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

Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States

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:

Dec. 27, 2024Lake Bled, Slovenia
Mar. 11, 2024Koala sleeping in a eucalyptus tree, Australia
Feb. 23, 2024Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Nov. 11, 2024Banff National Park, Alberta
Dec. 17, 2023Bohemian waxwings
Aug. 22, 2023Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
Oct. 8, 2025World Octopus Day
God’s Own Country
Sep. 24, 2025Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, United States
Sep. 16, 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Jul. 26, 2025International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
Jellies in a world of their own
Dec. 16, 2025Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
An old bridge in a new light
Nov. 21, 2023Grey seal pup
Dec. 7, 2023Verdon Gorge, France
Sep. 29, 2025Rainbow houses, Houten, Netherlands
Dec. 31, 2025New Years Eve
Jun. 3, 2025World Bicycle Day
Sep. 26, 2023Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
Where is this majestic museum?
Lets protect our turtles
The top of Tennessee
Jun. 18, 2025Pollinator Week
A salty situation
Say hello to these halophytes!
A mountaintop cultural wonder
Feb. 28, 2025Bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States
Aug. 22, 2024Aerial view of Ocean City, Maryland, USA
Feb. 14, 2025Happy Valentines Day!