Searching for a winner in our annual Best of 2012 contest was a true pleasure. We wanted to share some of the joy by featuring a few of our favorite photos that showcase breathtaking landscapes. These images weren't among our 11 winners, but we wanted to honor them with a gallery that will transport you to icy mountaintops, wild prairies, and other beautiful corners of the world. Bon voyage!

The cover shot (above) by ChicagoPhotoShop:

"Delicate arch at Arches National Park in Moab, UT."