valley road surprisingly colorful.

An off-grid art installation that encourages its visitors to imagine a world without waste.

This abandoned Navy base was transformed into an off-grid alternative living community for thousands of people.

A hand-built folk art installation covered with messages of God's love.

Semi-recognized center of the world, with many oddities.