Random Windows Spotlight images

Gaze across Colorado's Maroon Lake at the peaks of the Maroon Bells rising in the distance. The two mountains known as the Maroon Bells—Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak—are 'fourteeners,' members of a class of mountains higher than 14,000 feet. But climbers should note: The US Forest Service calls the Maroon Bells the 'Deadly Bells.' Unlike other mountains in the Rockies which are granite and limestone, both Maroon peaks are hardened mudstone. It's less stable and can fracture easily, causing hazardous situations when the loose rock sloughs off. And it's that mudstone's maroon hue that inspired the mountains' colorful names. Located roughly 12 miles from Aspen, Colorado, the Maroon Bells are located within the wider Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness.">Gaze across Colorado's Maroon Lake at the peaks of the Maroon Bells rising in the distance. The two moGaze across Colorado's Maroon Lake at the peaks of the Maroon Bells rising in the distance. The two mountains known as the Maroon Bells—Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak—are 'fourteeners,' members of a class of mountains higher than 14,000 feet. But climbers should note: The US Forest Service calls the Maroon Bells the 'Deadly Bells.' Unlike other mountains in the Rockies which are granite and limestone, both Maroon peaks are hardened mudstone. It's less stable and can fracture easily, causing hazardous situations when the loose rock sloughs off. And it's that mudstone's maroon hue that inspired the mountains' colorful names. Located roughly 12 miles from Aspen, Colorado, the Maroon Bells are located within the wider Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness.

One glance at the neighborhood and you know it’s not particularly car-friendly. Instead, make your way to the village of Manarola on the Italian Riviera via rail, sail, or your own two feet. The journey will be worth it as the region of Cinque Terre offers an extraordinary harmony between civilization and nature. Manarola is one of five villages built up over the centuries on the rocky outcroppings and remote coves of the Ligurian coast. In addition to these tourist-fave towns, the region is also renowned for its pesto sauce, focaccia bread, and grappa brandy.

Although the Kancamagus Highway parallels this waterway and makes for a stellar scenic drive, you may want to take it slower when you visit the Swift River. Especially when fall arrives and brings with it a burst of autumn color to the surrounding forests. The river runs through an area of New Hampshire that seemingly includes everything in an ideal New England-scenery bucket list: Beautiful rivers such as the Swift, historic covered bridges, small towns nestled among rolling foothills. And of course, all those leafy trees. Much of this landscape is protected within the more than 750,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest.

Often called the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland, if not the world, the Bernina Express offers spectacular views on its sightseeing routes that connect towns in southeastern Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. It's been in operation here since the late 1800s. The classic route takes about four hours and departs from the ancient Swiss town of Chur. Outfitted with panoramic windows, the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, some more than 100 years old, like the Landwasser Viaduct.

The cheerful red train winds its way up and over the Bernina Pass in the Alps, reaching an elevation of 7,392 feet. Pay special attention during the stretch from Thusis to Tirano—this portion of the route was designated a World Heritage site in 2008. Reservations recommended!