"Taking the High Road"

The Caliente-Bodfish road is one of my favorite escapes. I have often passed by this very spot, never thinking of stopping for a picture. On my most recent outing, the sunset was fairly epic, so the colors of the scene were intense overall. I shot many arrangements, but nothing was really impressing me. As I walked down the road to find a better composition, this scene unfolded from below! In general, I prefer a more pristine scene, but sometimes a manmade element can introduce a more vivid sensation about the scene. In this case, the road implies a sunday evening drive in the mountains, capped with a ethereal sunset. It's like an invitation to visit this spot, because you don't have to hike here by foot. Of all the compositions from that evening, this one accomplished the most for me. In another month or so, the greens will turn to yellow and brown, so this was the best time, catching the trees and grasses at their peak showing!

Fabulous landscape in which the winding road immediately captures the attention. Wonderful sunset colours and details.

My compliments!

Fabulous landscape in which the winding road immediately captures the attention. Wonderful sunset colours and details.

My compliments!

An excellent, well composed image Mark! Gorgeous sunset!

All the best,
Neil

A spectacular sunset and view from these now familiar hills.  The sunset, the trees and hills are timeless and have witnessed this view many times while the road appears somewhat ethereal, a modern day intruder temporarily painted in.  As always, very well done... Mike

An exquisite scene Mark, perfectly rendered, fantastic!  My only suggestion would be to experiment with desaturating the yellow line in the middle of the road a bit. My eye can't stop from going there while I would rather be looking at the other elements in the image. 

Thanks Chris, Neil, Mike and Dave for the comments! I agree, Dave, that toning it down would contribute to the more primitive nature of the rural road. They had just painted the lines recently, so it stands out quite a bit!

Since the yellow line on the road is WAY to bright, I'm guessing that the sky colors aren't their real, natural colors, but over-enhanced and you didn't notice that the yellow line on the road was the same color as in the sky?

One of the best.  The curve of the road, the curve of the hills, the lines of the clouds, the color, the form of the mountains, the interesting foreground.  Sharp details.  All well done.  Best Regards,