The colorful swirls and stripes that characterize China's Rainbow Mountains would have remained hidden without the epic tectonic collision that created the Himalayas.

or perhaps you’ve scrabbled around the unique volcanic rock formation on the way to see the Rainbow Falls of Mammoth Lakes.

Rainbow Point offers expansive views of the entire park back to the north. Yovimpa Point, which is also located here, is where you can look at the Grand Staircase: a layered rock formation.