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  • Desert varnish streaks white Permian sandstone of the Cedar Mesa Formation in White Canyon, in Natural Bridges National Monument, near Blanding, San Juan County, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1503SW-0958_desert-varnish_White-Can...jpg
  • Desert varnish coats sandstone in Natural Bridges National Monument, near Blanding, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1503SW-0931_Desert-varnish.jpg
  • Desert varnish in Grand Wash, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA. Capitol Reef National Park is centered upon the 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold, the steep eastern limb of the Circle Cliffs Uplift, formed in Late Cretaceous time, during the Laramide Orogeny. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. Steeply tilted Triassic and Jurassic rocks form the hogbacks of the Waterpocket Fold and Capitol Reef, which is built of dark-red dune-formed Wingate Sandstone, thinly bedded river deposits of the Kayenta Formation, crested by the massive, white, dune-formed Navajo Sandstone.
    1503SW-0478_desert-varnish.jpg
  • Desert varnish streaks canyon walls along Capitol Gorge Trail to the Tanks & Pioneer Register, in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1503SW-0187_desert-varnish.jpg
  • Desert varnish streaks White Canyon in Natural Bridges National Monument, near Blanding, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1503SW-0933_Desert-varnish.jpg
  • A gloved hand holds a Barn Owl at the Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
    03AZ-10-01_Barn-Owl_Sonoran-Desert-M...jpg
  • A captive coati (member of the raccoon family, Procyonidae) climbs a tree at the Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
    03AZ-10-02_Coati_Sonoran-Desert-Muse...jpg
  • Patterns of desert varnish coat canyon walls near Lower Emerald Pool waterfall in Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. More about Zion: The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.
    1303UTC-5012.jpg
  • Patterns of desert varnish coat canyon walls near Lower Emerald Pool waterfall in Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. More about Zion: The North Fork of the Virgin River carved spectacular Zion Canyon through reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone up to half a mile (800 m) deep and 15 miles (24 km) long. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3000 m) starting 13 million years ago. Zion and Kolob canyon geology includes 9 formations covering 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation, from warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments. Mormons discovered the canyon in 1858 and settled in the early 1860s. U.S. President Taft declared it Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. In 1918, the name changed to Zion (an ancient Hebrew name for Jerusalem), which became a National Park in 1919. The Kolob section (a 1937 National Monument) was added to Zion National Park in 1956. Unusually diverse plants and animals congregate here where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meet.  The panorama was stitched from 5 overlapping photos.
    1303UTC-5013-5017pan_Zion_Emerald-Fa...jpg
  • Borrego Badlands desert in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA.
    94SW-02-36-Anza-Borrego-Badlands.jpg
  • Explore the elegant subway and slot of Leprechaun Canyon in North Wash, between Hanksville & Hite, Utah, USA. Desert varnish coats the Triassic-Jurassic sandstone. Directions: from Hanksville, drive 26 miles south on Highway 95 to the junction with Utah 276 and stay left on H95 for another 2.0 miles across a wash, then park on the left (east) along a short road within the first 100 feet before its sandtrap end. Walk up the wash of Leprechaun Canyon 2 miles round trip to a subway which narrows to a tight squeeze called Belfast Boulevard. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. Nearby, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is just 8 miles south on H95.
    1503SW-0837-p2_Leprechaun-Canyon.jpg
  • Desert varnish streaks canyon walls and a royal arch along Lower Calf Creek Falls trail in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain). Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. The panorama was stitched from 5 overlapping photos.
    1303UT-2266-2270pan.jpg
  • In early spring, leafless trees and desert varnish frame a royal arch in canyon walls along Lower Calf Creek Falls trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain). Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground.
    1303UT-2275-p1.jpg
  • Explore the elegant subway and slot of Leprechaun Canyon in North Wash, between Hanksville & Hite, Utah, USA. Desert varnish coats the Triassic-Jurassic sandstone. Directions: from Hanksville, drive 26 miles south on Highway 95 to the junction with Utah 276 and stay left on H95 for another 2.0 miles across a wash, then park on the left (east) along a short road within the first 100 feet before its sandtrap end. Walk up the wash of Leprechaun Canyon 2 miles round trip to a subway which narrows to a tight squeeze called Belfast Boulevard.  Nearby, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is just 8 miles south on H95. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. This panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    1503SW-0807-808pan_Leprechaun-Canyon.jpg
  • Desert varnish streaks canyon walls along Capitol Gorge Trail to the Tanks & Pioneer Register, in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1503SW-0130_Capitol-Gorge_Utah.jpg
  • Desert varnish streaks canyon walls along Lower Calf Creek Falls trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain). Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground.
    1303UT-2261.jpg
  • Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) with lamb, beside Emigrant Canyon Road, Death Valley National Park, California, USA. Desert bighorn sheep are native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico.
    1804SW-2847.jpg
  • Explore the elegant subway and slot of Leprechaun Canyon in North Wash, between Hanksville & Hite, Utah, USA. Desert varnish coats the Triassic-Jurassic sandstone. Directions: from Hanksville, drive 26 miles south on Highway 95 to the junction with Utah 276 and stay left on H95 for another 2.0 miles across a wash, then park on the left (east) along a short road within the first 100 feet before its sandtrap end. Walk up the wash of Leprechaun Canyon 2 miles round trip to a subway which narrows to a tight squeeze called Belfast Boulevard.  Nearby, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is just 8 miles south on H95. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs protected from wind. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1503SW-0811_Leprechaun-Canyon.jpg
  • Desert varnish streaks canyon walls along Lower Calf Creek Falls trail in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain). Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. The panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    1303UT-2255-2258pan_Calf-Creek.jpg
  • A desert rock nettle (Eucnide urens or desert stingbush) shrub blooms with creamy yellow flowers in Fall Canyon, a wilderness area in Death Valley National Park, California, USA.
    1804SW-3182.jpg
  • A desert rock nettle (Eucnide urens or desert stingbush) shrub blooms with creamy yellow flowers in Fall Canyon, a wilderness area in Death Valley National Park, California, USA.
    1804SW-3085.jpg
  • Artwork inside Desert View Watchtower, in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA. The artwork on the lower gallery (the first landing) represents the physical and spiritual origins of Hopi life, as painted by Fred Kabotie, a Hopi from second Mesa. Desert View Watchtower was built by architect Mary Colter in 1932.  Inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, Mary Colter modelled the tower after Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde, plus she integrated works by other artists. Th
    1804SW-1559.jpg
  • A desert rock nettle (Eucnide urens or desert stingbush) shrub blooms with creamy yellow flowers in Fall Canyon, a wilderness area in Death Valley National Park, California, USA.
    1804SW-3174.jpg
  • A desert rock nettle (Eucnide urens or desert stingbush) shrub blooms with creamy yellow flowers in Fall Canyon, a wilderness area in Death Valley National Park, California, USA.
    1804SW-3100.jpg
  • A photographer captures the Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower, in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, USA. The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. For licensing options, please inquire.
    11NV3C-5040.jpg
  • Pink cactus flowers bloom in a pattern at the Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
    03AZ-10-01-Pink-cactus-bloom-pattern.jpg
  • Artwork inside Desert View Watchtower, in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA. The artwork on the lower gallery (the first landing) represents the physical and spiritual origins of Hopi life, as painted by Fred Kabotie, a Hopi from second Mesa. Desert View Watchtower was built by architect Mary Colter in 1932.  Inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, Mary Colter modelled the tower after Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde, plus she integrated works by other artists. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1804SW-1544-51-Pano.jpg
  • An Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens, or coachwhip) desert plant flowers red, along a dirt road traveled by a camper beneath mountains of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA.
    94SW-02-31-Ocotillo+camper+mountains.jpg
  • Red ridges in distant blue haze seen from Desert View in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA.
    1804SW-1567.jpg
  • Desert View Watchtower was built by architect Mary Colter in 1932. Inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, she modelled the tower after Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde, and she integrated works by other artists. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA.
    1804SW-1564.jpg
  • Desert View Watchtower was built by architect Mary Colter in 1932. Inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, she modelled the tower after Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde, and she integrated works by other artists. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA.
    1804SW-1514.jpg
  • A barrel cactus flower blooms with a yellow blossom in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA.
    94SW-02-21-cactus.jpg
  • Greenish lichen and desert varnish coats a north facing wall in Chimney Rock Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park. We hiked impressive sandstone gorges via Chimney Rock Loop trail plus a wonderful side trip down Chimney Rock Canyon as far as Spring Canyon (totalling 7 miles round trip with 1300 ft gain), near Torrey, Utah, USA.
    20.10US1-0353.jpg
  • Desert varnish pattern along Step House Trail on Wetherill Mesa in Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Montezuma County, Colorado, USA. The park protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. It was established by Congress and President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 near the Four Corners region of the American Southwest. Starting around 7500 BCE, Mesa Verde was seasonally inhabited by nomadic Paleo-Indians. Later, Archaic people established semi-permanent rockshelters in and around the mesa. By 1000 BCE, the Basketmaker culture emerged from the local Archaic population, and by 750 CE the Ancestral Puebloans had developed from the Basketmaker culture. The Mesa Verdeans survived using a combination of hunting, gathering, and subsistence farming of crops such as corn, beans, and squash. They built the mesa's first pueblos sometime after 650, and by the end of the 1100s began building massive cliff dwellings. By 1285, following a period of social and environmental instability driven by a series of severe and prolonged droughts, they abandoned the area and moved south into what is today Arizona and New Mexico.
    1909US1-3498.jpg
  • Shoshone pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis shoshone) are unique to Shoshone Springs, which flow into the upper Amargosa River. Thought extinct in the 1960s, Shoshone pupfish were rediscovered in 1986 and protected by the land owner in restored ponds. The town of Shoshone and its springs are in the Amargosa Desert, near Tecopa, in Inyo County, California. You can camp overnight at Shoshone RV Park and swim in a developed hot springs pool. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1804SW-2092-92-Pano.jpg
  • Desert View Watchtower was built by architect Mary Colter in 1932. Inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, she modelled the tower after Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde, and she integrated works by other artists. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1804SW-1528-33-Pano.jpg
  • Desert View Watchtower was built by architect Mary Colter in 1932. Inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, she modelled the tower after Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde, and she integrated works by other artists. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA.
    1804SW-1515.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Hunter Canyon hiking trail, on BLM land, Moab Kane Creek Blvd, Moab, Utah, USA. The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) is part of the United States Department of the Interior.
    1804SW-0114.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Hunter Canyon hiking trail, on BLM land, Moab Kane Creek Blvd, Moab, Utah, USA. The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) is part of the United States Department of the Interior.
    1804SW-0040.jpg
  • Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose,<br />
Oenothera deltoides) flowers bloom white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park (dedicated in 1935) is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park’s fiery red sandstone formations. The park also has fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610–790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4074_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • Balanced Rock juts 128 feet/39 meters above the desert floor in Arches National Park, Utah, USA. The Entrada Sandstone at Balanced Rock (128 feet/39 meters high) balances a caprock of the hard Slick Rock Member upon a base of the Dewey Bridge Member, a mudstone.
    06UT_2053_Arches-NP.jpg
  • Balanced Rock juts 128 feet/39 meters above the desert floor in Arches National Park, Utah, USA. The Entrada Sandstone at Balanced Rock (128 feet/39 meters high) balances a caprock of the hard Slick Rock Member upon a base of the Dewey Bridge Member, a mudstone.
    06UT_2052_Arches-NP.jpg
  • The coastal fishhook cactus (Mammillaria dioica) is a member of the Ferocactus family, meaning fierce cactus. Photographed in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California. It usually blooms February to April, and also grows in Baja California, Mexico. Published in "Bizarre Blooms of Baja", April 2006 issue of Americas, the official magazine of the Organization of American States, or OAS.
    94SW-02-16-fish-hook-cactus-blooms.jpg
  • A small green spider is camouflaged to match the depths of a datura flower blossom, in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA. Spiders have eight legs and are not insects. Spiders (order Araneae, class Arachnida) are air-breathing arthropods that have chelicerae, grasping mouthparts with fangs that inject venom. Unlike spiders, insects have six legs and a pair of antennae.
    94CAL-03-08-Spider_on_Datura_flower.jpg
  • Hopi art in Desert View Watchtower in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA.
    1804SW-1557.jpg
  • Colorado River seen from Desert View, in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA.
    1804SW-1496.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4075_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4073_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4021_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4005_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV3C-5028.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4064_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4051_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4027_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • The Desert Primrose (or Dune Evening Primrose, Oenothera deltoides) flower blooms white with yellow center, opening in the early evening and closing in mid-morning. Valley of Fire State Park, dedicated in 1935, is the oldest state park in Nevada. Starting more than 150 million years ago, great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs were compressed, uplifting, faulted, and eroded to form the park's fiery red sandstone formations. The park also boasts fascinating patterns in limestone, shale, and conglomerate rock. The park adjoins Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence, at an elevation of 2000 to 2600 feet (610-790 m), 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, USA. Park entry from Interstate 15 passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation.
    11NV2-4024_Valley-of-Fire-SP-Nevada.jpg
  • Peeling trunks of white birch trees grow in front of fall foliage colors reflected in Upper Hadlock Pond, in Acadia National Park, on Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-573-p1_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 10 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-354-363pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors reflect in Upper Hadlock Pond, in Acadia National Park, on Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-555-560pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors reflect in Upper Hadlock Pond, in Acadia National Park, on Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-562_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors reflect in Upper Hadlock Pond, in Acadia National Park, on Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-545-549pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Mt. Sauveur Trail. Acadia Mountain Trail (with loop option via Mt. Sauveur 2.5-4.5 mi RT/700-1300 ft gain) features boulder gardens sprouted with gnarly trees twisted by harsh weather, appearing like a Japanese garden. The trail tops out with good views of Somes Sound and peak fall colors typically in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-519_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-544_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Acadia Mountain Trail features boulder gardens sprouted with gnarly trees twisted by harsh weather, appearing like a Japanese garden. The trail tops out with good views of Somes Sound and peak fall colors typically in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-437-442pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail (with loop option via Mt. Sauveur 2.5-4.5 mi RT/700-1300 ft gain) for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-495-98pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-420_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 15 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-338-352pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 20 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-242-61pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-326_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Mt. Sauveur Trail. Hike Acadia Mountain Trail (with loop option via Mt. Sauveur 2.5-4.5 mi RT/700-1300 ft gain) for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-484_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-449_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Acadia Mountain Trail features boulder gardens sprouted with gnarly trees twisted by harsh weather, appearing like a Japanese garden. The trail tops out with good views of Somes Sound and peak fall colors typically in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-444_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Acadia Mountain Trail for good views of Somes Sound and typically peak fall colors in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound. The panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    1410ME-403-404pan_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Acadia Mountain Trail features boulder gardens sprouted with gnarly trees twisted by harsh weather, appearing like a Japanese garden. The trail tops out with good views of Somes Sound and peak fall colors typically in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-213_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Acadia Mountain Trail features boulder gardens sprouted with gnarly trees twisted by harsh weather, appearing like a Japanese garden. The trail tops out with good views of Somes Sound and peak fall colors typically in the second week of October, in Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Hike granite peaks and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery. Originally created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929. During the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago, glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick cut into granite ridges, sculpting the fjord-like Somes Sound.
    1410ME-209_Acadia-NP-Maine.jpg
  • Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain), in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. The beautiful cascade drops 126 feet (38 meters) from sandstone cliffs stained with fascinating patterns of desert varnish. Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. More about desert varnish: Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. The panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    1303UT-2215-2217pan_Calf-Creek-Falls.jpg
  • Houseboats line docks at Callville Bay Resort & Marina, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert. The panorama was stitched from 9 overlapping photos.
    1303NV-3014-3022pan_Lake-Mead_Callvi...jpg
  • A hiker admires hoodoos at Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona, USA. The Heart of the Rocks Loop Trail (7 to 9 miles) makes an excellent day hike through fascinating arrays of hoodoos. 27 million years ago, huge volcanic eruptions laid down 2000 feet of ash and pumice which fused into rhyolitic tuff. This rock has eroded into fascinating hoodoos, spires, and balanced rocks which lie above the surrounding desert grasslands at elevations between 5100 and 7800 feet. At Chiricahua, the Sonoran desert meets the Chihuahuan desert, and the Rocky Mountains meet Mexico's Sierra Madre, making one of the most biologically diverse areas in the northern hemisphere. While we drove the dirt road to nearby Portal, Arizona, Carol saw a mountain lion crossing the road! Other animals here include javelina, coatimundi, bears, skunks, and deer. For licensing options, please inquire.
    03AZ-12-01_Chiricahua-NM.jpg
  • Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain), in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. The beautiful cascade drops 126 feet (38 meters) from sandstone cliffs stained with fascinating patterns of desert varnish. Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. More about desert varnish: Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1303UT-2215-p1.jpg
  • Houseboats line the dock at Callville Bay Marina, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert. The panorama was stitched from 9 overlapping photos.
    1303NV-2305.jpg
  • A creamy white flower with yellow center blooms at Callville Bay, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4103.jpg
  • A grasshopper stands on a pink prickly pear cactus flower (Opuntia genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae) at Callville Bay, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Like all true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to the Western hemisphere; however, they have been introduced elsewhere on earth. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4083.jpg
  • A yellow flower blooms at Callville Bay Campground, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4066.jpg
  • Houseboats line the dock at Callville Bay Marina, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert. The panorama was stitched from 9 overlapping photos.
    1303NV-3031-3036pan_Lake-Mead-Nevada.jpg
  • A pink prickly pear cactus flower (Opuntia genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae) blooms at Callville Bay, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Like all true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to the Western hemisphere; however, they have been introduced elsewhere on earth. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4052.jpg
  • A houseboat on Callville Bay cruises by a shoreline bathtub ring in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-3029.jpg
  • Hoodoos kiss at Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona, USA. The Heart of the Rocks Loop Trail (7 to 9 miles) makes an excellent day hike through fascinating arrays of hoodoos. 27 million years ago, huge volcanic eruptions laid down 2000 feet of ash and pumice which fused into rhyolitic tuff. This rock has eroded into fascinating hoodoos, spires, and balanced rocks which lie above the surrounding desert grasslands at elevations between 5100 and 7800 feet. At Chiricahua, the Sonoran desert meets the Chihuahuan desert, and the Rocky Mountains meet Mexico's Sierra Madre, making one of the most biologically diverse areas in the northern hemisphere. While we drove the dirt road to nearby Portal, Arizona, Carol saw a mountain lion crossing the road! Other animals here include javelina, coatimundi, bears, skunks, and deer.
    03AZ-13-17_Chiricahua_Hoodoos_Kissin...jpg
  • Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona: The Heart of the Rocks Loop Trail (7 to 9 miles) makes a perfect day hike through the hoodoos here. 27 million years ago, huge volcanic eruptions laid down 2000 feet of ash and pumice in this area, which fused into a rock known as rhyolitic tuff.  Since then this rock has eroded into fascinating hoodoos, spires, and balanced rocks which lie above the surrounding desert grasslands at elevations between 5100 and 7800 feet. At Chiricahua, the Sonoran desert meets the Chihuahuan desert, and the Rocky Mountains meet Mexico's Sierra Madre, making one of the most biologically diverse areas in the northern hemisphere. While we drove the dirt road to nearby Portal, Arizona, Carol saw a mountain lion crossing the road! Other animals here include javelina, coatimundi, bears, skunks, and deer. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    03AZ-13-07-Chiricahua-NM.jpg
  • Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain), in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. The beautiful cascade drops 126 feet (38 meters) from sandstone cliffs stained with fascinating patterns of desert varnish. Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. More about desert varnish: Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. The panorama was stitched from 5 overlapping photos.
    1303UT-2227-2231pan_Calf-Creek-Falls.jpg
  • Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain), in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. The beautiful cascade drops 126 feet (38 meters) from sandstone cliffs stained with fascinating patterns of desert varnish. Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. More about desert varnish: Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1303UT-2186.jpg
  • Palm trees shade Callville Bay Campground in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-3005.jpg
  • A creamy white flower with yellow center blooms at Callville Bay, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4110.jpg
  • A creamy white flower with yellow center blooms at Callville Bay, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4108.jpg
  • Pink prickly pear cactus flowers (Opuntia genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae) bloom at Callville Bay, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Like all true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to the Western hemisphere; however, they have been introduced elsewhere on earth. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4093.jpg
  • Pink prickly pear cactus flowers (Opuntia genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae) bloom at Callville Bay, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Like all true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to the Western hemisphere; however, they have been introduced elsewhere on earth. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4090.jpg
  • A grasshopper hides in a pink prickly pear cactus flower (Opuntia genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae) at Callville Bay, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Like all true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to the Western hemisphere; however, they have been introduced elsewhere on earth. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4081.jpg
  • Purple flower close-up, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4058.jpg
  • Pink prickly pear cactus flowers (Opuntia genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae) bloom at Callville Bay, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Like all true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to the Western hemisphere; however, they have been introduced elsewhere on earth. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-3009.jpg
  • Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain), in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. The beautiful cascade drops 126 feet (38 meters) from sandstone cliffs stained with fascinating patterns of desert varnish. Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. More about desert varnish: Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest. The panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    1303UT-2233-2235pan_Lower-Calf-Creek...jpg
  • Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls trail 6 miles round trip (600 feet gain), in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. The beautiful cascade drops 126 feet (38 meters) from sandstone cliffs stained with fascinating patterns of desert varnish. Directions: From the town of Escalante, drive 15 miles east on Scenic Byway 12 to Calf Creek Recreation Area day-use parking and campground. More about desert varnish: Manganese-rich desert varnish requires thousands of years to coat a rock face that is protected from precipitation and wind erosion. The varnish likely originates from airborne dust and external surface runoff, including: clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe), sand grains, trace elements, and usually organic matter. Streaks of black varnish often occur where water cascades over cliffs, but wind doesn't sculpt its shape. Varnish color varies from shades of brown to black. Manganese-poor, iron-rich varnishes are red to orange, and intermediate concentrations are shaded brown. Manganese-oxidizing microbes may explain the unusually high concentration of manganese in black desert varnish, which can be smooth and shiny where densest.
    1303UT-2225.jpg
  • Pink prickly pear cactus flowers (Opuntia genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae) bloom at Callville Bay, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, USA. Like all true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to the Western hemisphere; however, they have been introduced elsewhere on earth. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. The area surrounding Lake Mead was established as the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. In 1964, the area was expanded and became the first National Recreation Area established by US Congress. Three desert ecosystems meet in Lake Mead NRA: Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Sonoran Desert.
    1303NV-4095.jpg
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