Golden Canyon is one of the most visited destinations in Death Valley. It's not far from the hotels, cabins and campsites of Furnace Creek. The parking lot often overflows and cars are forced to park on the highway. But on this Friday afternoon in February, the crowds hadn't arrived yet. There were only a couple other cars in the parking lot. It was my first time to explore the length of this canyon and I was curious.

With my camera bag on my back I set out up the canyon. This time I wasn't going to photograph everything that caught my eye. Rather, I was holding out for something that would stop me in my tracks, something that would make it worth while to go to all the 'trouble' to set up my camera, tripod and all. I actually walked about 50 feet past this image but it pulled me back. And as I studied it I became more and more excited. I tried several compositions moving left, right, forwards and back. But this time I got it right the first time.

I think of this magnificent cliff as a glorious cathedral. I can't help smiling and feeling its glow. It tugs at me, pulling me up to its soaring heights.