Steens Camp

I think that your perspective works well to transmit some of the grandeur of the Steens' high country. Two suggestions: (i) perhaps use a shorter focal length, so as to get the top of the basalt cliffs and more of the glacial valley to the right, and (ii) I feel that the basalts look too purple, at least in my monitor. The position of the tents is perfect, its different colors works very well, and it gives a good sense of scale. Keep those Steens shots coming, I just love the place !!!

I know why I did not include the sky, Alberto, or the top of the basalt formations. It's because there was nothing going on in the sky except for very bright light. As a California photographer, I tend to avoid dealing with those conditions by more often than not excluding the sky. Too late now to use a shorter focal length from here in my office unfortunately.
As to the color cast of the basalt, I sometimes have a hard time reconciling what I am seeing with my own eyes with what the camera records in shade and shadow; i.e., significantly more blue than seems natural. On this one I probably let the blues get to purple in an effort to warm them up some. There are some reds in the basalt as you can see in the area around the tent.
I've attached a re-worked image but I'm still not there yet as the basalt now looks too monochrome.

I agree, it is too grey now, but I think it works better that the first image - I wonder how much may be due to different color renditions in our monitors? The green and yellows look more natural to me in the new edit than in the original, if that is any help

Being on occasional backpacker, I like your "tentscapes," Dave, including this one showing your tent perched on the bluff. I've never been to the Steens area. Looks like a place I should plan on visiting. Any suggestions on the best time of the year for Steens, Alvord, etc? Getting back to the image, I prefer the overall colors in the repost that look more natural but, of course, I am unfamiliar with the actual color of the cliffs.

Beautiful place to spend the night! Looks a bit dry though, I always prefer to have some sort of water source nearby, haha. The repost looks more natural to me, but I don't know what it looks like in real life. I think especially the mountains in the background could benefit from adding contrast, might make them look less flat?

The tent is what adds interest for me. If the personal touch of someone enjoying a wild area was not there I am not sure this would do much for me.

Scott: This was my first trip to the area too so I can't guess as to the best time to be there but I would try and figure out the least windiest time of the year somehow. Steens Mt is all by itself sticking up into the jet stream at 9,700 feet and when we were there in September the wind was overbearing at times and drove us down off the mountain a day earlier than I had planned. The scenic loop road will be subject to snow from October to June I'd guess. The Alvord desert would also be a problem with too much wind (and blowing dust?) but we had perfectly benign conditions there.

Roel: there was water in the little creek just off to the left in this shot which was surprising for such a dry year in September so I would think it's always there.

Thanks for the comments everyone

Repost is an improvement as far as the color cast goes and is probably worth playing with a little more. The tent looks pretty little and lonely in this vast landscape and tells a great story. I like the lines and layers in this composition, as well.