Late last week, we made a day trip out to the Mecca Hills Wilderness, which is located near Indio California in the Coachella Valley. The landscape twists and turns in a very unique and beautiful way; formed by the San Andreas fault, the Mecca Hills are a badlands with colors reminiscent of the Artists’ Palette in Death Valley National Park, and canyons that would rival even the narrowest of slot canyons in Utah.
While there, we made sure to stop and hike through the popular Ladder Canyon. Only 3-4′ wide in places and over 200′ deep, Ladder Canyon would be a technical ascent (or descent) if it weren’t for the ladders which give the canyon its name. Due to the hike’s popularity and proximity to Palm Springs, solitude came in sporadic bursts. Still, it was great to be in there, making images.
- Ladder Canyon, March 2011
A series of unusually strong late-season storms have been hitting southern California for the last week or so, too. Driving out, the fast-moving clouds from one of the systems had an interesting play on the light over the badlands.
Badlands & Clouds, March 2011
I’m unplugging and heading off to Utah and Nevada for the week. Hope you have a good one!
Oh man, that B/W of Ladder Canyon — beautiful.
Very nice work, Greg. Can’t wait to see your work from Nevada and Utah!
Sharon
Fantastic B&W Greg, the textures on the canyon wall are subtle and delicate. I get such a strong sense of place with these. They call me back to the US!! You’re really blessed to live in such a diverse environment.
Thanks, everyone, for the comments. The Mecca Hills are an interesting place, and I think a lot of photographers (and people in general) often forget they’re basically in our backyard. I’m glad the black and white especially drew you in….
I love how you favored the sky in the second photo. You always have to give great clouds their due!
I’ve enjoyed getting to know your blog; keep up the good work!
With my luck, good clouds are so rare, I do have to give them their due! Thanks for stopping by to comment, Sherrie! 🙂
Great images Greg. I’ve never heard of Mecca Hills and realize I just passed it on my way to Anza-Borrego. Hope you had a great time in NV/UT.