It’s been years since my first visit to the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. And yet when I look through images shot in Coyote Buttes, Paw Hole, Cottonwood Cove, or White Pocket I’m still wowed and amazed by all of the beauty your find there.
This image, “Sky Pocket,” was shot on my 6th or 7th visit to the area. I’d explored White Pocket at length before I ever spent a lot of time in Coyote Buttes South. And Cottonwood Cover is one of many “features” at Coyote Buttes South. In total now, I’ve been into Cottonwood Cove 4 times. Once alone, once with a few friends, and two other occasions with only one other photographer. And every visit felt new to me!
This particular formation has held a special fascination for me. The sweeping curve of the sandstone, the large dune next to the sandstone that helps grind it down every day, and the thin “fins” of sandstone that are no thicker than a dime. It’s an awesome location to sit an marvel at how wind, sand, and time can change a landscape on a daily basis.
It’s also a great location to prove that lens filters are a good idea if you don’t want to walk away with a $2,000 lens being pitted by blowing sand. I’d rather ruin a UV-0 filter!
When most people think of Coyote Buttes, they think of The Wave. And I’m sorry that many visitors to the area miss out on the rest of the amazing locations in the Vermillion Cliffs. Honestly, there are so many more amazing things to see if you open up your eyes and walk a little further. Also, there are so many opportunities to create your own original image from locations that haven’t received as much attention from photographers and adventure minded visitors!
To purchase this limited edition image, simply click on the image itself and it will bring you to my online sales site. 🙂