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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mormon Tea 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. mormon Tea can be found all over the desert southwest and is one of my favorite desert plants. to have this small specimen on a ridge above the desert floor seemed to be perfect composition for a photograph.
Barbed Wire Fence on Tabeau Peak
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.
Warm Fall Colors Near Buena Vista
The warm sensation one feels when they approach a colorful stand of Colorado autumn aspens.
Sunny Morning on Mountain Backcountry Road
Traildog Teig was resting on a backcountry road in the morning sun before we hopped into the truck and headed further into the Buffalo Peak Wilderness of Central Colorado. He can be so patient while waiting for me to pack up.
Soft Orange Petals
Sometimes you just have to stop and look for the beauty just out your front door. Get close and witness the wonders that can be seen, if you take time to look and explore.