Several things about the scene caught my attention as we passed through this area in of Capitol Reef National Park. The background is one of the thickest and most monumental strata in this area of the park. The surface of this solid rock is, however, marked in all sorts of ways. Notably there are stains from flowing water, and in a couple of vertical bands the flow has been regard enough to encourage the growth of lichens.
I love the contrast between the complementary colors of the green juniper trees and the reddish sandstone cliffs — a color combination that seems to be a signature feature of this part of Utah. The different kinds of water markings are also fascinated. On the left portion of the wall are fainter white markings that almost suggest a kind of transparent veil over the rock. On the right side, two vertical stains — the one to the left is larger — support the growth of linens that have a slight blue tinge.
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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email
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