Into the New: Desert Landscapes at Palm Springs

A new year = a new beginning. 

High above the mountains at over 8,000 feet, we are reminded of how quickly things can change and how vast the world really is. Opportunities present itself everywhere; we just need to take the leap in making that first step. 

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Feel the Colors: Pastel Sunset Sweeping the Sky

Sandia Mountains Part III: Timing is everything. From Sandia Peak, I managed to catch the sunset at the perfect window, with the clouds at its most vibrant color. The orange hues peak out for a few minutes across the sky before fading into softer colors and into grayness.

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Bird's Eye View: Albuquerque City at Twilight

Sandia Mountains Part II: A breathtaking vantage point of the Albuquerque desert and city view from the Sandia tramway as we descend down during the twilight hour.

From this level, we have visibility into more than just the city--the outside landscape can be seen from the distance, creating a birds-eye perspective of the New Mexico area. 

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Scatters of Light: From Mountain to Desert Landscape

Sandia Mountains Part I: The best time to descend from the Sandia Peak? Right around sunset, as the sky jumps from sunset to twilight, into dusk. 

It was quite an impressive scene going from 10,000 feet above sea level to 4,000 feet in a tramway, catching the scatters of lights, colors, and changes in terrain as we navigate rocky mountains of all shapes and textures to the desert and cityscape views. 

The Golden Cacti at the Desert Garden

Huntington Garden Part VI: It's always so extraordinary how everything looks so different based on the time of day and where the light hits. 

It was a sweltering day in Los Angeles and the Desert Garden didn't offer much shade until the sun started setting. During the golden hour, the lowering sun casted a striking golden glow onto the cacti outside, creating a pretty cool magical vibe. 

Moon and Palm Trees with Purple-Pink Sunsets

Huntington Garden Part V: The sun's gone; the moon's out. 

The pink-purple sunset hues really shined at the desert garden, with these palm trees complementing so well with the gradient background, creating such a peaceful atmosphere. 

Delicate Beauty in the Desert with Hazy Pink Sunsets

Huntington Garden Part IV: Ethereal vibes and beauty found at the Desert Garden in the autumn. 

The hazy, light pink sunset skies make for the perfect backdrop, creating a tranquil atmosphere for a very dry, wild and blazing landscape. 

Chill Sunset Vibes at the Desert Garden

Huntington Garden Part III: Casually strolling and enjoying the sunset vibes at the desert garden...just like this cactus.

The changes in temperatures and sky colors made walking in the desert much more bearable and peaceful, with tons of trees capturing our attention every step of the way.

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Desert Botanical Garden's Large Cacti Plants

Desert Botanical Garden Part III: One of the tallest and oldest cacti plants still thriving at the garden with tons of history written all around it. It was difficult to capture the full magnificence, beauty, and height of this plant!

The Mountain in the Desert: Thriving Green Cacti Plants

Desert Botanical Garden Part II: With all the rain that Phoenix has been getting during the winter, this desert is actually very green for once, which is such a rare sight. I loved this mountain filled with cacti plants...everywhere. This is definitely my favorite part of this garden; I can stare at this view for hours and hours and walk along this path for a while.

Standing Alone: One-of-a-Kind Cactus in the Desert

Desert Botanical Garden Part I: Probably one of the most unique cacti in the desert garden. It was a slightly hazy, mostly cloudy day and on the chilly side in the morning. Definitely the best (and most comfortable) time to capture cacti in the desert!

It's a Cacti Party - Rows of Cactus in the Desert

Huntington Garden Part I: Chances of me exploring the desert are very slim...so the best way of touring the area? Through a desert garden in the city. In this small garden area, no shade can be found and hundreds of cacti surround us.

Aerial Views of the Nevada Desert

Weather report: sunny skies with a few clouds in the early morning hours.

Along the way, we flew past major cities (which is always exciting) but slowly and surely..the views became interchangeable with mountains and deserts for the majority of the flight.

Until one quick moment...I spotted Walker Lake! Love this mysterious and one-of-a-kind wonder that showed up out of nowhere.