Abstract Southwest - Photos by John Villinski

A backpacking trip in the tributaries of the Escalante River of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a popular wilderness experience. While returning from such a trip, I was hiking out Harris Wash when I noticed this reflection of newly budding cottonwood trees, Populus fremontii, in the stream. The stream was shaded by sandstone cliffs, and the sky was clear, imparting the deep blue color to this image. The ripples in the sand lend an impressionistic quality to the scene.