Trip Report 1: Western Nebraska – Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff | Scenic Landscape and Nature Photographs by Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston

A few weeks ago I took some time to explore western Nebraska and the Sandhills. I managed to log over 2,000 miles exploring remote byways and roads that were way off the beaten path. I hiked, I climbed and I took in the beautiful scenery that is western Nebraska and the Sandhills. Today and tomorrow I’m presenting my favorite images captured along the way.

Although I have been many, many times, I usually spent very little time at Chimney Rock. One of my goals of this trip was to further explore Chimney Rock. I spent most of one beautiful day hiking around the spire. A storm started brewing in the west and sent billowy clouds across the landscape. It was a perfect day to capture this historic pioneer beacon.

Chimney Rock towers above the plains of western Nebraska. — Chimney Rock Over the Plains

Afternoon storm clouds gather in the west billowing above Chimney Rock in the panhandle of Nebraska. — Chimney Rock and Late Afternoon Clouds

From a vantage point on a nearby bluff Chimney Rock glows in the light of the warm afternoon sun under a dark blue sky filled with clouds.

As the day ended I enjoyed watching the sun dip in the distance behind Chimney Rock.

Clouds gather behind Chimney Rock as the glow of the late afternoon sun illuminates its western side. — A Chimney Rock Evening

Chimney Rock on a Beautiful Spring Afternoon

To the west of Chimney Rock the sky glows warm with the light of the setting sun. — To the West of Chimney Rock

From the shoulder of Chimney Rock looking west, the undulating landscape transitions to bluffs in the distance.

Chimney Rock's shadows stretches out across the plains as the sun dips low in the western sky. — Chimney Rocks Shadow on the Plains

At the end of the day I captured the shadow of Chimney Rock stretching across the plains. I thought it was the perfect image to cap a perfect day exploring this historic landmark.