A Painted Desert A double team of forces—hot springs and liquid rock—combined to create the otherworldly landscape of Ethiopia's Dallol volcano. Dallol is the world's only volcano below sea level (minus 157 feet [minus 50 meters]) and the hottest place on Earth. Sulfur and mineral salts from upwelling springs create vivid colors.

Spanish Moss, Florida Hanging from bows and limbs of trees throughout the U.S. South, Spanish moss is not a true moss. Belonging to the plant family Bromeliacae, this iconic element of the southern landscape is more closely related to the pineapple than to peat.

Gelada Monkeys, Ethiopia The last of the grass-grazing primates, Ethiopia's gelada monkeys live in matriarchal societies..Gelada monkeys live only in the high mountain meadows of Ethiopia—an environment very unlike those of their forest- or savanna-dwelling primate relatives. This high-altitude homeland is replete with steep, rocky cliffs, to which geladas have adapted. At night, the animals drop over precipice edges to sleep huddled together on ledges.

Irish Lord Fish The red-spotted eye of a red Irish lord fish stands out in God's Pocket Marine Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. These colorful fish live in the North Pacific and are often found in rocky areas close to shore.

Base Camp Mount Everest's base camp—at an elevation of 18,000 feet (5,500 meters)—is already higher than the highest peaks in Europe. Here, though, it is just the starting point.

Elephant Festival, India The Elephant Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Jaipur and takes place at the famous Chaugan Stadium in March. It begins with a beautiful procession of bedecked elephants, camels, horses, and folk dancers. The mahouts proudly embellish their elephants with vibrant colors, jhools (saddle cloth), and heavy jewelry.