01.09
The southwest desert of the Colorado Plateau is one of the most sought-after locations for landscape photographers in North America and rightly so. With a higher concentration of jaw dropping parks than anywhere else in the US, you could spend the rest of your life here and still not see all of its wonders.
But winter brings a special element as the first snows blanket the red rock country giving its prominent features a fairytale look. This image made at Bryce Canyon National Park highlights its famous spires, called “hoodoos,” which are formed when ice and rainwater wear away the weak limestone that makes up the colorful Claron Formation. High on the Grand Staircase at an elevation of over 8,000 feet the air is especially cold and dry, and the park’s azure skies can often provide visibility up to 100 miles.
So if you’re thinking about a southwest road trip, consider the quieter winter months. With much fewer crowds and unique photo opportunities, you’ll be glad you did – just don’t forget the spare batteries and the cold weather gear.
This is outstanding Russ, I think one of my favourite images of yours! You can really feel both the cold and the magic in the air.
Great work, Russ! This place is magical at any time of the year, but your shot just oozes atmosphere. Love it. (And of course, I couldn’t agree more about the Southwest.)
Thanks Anne and Moira! Bryce really puts on a show this time of year, as does the rest of the southwest.
Very nice Russ. This looks amazing, and brutally cold.
Thanks Richard. It definitely gets down in the single digits, so good cold weather gear is essential.
I too have been seduced by the southwest, Russ. So much so that I’ve chosen to live here! This is one of the best images I’ve seen of Bryce Canyon in any season. I love the warm light illuminating the hoodoos surrounded by snow and fog. This is just fantastic.
Thanks Bret – your comment means a lot. This is your backyard and I imagine you’ve seen so much of it at those special times.
Gorgeous photograph Russ. I only had the chance once to visit Bryce in winter,it was very cold but most beautiful. You captured this scene perfectly – I love it!
Thank you Rolf – I appreciate your comments.
Beautiful, Russ!
Count me in as among those who have been seduced by the SW. But, you knew that already.
-Greg
Superb image Russ. Really captures the magical essence of winter at Bryce. Just spent some time there in late December – such a special place to be!
Wow. Absolutely stunning. Been there about a dozen times, but never during snow. I gotta head back.
Thanks Greg, Alex, and Paul. Seems we’ve all been seduced by her charms.
Makes me want to go back. This is really beautiful. Great job.
Thanks Claudia – I appreciate your comment.
Brilliant shot Russ.
Thank you Eden!
Beautiful! The southwest is seductive. I was at Bryce, Zion, Kolob Canyon & the Grand Canyon in October 2011. I would love to go back someday.
Thanks Donna. I hope you get the chance to return! It’s like visiting a new location with each season.
Batteries?? Oh yes, I seem to remember that some cameras actually use such things.
Thanks for the post, this place is definitely on my list of places to go.
Thanks Robert – you’re definitely a little closer than in Hawaii (and in your case, it would be care in handling brittle film instead of batteries!).