Autumn Sunset at Devils Tower [Explore]

Living in San Diego has the advantage of enjoying one of the planet's most favorable year-round climates. Unfortunately, however, we don't see a lot of seasonal variation, so I need to travel to find autumn and winter.

 

A mild November and a wild hair combined for a family road trip to Minot, North Dakota to surprise my wife's family for Thanksgiving. Given that it is a 27-hour drive, and we had a mere week to do the round-trip with dogs along for the ride, there weren't many opportunities for photographic stops. But I did insist on one stop each direction, and Northbound this was it.... Devils Tower in Wyoming.

 

A geologic formation so unique Congress and Teddy Roosevelt recognized and preserved the area as the first National Monument in 1906, Devils Tower rises 1267' above the Belle Fourche River, with the exposed laccolith 867' from base to summit. Were it not sunset when we arrived, I would have spent far more time exploring the area.... but, sometimes, it's hard to beat the first sight.

 

Congrats on Explore!

#23 ⭐ December 15, 2021

 

Recognition:

Merit Image - JAN 2022 Professional Photographers of San Diego County (PPSDC) - Nature Category

Done