Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are at the northern end of the valley floor and are nearly surrounded by mountains on all sides. The primary source of the dune sands is probably the Cottonwood Mountains which lie to the north and northwest. The tiny grains of quartz and feldspar that form the sinuous sculptures that make up this dune field began as much larger pieces of solid rock. In between many of the dunes are stands of creosote bush on the sand and on dried mud, which used to cover this part of the valley before the dunes intruded.
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.
Red Rock Formations in the Nevada Desert
Islands of red rock formations can be found around the Valley of Fire. Teig and I love finding and exploring them in the evening when there are no tourists around. It also makes for fun landscape photography.
White Sandstone at Valley of Fire
Beautiful white sandstone distinctly contrasts with the red aztec sandstone at Valley of Fire in southern Nevada. The rich colors and textures make for a tasty treat for my eyes.
The Cabins in Valley of Fire
These are "The Cabins" in Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park. Three small rooms were built from the local sandstone in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), who did a lot of similar work in the parks and remote regions of the country during the Great Depression (“make work” projects, like trail and road construction). These cabins were used by travelers for camping stays in Valley of the Fire, but have been abandoned.
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.
Labradoodle, Sand and Badlands
Teig resting in the fine sand of the Bisti Badlands of New Mexico. It was late in the afternoon and the warm November sun was moving towards sunset in the west. We had been exploring the rock formations all day and I had sat down in the sand to rest for a moment and Teig did the same. There is something supremely special about the deserts of the southwest when you hear no sounds of civilization.
A Forest of Joshua Trees
This beautiful place is the only spot where you'll find Joshua trees in Utah, and it's also the farthest north point in the U.S. to find tree yuccas. The Joshua Tree Natural Area covers 1,052 acres of federally-protected land. It was designated in 1966. The scenery is downright stunning with the desert foliage right in front of you, and the vast land stretching toward the mountains in the distance, you'll feel like you've found your own remote piece of heaven.
Joshua Tree beneath Rugged Mountain Range
The beauty of a Joshua Tree on the desert floor underneath the rugged Mountains in Southwestern Utah.
Boot Prints on the Badlands
Some sauntering explorer crossed the Bisti Badlands on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. We came across these boot prints while doing some of our own exploration of this fantastic desert landscape. I wonder what interesting things they encountered on their walkabout?
Colorado Traildog Standing in the Bisti Badlands
Teig standing tall and facing the setting sun in the Bisti Badlands of New Mexico.
Farewell Sunshine on Flat Rock
Last rays of the autumn sun reflecting off a beautiful flat rock formation in the Bisti Badlands of New Mexico.
Teig Waiting in the Bisti Badlands
Teig did a fair amount of waiting on me when we were in the Bisti Badlands. It was late fall so at least it was cool out and not scorching in the high Colorado Plateau desert. He still liked finding some shade to sit in while I composed numerous landscape images… patiently waiting to be off sauntering in these badlands.
Bisti Badland Rock Field
There are numerous rock fields to explore at Bisti Badlands in New Mexico. We came across this one and loved these twisted unique rocks in a basin. Sauntering in this surreal landscape is uber fun and fulfilling.
Resting in the Shade of Bisti Rocks
Tieg loves to find shade in rocks and watch me as I work a landscape scene. He will lay there and watch me until I finish and start to pack my backpack. He was especially relaxed in these Bisti Badlands rocks near the end of a day hiking on the Navajo reservation.
Red Table Top Rocks in Bisti Badlands
These beautiful rock formations are found in Bisti Badlands on the Navajo Reservation in Northwestern New Mexico. Teig and I love exploring this wonderful location whenever we are close to my home town of Farmington. It is a great day hike location especially in November, which was when we were here for this shoot.
Ruin Buoy on Great Salt Lake Shore
We were exploring the shore on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake and came upon this historic metal buoy. It was fun seeing the past on display at this beach.This is why we get off the trail and explore a location when traveling across the American West.
Serene Scene on Tiger Key
The calm photo as dark clouds work their way through the Gulf of Mexico from Tiger Key in Everglades National Park.It is rewarding to absorb the peaceful ambiance of the natural Florida landscape and not the large urban congestion to the north and east of the park.
Rays of Light on the Gulf of Mexico
The light was coming through the storm clouds casting rays on the Gulf of Mexico while a I rested on Tiger Key in Everglades National Park. It was a beautiful evening with a soft salty breeze coming off the ocean and cooling me on the silky white beach.
Contemplation of the Night on Tiger Key
During the day we explored Everglades National Park but after midnight I was alone on the beach to explore my thoughts. No better place and time to sort through your life and problems and come to a balanced place.