Lone trees are a common theme in California photography. They are ubiquitous largely due to the wildfires that leave only a few trees standing. I’ve captured many lone tree images, some of which are featured in my “Trees in Monochrome” collection.
As symbols of resilience, lone trees are cherished landmarks, offering shade and shelter for wildlife while enriching the region’s biodiversity. They remind us of the natural heritage that once flourished across this fertile land.
The Stebbins Cold Canyon preserve
A couple of weeks ago I went on a hike at the Cold Canyon, a place I have already mentioned in this blog as a photography destination, with emphasis on wildflowers. The preserve has experienced two major wildfires over the years: the Napa Complex in 2017, and the Glass Fire in 2020. As a result, only a few lone trees still stand on the hills.
The Hike
Due to relatively recent wildfires, the Blue Ridge Trail at the Cold Canyon is now mostly exposed to the sun. This trail provides hikers with a scenic, challenging route through Northern California’s rugged landscape, featuring steep climbs, sweeping views, and diverse terrains like rocky ridges and oak-dotted slopes. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of Lake Berryessa and the surrounding valleys. Though relatively short at about 5 miles, the trail’s elevation gain and rocky sections make it a demanding hike, especially in warmer weather.
Lake Lake Berryessa from the Blue Ridge Trail, click on the image above for a larger view
My last hike on the Blue Ridge Trail was on October 27, 2024. The lighting was beautiful, and, for the first time, I was pleased with the photos I took of the lone tree in the featured image (f/18, 1/200, ISO 250), also shown below. I’ve added this image to my “Trees in Monochrome” collection.
______________________________
Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous
________________________________
It is all about the light 
Leave a reply to stuartshafran Cancel reply