The Southwestern United States as a landscape is stark, yet warm. Rocky, but soft. The many orange hues of the pillowy, layered, vertical stone are set against an endless sky of often arrestingly deep blues. The plants are singular, full of character, and often, very dangerous to get close to. The following photos are from a recent driving trip to several of the Southwest's most notable public lands. I encourage you to experience them for yourself.
Cactus filled views along the Ranger Trail at South Mountain Park/Preserve south of Phoenix.
Views from the Hugh Norris Trail inside Saguaro National Park.
Lone tree on slickrock at Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, Utah.
Sunrise and views along the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
A view down Park Avenue at Arches National Park.
A balanced rock in Park Avenue at Arches National Park.
The Organ at Arches National Park.
The La Sal Mountains seen across a sea of petrified dunes.
