Canyonlands National Park, 1993
The three districts of Canyonlands National Park protect over 330,000 acres of the Colorado Plateau; much of it designated as wilderness. I first visited this place with two companions in the summer of 1978. Memories of that remote backcountry and its extraordinary isolation have stayed with me all these years. This photo was from a later trip in ’93. Full frame image with film border to the left.
JOHN TODARO 
I especially like the way the different objects interact; the cliff, the cloud and the winding tree trunk. The fact that you then spoil us with this rich grayscale doesn’t make it any worse.
This landscape makes easy work for those with a viewfinder. I’ve seen enough of what you do to know you’d find inspiration there as well.
Absolutely one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Well captured, John.
Thanks Ken 🖐
Great, if dim, memories!
Couldn’t say it better…
Beautiful
Much appreciated, my friend
my pleasure, you treat us with those beautiful images. Love that Hasselblad.
This is incredible!
Happy to hear, GP. There’s some wonderful places out there…
This image carries all the excitement of that landscape for people like us, brought up in a very different environment. I can feel the thrill with the West’s spaciousness and the interesting details like that hulking rock and twisted trunk. Oh, the drama of it all! Beautiful.
Really like the way you expressed that. Thoughts worth returning to more than once…
I only said that because the photo made me feel that – instantly. I’m reminded of a day Joe & I were driving a horribly rough road near Capitol Reef – the Burr Trail Road – marveling at it all. One thrill after another.
We know the Burr Trail well and car-camped on it twice when our son was little. “Marvel” is an excellent verb for the entire drive
That must have been a good experience for Miles – and you two!
It’s probably safe to say there’s no place on earth like southern Utah and this picture is both a tribute and an invitation to go see it it if one hasn’t. It could take its place with those famous Ansel Adams pics of the national parks of the desert southwest. From the vantage point where it was taken, it is attempting to lure you from all that is safe and known into that vast unknown back of beyond.
I like the way you put that: a place that lures us away from the safe and known. Thanks for the comment
I like that, too. 🙂
Beautiful series, John. I can’t add much to all the wonderful comments that others have made but the deserts of southern Utah are among my favorite places. This photograph, in particular, brings back a flood of memories from trips out there. Best wishes to you and your family for the new year.
Many thanks Mic. I remember that you’ve spent time in southern Utah as well, on trips with your brothers. May 2025 find you both well and with the excitement of new projects. I appreciate your friendship.
Likewise, John.