San Jacinto's Summit - Viewed From Joshua Tree

Pentax K10D with DA* 16-50mm f/2.8

Shot in January 2010. Shot near Barker Dam.

Zabriskie Point Panorama - Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point was the first major stop on my trip to Death Valley National Park. I arrived just as the sun was getting high enough to allow for strong sky poralization, though just a little too late to capture the longest early morning shadows. I’d love to return some day at sunset to shoot the golds and oranges of the hillsides.

Zabriskie Point Lookout - Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point is comprised of a small part of the Amargosa Range, a series of small eroded mountains. A dry river bed runs through the center of the area, offering some great potential hikes if you’re there during the right time of year. In the summer heat, this spot would probably be too hot to bother with.

View From Zabriskie Point - Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s original industry was in Borax mining, and Zabriskie Point was named for the vice-president and manager of the Pacific Coast Borax Company- Christian Brevoort Zabriskie. A small sign at the lookout spot commemorates his company’s achievements.

Zabriskie Point Photography - Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point has captured the public’s fascination and even been featured in popular culture. In 1970 an Italian director used the location for his film – Zabriskie Point – featuring a soundtrack with offerings from some of the biggest names in rock music: Pink Floyd, Jerry Garcia & The Grateful Dead, and the Rolling Stones.

Zabriskie Point Photos - Death Valley National Park

The fin-shaped mountain formation in the shot above is called the “Manley Beacon”, as is perhaps the most recognizable feature of the surrounding landscape. It was named after William L. Manly, who helped some miners escape certain death by leading them to safety way back in 1849. The early morning and late afternoon sun create a complex and absolutely fascinating network of shadows on its severely eroded hillsides.

The Foothills Near Zabriskie Point - Death Valley National Park

I wish I had taken the time to explore the area a little further, but we were only in the Park for three days, and had quite a few more destinations to visit. I’d certainly have liked to walk the dry riverbed, and taken a closer look at the interesting colors on the much darker mountains in the background of this shot.

Dried Lava Flow(?) in Zabriskie Point - Death Valley National Park

When I first shot these photos, I figured that the dark gray area could have been an ancient lava flow, but after reading up on the spot at Wikipedia, I think I was a little off. Apparently the tops of the dark mountains on the left of my shots are made of dried lava that erupted nearly five million years ago, but the floor of the valley is something entirely different.

Close-Up of Zabriskie Point - Death Valley National Park

Either way, this is a beautiful spot, and one that should be visited during any trip to Death Valley. It’s conveniently situated about half-way between the Mesquite Sand Dunes and Dante’s View, so make sure to stop by when you’re in the Park!

A Shaded Path Along The Sitton Peak Trail - San Mateo Wilderness

Pentax K10D with DA* 16-50mm

Incredible Greenery Along the way to Sitton Peak

San Mateo Wilderness Panoramic - Incredible Contrast

Pentax K10D w/ DA* 16-50mm

Deep blue skies and incredible scenery- absolutely breathtaking, and basically right in my backyard!

Angeles Fire Damage - Station Fire Aftermath

Station Fire Damage - Angeles National Forest

Station Fire Aftermath - Angeles National Forest

Angeles Fire Aftermath - Station Fire Damage

Angeles National Forest - Station Fire Aftermath

All shots were taken with Pentax K10D and DA* 16-50mm lens, by Tim Lavelle.

I figure these speak for themselves, but everything should look like the green forest in the foreground. I’ve honestly never seen anything like this, and the closest I could compare the area to looking would be that of post-nuclear Hiroshima or Nagasaki. There is nothing left out there. Miles and miles of forest burned to a crisp, leaving nothing but dirt and ash in it’s wake. This terrible tragedy could have been averted, had we allowed smaller forest fires to burn through the area in the past few decades, clearing up old debris and leaving room for new growth. Devastating forest fires such as this will continue as long as we keep interfering with Nature’s way.

These were shot on December 20th, 2009 from “Echo Rock” on top of Mt. Wilson. You are looking North / North-East. That’s Mt. Baldy in the right side of the frame of shot #5. It’s snow cap was deposited by a storm two weeks ago, but it’s melting quickly, and will most likely be gone in early January unless another storm rolls through. Fortunately, the San Gabriel River needed water badly, and this run-off has provided just that. Other than the area completely destroyed by the Station Fire, the rest of Angeles is alive and strong. And besides- that forest will return- eventually. It’s just that none of us will still be around to see it.

Nature works on a much longer scale than we do!

Another shot from last year’s excellent trip to Joshua Tree.

An emphatic ocean of emptiness, “Sunyata”.

Humble contours and lazy, ambling lines.

Without pretense, without a sound.

Unfolding into the infinite.