Exploring the Wild Beauty of Assateague Island National Seashore

My visit to Assateague Island National Seashore was nothing short of inspiring—a coastal destination where nature runs wild, yet the experience remains accessible, affordable, and deeply memorable.

“The iconic Assateague Lighthouse stands tall behind a rustic gazebo—blending history, architecture, and natural beauty on Virginia’s side of the island.”

The journey began with a stop at the striking Assateague Lighthouse, its bold red-and-white stripes rising tall above the trees. Nestled within a peaceful park setting, this historic landmark offers a glimpse into the island’s maritime past and stands as one of the most photogenic spots on the island.

“Rolling waves along Assateague’s soft, fine-grain beaches—perfect for a peaceful stroll or surf fishing at sunrise.”

From there, I headed to the soft, fine-grain beaches—wide and uncrowded, ideal for long shoreline walks or simply relaxing in the sun. If you're into surf fishing, you’ll find dedicated areas along the coast where anglers cast out for striped bass and other Atlantic favorites, all with the soothing sound of crashing waves behind them.

“Minimalist beach vibes—an empty lifeguard tower overlooks a stretch of calm sand and sky at Assateague’s southern end.”

One of the highlights of the trip was exploring the variety of hiking trails scattered throughout the park. Elevated boardwalks lead through peaceful marshes and coastal forest, each one offering different views and wildlife encounters.

Trail entrance with signs

But without a doubt, the most memorable moment came near the Woodland Trail in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where I had an easy and close encounter with Assateague’s famous wild horses. I didn’t have to search long—they were calmly grazing in a clearing just off the trail, completely at ease in their natural habitat. A dark stallion stood watch as others rested nearby, creating a scene that felt almost surreal.

More ponies on the marshy landscape

These wild horses, known as the Chincoteague ponies, are a major draw for visitors—and it’s no surprise why. Seeing them up close in such a beautiful and natural setting is a rare and unforgettable experience.

“Wild ponies sleeping and grazing freely near the Woodland Trail—an unforgettable part of the Assateague experience.”

In addition to the ponies, Assateague’s wildlife refuge is home to herons, egrets, and sika deer. Interpretive signs throughout the trails provide insights into the ecosystem, making your hike both scenic and educational.

“A lone black pony near the trail—standing calm and alert in the open marshlands of Assateague.”

What also stood out was how affordable everything was. With a modest entry fee and free access to beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing, Assateague is a budget-friendly gem that doesn’t skimp on experience. Whether you’re a photographer, beachcomber, hiker, angler, or nature lover, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

The Sculpted Silence of Red Rock Canyon

Tucked just outside Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a place where desert silence meets geological drama. It’s not loud, not busy — just patient, vast, and utterly captivating.

The approach is already a promise. A curving road winds through dry brush and leads toward a fortress of golden cliffs, sculpted by time and bursting with texture. The layers seem to ripple upward, revealing millions of years in each exposed line.

As you step onto one of the many trails, the scenery shifts again. Gravel paths, edged with carefully placed stones, guide you closer to the rock faces — immense slabs with deep crimson streaks and sun-warmed surfaces. It feels like walking through a canyon-shaped gallery.

In another stretch, the trail opens wide, offering views of the surrounding mountain ridges. Jagged and proud, they stand like sentinels at the edge of the valley. Here, you feel small in the best possible way — just another quiet part of the ecosystem.

The desert floor itself holds its own kind of poetry. Clusters of yucca and low brush interrupt the open space, each shadow adding dimension to the dusty ground. The contrast of soft vegetation against hard rock brings balance to the scene.

Some views leave you stunned. Immense cliffs rise with sharp vertical lines and marbled hues, almost abstract in their complexity. They look like brush strokes, painted by wind and erosion. From below, the scale is hard to grasp — and that’s part of the magic.

Then there’s the panorama. In the distance, the canyon stretches in all directions, a sea of sunlit ridges and valleys fading into the horizon. Light and shadow carve out shape and depth across the terrain.

And in one of the most quietly powerful moments, a small group of hikers walks a narrow ridgeline, dwarfed by fire-red cliffs. The scene says everything: how much land can move us, how much color the earth can hold, how much beauty we miss until we slow down.

Whether you come for the geology, the solitude, or the shifting light, Red Rock Canyon never disappoints. It’s more than a destination — it’s a landscape that lingers with you long after you leave.

From Farmington to Santa Fe: A Late Winter Drive Through Northern New Mexico

March in northern New Mexico has a way of catching you off guard. My wife and I had planned a scenic drive from Farmington to Santa Fe, but an overnight snowstorm nearly trapped us before we could even get started. Roads were briefly shut down while we were staying in Farmington — the kind of surprise weather twist that makes you grateful for flexible plans and warm coffee.

Layered cliffs near Ghost Ranch dusted in snow — the same landscapes that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic works.

When the roads finally reopened the next morning, we hit the highway with snow still clinging to the desert hills, mesas, and forests — a surreal mix of red rock and powder white that you don’t often get to see in this part of the Southwest.

Rolling high desert terrain just south of Farmington — snow-covered and tinted with early spring light.

One of the highlights came near Ghost Ranch, where striped cliffs in warm hues of pink, yellow, and ochre rose up from the snowy desert floor. It’s no wonder these landscapes captured the imagination of Georgia O’Keeffe, who spent decades painting the forms and colors of this region. Even dusted with snow, the sculpted geology felt alive with movement and meaning.

Mount Cabezon rises through low clouds and fresh snow — a striking volcanic remnant along the New Mexico horizon.

Farther down the road, Mount Cabezon emerged like a monolith from the snow-blanketed landscape. Low clouds swirled around its base, making it look like a peak from a dream.

Cattle forage through snow-covered brush near the highway — signs of life amid the frozen stillness.

We passed through rolling desert hills, snow-covered junipers, and rugged canyon walls, each turn in the road offering something new to photograph. One of my favorite shots from the day was of a lone cow grazing in the middle of a frozen, bushy expanse — a quiet reminder of how life adapts out here.

Golden cliffs layered in snow along the drive toward Abiquiú — a dramatic mix of rock and winter silence.

As we got closer to Santa Fe, the terrain shifted again — denser pine forests with golden sandstone cliffs peeking out from behind snow-frosted trees. These scenes felt more alpine than desert, like northern Arizona or southern Colorado, and they were a beautiful way to end the drive.

Frost-laced pines against a crystal-clear blue sky — a quiet, alpine moment in the high desert.

This was one of those unplanned journeys that reminded me why I keep my camera close and my schedule open. New Mexico has a rhythm all its own — sometimes harsh, sometimes magical, and always worth capturing.

A Burst of Color in the Desert: Visiting Seven Magic Mountains

Strolling toward the vibrant towers of Seven Magic Mountains, surrounded by desert stillness and bursts of color.

Tucked just outside Las Vegas, amidst the muted tones of the Mojave Desert, stands a surreal sight that feels both out of place and perfectly at home—Seven Magic Mountains. Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this large-scale public art installation features seven towering stacks of brightly painted boulders that rise from the earth like candy-colored sentinels.

I stopped here on a cloudy desert morning, the subdued sky setting the perfect backdrop for the neon rocks to pop even more vividly. The contrast between nature's dusty palette and the vibrance of the painted stones makes this place a photographer's dream. The installation draws a mix of tourists, locals, and art lovers—each person bringing their own energy into the scene.

A pop of color in the Mojave—standing beneath one of Seven Magic Mountains' vibrant towers.

There’s something peaceful about wandering the trail that leads to the sculptures. Despite the scattered visitors and the click of camera shutters, the wide desert still holds that hush of vastness. The closer you get, the more you appreciate the scale of the installation—some stacks tower over thirty feet high. The colors aren’t just for show—they evoke joy, curiosity, and a spark of wonder.

A Bit of History

Bright towers rise from the desert floor—Seven Magic Mountains standing bold against the muted Mojave backdrop.

Seven Magic Mountains was unveiled in May 2016 as a temporary two-year installation but quickly became so beloved that its display was extended indefinitely. Rondinone created the installation as a meditation on the contrast between natural and artificial—desert silence meeting the visual noise of neon color. The boulders themselves were locally sourced, cut, stacked, and painted in vibrant hues to create a striking juxtaposition against the desert landscape. It was produced by the Nevada Museum of Art and Art Production Fund and remains one of the most iconic land art pieces in the American Southwest.

Whether you’re looking to add a splash of surrealism to your landscape shots or just want to experience a moment of unexpected beauty in the desert, Seven Magic Mountains is well worth the detour. For me, it wasn’t just about the art—it was about the mix of human creativity and nature’s calm, colliding in a spot that invites you to pause, reflect, and, of course, snap a photo.

Discovering the Ruins of Pecos: A Journey Through Time

My wife watching a snowstorm on a distant mountain

Just 35 miles east of Santa Fe, Pecos National Historical Park offers more than just ruins—it offers a connection to centuries of culture, conflict, and resilience. The site is home to the remnants of a Spanish mission church built in the early 1600s, standing beside ancestral Pueblo ruins that date back over 700 years.

Inside the mission ruins made of adobe as the snowstorm begins

Walking through the crumbling walls of the mission, I felt the weight of time in every step—the texture of the adobe, the coolness of the stone, the silence broken only by the wind weaving through the open arches, creating a soft, hollow whistle that echoed across the site. It was haunting and peaceful all at once—like the ruins were still breathing.

As a photographer, I found endless inspiration in the contrast between man made structure and natural erosion, between sunlight and shadow. I arrived just after a light snowfall, which added a rare softness to the rugged landscape. The light filtered through the clouds, illuminating the earthy reds and yellows with a painterly touch. But with a snowstorm quickly approaching, I had to pack up and leave before the winds and whiteout conditions fully settled in—making the experience feel fleeting and even more powerful.

Me observing the ruins before the snowstorm

This visit reminded me why I pursue photography—to freeze these moments of stillness, history, and beauty. Pecos is a place that quietly commands your attention, and I hope my images from this journey bring that experience to you, wherever you are.