Adobe Attraction
It’s been awhile since I’ve dedicated a post to the ‘Adobes’ … although I have included scenes now and then, in collections with a different aim. The Adobe Hills or Adobe Badlands are a vast area of more than 10,000 acres in Montrose & Delta Counties, north of my Ouray County home. It is more arid in these counties, they get less snow and it melts quickly allowing spring to appear sooner. It is a playground for hiking, ATV & dirt bike enthusiasts, jeeping and this photographer! I find the area a bit ‘otherworldly’ and at times, being there has made me feel like I’ve landed on the Mars! I remember thinking the landscape looked like piles of dirt from a gravel pit when I first saw them. Now I think the Adobes are beautiful and I enjoy shooting there from time to time for a change of scenery. I find the contours and shapes very attractive, especially when complemented with an interesting sky and light. Well, because a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll let these images from different seasons take it from here!
‘My Private Pyramid’ © Denise Bush
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‘Sunset Over Adobe Layers’ © Denise Bush
‘Autumn Canal’ © Denise Bush
‘High Desert Bloom’ © Denise Bush
‘Adobe Badlands Pyramid’ © Denise Bush
‘Adobe Twilight Zone’ © Denise Bush
Filed under: Colorado, Landscape Photography | 52 Comments
Tags: adobe badlands, adobe hills, Delta, landscape, Montrose, sunset
Denise Bush\’s Photo Blog
Denise Bush's Photo Blog 
Lovely. Your description of your first impression of the Adobes reminds me of my first impression of the foothills around Boise. They are mostly treeless and by July are usually dull gold/brown. But as I watched the light play over those hills, I began to see their simple, sensuous beauty. It’s all about “seeing.”
Hi Linda! Thanks for your visit Yes … it’s the way the light plays with the contours that brings out the beauty.
Very beautiful pictures of the place. I do like the ‘Autumn Canal’ a lot. So beautiful light.
Thank you! Water and autumn are a good combination for creating pleasing compositions.
Autumn canal gets my top vote, too! Lovely images, all.
Thank you … glad you like it. The cottonwoods like the wet areas. I’m guessing the canal travels beside those trees.
Gorgeous as usual, Denise.
Thanks Bruce! It’s nice to have another world close by!
Autumn canal is my fav!
XO … that seems to be the favorite so far!
Nice series, Denise. The Adobes are quite ‘otherworldly’ and I see how they look like gravel piles! “Autumn Canal’ is gorgeous and of course, I like the flowers in ‘High Desert Bloom.’ 🙂
How the light interacts with the hills makes all the difference between homely and beautiful! Thanks Eliza.
Autumn Canal is my favorite!
Thanks Donna! 🙂
Another fine collection, Denise. There’s no need to travel when one lives in a visual paradise as you do. I browsed through several times looking to pick a favorite among them. Couldn’t do it as they are all standouts. 🙂
Thanks so much Steve! It’s nice to have some variety. Our high mountain jeep roads are still snow-covered. This area is accessible year-round.
Calming and beautiful as always.
Thanks Pat. I am looking forward to catching up with you!
High Desert Bloom is my favorite because of the colors.
Thanks Ken! I tried to find out what those flowers are but no luck so far.
Such an interesting landscape, and changing beautifully in the various seasons. I get why it looks otherworldly to you. For me even more so, coming from northern mountain areas. Gorgeous images as always, Denise.
Thank you Otto. I’m happy to have a choice of scenery here … between the arid Adobe Hills and snow-covered, rugged San Juan Mountains.
Nice collection from all seasons! The adobes are a “hidden” delight.
Thanks … lots of land to explore and get lost out there!
Lovely. And so far I had just known about Adobe software company 🙂
🙂 Funny! Thanks for your visit!
I can see why you say you find the area a bit ‘otherworldly’. Thanks for showing us the ‘Adobes’, looks very beautiful.
Thanks … most photographers here flock to the tall peaks and don’t think of shooting the Adobes!
Wonderful photos, Denise!
Thanks Belinda. Nice of you to visit and comment … I always appreciate it!
Hello Denise.
How gorgeous set of beautiful photos! It was a great joy to see them. Thank you.
Have a good day!
Thanks very much! Appreciate your visit!
I am so ready for spring. Autumn canal and high desert bloom were my favorites, just for the colors.
Thanks Ruth!
“Autumn Canal” speaks to me with its blend of gold and pale blue and the lovely contour of those background hills. Your photos are always such a delight for the senses.
Thanks very much! I appreciate your visits and comments and am so happy you enjoy looking!
What an interesting landscape…I hadn’t heard about it until now. Autumn Canal is beautiful!! It makes me want to step into the picture and wander around. 🙂
Thanks Lynn. Images from the Adobes get sprinkled in here and there. My husband and son love to ride their dirt bikes out there.
Beautiful landscapes, Denise! The Autumn canal is gorgeous, and I like your private pyramid a lot.
Thank you Deborah. I just love that hill. The dirt at the top is lighter so when the light hits it just right, the peak is accentuated.
I love that you know that hill so well. 😀🌞🌄
Your gift displays the beauty not everyone sees initially! Really well done!!
Thanks so much Kirt for that very kind comment. I can say that my ‘seeing’ and searching gets intense at times!
I am sure it does, but pays off!!
Beautifully composed shots. I really like “Autumn Canal.”
Thanks very much! If I knew that autumn shot was going to be so popular I would have displayed it sooner!
A beautiful selection of photos. A place to add to the visit list, should I get the chance to return to the USA someday.
This area is in Montrose County which is also home of the Black Canyon National Park. Of course the San Juan Mountains, where I live are close by too.
These are awesome!! I myself own a portfolio blog if you want to check it out. I just hit follow!
Thank you. I will check out your site. The url comes up with the comment.
So beautiful landscape! Love your story and photos😊
Thanks Minna … just saw this … sorry for the delay!