Teig resting in a field of snow leftover from the winter snows above Parshall Colorado. We had a fun day exploring the hills and ridges with the Colorado River flowing through the valley below. My brother was flyfishing but we decided we needed to stretch our legs and climb a few of the hills and get some fantastic views in this area.
Winter's Light on Front Range Foothills
Beautiful setting sun light on the foothills near Chatfield State Park in southern Denver. A winter’s chill in the crisp air but the warm sun felt good before night falls on Colorado.
Shadows on Death Valley Sand Dunes
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.
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.
Slot Canyon Falls on Willis Creek
A beautiful waterfall in Willis Creek Narrows. This location is a beauty within the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument of Utah.
Resting Off Trail in the Dappled Light
Teig resting on our way down from Whitney Lake in Colorado's Holy Cross Wilderness. We were next to the creek taking a rest from our saunter to the lake and back. These moments are some of my favorites because we feel a bit tired and are content with just experiencing nature.
Light on the Green Mountains behind Vail
We were exploring Piney River Road north of Vail and it was getting near sunset. The light broke through the heavy clouds and cast beautiful light on the mountains in the distance. These special scenes make it all worth exploring the backcountry of Colorado.
Peaceful Night Drive in the Nevada Desert
We had a nice night of exploring the desert a couple of hours west of Las Vegas. The desert at night is so calm and serene with the critters coming out of hiding to do their business because of the difficult conditions of the hot daytime hours. The glow of Las Vegas can still be seen this far away at night.
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.
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.
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.
Lone Winter Leaf
There was still some color on leaves when winter came to the High Line Canal Trail in Englewood Colorado a suburb of Denver. It is fun to find little gems like this lone leaf while sauntering a heavily used urban trail. Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy the light.
Clear Creek Flowing under Christmas Footbridge
Clear Creek was not completely frozen over during the holidays. Beautiful Christmas lights lined the footbridge and the creek flowed towards downtown Golden and to Coors Brewery beyond.
Christmas Contemplation on Clear Creek
It is soothing to be down on Clear Creek at night during the holidays. The lights are beautiful and the sounds of the creek make a lovely chorus that helps folks forget about their concerns and focus on peace, family and friends.
Families Enjoying the Festive Clear Creek Footbridge
On a cold night, families are celebrating the holidays along Clear Creek in Golden Colorado. The bright colors on the footbridge crossing Clear Creek is one of the favorite locations to snap a photo of your loved ones.
Who is Reading Among the Holiday Lights?
I came upon this silhouette of a little girl reading her book on Clear Creek Trail in Golden Colorado during the holiday lights display. It turns out she is always there reading her book.
Golden Footbridge Holiday Lights
The city of Golden Colorado lights up Clear Creek Trail for the holidays and this is the footbridge with beautiful lights. Fog was moving into the valley before the snowstorm.
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.
Ferns in Rock Wall
Teig and I found this beautiful granite rock wall in heavy shadow sauntering up Three Mile Creek in the Mount Evans Wilderness. Ferns were growing out of the cracks and it looked uber cool to me.