Tree Cholla in the Snow

A snow storm hit the Sandia Mountains outside of Albuquerque New Mexico and Teig and I went out to explore Elena Gallegos Open Space. The Tree Cholla Cacti were so striking in the snow especially with their bright yellow fruit. It was surreal to see this landscape and the cacti in deep snow.

Yeoman Park Pond in the Colorado Rockies

A beautiful view of a beaver pond on an early morning hike through Yeoman Park in the Colorado Rockies. The Reflections and autumn color caught my attention in the crisp still mountain air.

Autumn Color on East Brush Creek

Beautiful color on East Brush Creek in Colorado's Sylvan State Park. The falls were flowing well and the location was super peaceful to sit and contemplate nature while listening to the waterfalls.

Outside Looking in the Valley of Fire State Park

An early morning view into the Valley of Fire State Park in southern Nevada. A cool time to get a panorama of the park from it's south-west corner.

Colorado Traildog and his Sidekick

Working our modeling poses above 13,000 feet. We are striking the "Rocky Mountain High" pose for this photo. It is tough to look this awesome after hiking to the summit of a Colorado Peak.

Winding Road in Valley of Fire

One of the main features in Valley of Fire is the road winding through the wonderful rock formations. This is the main road looking south into the heart of the park.

Resting in Shade of the Red Sandstone

Teig was enjoying the cool shade provided by the Aztec Sandstone while we were hiking in the Valley of Fire State Park.

Running to White Dome

Folks were hiking White Dome Loop in the Valley of Fire Park in southern Nevada. These kids were excited to see White Dome and were running down the sandstone formation leading their parents. I remember doing the same things when  I was their age when my family visited national parks... I was always super excited. to tell the truth, I am still that way today.

Valley of Fire Northern Vistas

The strong red sandstone formations in the Valley of Fire State Park in Southern Nevada. The Valley of Fire derives its name from red sandstone formations, believed to be the remains of a huge 150,000 square mile desert which existed in this region from about 192 to 178 million years ago.

Strange Formations

There are many strange and wondrous rock formations at the Bisti Badlands. When you explore the area your imagination runs free and you see so many different things in the formations. I love letting my mind spin in it’s own creativity.

Valley of Fire Rock Formations at Night

Beautiful red rock formations on a winter's night in the Valley of Fire State Park in southern Nevada. Exploring the desert after dark is one of my favorite things and the beautiful rocks at the park make for great compositions at night under the stars. On this night, I was up exploring  until 4 am in the morning getting some of those fun shots of the landscape under the night sky.

Red Sandstone Hammer Formation

Teig and I came across this cool structure while hiking among the beautiful red rock formations in Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. The deep colored red sandstone is so cool to explore in the park. This location is a must to explore when traveling through southern Nevada.

Backcountry Road in Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark

Not a soul could be found when we were sauntering in the backcountry near Tabeau Peak in the Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark. Teig and I love these secluded spots where few people visit or spend their time. I will always choose this type of location rather than a crowded tourist attraction.

Joshua Trees as Moon Rises over Desert Mountains

I spent a fun couple of winter's nights in Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark outside St. George Utah. The evenings were cool and the stars and clouds made for some good night photography. The Joshua Trees really come alive when lighted by the moon or a flashlight. I spent a few hours every night shooting the landscape and stars. I really adore nights in the southwestern deserts.

Joshua Trees on Mojave Desert Floor

Cool Joshua Trees covering Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark. Yucca brevifolia is a plant species belonging to the genus Yucca. It is tree-like in habit, which is reflected in its common names: Joshua tree, yucca palm, tree yucca, and palm tree yucca. The name "Joshua tree" is commonly said to have been given by a group of Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century: The tree's role in guiding them through the desert combined with its unique shape reminded them of a biblical story in which Joshua keeps his hands reached out for an extended period of time to guide the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan.

Joshua Tree and Tabeau Peak

A beautiful Joshua Tree with Tabeau Peak in the background at Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark in south western Utah.

Traildog on Snow Covered Ridge

Teig enjoying the sun on a beautiful winter's day after a snowstorm on Dinosaur Ridge. This trail is one of our favorite quick hikes near Denver, especially after a snowstorm.

Crest of Dinosaur Ridge in Winter

Teig was enjoying the sun setting on the Front Range Mountains from Dinosaur Ridge. There was a foot of fresh snow on the ridge but it was a comfortable 45 degrees on the trail.

Desert Flora on Tabeau Peak Ridge

Teig and I were hiking up Tabeau Peak above Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark in  southwest Utah and we came upon this beautiful view on a ridge off the trail. The flora here was so quaint with the views of the valley far below and the mountains in the distance that I was compelled to take a photograph.