Guy Schmickle's photostream  

This stunning formation in Nevada's Valley Of Fire State Park is named after its more famous counterpart...The Wave in North Coyote Buttes. While it may not be as well known, its no less stunning...especially when seen under the right conditions. It took three unsuccessful tries last week (two sunsets and one sunrise) before I finally got the conditions I was hoping for. It was definitely worth the wait!

I just returned from spending a few days at Valley Of Fire State Park near Las Vegas, NV. I'd heard what a sensational park this was for photography so I finally had to check it out for myself. Gotta say that all the hype turned out to be absolutely true! I only wished I could've stayed longer. At least its not too far away so I'll be heading back in the not-so-distant future.

This shot illustrates the park in all its glory...that is, shortly after sunset (a bit before sunrise works great as well). The glow these multi-colored rocks take on during this time is absolutely stunning. Never seen anything quite like it. The shot above pictures Fire Canyon Arch glowing prominately after sunset. What a show we had that night!

The sun rises over the hoodoos at Stud Horse Point near Page, Arizona.

This remote arch in the heart of the Navajo Indian Reservation of northern Arizona has got to be in my top three (if not the top) favorite arches that I've had the pleasure of photographing. The setting is absolutely amazing and the orange glow caused by sunlight bouncing off the wall below is nothing short of stunning. And the best thing about it? You won't have to stand shoulder to shoulder with a dozen other photographers trying to get the shot!!

I decided I needed a workout yesterday and hoofed it up Bear Mountain, just a few miles from my home in Sedona. The hike up Bear Mountain is one of the most scenic in the Sedona area, in my opinion. It's a mere 2.5 miles to the top, but a not so mere 1800 ft elevation gain. The views you're afforded along the way are worth every step though. The scene above captures the view looking down into the depths of Faye Canyon and beyond from near the top. In the distance are Wilson and Thunder Mountain. This is a crop from a stitch of four vertical images. Be sure to view this at its original size.