Numerous interesting Joshua trees can be found while exploring the desert basin in Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark. This unique location in southwestern Utah is a gem for photographers and adventures wanting to capture some of the American desert experience. It is awesome to be here in the winter months when the normal high temperatures hover around 70 degrees fahrenheit.
Berthoud Pass Aerial Pano
A 240 degree panorama of Berthoud Pass from June 2019. The photo is looking directly into the snow-covered peaks in the Vasquez Wilderness of Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
Hairpin Turns on Berthoud Pass
A cool aerial photo of hairpin turns near the saddle of Berthoud Pass. Berthoud Pass is a scenic mountain drive through the Rocky Mountains, and is located directly on U.S. Highway 40, just north of the junction with I-70. This photo was taken from my drone on a late spring evening when traffic was moderate.
Tabeau Peak above Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark
Enjoying the quiet serenity of sunset at Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark on the border of Utah and Nevada. This is a wonderful location to get away from the city and just “be”. I am alsways searching for those places when I am traveling.
Cerro Chato Volcanic Peak
The ancient volcanic peaks in the Cabezon region of New Mexico are astounding to witness first hand. Exploring this area is worthwhile with few visitors and fantastic views of the New Mexico deserts and mountains. Teig and I love to get “lost” in the desert southwest.
Rio Puerco Volcanic Necks
Cabezon Peak is one of the best-known and most visible landmarks in northwest New Mexico. This giant volcanic plug is visible for tens of miles in all directions. Cabezon means “big head” in Spanish, and it is aptly named. It is the largest of several dozen widely scattered rocky monoliths, called the Rio Puerco necks. Rising above the Rio Puerco valley floor, they are some of the best-preserved examples of volcanic necks in the world. The craggy black peaks stand in sharp contrast to the sparsely vegetated, buff-colored lowlands from which they emerge.The Jemez Mountains are visible to the north. This starkly beautiful landscape is unique in New Mexico. At an elevation of 7,786 ft, Cabezon Peak towers more than 1,100 ft above its base, and 2,000 ft above the Rio Puerco nearby.
Lybrook NM Badlands
We explored this badlands which is not well known. Lybrook is in northwest New Mexico on the Navajo Indian Reservation. I was surprised how rugged and beautiful the rock formation were with numerous hoodoos and arches. We spent a whole day exploring some of the canyons and cliffs. It was well worth the time spent.
Above the De-Na-Zin Wilderness
The De-Na-Zin Wilderness in northwest New Mexico is a fantastic location to get away from civilization. The desert is so unique here on the Navajo Reservation. The sun was near setting on this evening in late autumn. Teig and I had hiked all day in the canyons seen below and were now enjoying the evening with a beer in hand a no other soul for miles. This was heaven on earth!