The Slumber of the Earth-Dragon

Watching the day dissolve from the iconic overlook of Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park, California, a breathtaking sunset paints the sky. The deep, eroded ridges and golden badland waves catch the absolute last rays of daylight, creating a brilliant glowing halo over the ancient landscape. High above, fluffy clouds tinged with soft pink drift lazily through a deepening blue sky. According to local desert folklore, these heavily wrinkled geologic waves are actually the spines of giant earth-dragons resting beneath the badlands, their scales briefly catching fire each evening as they yawn and settle in for a long, peaceful sleep. It is a wonderfully vast, colorful, and educational look at the unique topography, atmospheric science, and raw majesty of the North American desert wilderness.

Awards: Expert Commendation, Big Landscapes, Photocrowd June 2026