America's national parks are anything but expected — and it's not all about amber waves of grain, people. Snowcapped mountains bathed in strawberry sunsets, towering redwood trees that make your jaw drop, majestic cliffs protectively flanking floral fields, bubbling creeks nestled under a canopy of shimmering stars — all of this (and more!) can be found in this beautiful country. 

And thanks to the glory of the Internet, you barely have to look up from your e-mail to see it. (But seriously, step away from your inbox for one second, huh?)

The United States Department of the Interior has blessed us with a wonderful gift to close out the year: A selection of the most stunning images of these natural wonders from 2015, which they've been posting to their Instagram account (a must-follow, if you ask us).

Here are some of our favorites: 

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