Deep vertical fissures like miniature slot canyons cut across the cemented volcanic rock of Black Point above Mono Lake.

This large chunk of dark rock is a relic from an ancient volcanic eruption.

The first lookout in Yosemite.

These once-beautiful historic graveyards are set against the barren Virginia City hills.

A tiny red pebble marks what may be the quietest outdoor spot in the United States.

Stroll through a wonderland of stupendous moss-covered trees.

A bookstore with an entire room dedicated to damaged and forlorn comic books.

With its vaulted ceiling and gilded details, this University of Washington library would feel right at home inside an old palace.

A community gathering place that once housed half-ton tanks and the World's Fair.

Three nine-foot-tall bathing beauties perched elegantly on life-rings welcome visitors to the Alki waterfront.

Every summer West Seattle experiences a housing bloom.

A beautiful final resting place for some of the noteworthy deceased.

Make your reservation to have coffee with some kitties.

A walk through the historic city center, under the streets of Seattle.

A promotional sun clock on the site of San Francisco's great raceway.

The oldest burial ground in the city, final resting place of city founders, Ohlone natives and murderers alike.

Visible below the waves are memorials to the city's Gold Rush dead.

Get lost in this haunting fairytale art walk through a man-made eucalyptus grove.

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

An artsy hidden staircase leads to breathtaking views of San Francisco.

Outside San Francisco lies a small clown cemetery and memorial.

This historic estate on the east shore of Lake Tahoe was home to an eccentric millionaire (and his pet elephant, Mingo).

Eastern zen meets Western grit in these four little trees growing out of a rock on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shore.

Statues of Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ribsy the dog in the park where their adventures "really happened."