This is a special image to me, as it captures the essence of color and texture of an amazing area off the path just a bit. As I was reveling in the amazing early morning light on the way to the Wave, I was curious to what was off the trail in one particulary intriguing area. I was literally speachless as I climbed over a small hill, and entered a valley - still in shadow - but bathed in the warm light of the buttes to the west. The delicate sandstone structures which filled this area appeared to glow from within, in an amazing display of color, texture, and pattern. As I stood there, mouth agape, I was helpless to photograph the array of splendor before me. Looking down at my feet (to make sure I wouldn't slip as I stood dumbfounded) I saw the this image before me. In it's simplicity, it was perfect. I moved my foot, and looking straight down, I snapped this picture. Of all the other images I took over the next 40 minutes, non of them matched or captured the feeling of the moment as well as this one.
Minor contrast/saturation adjustments with Photoshop.