I had never heard of this place before. But here I am in Idaho, exploring, and discovered Craters of the Moon. It is a large volcanic area from millions of years ago. A very stark landscape, unlike anything I had ever seen. Hot and arid. I was determined to hike at least some of these trails. I advise early morning or late evening, if you are hiking in July!
This was a morning hike up the Inferno Cone. It is made up of lava cinders entirely. Pretty much straight up into the sky. I captured this image of the hiker in front of me, as he got to the ridge line of the mountain. I waited for him to come into the right place to get a silhouette against the morning light.
Compare the sunset image of Craters of the Moon National Monument with the first one in the morning. The colors of sunset light are a lot different. A warmer, more golden light, lit this area of rocks. Combined with the dark blue of the passing storm clouds, the colors are beautiful!
Look for the light
When you are out on your travels or even on a walk around the neighborhood, get used to looking at the light. The intensity, the color temperature and even how the sun lights up an object can bring out a very different look than even 10 minutes before.
Remember to compare contrasts. Light against dark, delicate foliage against hard and flat rock. I found this image interesting with the comparison here in this very stark landscape.
And then, in regard to hiking … know your limits…
I just said no…
I had climbed the North CraterTrail Hike up about 1/2 mile, (yes, UP) and then was faced with this downward climb and then up again. I just said no. But for those of you more fit than I, it was probably a spectacular hike!
The image below is the other end of the same trail, North Crater Trail. I got here just in time to catch the beautiful light of sunset and the clouds. No, I didn’t hike it. I drove the loop to the other end and caught this at the last minutes of daylight.
The ground is all lava; lava flow, lava cinders, lava splatters…etc. The plants you see are very tiny and are spaced out as if someone planted them. Very curious! Their roots go quite deep and they spread out in a 3 foot radius from the original plant. You never know what you are going to find when you explore!
Thanks for reading. I hope I expand your view of the world and give you a few tips for creating your own gorgeous images.
If you would like to see more of my travels and hints for creating better travel pictures, please subscribe to this blog below.
Questions? Please let me know and I will answer!