These are the backcountry roads in the California Mendocino wilderness.

I had just finished an eight-hour shoot in a secluded redwood forest in Mendocino, as I began the long, windy drive back towards highway 101 and civilization. As the road gained elevation, I could see that the sun was getting closer to the horizon, and the hills all around me were aglow with the evening light. It was “Golden Hour,” a magical time before sunset where the light takes on a golden, warming quality.

When the valley completely opened up near the summit, I pulled the car over, and ventured into the brush to find these rolling hills perfectly illuminated. Sometimes the most amazing views are the ones that are totally unexpected, and sometimes the best photos come from total luck and timing.

Very few people live out here, but those that do are a true embodiment of the American Western spirit. This is the kind of place where you can purchase a small plot of land, and carve out for yourself a sense of ownership and independence. This place reflects an American idealism that I have a lot of respect for.

As the sun was nearing the horizon, it cast a stunningly warm light throughout this hilly valley, and I set up my equipment to capture this VAST photo. Before returning to my car and the long drive back to San Francisco, I stood for a few moments longer, just to appreciate the light and how it warmed these rolling hills.