Coyote Buttes

I had snagged a permit for South Coyote Buttes off the BLM calendar a few month ago, so enjoyed Sunday there a week ago. I was surprised to see a friendly BLM person here checking permits. I did not see another person while out on the the rock.

Feel free to give your honest critique/suggestions.

#2

#3 Gumdrop or baseball cap?

#4 Cirrus Geyser

#5 Crossed Directions. When the sun rose high and the sky cleared, I went to some shaded spot between some peaks for reflected light.

I had posted a sunrise image in ESS a few days ago.

Wonderful images, Doug. I think you clearly displayed how cool South Coyote is. Maybe more photographic options than the other "iconic" locations in the area? And, it seems permits are generally available the day of entry. However, I found the road into South Coyote to be one impressive sand trap. Worse than even White Pockets. Hence, I hiked a few miles in.
I am sorta partial to #3. I like how the reddish streak in the rock in the background matches the lines in the foreground rock. I suspect you planned it that way. Dang, I was looking that spot and didn't find it the last time in. #1 has great light and really shows off the formations quite well. Although one can't be everywhere at once, would be interesting to see #4 at the same time #1 was taken.

Doug,
Great shots. I like #2 best with #3 close second.
You mention that you "snagged a permit" and there was a BLM person there checking permits. Could you elaborate on the need for a permit. Why did you need a permit? Was it because you are a professional photographer or is this some special protected area?

Ken, thanks for the comments. SCB has lots to offer. Certainly there are more areas yet to explore. Funny how one sometimes gravitates to spots they like most rather than search for new in an area. I do like SCB and WP. I like taking the road north from Corral Valley to SCB.

John, both north and south coyote buttes are in designated wilderness areas. BLM has set a limit of 20 people per day for each area to protect the areas. If the Wave in North CB was not protected/people limited, I could see it being as crowded as upper antelope canyon. The areas also have sandstone fins that people tend to walk on and break. The lady ranger said the record number of daily hopefuls for NCB permits was 140 something. It has been running 80-100 or so in October, a popular month due to the nice weather.

Very nice series . It seems to be uncommon to see images from here with clouds so just the fact you got some pushes your results even higher .

Cool! #2 is my fav.

#2 for the scenic, and both intimates are very nice for me. Excellent!

Nathan