I’m in the process of gleaning any remnants from previous projects, hoping to keep the quality of photography high. While this blog follows my travels, it is first and foremost about the photography. A couple of these images are pretty basic, blue skies and little drama. The reality is, that is sometimes Utah in the summer, and I just wanted to show you what lies behind the ridge line in the first photograph.
The first image above was made at Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. You wouldn’t necessarily find it unless you were specifically looking for it. It’s overshadowed by its sexier cousins up near Moab, namely Arches and Canyonlands. It’s almost on the way to Capitol Reef National Park. It’s just a blink before Hanksville, and if you’ve heard of Hanksville, then you probably have traveled a good bit in Utah. They do make a fine burger in that little hamlet. In the image above you’ll find a few formations just as you enter the park and behind it lies the “water pocket fold.”
This next image above shows the “hoodoos” that make up the majority of Goblin Valley. The hoodoos form when more erosion resistant rock lies atop a layer of sandstone. As the sandstone erodes away it leaves these mushroom looking formations. That’s about all there is to the park, but you could spend several good hours wandering among this alien landscape.
These next two images are of the water pocket fold. This is a long valley that extends for over 100 miles and is a prominent feature of Capitol Reef National Park. You can spot from several different angles as you’re traveling across Utah.
Finally, we’ll take a look in the image below of the water pocket fold from the canyon floor. I spent a memorable night beneath the stars there, waking to coyote prints all around my sleeping bag. I never knew they were there. 
For more images of Utah and the desert southwest click here.
nomadruss in words and photos 
Stunning images (as usual).
Such a stark, barren landscape and yet you mange to make it look fascinating and awe-inspiring in this series.
Vicki, I appreciate the encouraging words. That landscape took my breath away time and again.
Cool pictures. Reminds me if the badlands here in Alberta, just a bigger scale in Goblin Valley it looks like:)
You guys such a vast expanse of sky also…
I especially love the first two
Thanks Rajiv, appreciate that!
Very awesome! It’s crazy how a picture can put your mind at ease… I can’t even imagine actually being there.
In a world gone mad, it’s nice to be able to take in the beauty of nature…
I definitely agree.
I used to live in harsh, arid country in outback Australia, but I still the starkness surprisingly beautiful. The vast empty spaces, the vibrant blue skies contrasted against the red sandy soil and rock formations is strangely appealing. Your stunning pictures brought back these memories. Thank you.
Thanks Jane, that’s a nice poetic description of such places. Appreciate your kind words too.
We’ve spent a fair amount of time in Arches and Canyonlands and have wanted to visit Goblin Valley. Thanks for sharing it’s beauty.
It’s a fairly small park, and it’s one of those places you wouldn’t likely get to without spending a good bit of time in the area. But with some extra time it’s worth the visit.
Very cool use of the sun in the photos, especially through the arch/rock formation.
Thanks Jeff, as you know it’s not always easy to pull that one off.
Beautiful images. I loved Utah when we visited this past summer. It seemed almost like another planet at times.
Doesn’t it? I still remember topping a rise and having my breath absolutely taken away!
Outstanding landscape. I’ve never been there…maybe one day. Love the light.
It’s certainly worth a visit, just surreal landscapes
In addition to your luscious photos, I enjoy the write up. Good job!
Thanks Tim!
What a landscape, impressive nature, again and again.. Liked it a lot
It truly is a special place!