Photographic Road Trip Through the American West – Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite
Discover the American West in pictures: from the spectacular landscapes of the Grand Canyon to the giant trees of Sequoia, and the red rock formations of Monument Valley. This photographic road trip by Sebastien Desnoulez captures the mineral and luminous diversity of the American Southwest’s iconic national parks. A visual journey between American myths and graphic exploration.
Grand Canyon and Route 66: the first legends
After leaving Los Angeles, our route took us to the Grand Canyon, a vast natural amphitheater carved by time, with spectacular geological layers. The light constantly changes, sculpting the landscape throughout the day. We then followed the legendary Route 66, immersed in nostalgia: abandoned motels, faded signs, and that timeless American atmosphere.
Monument Valley and Page: the colors of myth
In Monument Valley, the iconic red sandstone buttes rise like natural sculptures. I had the chance to take a horseback ride there, suspended in a western movie-like setting. Next stop: Page and Lake Powell, where turquoise waters meet ochre cliffs. An intense, sometimes overwhelming light heightened the contrast and textures of the surrounding landscapes.
Bryce Canyon: stone cathedral and glowing light
Arriving in Bryce Canyon, the view becomes vertical: the hoodoos soar skyward. Shooting upward, the deep blue sky frames an almost abstract composition. The warm tones of the rocks, between orange and ochre, ignite at sunset, offering a stunning backdrop for bold, colorful landscape photography.
Death Valley: arid lands and mineral lines
Next, we headed for Death Valley, where the heat is intense and the natural forms are shaped by wind and erosion. At Zabriskie Point, pleated ridges stretch to the horizon. Subtle hues of beige, yellow, and grey blend into a mineral palette, ideal for minimalist compositions.
Sequoia National Park: monumental verticality
A change of scene in Sequoia National Park, where one feels dwarfed by the majestic trees. The sequoias filter a soft light through their towering canopies. The air is cooler, the landscapes denser. This lush environment sharply contrasts with the desert scenes before, adding richness to the visual story.
Yosemite: granite and golden light
In Yosemite, the rock formations take center stage. Half Dome rises above the valley, bathed in golden evening light. The stillness and warm hues invite a contemplative approach. Here, light is king—transforming the cliffs into golden sculptures.
This third photographic road trip through the American West allowed me to explore highly contrasted visual worlds—glowing rocks, desert valleys, towering cliffs, dense forests, and golden light. At every stop, the light, textures, and scale evolved, offering renewed creative possibilities. These images remain a defining series in my photographic journey, rich in intensity and emotion.
Next stop: San Francisco in photos: Golden Gate, tramway, skyline, and urban atmosphere
Author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a travel and landscape photographer. He explores wide open spaces with a graphic eye, focusing on light, lines, and textures. His photographic road trips in the U.S. blend contemplation, compositional rigor, and poetic vision. Learn more.
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