Most of the photos below are from the return leg of my "Jeep Trail" hike from last week's post. After reaching "zen rocks", I started the 1.5 mile hike back to my car, allowing for ample time for some side-trip exploring. I took a ton of photos, so sit back, imagine being in the middle of the open desert with the only sound being the occasional bird chirp, and enjoy!
One side trip I took was following this saddle (above), which was flanked by boulders on either side, up and around to check out the view and take stock of my location.
It was a little slow-going, trying to get around boulders without any clear paths...
But with some great rock formations to check out along the way.
The side trip paid off by offering some nice, open-desert views, an opportunity to sit and rest, drink some water, and enjoy the total solitude.
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| This big table rock formation was to my east... |
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| View to the north-east. Gotta love those shadow selfies 😉 |
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| View to the north. Part of the Jumbo Rocks campground is in the middle left of this photo (need to enlarge to see). |
Heading back to the Jeep Trail now, and just enjoying some of the interesting rocks along the way. What do you think about "bowling ball" rocks for the above rock formations?
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| Smiley rock? |
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| Emoji rock 😊 |
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| Why?? |
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| CrissCross rock |
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| Muffin rock |
As the sun started to drop to the horizon, as often happens at this time of day in the desert, the photography got even better. The horizontal light seemed to selectively light up certain parts of the landscape.
The two photos below are a couple of my favorites. For only about 5 minutes, just as the sun was setting, the landscape seemed to come alive with interesting color and light, and then it was gone. Not sure what it is... may be a lot of purple in the end of day light? Reminds me of a desert landscape painting.
A final sunset shot, helped along with a little photo-editing to make the sky more dramatic. Hope you like it!
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Thanks for stopping by!!
Beautiful pics, and what an adventure. Sure looks like those rocks are ankle twisters. I have forgotten how quiet the desert can be.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful really beautiful. I'm used to seeing green countryside but you have shown the beauty of the desert I never knew you could have.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a place and what fantastic photography and time for solitude besides ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteSometimes shadow selfies are unavoidable. Fun!
ReplyDeleteLoved all the pictures. A totally new experience for me! : )
ReplyDeleteIf I haven't mentioned it before, let me tell you I think you live in heaven.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Your photos are just amazing.
ReplyDeleteWell--- you've done it again. I'm sitting here gobsmacked, and I'm not even British. All superb pictures but the second to last is... Incredible. And the rock that smiles--- He looks like he knows the answers. Great post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos - I love all those rocks. I'd think a good earthquake would change that landscape dramatically!
ReplyDeleteThat was quite an adventure. Thanks for sharing this.I love those painting like scenes.
ReplyDeleteThe landscapes you have give us are so alien to me, and so very, very beautiful. Megathanks.
ReplyDeleteLots of interesting lighting in photos!
ReplyDeleteAmazing. Great pics.
ReplyDeleteThese rocks are so smooth! And your commenting what every landscape painter needs to know - the more towards the horizon, the more purple things become:) Thank you for your visit and have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series of captures.
ReplyDeleteGlorious views.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sand and boulders images, I do love them.
ReplyDeletefun shots on top and beauty at the end. :) Seem to be a happy desert :) You are lucky to be there.
ReplyDeleteNow I really wish I were there as the evening sun sets! Your photos are awesome!
ReplyDeleteStunning. Such scenery. Such lighting. Such formations.
ReplyDeletestunning sunset shots!
ReplyDeleteSome absolutely stunning shots there. And some intoxicating landscape too. On a grey, cloudy day in England one can only be jealous!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots again as always especially the two 5 minutes before sunset.
ReplyDeleteHello, these are all awesome shots from your hike. I love the rock formations, colors and the smiley face. The last few sunset shots are beautiful. The last capture with the birds is my favorite. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of interesting landscapes !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful set of images and you have named the rocks perfectly. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteI can not look at desert photos without wishing I could step into a time machine and trip back 600 million years and flip forward a few million at a jump to watch the changing environment, the rounding of the boulders. (I'm such a dreamer! No wonder I write for a living)
ReplyDeleteSuch enjoyment viewing your desert photos. The smiling boulder made me smile and that emoji is amazing. Solitude offers an insight to such beautiful landscape. I am amazed! Thanks for sharing and have yourself a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteWonderful hike...love all the pictures; the rock formation names are perfect (and the whY one also brought a smile) ... and the desert light! Amazing. I would want to make a big wall-sized tryptich of the last three pictures ...they are beyond stunning.
ReplyDeleteIt does look like a painting, I agree! Love all those named rocks.
ReplyDeleteNow I can see why deserts can be interesting in the days and beautiful in the evenings. Beautiful rock formations and gorgeous evening views of the desert. Have a fantastic weekend!
ReplyDeleteWow! Stunning all. The lighting was spectacular. I'd love to hike there and see those bowling balls and other worldly terrain. We're going to Utah next summer to see similar views. I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteWhat incredible rock formations. Your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI would love it, it's all very unique scenery to what I"m use to.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Felicia, and yes, absolutely I get worried about getting turned around. Since I usually hike alone, I take a lot of precautions... map it out in advance, use GPS tracking, set waypoints, etc. I guess it's a calculated risk, but it is one I worry about.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. I am so glad you share your photos.
ReplyDeleteEvery photo is a stunner, amazing sights, I can imagin the stillness.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Gordon.
Wonderful sceneries indeed!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous photos of this stunning rocks. Gorgeous !
ReplyDeleteBest regards, Synnöve
Great photos Pete! It looks like you had yourself a really nice hike. Love that emoji rock!
ReplyDeleteIt does look like a painting, I agree! Love all those named rocks.
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