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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Death Valley Superbloom Was able to visit the ongoing #superbloom event in #DeathValley last week. Absolutely incredible to see the valley floor covered in flowers. #Stunday #Wildflowers #NationalParks

Endless Desert Gold flowers in bloom seen on the Death Valley floor. Vibrant peaks rise up behind them, with colors ranging from light tan to deep brown and red.

A vast field of yellow Desert Gold flowers in bloom with low hills in the distance which rise up to a mountain side.

A field of blooming Notch-leaf Scorpionweeds leads out towards the dry lake bed in Death Valley. Purple flowers cover the lower half of the frame, with a view of a snow covered Telescope peak in the far distant upper left, rising 11k ft above it all.

Several blooming Desert-five spot flowers in abloom of purple-pink, surrounded by unopened buds. One flower may be seen fully opened and exposing some of the beautiful interior red spots

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Boquillas Canyon Trail Big Bend National Park, Texas Easy, 1.26 mi out and back 249 ft elevation gain Hiked 4/5/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCHu2P #BigBend #NationalParks #Texas #RioGrande #Hiking #Photography #WildHorses #Landscape

A vast open desert plain leads to a distant butte which spans the photo. From this distance, different bands of light brown and dark grey rock material may be seen under a partially cloudy sky.

An open yellow flower with red-orange interior may be seen growing on the end of a Beavertail cactus, with long, spiky thorns surrounding it.

A small riverfront beach may be found a the beginning of the canyon. With steep rock walls surrounding it, this scene for some reason reminds me of the Star Trek TOS fight scene between Kirk and Gorn.

A dusky white, wild horse peeks out from the bushes and gives the crazy eye. Got a pretty good mutual spook when I first walked past this unseen horse as we were both unaware of each other.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon, Hugh Norris, and Gould Mine Saguaro National Park, Tuscon, Arizona Moderate, 8.04 mi loop 1,932 ft elevation gain Hiked 4/3/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCHgML #NationalParks #Saguaro #Tuscon #Arizona #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Wildflowers

A bee forages inside of a blooming pink flower on a Hedgehog cactus.

A steep hillside lined with purple wildflowers in bloom. In the distance the peak of the trail may be seen rising up.

A view back down the ridge to gt to the peak of the hike. Switchbacks may be seen on the hill to the left before heading along the ridge on the right.

A few Saguaro may be seen rising above a hillside covered in yellow wildflowers, which leads to a medium and a far distant mountain range.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Catalina Nature Trail Catalina State Park, Tuscon, Arizona Easy, 1.46 mi loop 164 ft elevation gain Hiked 4/2/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCHf3c #Tuscon #Arizona #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Mural

An artistic mural located at the beginning of the trail. The center of the mural sports a multi-armed Saguaro, while around it are multiple desert animals drawn in a playful style. The sun and the moon may be seen in the upper portions of the mural.

Several clusters of Saguaro cacti grow among the shrubs on the side of the trail. One dead and dessicated Saguaro may be seen in the center of frame.

A view over a small cluster of Saguaro which leads to the ridge of the Santa Catalina mountains in the distance. The receding mild flood waters of a river may be seen cutting across the center of frame.

Several rocky and jagged peaks along the ridge of the Santa Catalina mountains. A very light dusting of snow is seen in the upper reaches, which are also dipping into a cloud above.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Valley View Overlook Trail Saguaro National Park, Tuscon, Arizona Easy, 0.85 mi out and back 98 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/29/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGZwE #NationalParks #Saguaro #Cactus #Landscape #Hiking #Photography #Wildflowers

An odd looking large Saguaro cactus. The top splits into a Y with two branches, while lower on the body 3 branches loop around. One of these branches almost looks like an arm pointing at the camera, sort of an alien being.

A cluster of Pink Fairy-Duster flowers in bloom, with both spent and unopened buds nearby. The flowers are small and round, with long white stamens that turn to pink on the tips.

Looking towards a small mountain range with a Saguaro forest leading to it. in the foreground a collection of low desert plants may be seen including a large beavertail cactus,some ocotillo, a mesquite bush, and a yellow flowering shrub (appearing to be some sort of sunflower family).

The flowering head of a Buckhorn Cholla cactus, sporting many unopened red buds on it.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Sunset photo taken from the Ironwood Forest National Monument, located near Tuscon, Arizona #Stunday #Landscape #Photography #Sunset

Sunset taken from the Ironwood National Monument BLM land near the Saguaro National Park. Two shadowed mountain ridges may be seen leading from opposite sides of the frame in the distance, while a brilliant orange glow burns above them. Small bands of clouds may be seen in the sky which turns to blue along the upper frame.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Salvation Mountain Slab City, California Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGVEN en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvati... Located a few miles from the Salton Sea and adjacent to Slab City, this art monument was built by Leonard Knight and is themed around 'the Sinner's Prayer' as well as other Christian motifs

A hillside covered in paint with many religious themed and bible quotes written on it, adorned with a large cross.

SlabCity SalvationMountain

A pulled out view of an old farm wagon painted over with various Christian related themes, the wheels have flowers painted on them.

A section of Salvation Mountain. Several large trees as well as bunches of flowers are painted on in this section along with 'Love is Universal.' In the bottom of frame, you may see where the paint ends and desert sand begins.

A section of Salvation Mountain, which appears to have a dwelling built into it as many windows may be seen within the painted mound. "God is Love' is painted on a large cube on a flatbed trailer outside of it and many empty paint cans may be seen lining the desert ground.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Bombay Beach Salton Sea, California Beach Walk Minor elevation gain Hiked 3/27/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGVuW #SaltonSea #BombayBeach #ArtWalk #Beachwalk #California #Art #photography #landscape

A large metal sign saying 'THE ONLY OTHER THING IS NOTHING', with the nothing carved in relief. It is standing upright along the Salton Sea Shoreline, with the water in the background under a hazy and partially cloudy sky.

A flock of shore birds picks at the muddy/sandy bottom of the Salton Sea. In the left of frame a small relief cutout of what appears to be a guy doing magic may be seen and to the right is a dilapidated outhouse. A distant mountain range may be seen through haze.

A rusted mailbox stands in the sand covered in stickers. Behind it a swing set is erected in the shallows of the Salton Sea while a mountain range rises in the far distance through thick haze. This scene gave me end of Terminator 2 vibes.

An interesting sculpture of a 50s style car converted into a small floating plane. It is surrounded by small boulders and in the distance a mountain range may be seen. License plates cut and pieced together form the word 'REINCARNATION.'

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Mastodon Peak Trail Joshua Tree National Park, California Moderate, 2.58 mi loop 489 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/27/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGC8Q #JoshuaTree #MastodonPeak #Hiking #Photography #landscape #Lizards

A stand of several large California Fan Palms growing at the Cottonwood Oasis, with a large ridge of rock rising up behind them. In the lower left of frame a group of hikers may be seen for scale.

A juvenile Common Chuckwalla peers out from the entrance to its home.

Looking across the land from Mastodon Peak. In the center left, a signpost may be seen that is the start of the spur to ascend the peak. Large areas of exposed and cracked bedrock may be seen below as well as a few mountain ranges in the distance.

Side view of a Common Chuckwalla half exposed from under an old rusted metal roof.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Cholla Cactus Garden Joshua Tree National Park, California Nature Walk, 0.2 mi 9 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/27/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGELh #JoshuaTree #NationalParks #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

A field of Teddy-Bear Cholla Cactus growing near Turkey Flats. A Mountain range may be seen rising up in the distance.

A section of a Teddy Bear Cholla, with fruiting pods growing on it. Bearing little to no seeds in the fruiting bodies, the main method of reproduction is instead via breaking off and rooting of the stems.

A close up of a flowering Beavertail Cactus, with its bright pink flowers surrounded by unopened buds.

An Ocotillo plant with its long, spindly arms covered in small green leaves.

From a nearby sign:

Don’t confuse this unusual-looking plant, ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), for a cactus. The thorny, multi-stem shrub is in fact a woody deciduous plant. Unlike other deciduous shrubs, which normally grow leaves in the spring and drop them in the fall, the ocotillo may grow and drop leaves as often as five times during the year. The leaves aren’t season dependant but rain dependent.

Following a sufficient rain, the Ocotillo puts forth a cluster of leaves above each thorn, adorning the otherwise dead-looking canes with a flourish of green. At the same time red blossoms may appear at the tips of the canes. The leaves go about the business of photosynthesis—converting light energy to food energy—until the next drought; then the leaves turn red or brown and drop.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Face Rock and Skull Rock Loop Joshua Tree National Park, California Easy, 2.55 mi loop 213 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/26/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGzru #JoshuaTree #NationalParks #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Desert #FaceRock #SkullRock

The Jumbo Rocks area of Joshua Tree seen from a distance. In this view a couple of 'peaks' made up of of large, fragmented boulders may be seen rising behind a small field of various desert plantlife.

Skull Rock, with a couple of green bushes nearby. This area is heavily visited and you will often see people climbing all over the structures.

A large field/mound of boulders and fragmented rocks sits under a blue sky. This view is a classic example of how the cracks in these structures lead to erosion and fragmentation.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Barker Dam Loop Joshua Tree National Park, California Easy, 2.33 mi loop 180 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/26/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGdJd #JoshuaTree #NationalParks #California #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

A Joshua tree takes up the left half of the frame while in the distant right a large rock mound may be seen with a climber on the top of it attached to a climbing rope.

A large outcrop of fragmented rock rises up behind a field of small Joshua Trees under a blue sky dotted with a couple small clouds.

A few large boulders rise on the left of frame like a beacon with a large pile of boulders on the right. In between them a snow capped mountain may be seen in the distance.

A massive rock mound with many small boulders eroding off of it stands above a small grouping of Joshua Trees. Several small clusters of trees may be seen growing in portions of the mound.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Panorama Loop Joshua Tree National Park, California Moderate, 6.81 mi loop 1,316 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/25/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGaFL #JoshuaTree #NationalParks #California #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

A large Cholla Cactus sits on the edge of the trail, its many needled arms reaching out for hugs.

Several ridges of nearby hills lead away while in the far distance a snow dusted mountain may be seen being overtaken by clouds rolling over its peak. On the valley floor a collection of windmills may be seen as well.

Clouds roll over a distant mountain dusted with snow, while a hillside descends from right to left with various desert trees and bushes growing.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Slightly diminish a band: Talking Mouths

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Mt Perry via Dante's Ridge Death Valley National Park, California Hard, 9.24 out and back 2,621 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/21/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGaFT #DeathValley #NationalParks #California #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #MtPerry #LakeManly

A male and female Common side-blotched lizard seen in the middle of reproducing. The female is giving me the 'skink eye.'

The steep ascent along the ridge leading to one of the upper areas of the hike. Scattered sagebrush may be seen dotting the tan landscape.

A view of the jagged ridge near the end of the trail, with a snow capped ridge seen in the distance, fading into the blue sky above.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Gower Gulch Loop and Red Cathedral Spur Death Valley National Park, CA Moderate, 6.5 mi loop w spurs 1,207 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/20/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFWRg #DeathValley #NationalParks #California #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Desert #ManlyBeacon #RedCathedral

The Red Cathedral stands above a canyon of tan mounds. Various trails branching out from closer to the Cathedral allow you to access the mounds.

The tall, flat face of Manly Beacon, with a portion of the Red Cathedral visible behind it on the left. The trail may be seen cutting across the lower portion with a few hikers along the middle of frame. Photo was taken from a slight spur leading onto a large bald area, some of which may be seen on the right of frame.

Two large rocky hillsides with layers of diagonal light and dark brown banding may be seen with a ridgeline in the distance on the other side of Death Valley.

Rolling hills of light and dark brown patterned rock may be seen with a sloped ridgeline on the right of frame. A separate ridgeline on the far end of Death Valley may be sen in the distance.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Badwater Basin/(Temporary) Lake Manly Death Valley National Park, California Nature Walk No elevation gain- located at 282 ft below sea level Hiked 3/19/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFR9V #DeathValley #NationalParks #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #LakeManly #BadwaterBasin

Looking up towards the sign post which shows where sea level is, 282 ft above my location on a cliff wall.

A pile of salts that has precipitated when the water was a little higher. I lost the photos of it, but when underwater it had a little more structure to it, with a lot of nodules linked together.

A view across Lake Manly near sunset. The sky at this point was still mainly blue leading to a little yellow and then a salmon pink in the lowest horizon. A ridgeline may be seen extending on the far side of the lake through the center of frame. One thing to note is that the ridgeline seen would be barely above sea level, so only high in relation to my location at -282 ft.

The dusky salmon color seen at sunset over Lake Manly, also reflected in the lower frame. A few distant ridgelines may be seen running through the center of frame.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Ubehebe Crater Death Valley National Park, CA Moderate to Strenuous, 4.4 mi loop w spur down 1,319 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/19/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFWh4 #DeathValley #NationalParks #California #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Crater

Looking down into Ubehebe Crater, with a sign showing a person falling that warns to be careful around the edge as the footing may be dangerous.

A photo of a flowering Desert Fivespot, Eremalche rotundfolia that was growing on the rim of the Ubehebe Crater. With the wildflower not fully opened, it has a ball-like appearance in this photo. Flower is pink with five different red streaks on the interior (two seen in photo).

Looking over towards the Little Hebe Crater, which is located right beside Ubehebe Crater. In the distance, a mountain ridge may be seen with slight snow caps on a couple of peaks.

Looking across the lower crater area with steep walls surrounding it. Interesting how different areas of the crater have very different color schemes to them, from a rich deep gray to a lighter one as well as various shades of orange. The central orange area looks like sand from a distance, but appears more like cracked clay up close.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Mosaic Canyon Death Valley National Park, CA Moderate, 4.16 mi out and back 1,138 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/18/24 #DeathValley #California #NationalParks #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

An arrow made of rocks points to the scramble up a cliff wall at the end of a canyon. Mostly vertical, but manageable with effort along the hand and foot holds. Trail ends not too far after this iirc.

Looking back out of the Mosaic Canyon, multi-colored cliff walls may be seen on both sides with a wide gravel filled wash in the middle. Distant mountain ranges may be seen fading into blue coloration under a bed of white clouds.

A Chuckwalla lizard hangs out on the side of a cliff wall.

A half moon rises above the steep peaks of a canyon wall in mid-afternoon.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

Convict Lake Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Lakes, CA Easy, 2.5 mi loop 170 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/16/24 #ConvictLake #Inyo #MammothLakes #California #Hiking #Photography #Stunday #Landscape

Looking across the mirrored finish of Convict Lake, with Mono Jim Peak (and Mt Morrison directly behind it). The still waters perfectly reflect the image as well as allow the gravel bottom to be seen through them. A small islet covered in snow sticks out into the middle of frame and there is also a log laying half submerged in the bottom of frame.

Looking across Convict Lake towards Mono Jim Peak and Mt Morrison behind it, a slight breeze casts ripples across an otherwise perfect mirror image in the water.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Hot Creek Interpretive Trail Near Mammoth Lakes, CA Easy, 1.8 mi loop 220 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/16/24 #HotCreek #California #Inyo #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

A sign post in front of Hot Creek notifying that the shoreline and water is off limits due to risk from heated vents. Meanwhile a person may be seen swimming and filming themselves in the water.

A view up Hot Creek with a snow covered mountain seen in the distance beyond. I believe it to be Laurel Mountain and possibly Bloody Mountain as well behind it.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Travertine Hot Springs Bridgeport, California Easy, minimal hike- I explored a couple miles but not necessary Minimal elevation gain Hiked 3/15/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFmyG #TravertineHotSprings #HotSprings #California #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Sunset

A view of the muddy wetland beneath the outflow of the hot springs. The Sierra mountains may be seen in the distance, with snow on their peaks.

Two of the three side by side soaking pools may be seen at the upper area of the hot springs, lit up by late afternoon sun with a view of some of the Sierra mountains in the distance. Other pools may also be found around the area.

'Fire on the Mountain,' the setting sun illuminates low clouds flying over the snowy Sierra mountains. A large open field may be seen in the lower frame with the outflow from the hot springs flowing.

Wide beams of orange light rise up from behind the Sierras as the sun sets behind them.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Eagle Lake Trail Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, CA Easy, 2.33 out and back 643 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/14/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFbpr #California #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Snowshoeing

A snow covered bridge extends over a small creek, where pools of water are exposed from the surrounding deep snow. Out of frame under the bridge a waterfall drops down.

A steep and snow hillside with tracks barely visible leads out to a rocky mountain protruding above it.

A mostly snow covered lake and surrounding peaks, with the outflow visible near a beaver dam in the lower right.

A rocky peak sticks up above a winter landscape covered in snow.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail Sand Harbor State Park, Nevada Easy, 5.2 mi out and back (or less) 331 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/14/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFejn #LakeTahoe #Nevada #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

Large boulders jut up from the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Snow capped mountains may be seen in the distance.

A view towards a snow dusted hillside covered in pine trees. Much of the frame shows a shallow area of Lake Tahoe, with highly visible rocks on half and then a more sandy bottom on the other, resulting in an almost turquoise coloration.

Lake Tahoe at sunset, with a row of pines running from the right of frame to the center along the shoreline. Pink clouds may be seen on the left of frame with an orange hue lining the mountains in the distance.

Lake Tahoe at sunset. Pink clouds lead down to an orange hue on the horizon over distant snow capped mountains. A thin line of the sandy beach may be seen lining the bottom of frame at the edge of the lake.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

Chickadee Ridge via Tahoe Rim Trail Lake Tahoe, NV Easy, 2.06 mi out and back 410 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/13/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCF1Fu #LakeTahoe #Nevada #Hiking #Photography #Snowshoeing #Landscape

A view to the south along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. Snow may be seen along the hillsides and peaks with green pine trees scattered among the white. A tree is partially in view in the foreground along the right of frame.

The sky changes from blue (top) to yellowish orange at sunset with Lake Tahoe visible on the left of frame and a snowy scene in the lower and right of frame couched in the darkness.

Snow may be seen along the ground and on the hillsides leading down to the lake on the left.

A friendly gnome serves as a guide among the snowpack with snow covered pines around the frame. This was a few days before St Patrick's Day, so likely there was a cross country race that the gnome was a marker for, as it also held the Irish flag.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

Toketee Falls Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Easy to moderate* ~1.4 mi out and back 127-254 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/9/24 *Descending to the lower area involves a steep rock wall w rope for help Flickr flic.kr/s/aHBqjCEVxJ #ToketeeFalls #Waterfalls #Umpqua #Oregon #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

View of Toketee Falls from the upper viewing area. Beautiful blue water pools in the basin below.

View of Toketee Falls from downstream of the falls, a glimpse of the second tier may be seen in the distance. This view also shows the swirling folds of exposed basalt rock to the left of the falls.

A view of Toketee Falls that focuses more heavily on the dynamic pattern of the basalt columns along the cliff face.

Looking down at two friends climbing up the steep hillside to access the lower area, with piles of snow accumulated at the bottom.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Watson Falls Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Easy, 1.24 mi out and back 289 ft elevation gain Hiked 3/9/24 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCEMYy #Waterfalls #Oregon #Umpqua #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Snow #Winter

A view through the pines towards the falls. Patches of snow may be seen piled up on nearby rocks and trees.

A snow covered bridge walk over the smallish creek, surrounded by pines.

A view of Watson Falls and its surrounding cliff wall, with a snowy winter scene leading up to it.

Another view of Watson Falls in freefall. The bowl underneath covered in snow, with a pathway of the creek seen clearing the snow from center to lower left.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

South Fork Baker Creek and Timber Creek Loop Great Basin National Park, Nevada Moderate, 5.38 mi loop 1,666 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/30/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCELhm #GreatBasin #NationalParks #Nevada #hiking #Photography #Landscape

A view across some of the hillsides leading up to Mt Washington. Unseasonably without snow at this time of year. The vast valley of the Great Basin may be seen extending out beyond.

The high point of the trail, at 9673 ft (shown on watch in left corner). Pyramid peak may be seen in the distance. Shocking how little snow there was on December 30th at this elevation.

Descending back into the forest, with a view towards Pyramid Peak. I believe the smaller pines seen near the center are bristlecones; this species is the oldest known living organism on Earth, reaching 5,000 years old.

A Turkey eyes me warily as I pass by. A second Turkey is mostly hidden behind it from among the group of maybe 7.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Golden Wall Trail Red Canyon/Dixie National Forest, Utah Moderate, 5.09 loop trail 1,155 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/29/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCECtK #GoldenWall #RedCanyon #Utah #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Hoodoos

Looking across at 'The Golden Wall,' a large fin/wall of hoodoos standing above a hillside comprised of smaller hoodoos to the left.

A view of the steep hillside with several hoodoos on it leading towards the shady backside of the Golden Wall. I especially liked the small hoodoo to the far right of the wall that has a ball perched on a tiny pedestal.

A distant view towards the Golden Wall, with a slight intrusion from a tree limb in the upper left of frame. A hillside filled with small eroded red rocks leads towards the hoodoos that rise underneath the large wall.

Looking over at one of the tall pillars nearby to the Golden Wall. A valley of crested hillsides in red leads endlessly away.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Fairyland Loop Trail Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah Moderate, 8.82 mi loop 1,614 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/28/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCEk8Q #BryceCanyon #NationalParks #Fairyland #Hoodoos #Utah #hiking #Photography #landscape #snow

A hillside of several large sets of hoodoos rising up above it. A light cover of snow may be seen along the ground in the more shaded areas. A few beams of light come into the frame from the top left.

Looking up towards a group of hoodoos with some of the larger upper ones looking more castle-like and the lower more eroded ones forming into needles. One thing I like with this photo is you can sort of tell based on segmentation where the weaker or more prone erosion layers are.

Looking through a large window in the wall of hoodoos capped by an interesting looking archway. Another canyon wall marked with hoodoos may be seen through it rising above a sparse forest. Patches of snow may be seen throughout the frame.

Contrasting canyon walls of hoodoos, with the western (left) side having received more sunlight all of the snow has melted while to the right snow may still be seen covering the shaded valley.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbow Trail Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Utah Moderate, 2.55 mi loop 499 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/26/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCEnfi #PetrifiedForest #SleepingRainbow #PetrifiedWood #Utah #hiking #Photography #Landscape #sunset

A few large stumps of petrified wood lay about the trail in the typical red and yellow colors for the area. A signpost pointing the direction for the sleeping rainbow trail is also visible along with a view towards the valley in the distance.

Two large stumps of petrified wood that exhibit strong coloration throughout, in the typical yellow mustard and crimson red seen around this area.

A view along the rounded cliff wall into the valley below and nearby hillsides.

A view of the sunset on the other side of the half frozen pond, with flying geese and some standing on the ice. Clouds over a silhouetted hillside reflect in pink and yellow, reminiscent of the coloration of the area's petrified wood.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Cassidy Arch via Frying Pan Trail Capital Reef National Park, Utah Hard, 10.47 mi out and back (w spur to Fruita Overlooks) 3,012 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/24/23 Waterpocket Fold Info www.nps.gov/care/learn/n... Flickr flic.kr/s/aHBqjCE983 #CapitalReef #NationalParks #Utah #Hiking #Photography

At the start of the large plateau near the turnaround, the many differing geologic formations may be seen, including Fern's Nipple along the top of the ridge right of center.

Cassidy Arch (named for Butch Cassidy who allegedly used the canyon as a hideout) and its surrounding plateau, with the various formations of the upper Capital Reef seen in the distance.

A view showcasing some of the distinct ways that erosion has shaped the landscape at Capital Reef. Up close are various terraced boulders and in the distance a tall rock structure that has long, vertical erosion taking place. To the left appears to be a dome of some sort, although it may just have eroded into a vaguely dome shape.

Climbing back up the trail after descending along the edge of the wash, steps along the right of frame have been notched into the red sandstone. Various boulders may be seen leading into shrublands in the lower area to the left.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Sunset Point Trail Capital Reef National Park, Utah Easy, 0.7-1.75 mi out and back 36 ft elevation gain (I wandered it up to about 700 ft) Hiked 12/23/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCE6kG #CapitalReef #NationalParks #Utah #Sunset #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

Looking down into the steep canyon near Sunset Point, the soon to set sun no longer lighting up the valley below. Incredibly strong winds were blasting up from the canyon below in this winter location.

The moon rises over a tall rock wall seen from Sunset Point, with green branches in the lower right corner of frame.

Looking east at sunset towards a large red rock structure with a trail leading around it. Behind it on all sides are various cliff walls showcasing some of the color variation seen at Capital Reef National Park. A glow along the horizon is also visible due to the setting sun.

A view towards a distant cliff wall, with the jagged broken layers of a hillside of red rock framing the left. The moon may be seen well above a slightly glowing horizon.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Valley of the Goblins Trail Goblin Valley State Park, Utah Easy to moderate, ~1 mi walkabout ~66 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/23/23 Flick Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDRFh #GoblinValley #StateParks #Utah #Hoodoos #Hiking #Photography #Landscape

A huge rock pillar may be seen rising above the empty desert, with large hills of eroded rock at the base, under a blue sky with thick clouds in the distance.

Looking back over the hoodoos towards the parking area with a massive rock slab rising up in the distant center. A couple of hikers may be seen walking among the 'goblins' to the right.

A field of hoodoos gives way to a larger structure of rock that is turning into more hoodoos. This is finally backed to the distant right by a large rock structure that one day will erode into what lays before it.

A large field of hoodoos gives way to a large, eroding wall of hoodoos-to-be, which is followed by an even larger stone uprising. This photo demonstrates the evolution of the hoodoos in the area.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Shafer Canyon Overlook Canyonlands National Park-Island in the Sky, Utah Easy, 0.37 mi out and back 72 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/22/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDHm7 #Canyonlands #NationalParks #hiking #photography #landscape #Utah #ShaferCanyon #overlook #IslandintheSky

The windy, hairpin turns of Shafer Trail road descending 1,400 ft to the canyon floor below. Steep cliff walls may be seen on both sides of the frame.

Looking across to one side of the canyon walls, where sheer cliffs may be seen with a variety of terraces locate among them. The Shafer Trail road cuts along the left of frame and the La Sal Mountains may be seen in the distance, mingling with the clouds.

A red jeep drives along the Shafer Trail below the viewing area. A large sandstone cliff wall may be seen behind it with a portion of the road descending out of view.

A view of Shafer Canyon from the flatlands above it on the right of frame, where a small lip may be seen extending over the edge. Clouds mix in with the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Aztec Butte Trail Canyonlands National Park-Island in the Sky, Utah Moderate, 1.9 mi out and back with spur 371 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/22/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDCy6 #Canyonlands #NationalParks #IslandsintheSky #Hiking #photography #landscape #Archaeological #Utah

Looking out into the vast expanse of buttes and canyons, with intermingling clouds passing through the valleys.

The small pantry built into a crevice near the top of a hillside of earthen rock. From a distance it becomes nearly invisible as it blends in. Each alcove is roughly 2 ft tall and encloses an area maybe 5 ft by 5 ft.

Low clouds climb over a nearby butte with a canyon and another large butte behind it. A large hill may be seen of piling rocks and sediment under the sheer cliff wall as it breaks away.

A view towards what appears to be a petrified dome nearby to Aztec Butte, with a canyon lined by steep cliffs seen in the distance.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail Canyonlands NP-Islands in the Sky, Utah Moderate, 1.6 mi out and back 240 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/22/23 www.nps.gov/articles/can... Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDwW4 #Canyonlands #NationalParks #Geology #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #IslandsintheSky

$Sign post describing Upheaval Dome with diagrams which will be read left to right, top to bottom: A Mystery Upheaval Dome is a mystery The rock layers below you are fractured and tilted, forming a circular depression more than two miles wide. How did it form? Scientists propose two potential causes: a salt dome that cracked and tilted the rock over time, or a violent meteorite impact that instantly fractured the rock. Recent findings support the meteorite hypothesis, but questions remain. With more research, we may solve the mystery of this crater and others on our planet. A slow-moving salt dome? -About 300 million years ago, a salty inland sea covered the area. -A large basin trapped the sea, which then evaporated, leaving behind thousands of feet of salt -Wind and water deposited more sediment, pushing down on the softer salt layer and causing it to dome upwards. -Over time the salt rose, fracturing and distorting the rock layers in its path. -Water eroded the salt and overlying sediment, exposing the distorted crater visible today. An instantaneous meteorite impact? -About 200 million years ago, a meteor hurtled towards earth. -The meteor hit the ground with so much force it vaporized on impact. -The force of the impact fractured the rock, creating a large crater. -Rock layers rebounded inward and upward to fill the void. -Erosion exposed the tilted broken core of the impact site.$ A view showcasing the majority of the dome as well as a portion of the two mile wide crater surrounding it. Some Junipers and shrubs may be seen growing along the crater rim on the closest side.

A view showcasing the majority of the dome as well as a portion of the two mile wide crater surrounding it. Some Junipers and shrubs may be seen growing along the crater rim on the closest side.

A view away from the dome area, with large rock outcrops looming over an unseen cliff and a few small patches of snow visible. Behind the outcrops in the distance, several towering buttes may be seen that almost look like a painting through the mild haze.

An almost top-down view of the anticline within its large crater of red rock. Steep slopes and contours may be seen all along the dome.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Mesa Arch Trail Canyonlands National Park-Islands in the Sky, Utah Easy, ~1 mi loop 217 ft elevation gain (mostly me wandering the cliff edge) Hiked 12/22/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDqGk #Canyonlands #IslandsintheSky #MesaArch #Sunrise #hiking #Photography #Utah #Landscape #Fog

Receding fog reveals more of the steep cliffs along this horseshoe, with a few tall and skinny spires to the left in front of a distant mountain range. The rising sun sits in between the fog and the clouds in the center of frame.

Half of the horseshoe shaped cliff may be seen in this photo, wit the sun burning off both fog below and the clouds above it.

A view through part of Mesa Arch towards some of the sandstone towers rising from the fog below.

A V-shaped intersection of two sections of cliff wall frames the valley fog below, while the rising sun has cleared a large portion of clouds from above it to begin the day.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Fiery Furnace Trail Arches National Park, Utah Strenuous, 2-5+ mi loop 500-1,000+ ft elevation gain Hiked 12/21/23 *Requires Permit Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDoDD #Arches #NationalParks #Utah #Hiking #Photography #FieryFurnace #ChooseYourOwnAdventure #Landscape

A photo of me standing in an open area of the 'middle level' taken from the upper area. A wall made up of fins may be seen behind me on the other side of a small chasm hosting the lower area.

The view upwards towards Skull Arch, a double archway that has formed as a large section of rockwall has eroded. Two circular openings (three if yo count the outflow) may be seen partitioned by a bridgeway.

Looking down from one of the upper levels towards the canyon floor below. A few pillars of sandstone may be seen among the rockwalls as well as a decent amount of plant growth on the floor.

Looking down into a large open area of the canyon, where some shrubs have taken root among the sandy soil. On the far edge, multiple spires of sandstone may be seen rising from the rock wall.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Druid Arch Trail Canyonlands National Park-The Needles, Utah Hard, 9.7 mi out and back 1,446 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/20/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCD3RK #Canyonlands #NationalParks #Druid #Arch #Utah #hiking #photography #Landscape

Several hillsides of sedimentary rock with needle-like pillars frame a valley below. In the distance a snow dusted hill may be seen.

A layer of white sedimentary rock sits above a canyon of orange sandstone with a collection of spires rising behind it in various layers of the two.

In the foreground a spiked club tree limb while in the background a pillar forms the 'too much metal hand' towards the heavens. Various other pillars of sandstone may also be seen.

Druid Arch, a massive 150 ft tall collapsed fin of cedar mesa sandstone with two keyhole slots ~85 ft tall rises above the surrounding needles. An EverydayHiker poses in the foreground for scale.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Chesler Park Loop Canyonlands National Park- The Needles District, Utah Hard, 10.4 mi loop 1,801 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/20/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCD3RK #Canyonlands #NationalParks #Utah #hiking #photography #landscape #wildlife

A few Mule Deer that I continually came across on the early portion of the hike. A small pillar of sandstone may be seen behind the various shrubs the deer were foraging around.

A collection of sandstone 'needles' rising up towards the morning sky. Layers of red and white sedimentary rock may be seen among them. In the lower frame, some more eroded pillars make up the valley floor.

A crow sits on a small tree with several sandstone pillars/needles behind it.

The trail descends a narrow rock staircase before taking an abrupt turn into a thin canyon. A tree stump may be seen stuck in the upper canyon to help with a sense of scale. Enough to comfortably walk, but not wide enough for two people at side by side.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Elephant Hill Trail Canyonlands National Park-The Needles, Utah Easy to Moderate, 2.6 mi out and back 456 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/19/23 (sunrise the next morning part of larger hike) Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCRDf #Canyonlands #Utah #sunrise #hiking #photography #Landscape #NationalParks

Some of the more robust 'Needles to be' under early morning light. Sunrise may be seen hitting the clouds above, turning them into a nice salmon color. The white sedimentary layer of nearby rock may be seen up close as the dominant layer.

Sunrise from the Elephant Hill viewpoint, with what I believe to be Pinnacle Point spiking up in the distance.

A large pillar of cedar mesa sandstone rises up. Broken boulders of a whitish sandstone may be seen below.

Looking up at a large sandstone hillside/pillar, which may be what is considered 'elephant hill'. In the foreground are a variety of desert shrubs in green. I never quite figured out what the actual elephant hill was.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Cave Springs Trail Canyonlands National Park- Needles District, Utah Easy, 0.74 ft loop 82 ft elevation gain, no gain if only viewing historic sites Hiked 12/19/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCTNY #Canyonlands #NationalParks #Utah #HistoricSites #hiking #photography

The historical cowboy camp filled with tables, storage, containers, and a wood fire stove along with other miscellaneous items. The rock walls and ceiling near the fire stove is charred black. Site was used from the early 1800s until 1975 when ranching in the park was no longer allowed.

A view from the upper area of the cove below, with Pinnacle Point in the distance as well as a closer Butte. On the left rock wall, deep colored streaks may be seen on the walls, that appears to be from mosses/algae staining the walls when water was present.

A view from the upper area into the cove, showing how the upper rock creates an awning that runs along the walls. Various shrub may be seen in the lower area along with some junipers.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Newspaper Rock Bears Ears National Monument, Utah Easy, 0.1 mi out and back 20 ft elevation gain Hiked 9/19/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCBLi en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newspap... #Petroglyphs #BearsEars #Utah #Archaeological #FirstPeoples

A view of Newspaper Rock in full, displaying a variety of petroglyphs depicting animals; including snakes, sheep, deer, bear paws, turtles/tortoises, antelope, and others, as well as a few figures on horseback and some symbols including at least one apparent wagon wheel.

The upper area of the main portion of Newspaper Rock, which in addition to many bear paw prints (identifiable by their six digits) appear to focus on more symbols than in the lower portion. Just above the wagon wheel near center is what looks like a large bear with horns or a devil-man of some sort.

Sign Post located at Newspaper Rock, reads:

Newspaper Rock Archaeological Site

Newspaper Rock is a petroglyph panel etched in sandstone that records approximately 2,000 years of early human activity. Prehistoric peoples, probably from the Archaic, Basketmaker, Fremont and Pueblo cultures, etched on the rock from B.C. time to A.D. 1300. In historic times, Ute and Navajo people, as well as European Americans made their contributions.

In interpreting the figures on the rock, scholars are undecided as to their meaning or have yet to decipher them. In Navajo, the rock is called “Tse’ Hane’” (Rock that tells a story).

Unfortunately we do not know if the figures represent storytelling, doodling, hunting magic, clan symbols, ancient graffiti or something else. Without a true understanding of the petroglyphs, much is left for individual interpretation.

Newspaper Rock is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Nearby to Newspaper Rock was this tall set of pillars on the top of a butte. Snowfall may be seen accumulating on the distant butte.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Landscape Arch, Double O Arch Trail Arches National Park, Utah Moderate, 6.08 mi Out and back with spurs May be shortened to easy if stopping at Landscape Arch 919 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/19/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCv2w #Arches #NationalParks #LandscapeArch #Utah #hiking #photography

Looking up towards Landscape Arch with its needle-like land bridge, which is the longest in the park (306 ft at its widest). At only 6 ft in diameter at its thinnest, it was once thicker until a large portion came crashing down in the 1990s. The rubble field may be seen below to the right.

Looking back towards the La Sal Mountains to the east, still coated in the glow of the early morning sun. On each side of the sandstone slab lies a steep dropoff.

A large rock structure to the right frames the valley of sandstone below under cottony clouds.

Double O Arch from up close, the lower O to the right is big enough to comfortably sit in, but not stand.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch/Petroglyph Spur Trail Arches National Park, Utah Moderate, 4.3 mi out and back 663 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/18/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCyKC #Arches #NationalParks #Utah #Petroglyphs #DelicateArch #Sunset #hiking #photography #landscape

Petroglyphs found near the Wolfe House at the beginning of the trail; make sure to do the very short spur to reach when hiking. Depicts wild sheep along with figures on horseback (meaning they were created after 1600 when horses were introduced), as well as either dogs or coyotes around the edges.

Standing at one one of the pillars of Delicate Arch looking towards the other. This arch measures 46 ft tall and 32 ft wide (interior) and is the largest free standing arch in the park, and one of the most famous geological features in the world.

The large, currently empty, bowl located just beside Delicate Arch. It makes an almost amphitheater or forum setting in sandstone and provides great seating when waiting for either the sunset or your place in line for a photo-op with the arch.

Delicate Arch and its forum-like bowl beside it, as the setting sun breeches the thick clouds along the horizon.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Double Arch Trail Arches National Park, Utah Easy, 0.6 mi out and back 75 ft elevation gain (less to viewpoint, more can be scrambled) Hiked 12/18/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCqFF #Arches #NationalParks #DoubleArch #Hiking #Photography #Landscape #Utah

A view from the start of the short trail with the Double Arch formation visible on the right while part of the Parade of Elephants formation is on the left.

A view of the Double Arch structure from a short distance away. For a sense of scale although hard to see, at the lowest point of the left gap, two people may be seen climbing around.

Looking up at the double arches from the base of the structure. Large boulders line the lower frame. Vertical streaks may be seen running down the large rock tower behind them, which I assume is from water sliding down over time.

A view of the Double Arch structure along with the larger base of rock that it is attached to on the right of it, where you may also see a cavity that is slowly forming.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Park Avenue Trail Arches National Park, Utah Easy, 2.0 mi out and back 338 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/18/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCcgG #Arches #NationalParks #ParkAvenue #Sunbow #Landscape #photography #hiking #Utah

A massive block of rock rises above the main road in Arches National Park, surrounded by a sunbow on a chilly morning. I believe the slab was actually The Organ, which is across the road from the turnaround for the trail if hiking.

Looking down the thoroughfare of Park Avenue, with a row of towering pillars on the right of the valley and a large block on the left. The trail descends through the center of the wash.

In the foreground, sheets of slanted sandstone formed along the was that makes up the trail, along with some larger boulders. In the distance, a massive slab of rock with some pillars forming throughout under cloudy skies. The early morning sun may be seen poking through the clouds behind the slab, which is called The Organ.

A huge pillar of sandstone that has three tops rising above it. In the lower portion of the slab (right of center), Baby Arch may be seen as a hole through it.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Balanced Rock Loop Trail Arches National Park, Utah Easy, 0.3 mi loop 45 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/18/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCChR3 #Arches #NationalParks #Utah #BalancedRock #Hiking #Photography #Sunbow #landscape

A far away view of Balanced Rock and the nearby tower with the rising sun between them. A sunbow may be seen wrapped around it all, with vibrant colors seen on the far left and more typical coloration in the rest of it. The La Sal mountains may be seen in the distant right/center surrounded by yellow light.

The sun facing side of Balanced rock is lit up along with the hill/stairs leading on its base.

Three distinct beams of light spread across the lower frame with a sunbow seen in the sky as the sun continues its slow climb above the distant La Sal Mountains. A rock wall is seen on the right of frame as well as a long chain of spires on the left.

The large Balanced Rock is perched on its tower, bathing in the early morning sun.

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EverydayHiker @everydayhiker.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail Arches National Park, Utah Easy, 1.64 mi loop trail 348 ft elevation gain Hiked 12/18/23 Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCBXtc #Arches #NationalParks #Sunrise #hiking #photography #landscape #Utah

Turret Arch and the surrounding rocks are finally bathed in the morning sun while shades of pink light up the distant clouds. A tall pillar may be seen on the left of frame while the upper half of the photo is a light sky blue.

The large bridge that makes North Window passes overhead while the left half of the frame is bathed in vibrant sunrise yellows and oranges. A person looking up at the arch from the other side helps understand the scale of it.

Rock stairs lead to the North Window and the arch above in as the sun continues its morning color show.

Looking through North Window towards Turret Arch and surrounding pillars. Some pastel colors still linger from the sunrise. A person may be seen at the left edge of the window for scale.

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