The Road to the Henry Mountains

There's something about a dirt road leading toward distant peaks that pulls you in. This shot captures that feeling perfectly.

I took this photograph during a trip to Hanksville, Utah. The Henry Mountains sit to the west of town and provide some of the best mountain views in southern Utah. Most visitors to the area focus on Factory Butte or Goblin Valley, but I find myself drawn to these mountains again and again.

The composition here is simple. A dirt road stretches toward the snow-covered peaks, pulling your eye straight to the mountains. Desert scrub lines both sides of the road. The layered terrain between the foreground and the mountains adds depth to the scene.

I processed this one in black and white because the original color version felt flat. The overcast sky was a dull gray, and the desert browns weren't doing much for me. Converting to monochrome simplified the image and let the textures and shapes do the work. The snow on the peaks stands out more against the darker surrounding hills. The road's texture becomes more prominent. Sometimes removing color makes an image stronger.

About the Henry Mountains

The Henry Mountains were the last mountain range to be mapped in the lower 48 states. They remain one of the more remote ranges in Utah. The area is home to a free-roaming buffalo herd and draws hunters during season. For photographers, the mountains offer dramatic backdrops for both landscape and astrophotography work.

If you're planning a trip to the Hanksville area, don't skip the Henry Mountains. The dirt roads can be rough in spots, but a standard SUV handles most of them fine in dry conditions. Check road conditions before heading out, especially after rain.

Captured with a Sony A7R V and a Sony 70-200 f4 G lens.