Want to get away? The southwest portion of the United States can make that happen, and it is a photographer’s mecca for the adventurous soul. I’m just beginning to scratch the surface of these varied and unique landscapes, and I look forward to returning.

In my most recent travels, a friend and I navigated the sandy 4wd roads of White Pocket and Coyote Buttes South located in the Vermilion Cliffs. I would advise against attempting this drive without high clearance. We camped at the trailhead for a few days and, while a few visitors trickled in during the day, we had the sunset and sunrise all to ourselves.

White Pocket
According to geologists who have studied the area, White Pocket’s formation began in the Jurassic Period about 190 million years ago when a massive “sand-slide” pushed sand downward into a small pool or oasis. Through geological processes called “soft sediment deformation,” the resulting swirls and formations coupled with wind and water erosion are what we see now. When shooting in the soft colors of sunrise and sunset, the low light seemed to draw out the vibrancy of these rocks, and by the time darkness had overtaken the day, I was left wanting more time. The solitude and remoteness of this area drew me in, and it seemed every direction I walked provided new and unique perspectives.

Coyote Buttes South
Coyote Buttes South is similar to the more famous “Wave” in Coyote Buttes North, but with a fraction of visitors. In the days and nights spent there, my buddy and I saw maybe eight people and again had the sunrises and sunsets all to ourselves. I will add that in November, at least for our time there, the weather was perfect, though 25-degree mornings made those pre-sunrise slogs through the sand more challenging. Nevertheless, to visit features like the Southern Wave and the Witch’s Hat in the best light made those treks well worth the effort.


Wire Pass Slot Canyon and Buckskin Gulch
The Wire Pass trailhead leads to the Wave in Coyote Buttes North, but our most recent trek took us through Wire Pass slot canyon, and that path intersected with Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons in the world. The sandstone walls of both of these slots offered interesting views and tall smooth walls at every turn.

Horseshoe Bend
As an iconic location near Page, Arizona, the overlook here peeks down at the mighty Colorado River as it creates a 180 degree turn through the high Navajo sandstone. This sight does become crowded, and from my experience is best shot in the mornings to avoid crowds, though sunsets can offer amazing color.

I hope you enjoy perusing these images from the desert south west. If you have any questions, please contact me.